The Best Seafood Restaurants in New Jersey: 2026 Edition - U.S.

The 2026 Edition of The Best Seafood Restaurants in New Jersey is written by Vinny Parisi.

One of the perks of being a coastal state is access to fresh fish. From buttery Barnegat Bay scallops to briny Delaware Bay oysters, NJ’s local catches are unmatched in variety and flavor. And it’s not just the Jersey Shore that has great seafood. To prove it, we put together a Statewide list of The Best Seafood Restaurants in New Jersey.

Each spot on this list has been chosen for the quality of their dishes, as well as their commitment to sourcing local, fresh caught seafood from NJ’s local fisheries. The menus range from raw bars that will delight any purist to creative and unexpected twists on traditional favorites. But above all, each provides an unforgettable experience that merits a return visit (or three.) Keep Scrolling to See the Full List.

Quick Click Guide: Select a Region below to find The Best Seafood Restaurants nearby.

2026 Featured Listings

Featured from Ocean County:
Black Whale Bar & Fish House

Where: 100 N Pennsylvania Ave, Beach Haven
Details: This popular spot is named for the old Black Whale Cruises running from Little Egg Inlet to Atlantic City. As Beach Haven’s neighborhood bar, Black Whale is perfect for families and friends looking for casual lunch and dinner fare. The team has spent years perfecting their menu of specialty seafood dishes. This includes appetizers like wine and garlic clams, buffalo calamari, and their monthly oyster special. Likewise, popular entrees range from clam strips and butterfly shrimp to bacon wrapped scallops and seasonal soft-shell crabs. But for a real feast, order their Lobster Bake for 2. The meal includes two lobsters, corn on the cob, coleslaw, and two steamer bags with potatoes, clams, and mussels. The Black Whale’s intimate bar setting offers ten beers on tap, selected based on the team’s travels across the globe. They also have an assortment of handcrafted cocktails that pair perfectly with any seafood dish.

Featured from Burlington County:
Blue Claw Seafood & Crab Eatery

Where: 4494 Burlington Pike, Burlington
Details: The Blue Claw offers a year‑round taste of being down the Shore — without the traffic. Tables are covered in paper, inviting guests to roll up their sleeves and have fun cracking open their crabs. Along with fresh blue claws, the menu features Snow crab, Dungeness crab, shrimp, scallops, lump crab cakes, fried clams, fried oysters, and more. Popular appetizers include Buffalo Garlic Shrimp, Crab Dip and Stoner Fries, while guest favorites include the fried Scallops basket, the Oyster Po’ Boy sandwich, and of course, their signature Blue Claw Crabs. These crabs can be ordered cleaned or dirty, cold or steamed, plain or seasoned, making every order fully customizable. (Crabs are priced individually, with additional charges for cleaning or steaming.) For a bigger spread, their “Feast” options include a mix of blue crabs, snow crabs, dungeness crabs, corn on the cob, and classic sides.

Featured from Ocean County:
Mud City Crab House

Where: 1185 E Bay Ave, Manahawkin
Details: Whether dining in or picking up, the Mud City Crab House is the go-to seafood spot in town. In addition to their sit-down restaurant area, they also curate a fresh seafood market. The market offers everything from soft shell crabs and flounder to mussels and more. Plus, they use the same fresh fish they sell at the market at their restaurant. So whether you order the seared tuna, jumbo lump crab cake, or their signature garlic crabs, everything is always fresh. Their house specialty is the Cioppino. This fish stew comes with salad, fresh bread, and a large portion of clams, crab, shrimp, mussels, and fish. Mud City Crab House also has over a dozen cocktails on the menu, along with wines and beers. Popular picks include the Strawberry Basil Lemonade, Pear Martini, and Muddy Mary. Note: Mud City does not accept reservations. Parked on their patio is The Mud City Barstream, a unique outdoor bar offering drink service.

