20 Restaurants We Love at the Jersey Shore

What goes better with a weekend at the Jersey Shore than eating out at one of the top restaurants on offer? Here’s a list of some of our favorites, from Rumson down to Cape May. Many of these require reservations—and these spots are busy in the summer, especially on weekends!

ASBURY PARK

Photo: Courtesy of Judy & Harry’s/Michael Persico

Who woulda thunk that combining your grandma’s recipes for traditional Jewish dishes with your nonna’s fave Italian classics would create a unique fine-dining experience like the one offered at this beautiful spot in the St. Laurent hotel? From the James Beard-nominated team behind Heirloom Kitchen and Lita, David Viana and Neilly Robinson offer dishes such as Judy’s matzo ball soup, the Parm, and roast chicken savoy (the chef’s spin on the Belmont Tavern classic). After your meal, head to the companion cocktail bar, Harry’s, for a drink. The restaurant and bar are named for Robinson’s parents, who inspired the menu. —Jacqueline Mroz
408 7th Avenue; 732-795-2582

Another big shakeup on the boardwalk has resulted in a major improvement as the oceanfront space formerly occupied by the somewhat uninspired Italian stalwart Stella Marina, which has been replaced by Lili Oceanfront Restaurant, a multi-level Coastal Mediterranean bistro that brings flair and freshness to one of the most coveted spots in town. A perfect fusion of flavors speckle their way throughout the expansive menu, as craft cocktails and divine dips like the labneh and mamma ghanouj make for fine opening acts for everything from pizzas (try the spicy fig & prosciutto pie) to squid ink pasta dishes and salmon kababs. —Ryan Loughlin
800 Ocean Avenue N.; 732-837-9495

Spring Lake natives Laura Brahn and Grace Crossman met while working at nearby Porta. They later worked at other restaurants before starting a catering company together. In 2016, they opened the charming and rustic Cardinal Provisions. At first they served just breakfast and lunch; in 2018 they began offering dinner on Friday and Saturday nights, with a new dinner theme each weekend. During weekend brunch, the restaurant is usually packed, with crowds waiting outside for a table. Try the cacio e pepe scrambled eggs. BYO. —NJM Staff
513 Bangs Avenue; 732-898-7194

A year into its successful run as the go-to omakase restaurant in this Jersey Shore town, Hadaka has headed west to open its second curated sushi experience in Lambertville. Located in the Lambertville House along the Delaware River, the second Hadaka, which opened in May, continues the tradition of intimate and personalized sushi sampling, with the addition of a liquor license. In both settings, during four 90-minute sessions, 12 diners watch sushi chefs perform their magic on a variety of raw fish flown in from Japan. “It’s all about the vibe,” says co-owner Eddie Falzarano. “It’s not just a place you go out to eat. You start out not knowing the people you’re eating with, and by the end of the meal you’re exchanging numbers or heading off for drinks together.” —Jill P. Capuzzo
527 Bangs Avenue; 732-361-0238

CAPE MAY

One of the leading spots for fine dining in downtown Cape May, just a block from the pedestrian mall in the renovated 1879 Virginia Hotel. Despite the hotel’s Victorian trappings, chef Jason Hanin’s American menu (dinner only) is contemporary—strong on fresh-caught seafood, with steaks and a vegetarian option. Every dish utilizes fresh produce and fruit from Cape Resorts’ Beach Plum Farm just down the road.—DPC
25 Jackson Street; 609-884-5700

Photo: Courtesy of Maison Bleue/Sandra Vizzone

French restaurants are a rarity in Cape May, making the experience at Maison Bleue Bistro feel somewhat exclusive without even trying. But despite all the date-impressing dishes you’ll find on the menu, the team here has managed to pull off a decidedly non-stuffy vibe. Executive chef Anthony Depasquale’s BYO menu cancans brilliantly between exquisite French dishes—the duck confit with port wine-cherry jam and cippolini is the single best version of the dish I have ever eaten—and perfectly executed classics. In 2024, New Jersey Monthly named this spot one of the one of the best new restaurants in the Garden State. —Ryan Loughlin
653 Washington Street; 609-435-5554

BRADLEY BEACH

Xina has consistently been one of the best spots for sushi rolls and other Asian cuisine in South Jersey since it opened back in 2012. But its location, tucked way down in Toms River, just before the bridge that connects Route 37 to the barrier islands, made it just out-of-the-way enough to be annoying to a Monmouth County resident like me. That problem has been solved, as Xina recently opened its second BYO right in the heart of Bradley Beach, in the most unconventional of spaces—a former 7-Eleven. Read our full review here. —Ryan Loughlin
3430 NJ-37; 732-279-6327

Vic’s in Bradley Beach Photo: Courtesy of Vic’s

Vic’s Italian-American restaurant is a red-sauce Italian institution. The pizza. No matter the pie—Vic’s offers 10-, 12- and 14-inch sizes—the sauce and dough are homemade. For bigger appetites, the chicken parmigiana and sausage cacciatore entrées are sure to satisfy. Entrées are served with a salad and your choice of a side of spaghetti or french fries and a vegetable. —JM
60 Main Street; 732-774-8225

NEPTUNE

There is thin crust, really thin crust, and then there is Pete & Elda’s crust, crisp as a cracker. Not for everyone, but that might be a blessing given the long waits for a table on weekends. Pete & Elda’s was a bar sans food until Carmen Andretta fused a pizzeria to it in 1961. Carmen’s son, George, grew up in the place and took over the unified shebang in 1977. The menu lists 35 toppings, and the kitchen makes sure every inch of your pie is thoroughly and evenly carpeted with whatever you choose, so no one need get grabby. —Eric Levin
96 Woodland Avenue; 732-774-6010

