Best Seafood Restaurants at the Jersey Shore
From legendary crab houses to fine dining institutions, discover where to find the freshest catch at the Jersey Shore.
19
Top Seafood Spots
8
BYOB Restaurants
8
Waterfront Dining
5
Shore Regions
Why Jersey Shore Seafood Is Special
The Jersey Shore sits at the heart of one of America's most productive fishing regions. The cold waters of the Atlantic Ocean and nutrient-rich Delaware Bay create ideal conditions for a diverse range of seafood, from blue crabs and oysters to flounder and sea bass.
Many restaurants have direct relationships with local fishermen or operate their own fishing fleets. The Lobster House in Cape May sits directly on the docks where boats unload their daily catch. Viking Village in Barnegat Light is a working fishing village where you can watch the boats come in.
This means genuinely fresh seafood—not the “fresh frozen” variety found at many coastal restaurants. When your server says “catch of the day,” they often mean fish that was swimming that morning.
Seasonal Seafood Guide
Spring (March-May)
Shad run, soft-shell crabs start appearing, fresh flounder. Many restaurants reopen for the season.
Summer (June-August)
Peak season for blue crabs, fresh clams, and lobster. All restaurants open, expect crowds at popular spots.
Fall (September-November)
Excellent oyster season begins. Blue crab continues through October. Fewer crowds, same great seafood.
Winter (December-February)
Prime oyster season. Many restaurants close, but the best year-round spots serve excellent seasonal menus.
Cape May - The Seafood Capital
Fresh-off-the-dock dining at the fishing port
The Lobster House
$$$Water ViewIconic Cape May complex on the fishing docks with restaurant, raw bar, fish market, and the famous Schooner American boat bar.
Signature dish: Whole steamed lobster
410 Bank Street
$$$$BYOBUpscale BYOB in a historic building with Cajun-Creole influenced seafood and romantic courtyard.
Signature dish: Seafood gumbo
Lucky Bones Backwater Grille
$$Water ViewLaid-back waterfront spot with great seafood, burgers, and an extensive craft beer selection.
Signature dish: Fish tacos
The Blue Pig Tavern
$$$Congress Hall restaurant serving refined seafood with local ingredients in a historic setting.
Signature dish: Crab cakes
Atlantic City & Margate
Historic fine dining and waterfront gems
Knife & Fork Inn
Atlantic CityHistoric fine dining | Elegant historic fine dining
Atlantic City landmark since 1912. Premier fine dining in a historic Prohibition-era speakeasy setting.
Try: Broiled lobster tail
Reservations neededDock's Oyster House
Atlantic CityOysters & classic seafood | Classic fine dining
Atlantic City's oldest restaurant since 1897. Four generations of family ownership with legendary raw bar.
Try: Oysters on the half shell
Reservations neededKelsey & Kims Southern Cafe
Atlantic CitySouthern-style seafood | Casual comfort food
Local favorite for Southern-style seafood with generous portions and homestyle cooking.
Try: Fried catfish platter
Steve & Cookie's By the Bay
MargateCreative seasonal seafood | Upscale casual with views
Margate institution with spectacular bay sunset views and Wine Spectator-awarded wine program.
Try: Pan-seared sea scallops
Reservations neededLong Beach Island
BYOB favorites and casual shore dining
Harvey Cedars Shellfish Co.
Harvey CedarsLobster rolls & fresh seafood | Casual BYOB
Casual BYOB legend with the best lobster rolls on LBI. Cash only, outdoor seating, pure shore vibes.
Try: Maine lobster roll
The Gables
Beach HavenFine dining seafood | Victorian elegance BYOB
LBI's most celebrated fine dining BYOB in a Victorian setting. Exceptional seafood preparations.
Try: Seared scallops
Reservations neededKubel's
Barnegat LightClassic shore seafood | Casual family favorite
Family-owned Barnegat Light institution serving classic seafood near the lighthouse since the 1950s.
Try: Steamed clams
The Dutchman's Brauhaus
Ship BottomGerman-influenced seafood | Casual beer hall
Unique German-style beer hall with excellent seafood and craft beers. Great for families.
Try: Beer-battered fish & chips
Sea Isle, Stone Harbor & Avalon
Crab houses and upscale BYOB dining
Mike's Seafood & Dock Restaurant
Sea Isle CitySteamed crabs & casual seafood | Casual waterfront crab house
Quintessential crab house on the bay with picnic tables, sunset views, and on-site fish market.
Try: Steamed blue crabs by the dozen
The Whitebrier
Stone HarborUpscale seafood | Upscale BYOB
Refined Seven Mile Island BYOB with exceptional fresh fish preparations and intimate setting.
Try: Fresh catch of the day
Reservations neededCafe Loren
AvalonCreative fine dining | Fine dining BYOB
Seven Mile Island's premier fine dining destination with creative seasonal seafood.
