Vegan
American
Take-out
Catering
Breakfast
Vegan restaurant with an extensive menu of breakfast selections, combination plates, salads, burgers, sandwiches, specials, and beverages. Lunch prices are moderate, dinner entrees are a bit more. Est. since the 2000s, moved here in 2010, and became fully vegan in 2013. Open Tue-Sun 11:00am-9:00pm.
119 Reviews
First Review by myboyfriendisdead
peachygi
Points +42
Would give 10 stars if I could!! - Edit
My family loves Kayas and we come here regularly. There is so much to choose from and it is a very nice atmosphere, not to mention the staff is super friendly and they are always willing to modify items (like making the tofu buffalo wings tempeh instead) to satisfy our needs. We indulge a little too much every time because the food is just so amazing!
Read morePros: Tons of options, Very friendly staff, AMAZING food
Cons: A little expensive
Guest
creativegan
Points +1036
Never disappoints! - Edit
I visit Kaya’s Kitchen every time I come to the area—which averages every seven years! (I remember when it was Veggie Works!)They are always amazing! Today my partner and I shared the “chicken” club with fries and the Kaya’s Combo appetizer (vegan crab cakes, ribs, buffalo wings, and potato salad). Everything was incredible! For dessert we shared the Vegan Treats chocolate chip cookie dough bar. We had to roll to the car!!! I’ve gotta get to the shore more often, seriously!
Read moreGuest
beckylong
Points +1871
Nice choices! - Edit
Yes, it’s true that meatless does not equal healthy since there are many vegan junk foods (and they have a few here), but the menu is so diverse that you can easily avoid those... or indulge!! The foods we tried were really good - except for the Country Nuggets (one of the aforementioned junk food items)!!! I highly recommend the Potato Salad 😋
Read moreGuest
Orianna
Points +138
YUMMY - Edit
This place was soo yummy! My non-vegan friends loved this place and were really impressed. We had the quesadillas, country nuggets, Mac and cheese and chips with guacamole. Everything was really yummy and the service was wonderful!
Read moreGuest
AliciaWag
Points +76
Kaya’s is great - Edit
Kaya’s has an amazing menu of many different styles of food, all vegan, all worth the price. Large portions, plenty to take home. My only complaint is that one of their drinks - I think it was the ginger brew - has honey in it. I took one swig & knew immediately. That is NOT vegan. I informed them immediately; not sure if they’ve made a change or not.
Read morePros: Lots of seating, If cake is getting old they might give free slice, Diverse vegan menu
Cons: Occasional live music makes talking difficult , As a musician it kills me to say that , A little pricey but worth it
Guest
Bratt416
Points +48
Long-time favorite. - Edit
My only complaint - its 30 mins from my home in Toms River but I make the trip frequently. Although I’ve tried most of the menu options, I find myself going back to the Kaya’s Combo again and again. I add a salad and I’m set for dinner with leftovers.
Read morePros: Comfort food, Veg versions of favorites to appeal to omnivores, Large portions
Cons: Somewhat pricey, Limited parking, Music can make conversation impossible
Guest
joegelay
Points +553
Big menu - geared more to vegan junk food - Edit
Awesome food, big menu serving everything from American style vegan junk food and desserts to internationally inspired entrees. All delicious.
Read moreUpdated from previous review on 2019-02-18
Guest
Dylanfreud
Points +26
Total Comfort Food & Vibe - Edit
This was an unexpected delight. I’m working 20 minutes from here and decided to take the time for some real food. The vibe is awesome, the music terrific, I had a world class vegan cheesesteak and the best Boston Cream donut ever. Very varied menu... American comfort food as well as a lot of Indian, Mexican, and Thai dishes. Really friendly staff as well, and music some evenings.
Read morePros: Great variety of vegan food, Great music, Vegan Boston Cream Donuts
Guest
SarahE_
Points +46
Amazing! - Edit
Oh my goodness, I’ve never had a bad meal at Kayas! Their pirogues and Mac and Cheese are my favorite meals!
Read morePros: All vegan menu!, Different ethnic foods! (Varied menu!)
Guest
jillypilgrim
Points +56
Yum - Edit
I’ve had a amazing dishes here and ones that missed the mark. I’m glad I kept giving it a try because now I know which dishes I love!
Read moreGuest
TammyWilliams
Points +38
Good food - Edit
The food was great, I had the Memphis ribs. I don’t normally eat bbq but I decided to try something different.I recommend if in the area.
Read morePros: Lots of options , Large portions
Cons: None
Guest
xgennax
Points +52
Great for lunch! - Edit
Stopped in for lunch on the way to an event where we knew there wouldn’t be any vegan options. Everything we ordered was great! Tons of options no matter what you’re craving!
Read morePros: Lots of vegan options, Relaxed vibes, Awesome staff
Guest
AmberAdie21
Points +60
My Favorite Vegan Restaurant - Edit
Okay this restaurant is hands down my favorite vegan restaurant. I’m literally addicted to their buffalo tempeh wings with cucumber ranch. They also have whole coconuts that are sliced to order for coconut water. And when you are done they break it open for you to eat the coconut meat! I like the atmosphere a lot, but it isn’t necessarily for everyone. I find it helpful when waiting for my order to browse the advertisements for cover band concerts or upcoming events in the area. It’s a very casual place and have live music on the weekends, although I’m usually there during the day. Outdoor seating is available, which is a big plus for me. What makes this place unique is their variety menu with a lot of American junk food made vegan style... sloppy joes, ribs, wings, etc. This place is fun, and if you are vegan you will definitely appreciate it, and if you aren’t vegan you will love it anyway :)
Read morePros: So Many Options, Coconuts :)
Cons: Casual, Tricky Parking in Summer Months
Guest
secularego
Points +20
Very slow service - Edit
We were there and it took forever for our food to come out. The server did explain the reasoning behind their slow service but I still don’t understand why they wouldn’t refill our glasses of water while we waited.
