The Garden State has 130 miles of gorgeous coastline, and, when combined with numerous resplendent rivers and lovely lakes, we definitely don’t have a shortage of scenic beauty. So there’s nothing better on a beautiful day than dining on delicious food while enjoying those scenic views at some of the best waterfront restaurants in New Jersey  And yet, with so many from which to choose, where does one begin? Read on as we these 14 incredible New Jersey waterfront restaurants that will have you clamoring for more!

1. Alice's, Lake Hopatcong
Alice’s Facebook page
Alice's, 24 Nolans Point Park Rd, Lake Hopatcong, NJ 07849, USA
Facebook/Alice's
Enjoy delicious "new-American" cuisine, a full bar, live music on the lower level, and sprawling lakefront views. Dine indoors or opt for the outdoor patio at this bucket-list-worthy restaurant.
2. The Black River Barn, Randolph
Facebook/The Black River Barn
Black River Barn, 1178 Route 10, West St, Randolph, NJ 07869, USA
Facebok/The Black River Barn
The Black River Barn offers both indoor and outdoor dining along with casual pub fare. Music lovers will appreciate Black River Barn's nighttime scene - karaoke, open mic nights, live shows, and more! Oh, and did we mention that the views here were jaw dropping?
3. Battello, Jersey City
Facebook/Battello
Battello, 502 Washington Blvd, Jersey City, NJ 07310, USA
Facebook/Battello
One of the best spots for NYC views, Battello serves lunch, brunch, dinner, and a light bar menu... and it's one of the most romantic places to dine in New Jersey! You'll find Italian fare here, but if you prefer American cuisine, check out their sister restaurant, The Kitchen Step. The same executive chef (Ryan DePersio) is behind both culinary gems.
4. Chart House, Weehawken
Vijay Thota/Google Maps
Chart House, 1700 Harbor Blvd, Weehawken, NJ 07086, USA
Chart House Facebook Page
The reviews of this chain restaurant were so spectacular, it was impossible to leave Chart House off the list. The seafood spot also has an amazing hot chocolate lava cake. But what really sets this restaurant apart are, of course, the views!
5. McLoone's Boathouse, West Orange
Facebook/McLoone's Boathouse
McLoone's Boathouse, 9 Cherry Ln, West Orange, NJ 07052, USA
McLoone's Boathouse Facebook page
Look out on the reservoir at South Mountain Reservation while enjoying your meal. Brunch is a favorite at this lakeside spot in NJ.
6. Lambertville Station, Lambertville
Facebook/Lambertville Station
Lambertville Station Restaurant and Inn, 11 Bridge St, Lambertville, NJ 08530, USA
Lambertville Station Restaurant and Inn Facebook Page
This restaurant and inn offers American cuisine, served on the banks of the Delaware River. Housed in a renovated 19th century train station, this scenic spot is a local favorite.
7. Patriots Crossing, Titusville
Facebook/Patriots Crossing
Patriots Crossing Tavern & Wine Shop, 1339 River Rd, Titusville, NJ 08560, USA
Facebook/Patriots Crossing
This casual American bistro offers great views of the Delaware River and D+R Canal. Enjoy indoor and outdoor dining and an attached liquor store. In terms of riverfront dining in New Jersey, Patriots Crossing wins!

