11 Scenic New Jersey Waterfront Restaurants With Views Worth Lingering Over
I’ll admit it-I’m a sucker for a good view. And in New Jersey, some of the best dining experiences come with a side of sparkling water, salty breezes, and sailboats gliding by.
From hidden gems along the Delaware to bustling boardwalk bistros, I’ve lingered (and licked my plate clean) at these 11 waterfront restaurants. Trust me, the scenery is almost as good as the seafood. Almost.
1. Maddy Rose At Liberty House In Jersey City
Watching the Statue of Liberty glow at dusk while cutting into a perfectly cooked steak feels like winning the dinner lottery. Maddy Rose sits inside Liberty House, where panoramic Hudson River views stretch across to Manhattan’s iconic skyline and Ellis Island.
The menu leans heavily on polished steaks and fresh seafood, making it a solid choice for celebrations or romantic evenings. Sunset reservations disappear fast because golden hour here transforms ordinary dinners into unforgettable moments.
I once brought my parents here for their anniversary, and my mom spent half the meal photographing the view instead of her plate. The servers were patient and charming about it, which only made the night better.
2. Battello In Jersey City
Floor-to-ceiling windows frame the Hudson River like a living painting, and the industrial-chic design adds an effortlessly cool vibe to every meal. Battello serves contemporary Italian dishes with a seafood focus, so expect fresh catches paired with house-made pastas and creative flavor combinations.
The open layout and river views make this spot popular for both date nights and group gatherings. Reservations on weekends book up weeks ahead, especially for window seats that offer unobstructed Manhattan vistas.
Brunch here hits differently when you’re sipping prosecco and watching boats glide by under bright morning sun. The ricotta pancakes alone justify the trip.
3. Chart House In Weehawken
Manhattan’s skyline never looked better than from Chart House’s perch along the Hudson River in Weehawken. This classic seafood-and-steaks house has been serving up sweeping city views for years, and the panorama remains as impressive as ever.
The menu sticks to tried-and-true favorites like buttery lobster tails, prime rib, and fresh fish prepared simply to let quality ingredients shine. Large windows wrap around the dining room, so nearly every table scores a view worth posting.
Weeknight dinners here feel more relaxed than weekend crowds, giving you space to actually enjoy the scenery. Arrive before sunset to watch the city lights blink on one by one.
4. Maritime Parc With The Feathered Fox And Sky Room In Jersey City
This waterfront dining complex offers multiple ways to enjoy the skyline, from the wraparound terraces to the upscale dining rooms inside. Maritime Parc houses both The Feathered Fox and Sky Room, giving you options depending on your mood and occasion.
The outdoor spaces shine during warmer months, where drinks and skyline views pair beautifully with small plates and shareable dishes. Special occasions feel even more special here, thanks to the combination of polished service and jaw-dropping Hudson River panoramas.
I celebrated a friend’s engagement here last summer, and the terrace became our backdrop for endless toasts and laughter. The staff even surprised us with complimentary champagne when they heard the news.
5. Rooney’s Oceanfront Restaurant In Long Branch
Sand, surf, and seafood come together at Rooney’s, where true oceanfront dining means the Atlantic waves crash just steps from your table. Long Branch’s beach serves as your dining room backdrop, making every meal feel like a mini vacation.
The menu celebrates coastal classics, from lobster rolls to grilled fish, all served with that unbeatable ocean breeze. Sunset dinners here are practically mandatory, as the sky turns shades of pink and orange over the water.
Outdoor seating fills up quickly on summer evenings, so calling ahead saves disappointment. Watching surfers catch waves while you enjoy clam chowder adds a layer of entertainment you won’t find inland.
6. McLoone’s Pier House In Long Branch At Pier Village
Glass walls wrap around this Pier Village gem, bringing you so close to the surf you can almost taste the salt in the air. McLoone’s Pier House delivers classic Jersey Shore dining with memorable Atlantic Ocean views that make every meal feel special.
The menu covers all the shore favorites, from fresh catches to hearty steaks, served in a bright and airy space that maximizes those water views. Weekend brunch here draws crowds for good reason, as mimosas and ocean panoramas create the perfect lazy-morning combination.
I’ve watched summer storms roll in from my table here, and it’s oddly thrilling to see nature’s drama unfold while staying warm and dry. The staff keeps the energy upbeat even when weather turns moody.
7. Bahrs Landing In Highlands At Sandy Hook Bay
Dockside seating and sweeping Sandy Hook Bay views make Bahrs Landing a family favorite for fresh seafood and relaxed waterfront vibes. This spot has been serving hungry diners on the water for decades, building a loyal following that spans generations.
The menu keeps things simple and seafood-focused, with daily catches and classic preparations that let the fish do the talking. Outdoor tables along the dock offer front-row seats to boats coming and going, adding movement and life to your meal.
Kids love watching the boats while parents enjoy cold drinks and crab cakes in the sunshine. The casual atmosphere means you can show up in beach clothes and still feel right at home.
8. The Lobster House In Cape May At Fisherman’s Wharf
Cape May Harbor spreads out before you at this dockside seafood staple, where multiple levels and outdoor spaces offer different perspectives on the working waterfront. The Lobster House has been a Fisherman’s Wharf institution for years, known for serving the freshest catches in a genuinely nautical atmosphere.
Fishing boats dock nearby, and the smell of saltwater mixes with grilling seafood to create that authentic shore experience. The raw bar stays busy with shuckers cracking open oysters and clams while diners watch the harbor activity unfold.
I always grab a drink first, soaking in the sunset before heading inside for dinner. The wait is worth it when your table overlooks boats bobbing in the golden hour light.
9. The Dining Room At Molly Pitcher Inn In Red Bank
Panoramic Navesink River views stretch across the elegant dining room at Molly Pitcher Inn, where refined coastal cuisine meets old-school hospitality. This Red Bank spot brings a touch of formality to waterfront dining, making it ideal for special occasions that deserve a little extra polish.
The menu highlights local ingredients prepared with care, from fresh fish to seasonal vegetables that complement the riverside setting. Large windows ensure every table enjoys the water views, whether you’re there for lunch or dinner.
Service here feels attentive without being stuffy, striking that perfect balance between professional and warm. Watching sailboats drift by while enjoying expertly prepared seafood reminds you why waterfront dining remains unbeatable.
10. 26 West On The Navesink In Red Bank
Riverside dining meets contemporary coastal cooking at 26 West, where the terrace becomes prime real estate during sunset hours. The Navesink River flows peacefully below while you sip craft drinks and sample creative dishes that balance innovation with approachability.
The menu changes seasonally, keeping things fresh and giving regulars reasons to return throughout the year. Terrace seating books up fast on warm evenings, as the combination of river breezes and golden light creates an irresistible atmosphere.
Weeknight happy hours here feel like mini celebrations, with locals gathering to unwind and watch the water. The bartenders know their stuff, mixing drinks that taste as good as the views look.
11. Knife And Fork Inn In Atlantic City Near The Marina
History and upscale dining collide at Knife and Fork Inn, where the Atlantic City marina provides a scenic backdrop to this steak-and-seafood institution. The building itself carries decades of stories, and the dining rooms and terrace spaces maintain that classic elegance while offering modern comfort.
Steaks here are aged and perfectly prepared, while seafood arrives fresh from nearby waters to ensure quality in every bite. Marina views add a nautical touch to your meal, with boats swaying gently in their slips just beyond the windows.
I love the old-school glamour this place maintains, from the white tablecloths to the polished service that makes you feel like a regular even on your first visit. It’s Atlantic City dining at its most refined.