These Restaurants In New Jersey Have The Best Seafood EVER
Have you ever wondered what the best seafood restaurants in New Jersey are? It’s a fair question, as the Garden State is home to some of the best seafood spots in the Mid Atlantic. From unassuming little clam shacks and massive all-you-can-eat seafood buffets to hole-in-the-wall spots serving fresh oysters to hidden gems dishing out the best lobster rolls in the world (sorry, Maine!), here are the best seafood restaurants in New Jersey for when the craving strikes for some fresh-off-the-boat fare.
1. The Old Causeway Steak & Oyster House, Manahawkin
This Jersey Shore staple was named "Best of the Shore" by Philadelphia Magazine, and it's no surprise why. The menu is extensive, the atmosphere is amazing, and the seafood is fresh and delicious.
The Old Causeway Steak & Oyster House, 1201 E Bay Ave, Manahawkin, NJ 08050, USA
Molos Restaurant is a perennial Garden State favorite that serves amazing Greek seafood with incredible service and spectacular views. Open for brunch, lunch, and dinner, Molos also offers happy hour specials. Enjoy shrimp, salmon, lobster, crab, octopus and more.
Another New Jersey favorite, Kunkel's offers a full and varied menu, including a kid's menu, so you'll find something for everyone. The dessert selection is sizable, and if you're a fan of spicy foods, be sure to try the Fiery Thai Calamari.
Kunkel's Seafood & Steakhouse, 920 W Kings Hwy, Haddon Heights, NJ 08035, USA
Humble and unassuming, this Jersey Shore staple was named "Best of the Shore" by Philadelphia Magazine, and it's no surprise why. The menu is extensive, the atmosphere is amazing, and the seafood is fresh and delicious.
Mike's Seafood - Sea Isle City, NJ, 4222 Park Rd, Sea Isle City, NJ 08243, USA
5. Oceanos Oyster Bar and Seafood Grill, Fair Lawn
Another Greek seafood spot that's one of the best restaurants in the Garden State, Oceanos carries top-notch reviews on Yelp. Try the Shrimp Saganaki appetizer, Sampler Platter, and Vesuvius cake - five rich layers of chocolate and a thick layer of cheesecake. All we can say is, "Opa!" And yes, please.
Oceanos Oyster Bar & Sea Grill, 2-27 Saddle River Rd, Fair Lawn, NJ 07410, USA
Dockside Market & Grill offers a full menu AND fresh fish for purchase... plus super scenic waterfront dining. You'll love the charming atmosphere and flavorful dishes. Try the Fisherman's Platter for a little bit of everything.
Dockside Market & Grill, 148 NJ-31 Suite 107, Flemington, NJ 08822, USA
You'll find affordable seafood, a casual atmosphere, and friendly service at this restaurant, which has won numerous "best of" awards. Try the crab meat mac n' cheese or buffalo garlic scallops if you're looking for something a little different.
Blue Claw, 4494 Burlington Pike, Burlington, NJ 08016, USA
This Portuguese seafood spot (yes -- in New Jersey!) has so much to offer. You'll enjoy quality food, a unique menu, live music, and a seasonal patio. Guests rave about great food, great service and sizable portions at this restaurant in New Jersey.
Allegro Seafood Grill, 58 Kossuth St, Newark, NJ 07105, USA
Though the menu is on the smaller side, everything at this clam shack in New Jersey is delicious. The place is often packed and the reviews are outstanding.
Uncle Vinnie's Clam Bar, 5 E Somerset St, Raritan, NJ 08869, USA
This seasonal market boasts a small shack, the "Sea Dogs Grill" for those looking for a more traditional dining experience. Less of a restaurant and more of a market, this is the perfect place to buy in bulk (perhaps for upcoming holiday feasts) as the prices are great and the seafood is fresh! Talk about stellar New Jersey seafood.
Skippers Seafood, 647 NJ-72, Barnegat Township, NJ 08005, USA
This rustic lodge with a gorgeous greenhouse for a dining room serves up a wide variety of American cuisine; the eatery is always included on the best seafood restaurants in New Jersey lists! Located on state parkland near the Delaware Water Gap and Worthington State Forest, guests will be surrounded by nature and can even rent a room at the cabin on the property.
The Walpack Inn Restaurant, 7 National Park Service Rd 615, Layton, NJ 07851, USA
Folks come from far and wide to try the lobster rolls at Shore Fresh in Point Pleasant, New Jersey. Some even say they rival those found in Maine! It's a bold claim, but we're not ones to argue with popular opinion, especially with regards to amazing New Jersey seafood.