Featured from Monmouth County:
Rooney’s Oceanfront

Where: 100 Ocean Ave North, Long Branch
Details: Rooney’s offers an exceptional waterfront dining experience. Their large, bi-level outdoor deck offers ocean views that pair perfectly with their signature seafood dishes. The lobster roll is of course a favorite of vacationers staying along the Shore. But their house favorite Angry Lobster, pan roasted in its original shell, is both a flavor sensation and visual spectacle. Pasta fans are also in for a treat, with options like Lobster Mac-A-Rooney, Shrimp Fra Diavolo, and Cioppino. The latter mixes shrimp, mussels, clams, and mahi mahi with garlic and tomato broth over linguine. A sushi menu is also available throughout the day, and makes for a great beach day lunch option. Rooney’s hosts live music a few days a week throughout the summer, so be sure to check the schedule online. After the summer winds down, Rooney’s stays hot in the off-season by offering a popular brunch, with new menu items added every fall.

Featured from Ocean County:
Parker’s Garage & Oyster Saloon

Where: 116 Northwest Ave, Beach Haven
Details: Parker’s Garage is a seafood haven that shines a spotlight on fresh oysters. In fact, the team invests in a local oyster co-op just west of their docks. This co-op improves the health of the bay, as oysters are filter feeders which help improve the area’s water quality. Besides their marquee dish, Parker’s Garage offers a variety of other seafood options. For instance, the tuna crackers are their most popular appetizer. Other standout starters include grilled calamari (with harissa and chimichurri) and the sharable roasted octopus. As for entrees, we recommend the tilefish (with celery root, black truffle, and caviar) or the local Yellowfin Tuna entree. The latter includes brioche, black garlic, and plum, with opportunity to supplement Foie Gras. Plan a visit during a warm day/evening to take advantage of their wonderful outdoor dining. They have a deck right on the water, which also doubles as a unique option for a wedding reception.

Featured from Ocean County:
Ship Bottom Shellfish

Where: 1721 S Long Beach Blvd, Ship Bottom
Details: Ship Bottom is a seasonal BYO spot open every day except Tuesday. They don’t take reservations, but remain a popular hotspot during the summer months thanks to their patio. To ensure a table, we recommend planning a day trip in the area and speaking with the hostess early. It’s also a great option for takeout, as the restaurant is just a block from the beach. The menu features interesting options like Thai Calamari, which comes in a sweet chili sauce with sriracha aioli dipping sauce. Ship Bottom also offers popular seafood-based soups such as New England Clam, Manhattan Clam, and Seafood Bisque. Popular entrees include the Fried Shrimp & Scallops, stuffed flounder, and Jumbo Lump Crab Cake + Blackened Tuna. But save room for dessert, especially their homemade Toll House Pie or Blueberry Cobbler with fresh Jersey blueberries. Patrons can visit the Fish Market to bring their favorite seafood dishes home.

North Jersey

Blue Anchor

Where: Jersey City
Details: Fresh seafood meets waterfront dining at Blue Anchor. The restaurant offers what they call an “elevated casual” menu with options for both lunch and dinner. Their raw bar features favorites like East and West Coast Oysters, Ceviche, shrimp cocktail, and trout tartare. For something a little different, try the Cajun Mango Swordfish with mango salsa or the Crab Encrusted Halibut. Otherwise, go for a tried-and-true classic like the Frutti di Mare with shrimp, mussels, and calamari over fettuccine. (Just don’t forget to add Garlic Mashed Potatoes.)

Crab Island Cajun Seafood

Where: Clifton
Details: Crab Island offers a huge variety (and huge portions) of seafood, both a la carte and as a combo. They have a cold food bar, baskets, soups & sides, fried options, and an assortment of customizable entrees. First, patrons can select their seafood from choices such as crab, lobster, oyster, shrimp, mussels, and crawfish; then they select a seasoning from choices that include Old Bay, Garlic Butter, Lemon, Pepper, and of course, Cajun. The final step is to choose a spice level and enjoy. We also recommend their Seafood Po Boys (like oyster).

