If you’re looking for a great spot to dine in Bay Head, New Jersey, let me introduce you to Theresa’s South. This cozy restaurant has been serving delicious food since 2008, and when I heard that the decor recently underwent a major makeover, I had to pay them a visit.
Walking in, I immediately noticed the fresh renovations. The space feels brighter with new floors, comfy banquettes, stylish light fixtures, and eye-catching artwork. It’s the kind of place that feels perfect for a casual dinner or a special night out.
Theresa’s South switches its menu up seasonally, and since I visited in the winter, I got to try some amazing comfort food dishes. They’re famous for their Eggplant Pancake and Bacon and Cheddar Stuffed Meatloaf—both of which were calling my name. Plus, they make all their pasta in-house, which is always exciting to me.
For Starters
Before the appetizers arrived, warm rolls and house-whipped butter landed on the table—always welcome and dangerously delicious. I had to control myself!
To kick things off, we ordered the Spiced Yellow Fin Tuna Ceviche with house-made chips. It was super fresh and light, with a satisfying crunch from crispy cucumber. My kind of appetizer.
Their famous Eggplant Pancake starts with a batter similar to a traditional pancake, but I believe that in addition to eggplant, there are some sautéed onions and maybe a bell pepper mixed in, adding a subtle sweetness. I could be wrong; they are not giving out this recipe, that’s for sure. The pancake itself was thin and crisp around the edges, sitting on a bed of rich garlic cream sauce. It was topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, roasted peppers, and a drizzle of pesto oil—be sure to get each ingredient on your fork.
Next up was the Roasted Pear Salad, and I have to say, it was a standout. The roasted pears were such a nice surprise, pairing perfectly with the gorgonzola and pecans. Tossed with arugula and a light white balsamic vinaigrette, it was a refreshing balance of sweet and savory. I’m not a big Arugula fan, and I loved this salad.
The Main Event
For my main course, I went with the Cappellini with Shrimp. This dish was packed with flavor—tender shrimp, garlic, capers, and Kalamata olives, all mixed into a chunky tomato sauce with white wine. It had just the right balance of briny, tangy, and savory notes, making each bite more enjoyable than the last, not to mention that fresh, house-made pasta.
I was told that another standout and new dish on the menu was the Rosemary Baby Rack of Lamb. The meat was incredibly tender, coated in a rich Cabernet wine and fig demi-glace sauce that added a deep, slightly sweet flavor. It came with mashed potatoes and crispy onions, which added the perfect texture contrast. Seriously, it was next-level comfort food.
But the dish that surprised me the most? The Bacon and Cheddar Stuffed Meatloaf. This wasn’t your average meatloaf—it had an incredible smoky flavor, and the gooey cheddar inside took it to a whole new level. If you’re a fan of hearty, satisfying dishes, you won’t be disappointed.
Did Someone Say “Dessert?”
Even though we were pretty full, we couldn’t leave without trying their famous Tiramisu. It was unbelievably light and airy—exactly what you want when you think you can’t handle dessert but also can’t resist.
Speaking of irresistible desserts, we had to sample the Warm Mini Vanilla Cream Bomboloni, served with rich chocolate gelato. These little doughnuts were warm, soft, and filled with luscious vanilla cream, making for the perfect balance of indulgence and satisfaction.
For chocolate lovers, the Chocolate Molten Delight was a dream. Served with vanilla bean gelato, this dessert was pure decadence. The rich, gooey chocolate center paired with the creamy gelato was the ultimate way to end the meal.
Fun Fact about Theresa’s South
One of the coolest details about Theresa’s South is its open roof design, which gives off a rustic barn-like feel. A beautiful chandelier hangs from the ceiling, adding just the right amount of elegance to the cozy space. What makes it even cooler is its history—it used to be home to a pharmacy!
Theresa’s is housed in a historic Spanish Colonial building that just celebrated its 110th year. Originally built in 1914 as Chafey’s Drug Store, the building has witnessed many changes over the years.
They’ve kept a piece of that past alive by keeping the original Apothecary hutch, which has the pharmacy’s name etched in its mirror and adds a unique charm to the space.
Bring Your Own to Theresa’s South
Another thing to note—this is a BYOB restaurant, so bring your favorite bottle of wine to pair with your meal. They also host private events in their Sun Room, which would be a great spot for a bridal shower or small gathering.
Overall, my visit to Theresa’s South was fantastic. The combination of history, cozy ambiance, and incredible food makes this place a must-visit. Whether you’re a local, a summer regular, or just passing through, put this spot on your list—you won’t regret it!
Theresa’s South
530 Main Avenue
Bay Head, NJ
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