10 Coastal New Jersey Restaurants With Ocean Views That Locals Can’t Get Enough Of
Jersey Shore summers have always meant one thing to me: unforgettable dining experiences paired with sweeping ocean views that somehow make every bite taste even better.
Growing up in Monmouth County, I came to know these seaside gems through family celebrations, birthday dinners, and spontaneous weekend outings where food and scenery blended into lasting memories.
There’s simply nothing like watching waves crash against the sand while savoring fresh seafood pulled from local waters just hours before. The ten restaurants I’ve gathered here perfectly balance mouthwatering cuisine with breathtaking Atlantic panoramas—spots that keep locals and longtime visitors returning summer after summer.
1. The Lobster House – Cape May
Perched at the southernmost tip of Jersey, The Lobster House serves up the freshest catches with a side of spectacular harbor views. My family’s tradition of celebrating birthdays here spans three generations.
Their signature lobster bisque warms the soul even on foggy evenings when the boats gently rock in the harbor. The raw bar showcases oysters harvested that morning.
What makes this place magical is their own fleet of fishing boats that supply the restaurant daily. You can literally watch your dinner arrive at the dock while sipping their famous rum punch on the waterfront deck!
2. Rooney’s Oceanfront – Long Branch
Morning walks along the Long Branch boardwalk always lead me to Rooney’s for their legendary Sunday brunch. Floor-to-ceiling windows frame the Atlantic Ocean so perfectly you’ll forget there’s glass between you and the waves.
Summer evenings transform this place into a lively hub where locals gather for happy hour specials and live music. The seafood paella here changed my understanding of what perfect rice should taste like.
Last autumn, I watched a full moon rise over the ocean while enjoying their seasonal pumpkin ravioli – a memory that gets me through winter until beach season returns. The outdoor patio puts you close enough to hear the surf!
3. Oceanos – Fair Lawn
Hidden away from the typical shore spots, Oceanos brings Mediterranean flair to North Jersey with a waterfront setting that surprises first-time visitors. My grandmother still talks about their grilled octopus years after her first bite.
Family-owned for decades, the warm hospitality makes you feel like you’ve been invited to a Greek island feast. Sunlight dances across the water visible from nearly every table in the house.
Chef Peter sources seafood from the same suppliers that serve Manhattan’s top restaurants, but without the Manhattan prices. The outdoor terrace becomes magical at sunset when string lights reflect off the water and the Manhattan skyline twinkles in the distance.
4. Avenue Le Club – Long Branch
Stepping into Avenue feels like teleporting to the French Riviera without leaving Jersey. The sleek white decor and soaring ceilings create a backdrop that lets the ocean view take center stage.
My sister’s engagement celebration here turned magical when dolphins appeared offshore during champagne toasts. Their French-inspired menu elevates local ingredients – the Jersey scallops with truffle essence haunt my dreams.
Summer weekends bring a fashionable crowd that transitions from beach day to elegant dinner without missing a beat. The wraparound porch offers the most coveted seats in the house, where you can feel the ocean breeze while sampling their incredible raw bar selection and watching the sun melt into the horizon.
5. Sirena Ristorante – Long Branch
Romance blooms naturally at Sirena, where Italian cuisine meets breathtaking oceanfront views. My first date with my husband happened here – we still request the same corner table by the window years later.
Hand-rolled pasta dishes change seasonally, but their seafood risotto remains a constant masterpiece. The sound of waves provides a soothing soundtrack to intimate conversations over candlelit dinners.
Owner Rocco visits tables personally, sharing stories about his grandmother’s recipes that inspired the menu. The recently renovated deck puts you so close to the beach that during high tide, it feels like you’re dining on a luxury cruise ship rather than a restaurant just steps from the boardwalk.
6. The Shrimp Box – Point Pleasant Beach
Unpretentious and utterly delightful, The Shrimp Box won my heart during college summers when I waited tables at neighboring restaurants. After shifts, we’d gather here for enormous seafood platters and cold beers while watching fishing boats return to the marina.
Their complimentary salad bar seems like a relic from another era – in the best possible way. Families have been celebrating everything from graduations to fishing tournament victories here for generations.
Captain John’s famous she-crab soup has remained unchanged for 40+ years, and locals would revolt if they ever altered the recipe. The sprawling deck offers 180-degree views of the commercial fishing fleet, connecting diners directly to the source of what’s on their plates.
7. Martell’s Tiki Bar – Point Pleasant Beach
Summer memories flood back whenever I walk onto Martell’s iconic pier extending over the Atlantic. As teenagers, my friends and I saved up just to splurge on their famous frozen lemonades and boardwalk fries.
The thatched roof and bamboo decor might seem kitschy anywhere else, but here it creates the perfect laid-back beach vibe. Their seafood steam pots loaded with clams, mussels, corn and potatoes define casual shore dining.
Hurricane Sandy nearly destroyed this beloved landmark, but locals rallied to rebuild it better than ever. Now solar-powered and storm-resistant, Martell’s continues its 70-year tradition of serving simple, delicious food literally above the waves, where you can feel the structure gently sway with the tide.
8. Laguna Grill & Rum Bar – Brigantine
Just north of Atlantic City’s glitz, Laguna Grill offers a beachfront escape that captures authentic Jersey Shore charm. My annual girls’ weekend always kicks off here with their signature rum buckets and conch fritters at sunset.
Sand literally surrounds the restaurant – you can come straight from swimming to a table without putting on shoes. The sound of live reggae music blends perfectly with crashing waves just yards away.
Owner Dave rescued this spot after a devastating fire in 2012 and transformed it into a local institution. The kitchen serves breakfast, lunch and dinner directly on the beach, making it possible to watch the sunrise with coffee and return for stargazing with key lime pie without ever leaving the sound of the surf.
9. McLoone’s Pier House – Long Branch
McLoone’s curved design means every table gets an ocean view – a fact I appreciate during winter nor’easters when watching dramatic waves from their cozy fireside seats becomes dinner theater. My parents celebrated their 40th anniversary here last year.
Brunch brings a jazz trio and their famous Bloody Mary bar topped with practically a full appetizer menu of garnishes. The lobster mac and cheese converted my seafood-hating nephew into a true believer.
Owner Tim McLoone, a local music legend, occasionally performs with his band during special events. The restaurant’s position directly on the boardwalk means you can walk off your meal with an immediate beach stroll, making it the perfect year-round destination regardless of weather.
10. The Windjammer – Somers Point
Generations of my family have celebrated catching ‘the big one’ at The Windjammer after days spent fishing the back bays. This sailor-themed spot sits directly on the Great Egg Harbor Bay with views stretching to Ocean City’s skyline.
Fishing trophies and nautical artifacts cover every wall, each with a story the longtime bartenders happily share. Their seafood chowder recipe remains unchanged since 1966, and locals wouldn’t have it any other way.
Summer evenings bring spectacular sunsets that paint the bay in gold and pink while fishing boats parade back to harbor. The dockside seating lets you wave to passing vessels while enjoying simple, perfectly executed classics like flounder stuffed with crab that tastes exactly like summer in South Jersey.