Editor’s note: This story was originally published in 2023 and has been updated.
There’s something about enjoying a meal waterside that can’t be explained. Add the al fresco element, and you’ve just kicked things into top tier, seasonal dining.
Without stating the obvious, the epic views combined with the gentle breeze off of the water make for an experience that simply can’t be replicated when landlocked or seated indoors. Since New Jersey summers always seem to have a way of flying by as soon as they start, dining al fresco is one of the best way to embrace those precious months of exceptional weather. After all, what better way than to enjoy a fresh catch than at a table as close as physically possible to the source?
READ MORE: 25 N.J. restaurants with excellent outdoor dining experiences for 2024
As Jersey’s dining landscape continues to evolve, we’ve updated our former roundup to include 31 places that offer an elite combination of cuisine and ambiance. Now’s your chance to seize the opportunity to visit one or many of these waterfront restaurants before the season’s over.
Just steps from the beach, easygoing Mister C’s Beach Bistro is a great option for those looking for a little break from the blazing sun without having to venture too far away from the sand. Open for lunch and dinner six days a week you can also pop by their snack bar for beach-friendly bites like hot dogs, hamburgers and wraps that can be ordered to-go.
Catbird, Asbury Park
After keeping it in her backyard for two years, Aimée McElroy wheeled the pizza oven that made Medusa Stone Fired Kitchen a beloved pizzeria over to Deal Lake. Catbird, which opened in May in the historic Sunset Landing space, offering a menu of wood-fired specialties, pizzas, and a killer mocktail program. Swing by for a waterfront dinner during the week and brunch on Sundays.
Iron Whale, Asbury Park
Iron Whale’s location on the Asbury Park boardwalk makes it a prime spot to enjoy an inventive approach to seafood with ocean views. Open year-round and seven days a week, you can pop in for lunch, dinner or brunch — summer weekends are especially busy.
Summer Salt, Avalon
Seasonal, BYOB farm-to-table restaurant Summer Salt is a special experience. What began as a pop-up at Isabel’s Bakery & Cafe in 2019 eventually found a permanent home on the Avalon boardwalk in 2022. Chef Connor Dore and farmer Heather Sedlacek curate a sustainable, pre fixe menu that changes biweekly in order to highlight Cape May County’s peak seafood and produce (including chickens that Heather raises herself).
Charlie’s of Bay Head, Bay Head
Open for lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch, Charlie’s of Bay Head is an area staple for upscale lakeside dining on Twilight Lake — even with the ocean a couple blocks away. Their impressive wine list is a highlight, and they have a several excellent private spaces for those planning a summer soiree.
Bird and Betty’s, Beach Haven
Long Beach Islanders flock here to revel in one of the only places with a legitimate night club (complete with local shuttle service), but don’t miss out on their stellar seafood, which we recommend enjoying on their massive roof deck, complete with a bar and tons of indoor and outdoor seating. Their fritto misto is a must-order, a mix of fried calamari, shrimp, colossal scallops, artichokes and hot peppers.
Parker’s Garage, Beach Haven
Next door to Bird and Betty’s is another bayfront Beach Haven concept from the Tide Table Group with great seafood housed in a vibrant but slightly more upscale setting. Dine at the bar in their oyster saloon or out on the patio where you can enjoy the restaurant group’s famous Mud City crab cakes.
Klein’s, Belmar
Open for 92 years and counting, Klein’s is a third-generation family owned seafood market and restaurant in Belmar situated along the Shark River. Post up under once of their umbrella-shaded tables at the waterside cafe or tiki bar for some of the freshest fish around while watching the the fishing boats pass to and from the Belmar Marina.
The Schooner American at The Lobster House, Cape May
Lobster on a boat? Sign us up. Open daily from noon and moored alongside The Lobster House is The Schooner American, a 130-foot Grand Banks sailing vessel and outdoor co*cktail lounge. Hop aboard for lunch, co*cktails or dinner while enjoying views of the Cape May Harbor. Free dockage alongside the Schooner is available to those arriving by boat on a first-come, first-served basis.
