Best Restaurants in Belmar

About Belmar

Belmar operates as two different towns depending on which beach you pick. The north end—roughly 1st through 10th Avenues—draws families who want a quiet beach day with easy access to the marina. The south end—10th through 18th Avenues—anchors the shore's legendary summer party scene, centered on D'Jais and the cluster of bars that have been drawing college crowds and young professionals since the 1980s. Bruce Springsteen still drops in at D'Jais for surprise appearances. Pick your beach accordingly. The beach itself is classic North Jersey shore—a mile of sandy coastline backed by a proper boardwalk. Badges cost $12/day or $80/season (under 13 free). The surf breaks here are the real deal; Belmar has one of the most dedicated local surf communities at the shore, with consistent waves that draw boarders year-round. Lifeguards patrol through Labor Day. The north end beaches near the marina stay quieter; the south end beaches near the bars get the younger, louder crowd. The annual NJ Sandcastle Contest each July draws sculptors from around the world and packs the beach with spectators. The boardwalk runs the length of town with the standard mix of arcades, food, and beach supply shops. The 9th Avenue Pier offers fishing access without needing a boat—striped bass, bluefish, and fluke depending on season. Taylor Pavilion at 5th Avenue hosts free summer concerts and community events. The marina area on the Shark River features restaurants, boat tours, and charter fishing operations. Unlike boardwalk-only towns, Belmar has a legitimate downtown on Main Street with year-round shops and restaurants a few blocks from the beach. Dining ranges from beach-town basics to genuine foodie destinations. Klein's Fish Market at the marina has served fresh seafood since 1929—locals grab takeout for home or eat at the picnic tables overlooking the boats. Brandl and 10th Ave Burrito bring more contemporary options. The bar/restaurant scene near D'Jais offers late-night food alongside the drinks. Expect $25-40/person at sit-down spots, $12-18 for casual fare. BYOB is common at smaller restaurants off the main strip. Young families should stick to the north end; the south end gets loud on summer weekends — the bars start filling by mid-afternoon and don't slow down until after midnight. For surfers, the breaks near the Shark River inlet are the most consistent in this stretch of coast. Point Pleasant Beach is 10 minutes south if you want a boardwalk with rides; Asbury Park is 10 minutes north if you want something to do that doesn't involve a bar. Belmar is where you go when you want both a beach and a night out, in the same afternoon.

Why Belmar for Restaurants?

Belmar in Monmouth County draws visitors for its diverse and nightlife character. The restaurants scene reflects that mix — you can find options ranging from casual to upscale throughout this monmouth County beach town.

What Makes Belmar Special

• diverse atmosphere
• nightlife atmosphere
• family friendly atmosphere
• lively atmosphere
• surf culture atmosphere

Planning Your Visit

Belmar is accessible from major cities, making it perfect for day trips or weekend getaways. For the best restaurants experience, consider visiting during shoulder season (May-June or September-October) when crowds are lighter but most establishments are open.

Getting to Belmar

• From NYC: 1hr 5min
• From Philadelphia: 1hr 20min
• From Newark: 50min

Local Tips

• Parking: Metered parking east of Ocean Ave. Free parking west of Ocean Ave (fills early).
• Best Time: Weekday lunches offer shorter waits at popular spots.
• Reservations: Book ahead for summer weekends, especially waterfront venues.