Elia Mediterranean

Where: East Rutherford
Details: This family-owned spot is owned by Rutherford native Annamaria Adinolfi and her mother Anna Rosati. Together, they’ve created a Mediterranean restaurant filled with popular seafood dishes and other Greek classics. From the Cherry Stone Clams and East/West coast oysters to the Mediterranean Ceviche, the Raw Bar is always fresh. (And served with their house condiments, including citrus cocktail sauce, mignonette, and garlic aioli.) They have plenty of whole fish options, as well as unique entrees like Salmon a la Plancha.

Sirenetta

Where: Hoboken
Details: Patrons come to Sirenetta (“little mermaid”) when they are in the mood for seasonal coastal cuisine with a twist. The menu is bursting with creativity, with options like Lobster All’Amatriciana and Bang Bang Shrimp Salad. Their signature Seafood Aqua Pazza is a must-try, and combines scallops, shrimp, crab, and homemade noodles in tomato broth. But the best way to start any meal at Sirenetta is with an order of their housemade Lobster Biscuits served with cheddar cheese and lobster butter. (We’re partial to the Seared Octopus as well.)

Sol Mar

Where: Newark
Details: This lunch and dinner spot focuses on authentic Portuguese & Mediterranean dishes. Their selection of seafood includes global fresh catches from Portugal as well as local regional coasts. Cod, lobster, salmon, sea bass, shrimp, and octopus are some of the key ingredients in most of their cuisine. Popular options include the grilled lobster, shrimp in garlic sauce, and classic Surf & Turf. Sol-Mar also features daily specials, so be on the lookout for a rotating selection of unique choices. Save room for their lemon cheesecake or Portuguese pudding.

Central Jersey

Limani Seafood Grill

Where: Westfield
Details: Limani is the Greek word for “Harbor”, which is a perfectly-fitting title for this authentic Mediterranean restaurant. Owner George Vastardis, born in the port city of Piraeus, designed the space to intentionally emphasize Limani’s seafood. For instance, the raw bar display is a marquee part of the restaurant. From the Baked Clams Casino to the Spicy Buffalo Style Shrimp, everything on the menu is packed with flavor. For dinner, we recommend either the Grilled Swordfish (with Chile lime sauce) or the Maryland Crab Cakes.

Lukas’ Seafood & Grille

Where: Warren
Details: Run by three brothers and a close family friend, Lukas’ offers fanciful dishes such as Seafood Crepes Champagne. This signature entree comes with crabmeat, lobster, scallops, shrimp, caviar, sauteed spinach, and béchamel sauce. (A white sauce typically famous in French cuisine.) One other unique menu item is the Horseradish Salmon, with saffron risotto, asparagus, mushrooms, and roasted pepper sauce. Lukas’ ambience is chic yet cozy, and works just as well for lunch as it does for dinner dates.

Mistral

Where: Princeton
Details: Mistral is all about artistic expression, from the plating to the cuisine. Chef Scott Anderson’s sophisticated yet approachable menu presents curated small plates influenced by global flavors. Alongside him, Chef Victor Donadio infuses the flavors of his family’s farms in Colombia and Argentina into many dishes. This leads to exciting fusions such as Crispy Salmon Bites with spicy Japanese mayo, Shrimp Bao Buns with Korean BBQ sauce, and Grilled Rainbow Trout with capers, brown butter and almondine sauce.

Salt Seafood & Oyster Bar

Where: New Brunswick
Details: Salt is a hip, upscale seafood spot. Their raw bar features east and west coast oysters, crabs, shrimp, clams, and more. The restaurant improves itself each year, and offers both upper level and lower level dining. Their downstairs dining offers a speakeasy vibe, complete with lounge area and spacious six-seater bar. Current menu highlights include lobster bisque, seafood risotto, and seared diver scallops. But honestly, their raw bar, small plates, and entrees are so good, you can order something different every visit.

Jersey Shore

Dock’s Oyster House

Where: Atlantic City
Details: The Dougherty family has been maintaining Dock’s Oyster House for four generations. The original owner — Harry “Call Me Dock” Dougherty — first opened the seafood restaurant over 100 years ago, in 1897. In fact, their “Dock’s Classics” section of the present day menu features dishes from the original menu. One example is their signature Crab Meat Sauté. To make it, they cook jumbo lump crab meat in butter, shallots, garlic, lemon, parsley, and chives. Their Raw Bar is also popular with patrons.