Try: Chef's seafood tasting
Reservations neededMonmouth County
Waterfront dining with NYC skyline views
Bahrs Landing
HighlandsWaterfront seafood | Historic waterfront
Historic waterfront restaurant since 1917 with spectacular views of Sandy Hook Bay and Manhattan skyline.
Try: Clam chowder
Reservations neededMcLoone's Pier House
Long BranchOceanfront dining | Upscale beachfront
Oceanfront dining directly on the beach with stunning views and extensive seafood menu.
Try: Seafood tower
Reservations neededRooney's Oceanfront
Long BranchBeach club dining | Beach club elegant
Iconic Long Branch beachfront restaurant with stunning Atlantic views and fresh seafood.
Try: Lobster linguine
Reservations neededLangosta Lounge
Asbury ParkBeach bar seafood | Trendy beach bar
Trendy beachfront spot on Asbury Park boardwalk with creative seafood and craft cocktails.
Try: Lobster tacos
Reservations neededSeafood Dining Tips
Ask About the Catch of the Day
The freshest option is always what the boats brought in that morning. Quality restaurants will tell you exactly when and where it was caught.
Visit on Weekdays
Summer weekends mean long waits at popular spots. Tuesday through Thursday offers the same fresh seafood with shorter waits and easier reservations.
Try Local Specialties
New Jersey blue crabs, Delaware Bay oysters, and local flounder are regional specialties you won't find as fresh anywhere else.
BYOB Saves Money
Many top seafood spots are BYOB with no corkage fee. A nice bottle of wine with fresh seafood without the 3x markup is a shore tradition.
Book Early for Summer
Popular spots book up 1-2 weeks in advance during peak season. Make reservations early, especially for sunset dining with water views.
Check the Fish Market
Many seafood restaurants have adjacent fish markets. If the line is too long, grab fresh fish to cook at your rental or for a beach picnic.
Fresh Fish Markets
Can't get a table? These markets sell the same fresh seafood for beach picnics or cooking at your rental.
The Lobster House Fish Market
Cape May
Attached to the famous restaurant. Same fresh catches, take-home prices.
Viking Village
Barnegat Light
Working fishing village with multiple vendors. The freshest on LBI.
Mike's Fish Market
Sea Isle City
On-site at the restaurant. Great for beach picnics and rentals.
Two Mile Landing Fish Market
Wildwood Crest
Fresh seafood from the adjacent marina. Local favorites at good prices.
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Seafood FAQ
What is the best seafood restaurant at the Jersey Shore?
The Lobster House in Cape May is widely considered the top seafood destination, with fresh-off-the-dock seafood and multiple dining venues. For fine dining, Knife & Fork Inn in Atlantic City (since 1912) and Dock's Oyster House (since 1897) offer exceptional experiences.
Where can I get the freshest seafood at the Jersey Shore?
The freshest seafood comes from restaurants with their own fishing fleets or dock locations. The Lobster House in Cape May is directly on the fishing docks. Viking Village in Barnegat Light supplies many local restaurants with same-day catches. Look for restaurants advertising "fresh off the boat" or "daily catch."
Are there BYOB seafood restaurants at the Jersey Shore?
Yes! Many excellent seafood spots are BYOB with no corkage fee. Harvey Cedars Shellfish Co. on LBI, The Gables in Beach Haven, and numerous Cape May restaurants welcome you to bring wine. This is a great way to pair your favorite wine with fresh seafood while saving money.
What is the best seafood dish to order at the Jersey Shore?
Local specialties include steamed blue crabs (in season May-October), fresh lobster, and local flounder. Crab cakes are a Jersey Shore staple. For the adventurous, try local oysters from Delaware Bay or fresh clams. The "catch of the day" at quality restaurants showcases what the boats brought in that morning.
When is the best time of year for seafood at the Jersey Shore?
Summer (June-September) offers the widest selection with all restaurants open and local catches at peak. Blue crab season runs May-October. However, fall and winter bring excellent oysters and less crowded dining. Many top restaurants operate year-round with seasonal menus.
Do I need reservations for seafood restaurants at the Jersey Shore?
For fine dining spots like Knife & Fork Inn, reservations are essential, especially on summer weekends. Casual spots like Mikes Seafood accept walk-ins but expect waits. During peak season (July-August), reserve 1-2 weeks ahead for popular restaurants.
What are the best waterfront seafood restaurants at the Jersey Shore?
The Lobster House (Cape May), Mike's Seafood (Sea Isle City), and Bahrs Landing (Highlands) offer iconic waterfront dining. Steve & Cookie's in Margate has spectacular bay sunset views. Many restaurants have outdoor decks perfect for summer dining.
Are seafood restaurants at the Jersey Shore expensive?
Prices vary widely. Casual spots like Mike's Seafood and Harvey Cedars Shellfish Co. offer meals for $20-35. Mid-range restaurants run $35-55 per person. Fine dining at Knife & Fork Inn or Dock's ranges $60-100+. BYOB restaurants help reduce overall costs.
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Ready for Fresh Seafood?
From dock to table, experience the best seafood the Jersey Shore has to offer.