Read morePros: Variety of menu options, Friendly staff, Cool milieu
Cons: Slow service
Guest
Frascella
Points +24
Incredible - Edit
My wife and I have gone twice now and both times the food was incredible. If it is your first time there I highly recommend getting the appetizer sampler. It will give you a good idea of what you’re in for. Also I recommend the Lion of Judah. Rice, veggies cubes of their lentil loaf covered with killer sweet and spicy Jamaican sauce. Some of the entrees are a little on the pricey side but you get very generous portions for your money.
Read moreGuest
SmokingLeather
Points +13
Among the best. - Edit
This is one of the best vegan restaurants on the east coast. The options for vegetarians with nut allergies are excellent. I can also recommend the kambucha on tap. Lentil loaf with brown gravy is nostalgic and delicious as well as the sole satan.
Read morePros: delicious food and friendly staff.
Cons: you'll need reservations on the weekend
Guest
sfaulkiner
Points +154
So good I forgot to take pictures! - Edit
I was in Asbury Park for three days and loved this place so much I went twice AND forgot to photograph my food before scarfing it down. So, so, so good.
Read morePros: Variety of foods, Dessert
Guest
meltz
Points +22
Kaya's kitchen - Edit
I love the food here. The only reason this place didn't get my 5 stars is because the service is usually really slow. My favorite entry so far is the chicken salad sandwich! Love their desserts. The half & half tea/lemonade is amazing.
Read moreUpdated from previous review on 2018-04-22
Pros: many vegan options
Cons: Slow service
Guest
danimuniz07
Points +90
Soo Good! - Edit
Everything I was expecting and more! Great customer service! The food so damn good ! Will definitely come back for more!
Read moreGuest
JahmalB.
Points +22
Excetionally good - Edit
We had the the garbage truck (Vegan chicken wrap), pizza, seitan sausage and peppers and the tacos. All it was excellent. Two of my friends who weren’t vegan were shocked at how could plant based food can really be. The staff we all very friendly and informative. We will be back!!
Read moreCons: None
Guest
TracyV600
Points +190
amazing vegan options!! - Edit
We order the Kaya Combo and french onion soup. I have never had a veganized french onion soup before and this was amazing!! The Kaya’s combo was great too - perfect for sharing!
Read moreAlso, this is a BYOB establishment, so we brought some beers to have with our meal. Definitely will be back.
Guest
DeirdreSheridan
Points +48
fantastic! - Edit
Great spot for a light vegan lunch, the portobello sandwich is great. A little pricey but food is filling and yummy.
Read moreGuest
TonyaCuozzo
Points +86
great food! - Edit
Nice selection of different food. Portions are great. Food was delicious. I would highly recommend this place (even for meat eaters) I will definitely be back!!
Read moreGuest
AuntJessie
Points +24
Yummy Vegan Goodness- lots of options - Edit
I ordered take out from them for the first time this past weekend and it was delicious. The menu has lots to choose from and when you go there, they have an awesome dessert case (wishing I had grabbed the s'mores dessert-it looked amazing!) The food was delicious- and even my nieces (non-vegans) commented that the food was yummy! Definitely give it a try if you at the Jersey Shore- don't skip dessert!
Read morePros: Many options, Dessert! , Quick service
Cons: a bit pricey
Guest
Blackdogdavey
Points +131
A vegan oasis on the Jersey Shore - Edit
Recently I brought two carnivores to Kaya's Kitchen for dinner. We sat outdoors on a balmy summer evening and ordered Happy Buddha, Lion of Judah, and Coconut Pineapple Curry. Two days later they are talking about what a wonderful meal they had. A great place to eat, with a very friendly waitstaff, and a healthy, tasty alternative to shore food.
Read morePros: Portions, Waitstaff, Outdoor dining
Cons: Indoor might be loud when there is live music
Guest
LisaFritsch
Points +23
Big menue, tasty classics and exotics - Edit
Very big variety and good portion size, we had the pineapple curry and pierogi and both was delicious! We want to come back to try the rest of appealing dishes!
Read moreYou can easily bring non-vegan friends, many options like burgers and pizza available.
Pros: many options, also selection of "junk food" replac
Guest
HeatherFrancis
Points +55
Vegan Comfort Food - Edit
This place is one of a kind, offering vegan comfort food down the shore. Each cuisine is unique, for example the Pierogis are SO DELICIOUS. I grew up eating them because of a Slovak background, and these really hit my craving after going vegan.
Read moreThe staff are accommodating, and super friendly. The place also offers live music on the weekends for customers, from local bands and musicians.
This definitely isn't the place to go if you're looking for clean, healthy food, but they are worth every dime.
Guest
For Members
Why was my review removed? Guidelines for writing a review View our privacy policyFor Business Owners
Claim this business
See inaccurate information? Submit an update here Link to this page from your site See an unfair review? View full terms & conditionsThis page has been viewed 28041 times.