The Lobster House

Where: Cape May
Details: This family-owned spot in historic Cape May is known for serving the freshest seafood in town. (Go for the House Specialty.) The property is actually several concepts in one: The first is the sit-down restaurant — The Lobster House — and takeout window, the Take out Shop. They also have a separate dockside bar called The Raw Bar and outdoor cocktail lounge dubbed the Schooner American. Finally, their retail Fish Market sells fresh catches as well as their famous Lobster House Clambake, which can ship anywhere in the US.

South Jersey

Kunkel’s Seafood & Steakhouse

Where: Haddon Heights
Details: This combination steakhouse and seafood restaurant is the perfect BYOB spot for indulgent marine cuisine. They serve classic dinner appetizers such as clams casino, grilled oysters, calamari (including Fiery Thai Calamari), and steamed mussels. For dinner, their seafood and pasta combos are particularly popular, from the Crab & Pasta to their Lobster Ravioli. For something a little different, try the Louisiana Pan Seared Red Snapper. If you’re stopping by for Sunday brunch, it customary to start with the Cinnamon Roll Bread Pudding.

Library IV

Where: Williamstown
Details: Library IV started out as a classic steakhouse, but quickly expanded its menu to offer upscale seafood as well. The current menu offers a bounty of fresh seafood such as steam clams, raw oysters, and BBQ Bacon Wrapped Shrimp. As for entrees, their most popular options are the classic twin lobster tails (South African lobsters) and the salmon stuffed with jumbo lump crab meat. They also offer a handful of land and sea combos. This includes their filet Mignon and lobster tail combo, and 6oz filet and fried shrimp combo.

The Red Eyed Crab

Where: Port Norris
Details: While the crabs are of course the stars of the show, this spot has plenty of other seafood options. From broiled shrimps and scallops to stuffed flounder, there is always something fresh to try at The Red Eyed Crab. They even offer popular combo options such as Chicken and Shrimp Scampi, and Prime Rib & Crab Imperial. We’re also big fans of The Split Ditch, a 6oz filet topped with crab cake and Alfredo sauce. When crabs are in season, their signature Crab Pot — with snow crab and dungeness clusters — is an absolute must.

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NJ’s Best Seafood Restaurants FAQs

Which Restaurant Has the Freshest Oysters in New Jersey?

For an unforgettable oyster experience, head to Parker’s Garage & Oyster Saloon in Beach Haven. They take their oyster game seriously, partnering with a local co-op to farm fresh oysters right off their docks.

Which Jersey Shore Seafood Restaurant is Best for a Casual Meal?

Ship Bottom Shellfish on Long Beach Island is known for Thai Calamari, homemade chowders, and hearty entrees like Fried Shrimp & Scallops or Jumbo Lump Crab Cakes. It’s laid-back, no-reservations-required, and perfect for a relaxing beach day meal.

Are There Any NJ Seafood Restaurants that Double as a Fish Market?

Mud City Crab House in Manahawkin delivers on both fronts, offering a fresh fish market alongside a full-service restaurant. Patrons can enjoy a delicious lunch and take home fresh local seafood for later.

Does Central Jersey Have Any Upscale Seafood Restaurants?

Yes, Salt Seafood & Oyster Bar in New Brunswick is a polished, modern venue that fuses creativity with quality. Standouts like Florida Grouper in a coconut-panko crust and corn gnocchi with lobster make it perfect for date night or special occasions.

Where is the Most Family-Friendly Seafood Restaurant in New Jersey?

Blue Claw Seafood & Crab Eatery in Burlington has been serving families for over 65 years. This BYO, paper-tabletop crab house is the perfect atmosphere for families. Kids and adults alike enjoy the messy, hands-on experience of cracking open freshly steamed Blue Claw Crabs.

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