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8. Carlucci's Waterfront Grill, Mount Laurel
Carlucci's Waterfront Facebook page
Carlucci's Waterfront, 876 Centerton Rd, Mt Laurel Township, NJ 08054, USA
Facebook/Carluccis
Located on the banks of the Rancocas Creek, Carlucci's serves up Italian cuisine, steak and seafood. It's one of the top spots for outdoor dining in the Garden State!
9. Curtin's Wharf, Burlington
Facebook/Curtins Wharf
Curtin's Wharf, 501 E Pearl St, Burlington, NJ 08016, USA
Facebook/Curtins Wharf
Located in the charming and historic town of Burlington, this seasonal spot offers live music several nights a week and is located right on a marina.
10. Rat's Restaurant, Hamilton
Facebook/Rat's Restaurant
Rat's Restaurant, 16 Fairgrounds Rd, Hamilton Township, NJ 08619, USA
Facebook/Rats
It's hard to imagine a restaurant in a setting any more beautiful than Rat's Restaurant in Hamilton, New Jersey. This fantastic French restaurant located on the Grounds for Sculpture may be the most whimsical on the list - it is inspired by a Claude Monet painting.
11. The Chop House, Gibbsboro
The ChopHouse Facebook page
The ChopHouse, 4 Lakeview Dr S, Gibbsboro, NJ 08026, USA
Facebook/The Chop House
This lovely lakeside restaurant in New Jersey is picture-perfect, and regarded as one of the best steakhouses in New Jersey.
12. Harpoon Willy's, Manasquan
Facebook/Harpoon Willy's
Harpoon Willy's, 2655 River Rd, Manasquan, NJ 08736, USA
Harpoon Willy's Facebook page
This waterfront dining spot offers some of the best burgers around. Enjoy live entertainment and other fun events here, too!
13. River Winds, West Deptford
Facebook/The River Winds
Riverwinds Restaurant, 1075 Riverwinds Dr, West Deptford, NJ 08086, USA
The Riverwinds Restaurant Facebook page
Enjoy scenic Delaware River views with Philadelphia in the distance. Cuisine is a mix of seafood and modern American.
14. The Lobster House, Cape May
Facebook/The Lobster House
The Lobster House, 906 Schellengers Landing Rd, Cape May, NJ 08204, USA
Facebook/The Lobster House
This longtime reader favorite has some of the freshest seafood around. You have to check out the seasonal raw bar while you're here.

Please note that this list is not a ranking, rather the restaurants are listed primarily from north to south. We think you’ll all agree that each is amazing in its own way. If you were to do a search for “waterfront restaurants near me” at least a few of these would most certainly pop up at the top of the list!

There were so many more restaurants that could have made this list. What do you consider to be among the best waterfront restaurants in New Jersey? What are your favorite spots to visit? Let us know in the comments below!

For those who enjoy swimming, check out this hidden lake in New Jersey with some of the bluest water in the state!

If you’re interested in making a weekend trip to New Jersey, you’ll find some great deals on accommodations at Hotels.com.

If you’re still in the mood for more New Jersey adventures, take a look at this video:

 

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More to Explore

More to Love about New Jersey

Lysa Allman-Baldwin | July 24, 2023

Where can we find the best resorts in New Jersey?

  • The Nassau Inn in Princeton is a historic hotel with its luxurious accommodations and on-site restaurant.
  • The Chateau Inn and Suites in Spring Lake is great for a family getaway and within walking distance of the town's two-mile boardwalk, beaches, and more!
  • Harrah's Resort Atlantic City in Atlantic City is popular for its gorgeous indoor pool oasis complete with a poolside bar.

Read on to learn more about some of the many other fantastic resorts in New Jersey.

What are some other things we can do in the summer in New Jersey?

  • The Sedge Island Natural Resource Education Center, located on Sedge Island, is the only marine conservation zone in the state and brimming with astonishing wildlife, beautiful marshes, and fun activities.
  • The Strawberry Avenue Boardwalk, located in Port Norris, is a unique platform that meanders through the New Jersey wetlands in this area.
  • Island Beach State Park, located on the Barnegat Peninsula in Berkeley Township, is a great place for hiking biking, kayaking, and more.

Read on to learn more about some of the many other exciting things you can do in the summer in New Jersey.

Where are some fun facts about New Jersey?

  • The Atlantic City Boardwalk is the oldest, and the longest, in the world.
  • The Gold Dome on the Trenton State House was funded by school children.
  • New Jersey has more horses per square mile than any other state - even Kentucky.

Read on to learn more about some of the many other fun facts about New Jersey.

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