New Restaurant Opens At Wave Hotel In Long Branch

LONG BRANCH, NJ — A new restaurant opened this June at the Wave hotel and resort in Long Branch.

The restaurant is called MAYA and it serves southern Italian and Mediterranean food. MAYA has outdoor seating overlooking the Atlantic Ocean and a "breezy indoor-outdoor design."

This comes at the same time it has been revealed the Wave hotel is expanding, and plans to open a second 107-room hotel, plus a new second spa and pool area in what is currently an empty lot across the street.

Wave Resort is owned and operated by Salt Hotels.

The Long Branch City Council unanimously approved their expansion proposal in late May.

The restaurant is inspired by the now-closed Maya in St. Bart's, operated by chef Maya Gurley and a staple in St Bart's for more than two decades.

Menu highlights at MAYA include: Spiced Romanesco Steak (beluga lentils, chimichurri), Branzino (asparagus salsa verde, asparagus, sunflower sprouts), and Za'atar Lamb Chops (Israeli salad, herb tahini) pair with fresh salads (Tuscan Kale & Fennel; Beets & Orange; Little Gem Caesar) and appetizers starring ingredients like Bigeye tuna crudo, grilled octopus, local burrata, with two seafood tower options.

Cocktail concepts include bright flavor combinations like the Low Hanging Fruit (mezcal, apricot, strega, lime) and the Amalfi Smash (rye whiskey, limoncello, lemon, mint) along with elevated mocktail options — including an alcohol-free Dirty Martini.

Locally brewed beers are served on tap (Source Brewing, Asbury Brewing, Carton Brewing, Beach Haus Brewing), along with an extensive wine list featuring bottle selections from across the Mediterranean coast.

MAYA operates under the director of executive chef Nina Clemente, born in Italy and raised in New York City, who has previously worked at Osteria Mozza under Nancy Silverman and The Standard hotel on the High Line.

Clemente worked in the kitchen at the original Maya in St. Bart's.

On this topic: Wave Resort In Long Branch Expanding, Building A Second Hotel

Hours of operation:

Dinner: Sunday - Thursday 5PM - 10PM; Friday & Saturday 5PM - 11PM
Lunch: Monday - Friday 11AM - 3PM
Brunch: Saturday & Sunday 10AM - 3PM

MAYA at The Wave Resort 110 Ocean Ave N, Long Branch, NJ 07740