Browse the top restaurants in highlands with pricing, features, and local tips to help you choose.
Top 4 Restaurants
Bahrs Landing
$$Legendary waterfront seafood restaurant since 1917. Three floors of dining with bay views. Famous for clams, lobster, and fresh catch.
Highland House
$$Local bar and restaurant with good pub food. Popular with locals year-round.
Inlet Cafe
$$Waterfront dining with deck overlooking the water. Fresh seafood and American fare in a relaxed setting.
The Clam Hut
$Casual clam bar with walk-up window and picnic tables. Quick, fresh, and affordable. Perfect summer stop.
Our Top Picks Reviewed
Best Overall: Bahrs Landing
Bahrs Landing stands out as our top pick for restaurants in Highlands.Legendary waterfront seafood restaurant since 1917. Three floors of dining with bay views. Famous for clams, lobster, and fresh catch. At $$ pricing, it delivers excellent value for the quality. Notable features include waterfront, historic, outdoor deck. Specializing in seafood, this spot is perfect for both locals and visitors.
Best Value: Inlet Cafe
Inlet Cafe delivers solid quality at $$ pricing.Waterfront dining with deck overlooking the water. Fresh seafood and American fare in a relaxed setting. A reliable pick for families and groups on a set budget.
Best for Special Occasions: Highland House
For a nicer night out in Highlands, Highland House is a strong choice.Local bar and restaurant with good pub food. Popular with locals year-round. The quality and atmosphere hold up well at this price level.
What to Know Before You Go
The restaurants scene in Highlands varies by season. During peak summer months (June through August), wait times at popular spots can exceed an hour, especially on weekend evenings. We recommend making reservations at least a week in advance for weekend dining. Off-season visitors (September through May) will find it much easier to secure tables, and many establishments offer seasonal specials and promotions.
Price-wise, expect to spend between $15-30 per person at $ spots, $30-50 at $$ establishments, $50-80 at $$$ venues, and $80+ at $$$$ fine dining locations. Most Highlands restaurants are BYOB-friendly, which can significantly reduce your total bill if you bring your own wine or beer.
Quick Comparison
| Name | Price | Best For | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bahrs Landing | $$ | Families & Groups | waterfront, historic |
| Highland House | $$ | Families & Groups | local hangout, pub food |
| Inlet Cafe | $$ | Families & Groups | waterfront, deck |
| The Clam Hut | $ | Budget-Conscious | clam bar, casual |
Planning Your Visit to Highlands?
Check out our complete guide to Highlands with beaches, events, parking info, and more.
View Highlands Guide →Highlands is a historic, waterfront Monmouth County beach town about 1hr from New York City. Parking, beach badges, events, and the full picture beyond restaurants are in the complete Highlands guide.