Taverna Veranda, Edgewater
Opened last year, Taverna Veranda brings another option to Edgewater’s already abundant waterfront dining scene. Their Greek-Mediterranean menu and playfully named co*cktails are best enjoyed on the massive terrace that overlooks the Hudson River. But the thoughtful interiors, like the bar made from an entire tree, are worth stepping inside for.
Rat’s Restaurant, Hamilton
You don’t have to fly to France for a slice of French flair. Nestled within Hamilton’s Grounds for Sculpture, Rat’s Restaurant transports you to a fairytale-like place that almost feels like a Disney Park where you can dine lakeside among art installations, lily pads and lush gardens. Named after Ratty, a character from the classic children’s storybook “The Wind in the Willows,” Rat’s even offers a garden picnic option that includes lunch packed in a reusable, insulated tote, complete with a bottle of wine, tumblers, flatware and napkins. Be sure to make a reservation in advance and build in some time before or after to admire the grounds.
One Willow, Highlands
Another great dock & dine option along the coast, One Willow embraces their location with a raw bar and seafood-focused menu. Grab a slip at Sandy Hook Marina or arrive by car to enjoy lunch, happy hour or dinner, accompanied by live music on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.
Halifax, Hoboken
Housed inside of the W Hotel, Halifax has become a Hoboken staple for brunch, drinks and dinner with sweeping views of the Manhattan skyline. Chef Seadon Shouse recently launched some summer-inspired seafood specials that compliment their waterside location like black sea bass tartar, dressed oysters and clam chowder. Keep an eye on their website and social pages for pop-up dinners and special holiday menus.
Battello, Jersey City
Some of the best views of Manhattan can be taken in across the river in Jersey City. Brunch and wedding venue favorite, Battello, is positioned perfectly in the Newport waterfront, where you can enjoy your Bellini while watching the boats sail by.
The Windlass, Lake Hopatcong
Recently renovated and overlooking Lake Hopatcong, The Windlass takes summer dining to the next level on Wednesdays with “Music Under the Stars,” their lakeside summer concert series. Here you can enjoy their contemporary Italian menu with one of their carefully curated musical acts. Make sure you grab tickets in advance, and plan to head over early to grab a drink at their boat bar.
Hamilton’s Grill Room, Lambertville
Dining at Hamilton’s Grill Room will have you questioning if you’re still in New Jersey or somewhere in Europe. This charming, canal-side restaurant is BYO (no corkage fee) and serves a seasonal menu that changes daily, all the way down to the oysters.
Avenue, Long Branch
Longstanding Avenue has been a favorite amongst shore-goers for chic and lively French vibes. Despite the “Le Club” moniker, the food here is actually good (and comes with a hefty price tag), and the beachy ambiance is hard to beat.
MAYA, Long Branch
A touch of St. Bart’s on the Jersey Shore? Enter MAYA, a Coastal-Mediterranean restaurant inspired by the now-closed institution, Maya in St. Bart’s. Located in the Wave Resort & Spa in Pier Village, the dining room’s breezy indoor-outdoor layout allows diners to enjoy Long Branch’s seaside ambiance up close or from its chic, sheltered dining room.
La Barca, Longport
La Barca is an oyster, crudo and craft co*cktail bar that has made a splash since opening their new location in Longport. Giant windows deck the walls, offering guests the ability to take in the gorgeous bay views and boats docked right outside. With an impressive variety of oysters and beers on tap, a seat at the bar wouldn’t be a bad idea either.
Betty’s Seafood Shack, Margate City
Owners Steve Marchel and Robin Kramer celebrate their love for classic New England seafood shacks to Margate with the recent opening of Betty’s Seafood Shack. In an ideal waterside location, they’re serving traditional dishes like lobster rolls, fried shrimp, clams, scallops, chowders, chocolate-dipped frozen key lime pie on a stick and Robin’s homemade chocolate pudding. Added plus, they’re BYOB.
