Best Waterfront Dining at the Jersey Shore
Dine with stunning bay, ocean, and marina views at the Jersey Shore's most scenic restaurants. From fresh seafood on the dock to upscale oceanfront dining.
Why Waterfront Dining at the Jersey Shore?
The Jersey Shore offers some of the East Coast's most spectacular waterfront dining experiences, with restaurants perched along bays, rivers, marinas, and oceanfront locations from Sandy Hook to Cape May.
Whether you're watching the sunset over Barnegat Bay, enjoying fresh-caught seafood at a marina restaurant, or dining oceanside in Cape May, waterfront dining elevates any Jersey Shore meal into a memorable experience.
Many waterfront restaurants source seafood directly from local fishing boats, ensuring the freshest catches. Combine that with stunning views and salt air breezes, and you have the perfect recipe for an unforgettable dining experience.
Cape May County
Oceanfront elegance and harbor-side seafood
Iconic Cape May seafood destination with harbor views and their own fishing fleet.
Casual waterfront spot famous for all-you-can-eat crab feasts and bay views.
Casual waterfront dining with dock access and stunning sunset views over the bay.
Two Mile Landing
Sprawling waterfront complex with multiple restaurants and marina views.
Urie's Waterfront
$$Relaxed waterfront eatery with panoramic bay views and excellent seafood.
Atlantic County
Marina dining and bay-side gems
Atlantic City's oldest restaurant with elegant seafood and raw bar since 1897.
Historic landmark steakhouse with old-world charm and impeccable steaks.
Bayside gem at Gardner's Basin with fresh seafood and marina atmosphere.
Vic's Pizza
Legendary Jersey Shore pizza spot with beach views and devoted following.
Steve & Cookie's By the Bay
$$$Upscale bay-side dining with beautiful views and refined American cuisine.
Ocean County
Barnegat Bay beauty and island dining
Unique German-American spot with spectacular bay views and dock dining.
Beloved LBI institution with harbor views and legendary lobster rolls.
Elegant waterfront dining with stunning bay sunset views and refined seafood.
Mud City Crab House
Casual crab house with bay views and famous steamed crabs.
Daymark Bar & Restaurant
$$$Modern marina restaurant with craft cocktails and elevated coastal cuisine.
Monmouth County
River views and shore classics
Bahrs Landing
Family-owned waterfront institution since 1917 with bay and NYC skyline views.
Inlet Cafe
Casual riverside spot with great views and solid seafood at fair prices.
Popular waterfront seafood restaurant with marina views and fresh catches.
McLoone's Pier House
Oceanfront dining in Pier Village with stunning Atlantic views.
Rooney's Oceanfront
$$$$Upscale oceanfront steakhouse with white-tablecloth service and Atlantic views.
Waterfront Dining Tips
Reserve for Sunset
Book 2-3 weeks ahead for sunset dinner reservations, especially on weekends during summer.
Arrive by Boat
Many waterfront restaurants have docks for boat tie-ups. Call ahead to reserve dock space.
Happy Hour Deals
Waterfront spots often have excellent happy hour specials from 4-6pm with discounted apps and drinks.
Dress for the Breeze
Bring a light jacket—waterfront dining can be breezy even on warm summer evenings.
FAQ
Do I need reservations for waterfront restaurants?
Yes, especially during summer weekends and for sunset dining. Book 1-2 weeks ahead for popular spots like The Lobster House, Bahrs Landing, and McLoone's Pier House. Weekday lunches are usually easier to get without reservations.
Which waterfront restaurants allow you to arrive by boat?
Many Jersey Shore waterfront restaurants have docks for boaters including Bahrs Landing in Highlands, The Galley in Point Pleasant, Kubel's in Barnegat Light, Schellenger's in Wildwood, and Two Mile Landing in Wildwood Crest. Call ahead to reserve dock space.
What's the best time for sunset dining at the Jersey Shore?
For the best sunset views, aim for bay-side restaurants on the west side of barrier islands. Book dinner reservations 1-2 hours before sunset. Peak summer sunsets are around 8:15-8:30pm, while spring/fall sunsets are earlier (6-7pm).
Are waterfront restaurants kid-friendly?
Most casual waterfront spots are very family-friendly, especially lunch and early dinner. The Crab House in Cape May, Mud City Crab House, and Bahrs Landing all welcome families. Upscale spots like Rooney's and Knife & Fork Inn are better for adults.
What should I wear to waterfront restaurants?
Most Jersey Shore waterfront restaurants are casual—shorts and sandals are fine for lunch. Evening dining is upscale casual (no swimsuits). Bring a light jacket as waterfront spots can be breezy. A few upscale spots like Rooney's and Knife & Fork Inn suggest business casual.
Which waterfront restaurants have the best views?
For ocean views: McLoone's Pier House and Rooney's in Long Branch. For bay sunset views: Steve & Cookie's in Margate, The Waterfront in Beach Haven, Bahrs Landing in Highlands (NYC skyline!). For harbor views: The Lobster House in Cape May, Kubel's in Barnegat Light.
Are there affordable waterfront dining options?
Yes! Vic's Pizza in Margate is BYOB with beach views. Inlet Cafe in Highlands offers solid seafood at fair prices. Many waterfront spots have excellent happy hour deals from 4-6pm with discounted appetizers and drinks.
Do waterfront restaurants serve locally caught seafood?
Many do! The Lobster House in Cape May has its own fishing fleet. Kubel's in Barnegat Light sources from local boats. Bahrs Landing and Gilchrist also prioritize local catches. Ask your server about the day's fresh catches.