Savor the View

SPOTLIGHT ON:
One Willow
This Highlands hot spot serves up fresh seafood, unbelievable sunsets, and serious summer energy.
{1 Willow St, Highlands; 732-730-7770; onewillowhighlands.com}

One Willow’s dining room is full on a sunny afternoon—its floor-to-ceiling windows flooding the space with natural light—and the outdoor bar is buzzing to the soundtrack of a live DJ. It’s a scene that plays out all summer long, and nothing feels rushed. The floor team moves with quiet ease, keeping glasses filled and tables tidy without interrupting the relaxed rhythm of the day. Operating Partner Jason Reiff moves between front and back, smiling and steady. Executive Chef Nicholas Liberto moves through the space as well, coordinating with staff and occasionally stepping outside—seafood tower in hand—for a photo op.

One Willow’s white and slate-toned mosaic floor tile, along with the rich mahogany Captain’s Bar and wood furnishings, ground the space with warmth and depth, quietly balancing the abundance of natural light from the windows. The result is a dining room that’s open and sunlit, but never overexposed—elegant, comfortable, and infused with a sense of coastal ease.

Beyond the dining room, the breezy outdoor seating, waterfront bar, and dock-and-dine slips—not to mention stunning views of Sandy Hook Bay and the NYC skyline—capture every-thing people love about summer at the Shore.

Outdoor Bar — Live tunes, sunset views, and weekday happy hours keep the outdoor bar buzzing—and the fun only ramps up during One Willow’s monthly Boozy Brunches, which take over the entire restaurant with music and movement.

A Taste of the Shore
Known for its seafood-forward menu, One Willow’s raw bar is a major draw, offering a rotating selection of East and West Coast oysters, wild Gulf shrimp, lump crab meat, and seasonal specials like crudo, ceviche, and King Crab.

Sourcing plays a major role here. The team travels weekly to the Fulton Fish Market to secure the same premium seafood served in Manhattan’s Michelin-rated restaurants, and they also work with trusted local purveyors to bring in the freshest catch available. One Willow also partners with community favorites like Benchmark Bread and Semolina Pasta Shoppe, reflecting a strong commitment to supporting local.

Chef Nick, whose style is simple and ingredient-focused, draws inspiration from early family experiences—especially cooking with his mother and summers spent fishing with his father. “Growing up on the Jersey Shore, close to the water, and cooking with my family made it feel natural to one day run a seafood restaurant on the bay,” he shares. 

Among his standout entrées is a long-standing fan favorite: Tuna Tacos with bluefin tuna, shaved napa cabbage, and wasabi ponzu—first served from a food truck in the early pandemic days and still on the menu years later.Other must-tries include the Atlantic Bluefin Tuna, Buffalo Skate Wing, and what the team proudly calls “quite possibly the best pork chop on the Jersey Shore.”

The Charred Broccoli appetizer is worth a mention. Tossed with pomegranate seeds and a touch of heat over hummus, it delivers waves of flavor that unfold with each bite. And the Grilled Clams with Calabrian chili butter and sourdough breadcrumbs quite literally taste like summer.

The kitchen’s attention to detail carries through to the accompaniments. The truffle fries feel elevated. The house-pickled cucumbers, served alongside the thick and juicy burger, add a surprising pop of brightness with their horseradish kick. And the arugula salad with avocado dressing, served alongside grilled salmon, starts out smooth and bright before finishing with that perfect peppery bite.

And if you’ve saved room, the dessert menu delivers—from Key Lime Pie with raspberry sauce to a rich chocolate torte served with fresh whipped cream and berries.

Drinks, Sunsets & Skyline Views
One Willow’s beverage program, led by Jordan Wohlin, reflects the kitchen’s laid-back coastal elegance. Two staples—The Jersey Surfin’
(a spicy margarita riff with cucumber, cilantro, and lemon) and the 732 (a vodka martini with Aperol, elderflower liqueur, and citrus)—anchor the cocktail menu year-round. Expect summer specials and refreshing zero-proof options, too.

Both the Captain’s Bar inside and the outdoor bar are fully stocked and ready for walk-ins. Guests can grab a high-top or settle into a seat with views of the Manhattan skyline. From Monday through Thursday, happy hour runs from 4-6pm, offering drink and bar menu specials.

Live music at the outdoor bar adds to the scene most nights—another reason the space has become one of the Shore’s most buzzed-about hangouts. With the Seastreak ferry just next door, it’s also a perfect stop before departure or after arrival—no reservation required.

Once a month, One Willow turns up the energy with its Boozy Brunch series—a full-restaurant day party featuring DJ entertainment, a live saxophonist, creative cocktail specials, and standout brunch dishes from the kitchen. Guests come ready to dance, mingle, and make the most of a summer afternoon by the bay. Regular brunch is also served Saturdays and Sundays from 11am–4pm, with a menu that blends classics and creative new dishes.

Elevated Events
From intimate celebrations to large-scale weddings, One Willow offers flexible spaces and customizable menus for every kind of gathering. The team hosts both private and semi-private events—from bridal and baby showers to corporate affairs and custom tasting dinners—with a focus on thoughtful, guest-centered service. “Hospitality is at the absolute core of what we do!” says Jason. “It’s why we’re in this industry; it’s what challenges us and keeps us motivated to work harder and provide more for our guests.”

Event coordination is handled by Ashley Stubbington Vella, who ensures each detail reflects the same care given to regular service. “We enjoy creating tailored affairs that have a unique touch for all of our guests,” Jason notes—a philosophy that underpins everything from custom menus to scenic setups on the Veranda Deck, a perch at the neighboring Sandy Hook Bay Marina. As he puts it: “The view from up there is incredible.”

In addition to private bookings, the team hosts seasonal experiences open to the public—think curated tasting dinners, cocktail parties, and yoga sessions on the Veranda Deck. It’s all part of One Willow’s mission to create memorable moments that extend beyond the meal.

Whether you’re coming off the beach, catching the ferry, or arriving dockside, One Willow invites you to stay awhile—and savor the view.