Robin’s Nest, Mount Holly
This charming colonial cafe set inside of a restored Victorian house that was formerly a vacuum repair shop. Now it shines bright during the warmer months when guests can dine on one of their multiple patios located right where the Rancocas Creek meets the Mill Race. If you happen to visit when the bakery case is full, you’re in for a real treat — all of their sweets are made from scratch.
Dockside Kitchen, Ocean City
Located bayside in Ocean City, Dockside Kitchen is more than just a waterfront brunch spot. While the restaurant is open daily from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., diners can sign up for their Supper Club, a yearly membership for their dinner experience. From Thursday through Sunday members can BYOB while dining on delicious seafood. Reservations for the Supper Club are highly recommended.
The Shrimp Box, Point Pleasant Beach
This lowkey, nautical-themed spot is perfect for a casual seafood bite. The patio is the place to be, where the bar slings refreshing co*cktails and guests can choose from an extensive menu of seafood dishes. The Shrimp Box is open for lunch and dinner, and is dock and dine-friendly.
Black River Barn, Randolph
Black River Barn is a neighborhood spot that’s great for families, groups, or just those looking for a fun night out. From live music to trivia to karaoke, there’s something for everyone during the summer, and views of Black River Pond are the cherry on top. For those who don’t require a waterside experience, head 15 minutes up the road to their second location, Rockaway River Barn.
Salt Creek Grille, Rumson
Head to this location instead of their Princeton store for reliable American fusion fare and views of the Navesink River. Snag a well-timed table on their sprawling lawn where you’ll have the best shot at catching the sunset.
Drifthouse, Sea Bright
There is no shortage of David Burke dining outlets in New Jersey, but Coastal Italian-Mediterranean-inspired Drifthouse nails it in the waterfront department, sporting panoramic oceanfront and Shrewsbury and Navesink River views. Sunset is the time to go, when it’s still okay and even encouraged to order the clothesline bacon.
The Parker House, Sea Girt
A historic, Victorian house-turned dining destination, The Parker House is a lively choice for those seeking a nice meal just a block from the beach. Their wraparound porch is the perfect place to catch a sunset during the summer months when they feature live bands and DJs from happy hour until last call.
Andre’s Lakeside, Sparta
Family-owned by Andre and Tracey deWaal since 1998, Andre’s Lakeside serves an ever-evolving seasonal menu on the shore of Lake Seneca in Sparta. Join them for pizza and more relaxed dishes on “Casual Wednesdays” or try one of their tasting menus from Thursday through Sunday. Check their website for some fun summer-inspired themed dinners. Andre’s is BYO and reservations are required.
Deauville Inn, Strathmere
Head south of Atlantic City and you’ll stumble upon the quaint town of Strathmere and the Deauville Inn. Accessible by boat, car or foot, guests can dine on local catches amongst nautical vibes while sipping craft co*cktails in their dining room year-round, or on their Sunset Deck for the ultimate bayside experience. There’s even a toes-in-the-sand option at their casual Sand Bar, a seasonal area outfitted with picnic tables and Adirondack chairs.
Blu on the Hudson, Weehawken
Blu on Hudson has been a hot spot since it opened in 2023. With stunning Hudson River views, diners can enjoy a lively, upscale ambiance while noshing on an eclectic menu of sushi, seafood, steak and dramatic co*cktails. Sprawling across 30,000 square feet, there’s a massive bar and tons of nooks and private areas that make it great for a date night, friend outing or private gathering.
Molos, Weehawken
The Jersey side of The Hudson River comes in hot with another waterfront stunner, Molos, a Greek and Mediterranean restaurant focused on serving the freshest seafood possible. Take in the NYC skyline on their outdoor patio or through their floor to ceiling windows and pop by on the weekend for a fun night out when things get a little loungey.
Related coverage
• 25 N.J. restaurants with excellent outdoor dining experiences for 2024
• N.J. outdoor dining 2024: See what towns are still closing streets.
• The 33 best Jersey Shore restaurants you’ve never heard of
• The 21 new Jersey Shore restaurants you need to try for summer 2024
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