Shore Fresh Seafood Market & Restaurant, 57 Channel Dr, Point Pleasant Beach, NJ 08742, USA
Tucked away in one of our favorite little towns in New Jersey, the Milford House is a perennial favorite that's known for a sublime and savory combination of American comfort food, seafood, and raw oysters. Sign us up!
The Milford House, 92 Water St, Milford, NJ 08848, USA
This popular local and top-rated joint is big on community and taste. You'll love the friendly service, fresh seafood, and extensive dessert menu. We could go for a slice of brownie pie right now! Other favorites include blueberry pie, crab cakes and Warner's Bouillabaisse.
Steve & Cookie's By the Bay, 9700 Amherst Ave, Margate City, NJ 08402, USA
Located in Liberty State Park on the Hudson River, this modern seafood restaurant offers spectacular views and is a popular spot for private events. Guests will enjoy classic favorites with a contemporary twist and the Chef's Tasting Menus come highly recommended.
Maritime Parc, Liberty State Park, 84 Audrey Zapp Dr, Jersey City, NJ 07305, USA
Guests will enjoy a casual atmosphere and upscale menu at this top-rated restaurant. Accolades include being named a "best restaurant" by New Jersey Monthly and high ratings on Zagat and Yelp. Pictured is the Roasted Swordfish "Nicoise."
Shipwreck Grill, 720 Ashley Ave, Brielle, NJ 08730, USA
17. Oyster Creek Restaurant and Boat Bar, Leeds Point
This waterfront gem in New Jersey is home to the famous "boat bar" and has been featured on Diners, Drive-ins', and Dives. The food is exceptional and there is no better time to try it than right now! The holiday customer appreciation menu is a phenomenal deal offering guests select appetizer + salad + entree + dessert combinations for just $25 per person. This limited time offer is not available on Christmas or New Year's Eve. To learn more, visit OysterCreekInnNJ.com.
41 Oyster Creek Rd, Galloway, NJ 08205, USA
It’s no surprise we have so many great seafood restaurants with our sizable coastline. What do you think — are there any places you’d include on the above list of best seafood restaurants in New Jersey? Where do you go to satisfy a massive seafood craving? Any favorite seafood buffets in New Jersey you want to share? Sound off on all things Garden State seafood in the comments below!
Of course, it isn’t all seafood all the time here in our beautiful state.. for proof of this, check out these high-rated and critically acclaimed restaurants in New Jersey!
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
The OIYS Visitor Center
Best seafood restaurants in New Jersey
May 09, 2022
Sarah M.
What's *the* best seafood restaurant in New Jersey?
While the above list highlights our picks for the best seafood restaurants (plural!) in New Jersey, if you're asking for our pick for *the* best seafood restaurant in New Jersey, Parker's Garage and Oyster Saloon certainly ranks high on the list. Why? Because in addition to boasting ah-mazing seafood *and* unrivaled waterfront views, you have to actually board a ferry and ride out to this restaurant, which, in our mind, makes for an incredible all-around dining experience. Here's how it works: you will board the ferry at Tuckerton Seaport and enjoy a scenic ride before you arrive at Beach Haven. Once you're there, get ready for a seafood feast in a massive, open-air dining room that lets the outdoors in. The oysters here are incredible, as are the fresh crab and scallops. And for a totally amazing bite, definitely order one of Parker's legendary lobster corn dogs... it's easily our favorite food on a stick ever!
Are there any seafood buffets in New Jersey?
If you have a massive appetite for fresh catches, you can't go wrong with The Manor, an amazing building and event venue boasting the best seafood buffet in New Jersey -- and the Mid-Atlantic! At this scenic spot, you can enjoy a la carte dining at their Terrace Lounge (with an oak bar and talented pianist), buffet dining in the Manor Room (featuring hand carved ice sculptures and ornate floral arrangements), special international buffet nights, and Wine Wednesdays (BYO with no corkage fee). Their gorgeous glass dome offers a lounge atmosphere with music, cocktails and dancing on weekends. The menu options are just as diverse as your dining options - you'll find an upscale selection including steak, seafood, wild boar and brioche bread pudding. The seafood, however, is our favorite here... the fresh lobster buffet is quite possibly the best-kept secret in New Jersey!
New Jersey In Your Inbox
Thank you! You'll receive your first newsletter soon!
Kristen is a writer, editor, and social media maven who loves her state. Born and raised in New Jersey, sharing all it has to offer is her passion. After attending Montclair State University, she continued her education online, obtaining certifications in social media management.
