Best Jersey Shore Restaurants
From legendary seafood houses to upscale BYOB gems, discover the best dining at the Jersey Shore for every taste and budget.
5
Top Seafood Spots
5
Best BYOBs
6
Boardwalk Favorites
Best Seafood Restaurants
The Lobster House
$$$Iconic waterfront institution with their own fishing fleet. Fresh-off-the-boat seafood since 1954.
Must order: Lobster bisque & fresh catch
Klein's Fish Market
$$Local favorite for fresh fish since 1929. Market and restaurant combo with no-frills perfection.
Must order: Fried clam strips
Knife & Fork Inn
$$$$Historic 1912 speakeasy turned fine dining. Elegant atmosphere with impeccable seafood.
Must order: Crab cakes & oysters
Harvey Cedars Shellfish Co.
$$BYOBCasual BYOB with legendary lobster rolls. Cash only, outdoor seating, pure LBI vibes.
Must order: Lobster roll & clam chowder
Dock's Oyster House
$$$Oldest restaurant in Atlantic City (1897). White tablecloth seafood tradition.
Must order: Raw bar & crab imperial
Best BYOB Restaurants
Bring your own wine - no corkage fees in NJ!
The Ebbitt Room
Cape MayCape May's finest dining in the Virginia Hotel. Farm-to-table excellence, bring your best bottle.
Try: Tasting menu
Reservations neededPlantation Restaurant
Harvey CedarsLBI institution for special occasions. Elegant setting, impeccable service, no corkage.
Try: Seafood tower
Reservations neededSpiaggetta
Stone HarborIntimate Italian BYOB with house-made pasta. Reservations essential in summer.
Try: Homemade pasta & meatballs
Reservations neededPascal's
Long Beach IslandClassic French bistro on LBI. Romantic atmosphere, perfect for date night with wine.
Try: Duck confit
Reservations neededLangosta Lounge
Asbury ParkBeachfront vibes with creative menu. Technically BYOB for wine (has beer/cocktails).
Try: Tacos & boardwalk fries
Reservations neededBest Boardwalk Food
Cheesesteak
White House Sub Shop
Atlantic CityNot on the boardwalk but essential AC eating. Presidential-approved subs.
Frozen Custard
Kohr Bros
Multiple Locations
Orange swirl is the signature. Found on most major boardwalks.
Curley Fries
Multiple Stands
WildwoodWildwood invented the boardwalk curley fry. Accept no substitutes.
Salt Water Taffy
Fralinger's
Atlantic CityOriginal salt water taffy since 1885. AC boardwalk tradition.
Best Restaurants by Town
Cape May
Fine Dining & BYOB
Top pick: The Ebbitt Room
Asbury Park
Trendy & Eclectic
Top pick: Pascal & Sabine
Atlantic City
Celebrity Chefs
Top pick: Gordon Ramsay Steak
Long Beach Island
Casual Seafood
Top pick: Harvey Cedars Shellfish
Stone Harbor
Upscale BYOB
Top pick: Spiaggetta
Ocean City
Family-Friendly
Top pick: Jon & Patty's
Dining FAQ
What does BYOB mean at Jersey Shore restaurants?
BYOB (Bring Your Own Bottle) is extremely popular at the Jersey Shore. Many upscale restaurants don't have liquor licenses but allow you to bring your own wine or beer with no corkage fee. This is a huge advantage in NJ—you can enjoy a fine meal with your favorite wines at retail prices.
Do I need reservations at Jersey Shore restaurants?
During peak summer (July-August), reservations are strongly recommended for popular restaurants, especially on weekends. Many Cape May and LBI restaurants book up weeks in advance. Boardwalk dining and casual spots typically don't take reservations.
Which Jersey Shore town has the best restaurants?
Cape May is widely considered the dining capital of the Jersey Shore, with numerous fine dining and BYOB options. Asbury Park has a trendy food scene, Atlantic City offers celebrity chef restaurants, and LBI has excellent casual seafood. Each town has its own culinary personality.
Are Jersey Shore restaurants expensive?
Prices vary widely. Boardwalk food is affordable ($5-15 per item). Casual restaurants run $15-25 per entree. Fine dining in Cape May or Atlantic City can be $40-80+ per person. BYOB restaurants offer good value since you save on drink markup.
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