You’re driving down Route 37, probably heading toward the bridge to Seaside, and you see it. Xina. It doesn't look like much from the outside—sort of tucked away in that strip-mall vibe—but anyone who lives in Ocean County knows that the Xina menu Toms River locals obsess over is anything but ordinary.
Honestly, it’s a weird mix. It’s part high-end sushi bar, part traditional Chinese kitchen, and part "let's put bacon on fried rice because we can." And it works. It really works. People call it "Zeena," by the way. If you call it "Ex-ina," you’re outing yourself as a tourist immediately.
The Sushi Situation: Beyond the Basic California Roll
If you’re coming here for a standard cucumber roll, you’re kinda missing the point. The sushi side of the Xina menu Toms River offers is where things get wild. They use sustainable fish, which is a big deal for a place that isn't sitting in the middle of Manhattan.
Have you ever had a roll with tempura olives? Or mortadella? The Emilia-Romagna roll is one of those things that sounds like a dare but tastes like a revelation. Then there’s the Khai Khon roll. It’s got Jersey corn, chilis, and hot honey. It’s basically the Garden State in a seaweed wrap.
Most people gravitate toward the Crunchy Peppered Tuna or the Pink Lady Lobster. The lobster roll is a hit for a reason—it’s indulgent, sweet, and feels like a "special occasion" meal even if you’re just there on a Tuesday night because you didn't feel like cooking.
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The fish is fresh. Like, remarkably fresh. You can tell they aren't just defrosting stuff in the back. The Yellowtail Jalapeño with that sharp yuzu-soy hit? It’ll wake you up faster than a cup of coffee from the Wawa down the street.
The "Chinese" Side That Isn't Just Takeout
Don't let the sushi distract you from the wok. The kitchen side of the menu is heavy. Not heavy as in greasy, but heavy as in serious.
Take the General Tso’s Chicken. Everyone makes it. Xina makes it better. They use diced chicken breast, and it’s actually crispy—not that soggy, breaded mess you get from the place around the corner. It’s $19, which feels pricey for General Tso's until you realize you’re getting actual quality poultry and a sauce that isn't just corn syrup and red dye.
The Weird Stuff You Have to Try
- Bacon, Egg & Cheese Fried Rice: It sounds like a hangover cure from a diner, but it’s a cult favorite. It’s salty, smoky, and totally unnecessary in the best way.
- XO Fat Noodles: These are rolled rice noodles with that funky, spicy seafood umami from the XO sauce. If you like texture, this is your dish.
- Walnut Shrimp: They use Grand Marnier honey sauce. It’s sweet, it’s crunchy, and it comes with strawberries. It sounds like dessert, but it’s a main. Trust the process.
The "BYOB" Factor and the Vibe
One of the best things about Xina is that it’s BYOB. This is huge. You can spend $40 on a really nice bottle of wine at a liquor store and bring it in, rather than paying $100 for the same bottle at a restaurant with a liquor license. It keeps the bill manageable, especially since the food itself isn't exactly "cheap."
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The atmosphere is bright and airy. It’s got this contemporary, upscale feel that makes it great for a date or a birthday, but it’s still Jersey, so you’ll see people in jeans and nice hoodies. It’s trendy without being pretentious.
The service is usually on point. The staff knows the menu inside and out. If you ask them what’s fresh that day, they won't just say "everything"—they’ll actually tell you what just came in.
Pricing and Reality Checks
Let’s be real: Xina is expensive for Toms River. You’re looking at $30 to $50 per person easily, especially if you’re doing a few rounds of specialty rolls. Some locals complain that the prices are "NYC prices," and they aren't entirely wrong. But you’re paying for the quality of the ingredients.
Parking can also be a total nightmare. It’s a tight lot, and because the place is popular, you might find yourself circling like a shark.
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Quick Facts for Your Visit:
- Reservations are a must. Especially on weekends. Don't just show up at 7:00 PM on a Saturday and expect a table. You’ll be waiting forever.
- They have a second location now. If you can’t get into Toms River, they opened a spot in Bradley Beach.
- Gluten-Free Friendly. They are actually really careful with allergies. If you have Celiac, this is one of the safer Asian fusion spots in the area.
What to Order if You’re Overwhelmed
If you open the Xina menu Toms River and your brain freezes, just do this:
Order the Steamed Peking Duck Buns to start. They’re $11 and the plum sauce is perfect. Then, split a Special Fried Rice and two specialty rolls—maybe the Flaming Heart and the Angry Dragon.
If you aren't a sushi person, go for the Peking Duck main or the Garlic Pork Chops. The pork chops are crispy, boneless, and tossed in a sweet soy garlic sauce that you’ll want to drink.
Xina isn't your average "pick three" lunch special joint. It’s a place where they actually care about the craft. Whether you’re there for the sustainable sushi or the bacon fried rice, you’re going to leave full, and you’re probably going to be thinking about those duck buns for the next three days.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Call for a reservation: If you’re planning to go this weekend, call (732) 279-6327 right now.
- Pick your wine: Since it’s BYOB, stop at a local shop for a crisp Riesling or a dry Rosé—they pair perfectly with the spicy tuna and yuzu flavors.
- Check the Specials: Always ask about the "Seasonal Whole Fish" or the daily oyster selection before you lock in your order.