- Attraction: Talula’s
- Location: 550 Cookman Ave Ste 108, Asbury Park, NJ 07712
- Industry: Restaurant
- Website: https://talulaspizza.com/
A wood-fired oven that started in a Brooklyn couple’s backyard has evolved into one of Asbury Park’s most beloved dining destinations.
Since opening in 2014, Talula’s has been turning out farm-to-table sourdough pizzas that draw crowds from across the Jersey Shore and beyond.
This isn’t your average pizza joint—every morning, the team bakes fresh sourdough bread from scratch, pickles their own vegetables, ferments their own ingredients, and even crafts house-made vegan cheeses.
You’ll find this warm, welcoming spot right on bustling Cookman Avenue in downtown Asbury Park, where the aroma of freshly baked bread mingles with the energy of one of New Jersey’s coolest beach towns.
The menu caters to everyone—whether you’re vegan, vegetarian, or an enthusiastic carnivore, there’s something here that’ll make your taste buds sing.
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Keep Exploring →The Pizza Selection
The Beekeeper’s Lament: This standout creation brings together fresh mozzarella with hot Calabrian soppressata, then gets drizzled with local honey for a sweet-and-spicy combination that tastes like pure magic. The charred sourdough crust provides the perfect vessel for this flavor explosion.
The Rocket: A white pie featuring house-made mozzarella, creamy fresh ricotta, garlic, and arugula with a squeeze of lemon and a sprinkle of Aleppo pepper. The aged gouda adds a nutty richness that brings everything together beautifully. The olive oil drizzle on top ties it all together perfectly.
The Margie: Their take on the classic Margherita showcases aged and fresh mozzarella, parmesan, quality olive oil, fresh basil, and sea salt on that signature sourdough base. The homemade sauce strikes the perfect balance between tangy and sweet.
Detroit-Style Options: When available, the thick square Detroit-style pies offer a completely different texture experience—crispy edges that crunch like heaven, with a pillowy soft interior. The gluten-free Detroit-style version delivers impressive flavor despite its dietary restrictions.
Unique Creations: Adventurous eaters will love unusual offerings like the mustard and cheddar pizza or seasonal specials featuring ingredients like pumpkin, bacon, and onion. The Pantera Rosa combines vodka sauce with aged mozzarella, pepperoni, pickled cherry peppers, and gouda for a spicy kick.
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The Reuben Sandwich: Available at lunch, this masterpiece piles house-made pastrami high on toasted country sourdough with pickled pepper Russian dressing, coleslaw, and Gruyere. It’s a sandwich worth making a special trip for.
Ricotta & Honey Toast: Thick slices of sourdough get perfectly toasted and oiled, then topped with copious amounts of fresh ricotta, local honey, thyme, and sea salt. It’s generous, indulgent, and absolutely delicious.
Meatball Bowl: This menu standout features meatballs swimming in a rich four-hour tomato sauce, served with garlic toast, ricotta, and aged gouda. The sauce has depth and complexity that only comes from slow cooking, with just enough spice to keep things interesting.
Fermented Chili Carbonara: Hand-cut ramen noodles get tossed with house-fermented Fresno chili paste, garlic, ginger, tamari, Benton’s bacon, a sous vide egg, parmesan, and chives. You can even make it vegan.
Salad Options: The vegan kale Caesar with preserved lemon and fried capers impresses with its bold flavors and creamy cashew parmesan. The Gimme A Wedgie features iceberg lettuce, Benton’s bacon, heirloom tomatoes, pickled red onion, and house-made Point Reyes blue cheese dressing.
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Keep Exploring →Signature Drinks
The Gin & Jam: This house specialty combines Rock Town gin with lemongrass, house-made seasonal jam, and lime for a drink that starts with a zesty lemon punch and finishes with sweet jam goodness. It’s become such a signature that they even offer a virgin version with gin alternative.
Craft Beer Selection: The rotating draft offerings feature local breweries and interesting selections you won’t find everywhere else. During happy hour Monday through Thursday from 4:30-6:30 PM, you’ll score $5 rotating drafts.
Cocktail Creativity: Beyond the famous Gin & Jam, you’ll discover inventive drinks like the Asbury Old Fashioned with local Asbury Park bourbon, the Rocket Gimlet with botanical liqueur and arugula, and seasonal sangrias.
Happy Hour Deals: Weekday afternoons bring $10 Gin & Jams, $8 Lambrusco glasses, and $6 house wine, plus discounts on select pizzas and bar snacks.
Atmosphere & Décor
The Space: The rectangular dining room has an industrial-meets-rustic barn vibe with modern touches throughout. Communal-style tables create a social atmosphere, while regular tables offer more intimate dining.
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Discover MoreEnergy Levels: When the restaurant fills up during peak hours, the space buzzes with conversation and energy. It gets lively on busy nights, particularly Mondays and Fridays, adding to the vibrant downtown Asbury Park experience.
Seating Options: You’ll find indoor tables, bar seating with about 10 stools, and outdoor sidewalk tables when weather permits. The outdoor spots are first-come, first-served and perfect for people-watching on Cookman Avenue. Dogs are welcome at outdoor tables.
The Vibe: The atmosphere strikes a balance between relaxed and hip—casual enough for families yet trendy enough for date night. Classic rock plays in the background, and the whole space feels welcoming to everyone from beach-goers to locals.
Other Considerations
Pricing: Pizzas range from $16-22, sandwiches from $16-18, and cocktails from $12-17. You’re looking at roughly $30-50 per person for a full meal with drinks. Given the quality of locally sourced ingredients, house-made everything, and generous portions, the value feels solid.
Reservations: Highly recommended, especially for parties of six or more. The restaurant fills up fast on weekends and during summer months. Parties of 13 or more should email ahead. Walk-ins are welcome but expect waits during busy times—sometimes 30-90 minutes on Saturday nights.
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Keep Exploring →Parking: You’ll find street parking around Cookman Avenue with metered spots. The pay-to-park system operates in Asbury Park, so bring quarters or use the app.
Best Times: Lunch offers a more relaxed vibe and access to their fantastic sandwiches. Weekday early dinners tend to be less crowded. Weekend brunch runs Saturday and Sunday starting at 10 AM.
Special Events: Look out for unique happenings like “Between The Covers,” a mobile romance and fantasy bookshop that sets up on second Saturdays. Tuesday nights feature $10 pizza specials.
Dietary Accommodations: With extensive vegan options, gluten-free pizzas made in a dedicated space, and a willingness to modify dishes, nearly everyone can find something delicious here. The kitchen takes dietary restrictions seriously and offers plant-based alternatives for most items.
Talula’s
📍 550 Cookman Ave Ste 108, Asbury Park, NJ 07712
