Oceanfront New Jersey Restaurants You Don’t Want To Miss
Picture this: salty ocean breeze in your hair, waves crashing just feet away, and a plate of incredible food in front of you. New Jersey’s coastline serves up some of the most stunning waterfront dining experiences on the East Coast.
Whether you’re craving fresh seafood or classic American comfort food with a view, these oceanfront spots deliver unforgettable meals that’ll have you planning your next visit before you’ve even left.
1. Rooney’s Oceanfront Restaurant, Long Branch
Where elegance meets the Atlantic, you’ll find a dining experience that’s been wowing locals and tourists for decades. Rooney’s Oceanfront Restaurant brings serious sophistication without the stuffiness, which is exactly what you want when you’re dropping cash on a waterfront meal.
The panoramic ocean views through floor-to-ceiling windows make every seat feel like a winner. Their seafood game is absolutely on point, with fresh catches prepared so beautifully you might actually cry a little.
Sunday brunch here hits different when you’re watching surfers catch waves between bites of perfectly poached eggs.
2. Bahrs Landing, Highlands
This spot has been slinging seafood since 1917, and honestly, they’ve had plenty of time to perfect the art. Bahrs Landing is the definition of no-frills, old-school Jersey Shore dining where the fish is fresher than your morning coffee.
You’re literally eating where fishing boats unload their daily haul, so the seafood doesn’t get more legit than this. The casual vibe means you can roll up in your beach gear without anyone batting an eye.
Their lobster rolls are the kind that ruin you for all other lobster rolls, packed with sweet meat and zero filler nonsense.
3. Drifthouse by David Burke, Sea Bright
When a celebrity chef sets up shop right on the sand, you know something magical is about to happen. Drifthouse by David Burke transforms beachside dining into an elevated culinary adventure that somehow stays relaxed and approachable.
The menu reads like a greatest hits album of creative coastal cuisine with unexpected twists that actually work. You can literally wiggle your toes in the sand while savoring dishes that belong in a food magazine.
Their outdoor setup captures that perfect beach club energy without the pretentious membership requirements or judgy door staff.
4. The Columns, Avon-By-The-Sea
Though it looks like something out of a coastal fairy tale, this Victorian beauty serves food that’s delightfully modern. The Columns combines old-world charm with contemporary flavors in a way that feels both nostalgic and fresh.
Those wraparound porches offer some of the most Instagram-worthy dining spots on the entire Jersey Shore. The sunset views here are so spectacular they should charge admission separately.
Their commitment to locally sourced ingredients means every bite tastes like the best version of the Shore you can imagine.
5. The Promenade, Avon-By-The-Sea
Are you even really at the beach if you can’t hear the waves while you eat? The Promenade answers that question with a resounding no, positioning itself right where the boardwalk meets pure ocean magic.
This place nails the casual beachy vibe while still serving food that tastes like someone in the kitchen actually cares. You can watch the entire ocean show unfold while munching on seriously good coastal fare.
The outdoor deck becomes prime real estate during summer evenings when the breeze is perfect and the views are endless.
6. Watermark, Asbury Park
However you feel about Asbury Park’s comeback story, you can’t deny this spot captures the town’s revitalized energy perfectly. Watermark sits right on the action-packed boardwalk, offering front-row seats to all the beach shenanigans.
The menu leans into fresh, seasonal ingredients with a creative edge that matches the artsy town vibe. Their brunch scene is absolutely legendary, drawing crowds who know good food when they taste it.
Floor-to-ceiling windows mean you’re basically dining in a giant ocean viewing box, which sounds weird but works beautifully in practice.
7. The Ocean View Restaurant, Seaside Heights
Did you know that sometimes the best meals happen in the most unpretentious places? The Ocean View Restaurant proves this theory right in the heart of Seaside Heights’ bustling boardwalk scene.
You’re getting honest, satisfying food with zero pretense and views that cost way more at fancier joints. The family-friendly atmosphere means kids can be kids while parents actually enjoy their meal in peace.
Their seafood platters are generously portioned and reasonably priced, which feels like winning the Shore dining lottery these days.
8. La Dolce Vita, Belmar
When Italian cuisine meets Atlantic Ocean views, beautiful things happen at this Belmar jewel. La Dolce Vita translates to the sweet life, and honestly, that’s exactly what you’re getting when you dine here.
The authentic Italian flavors paired with crashing waves create an unexpectedly perfect combination that transports you somewhere between Jersey and the Mediterranean. Their pasta dishes are made with the kind of care that makes you want to kiss your fingers.
The oceanfront setting adds romance to every meal, whether you’re on a date or just dating your dinner.
9. Jenkinson’s Pavilion Bar + Restaurant, Point Pleasant Beach
This boardwalk institution has been feeding beach-goers since forever, and they’ve mastered the art of crowd-pleasing coastal cuisine. Jenkinson’s Pavilion offers multiple levels of outdoor seating that put you right in the middle of all the beach action.
The menu covers all the Shore classics you’re craving after a day in the sun and sand. You can watch the sunset paint the sky in ridiculous colors while enjoying food that hits exactly right.
Their massive outdoor space means you can usually snag a table even during peak summer chaos, which is basically a miracle.
10. McLoone’s Pier House, Long Branch
Hence the name, you’re literally dining on a pier that extends right over the Atlantic, which is about as oceanfront as it gets. McLoone’s Pier House delivers that perfect balance of upscale quality and laid-back Shore attitude.
The 360-degree water views make you feel like you’re dining on a luxury yacht without the seasickness risk. Their seafood selections showcase the best of what the Atlantic has to offer, prepared with skill and creativity.
The outdoor deck becomes the hottest ticket in town when weather cooperates and the ocean sparkles like a million diamonds.
11. The Lobster House, Cape May
Are massive portions of incredibly fresh seafood your love language? The Lobster House speaks fluently, serving up some of the most generous and delicious seafood platters on the entire Jersey coast.
This Cape May institution sits right on the working docks where commercial fishing boats unload their catches daily. The raw bar alone is worth the trip, stocked with oysters and clams so fresh they practically introduce themselves.
Their schooner docked outside offers additional dining space that makes you feel like a fancy sailor from the 1800s, minus the scurvy.
12. Martell’s Tiki Bar, Point Pleasant Beach
Where tropical vibes crash into Jersey Shore energy, you’ll discover this beloved beachfront hangout that’s been a local favorite for generations. Martell’s Tiki Bar transforms ordinary beach dining into a mini vacation with its fun island-inspired atmosphere.
The menu offers solid American and seafood fare that pairs perfectly with the relaxed, party-ready environment. You’re eating with your feet practically in the sand while waves provide the ultimate background music.
Their outdoor setup captures that carefree summer feeling that makes you want to quit your job and become a permanent beach bum.