As if reciting a mantra, Paul Holzheimer distills his cooking at the Grand Tavern in Neptune into four words: “Beef, butter, fat, cream.” That’s a meditation I could get behind. Holzheimer says he drew inspiration from the “comfortable and unpretentious” Montreal gastropubs Joe Beef and Maison Publique and Manhattan’s the Spotted Pig: “We wanted it to be a neighborhood bar and restaurant that just so happens to have great food and great drinks.” Holzheimer and his fiancée, Ashley Coyte, co-own Grand Tavern. He’s the chef; she’s the manager. They met at culinary school and worked together in Asbury Park at Porta and Pascal & Sabine before opening Grand Tavern in 2016.—NJM Staff
1105 6th Avenue; 732 774 0120

POINT PLEASANT BEACH

The Poached Pear salad. Photo: Courtesy of the Poached Pear Bistro/MStudio

The Poached Pear Bistro celebrates its 12th anniversary this year, but frankly, its longevity should come as no surprise to anyone who has enjoyed a meal at this fabulous modern American BYOB. Owners Marc Giordano and his brother (and chef) Scott have fine dining figured out, with understated visual aesthetics that allow imaginatively sophisticated dishes like their pan-seared grouper—a summer special featuring locally caught grouper in a Provençale sauce with lobster risotto and haricot verts—to do all of the talking. —Ryan Loughlin
16 Arnold Avenue; 732-701-1700

Come for the amazing sunsets and to watch the fishing boats nearby at this iconic waterfront spot. Red’s has great lobster rolls, delicious whole steamed or broiled lobsters and homemade jumbo lump crabcakes.—JM
57 Inlet Dr.

SEA BRIGHT

Everything about this crowded, bustling, traditional Italian restaurant smacks of a memorable dining experience in Rome or Florence—except perhaps its location, directly across the street from the ocean in Sea Bright. But with its polished hardwood floors, frosted globe chandeliers, dark green tablecloths, and exposed brick and muraled walls, Anjelica’s feels far removed from the Shore.–JM
1070 Ocean Avenue

LONG BRANCH

Shrimp fritters at Moxie Modern in Long Branch. Photo: Courtesy of Moxie Modern

Even on an off-season Thursday, the vibe at this contemporary restaurant is clear: Fun will be had here. Upscale and Insta-ready, its dark charcoal walls, bi-level seating, two-story windows and swathes of greenery are a welcome mat for a hip crowd. Moxie Modern was opened in August 2025 by Jason Cobb, who also owns popular Char-kol and Aurum Events, both in Freehold, with Dave Esquenazi. Last year, Moxie caught the ebb of the Shore season; this year, by the looks—and tastes—of it, they are well prepared for the onslaught of summer revelers. Located just a few blocks from the ocean, foot traffic is easy, and there’s a parking lot—a plus in this high-profile beach town. Read our full review here. —Deborah P. Carter
202 Broadway; 732-860-7100

RUMSON

The French-inspired River Pointe Inn affords a sophisticated, elegant and delicious dining experience. Slipping into a booth at Rumson’s River Pointe Inn feels a bit like a respite. The marble bar, leather banquettes, natural wood floors, and rough-hewn ceiling beams infuse a measure of European panache before you even peruse the menu of the French-inspired dishes. Father-son duo Victor and Jake Rallo, who opened the space in 2024 in partnership with the Diaco family, planned it that way. A warm ambience is a hallmark at the Rallos’ other establishments, Undici Taverna Rustica in Rumson and Birravino in Red Bank. Here, decidedly not Italian, the vibe and the French-American cuisine are clean, quiet and well-conceived. Read our full review here. —DPC
132 East River Road; 732-530-6590

The Italian staples of pasta and wine are the raison d’etre at this Tuscan-inspired restaurant that also captures the region’s rustic elegance with stone walls, dim lighting, and on-point service from knowledgable staff. The Rallo family’s well-earned reputation is drawn from its warm, welcoming environment to the high-level ingredients and expert execution. From the first bite of crusty focaccia to classic treatments of standards from pasta to fish and proteins, the authenticity comes through. They claim that the prized wine list with 1,300 labels is the largest selection of Italian reds and whites in New Jersey. —DPC
11 W. River Road; 732-842-3880

AVON-BY-THE-SEA

For some reason, it’s hard to find a beachfront restaurant at the Jersey Shore—but this is one of the few, and it’s worth the trip. Located in Avon Pavilion, which also houses a beach shop and at night sometimes has live music and dance lessons, The Promenade has gorgeous views of the beach. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, the service is friendly and professional and the food is thoughtfully prepared and excellent.—JM
600 Ocean Avenue N.

BELMAR

Klein’s offers waterfront dining and Jersey Shore seafood, steaks and other specialties. Inside and outside tables, raw bar, tiki bar and a retail fish market available. Come for the view and the terrific and fresh seafood. —JM
708 River Road

LONG BEACH ISLAND

This is the place to go for great seafood as well as wood-fired pizzas (locals love the clam pie!). Kick back and listen to the music of Jimmy Buffet while you play a game of corn hole and drink some local beer.—JM
529 Dock Road; Beach Haven

SPRING LAKE

Brandon “Bud” Carter had a tall order ahead of him when he opened Olea. Following up a massive hit is never an easy task, whether you are an actual rock star or a rock-star chef like Carter, whose previous hot spot was the Butcher’s Block in Long Branch. Olea exudes a bold, sexy confidence from its space, on the ground floor of the Shore Club hotel in Spring Lake. Crimson drapes, brick accents and soaring olive trees harmonize with sleek, modern furniture, while dim lighting and a fireplace create a vibe romantic enough to make Olea—which landed on NJM‘s 2026 Best New Restaurants list—the go-to date-night location in Spring Lake.—Ryan Loughlin
700 NJ-71; 732-359-8580

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