Best Long Beach Island New Jersey Restaurants
[2025 Guide]

Restaurant reviews of Long Beach Island, NJ popular restaurants

Long Beach Island is a top choice for anyone who loves to eat well and explore new flavors.

This eight-mile stretch packs in a surprising range of restaurant categories, from casual seafood shacks to upscale Italian-American kitchens.
You’ll find fresh-off-the-boat oysters, creative takes on local fish, and classic family favorites all just steps from the sand.
The island’s mix of friendly vibes and unique spots means every night out feels special, whether you’re after fried clams in flip-flops or a white-tablecloth dinner with a bottle you bring from home.
Food lovers won’t have to settle.

With such a variety of categories, LBI lets every guest match their mood and craving to the perfect meal. If you’re planning where to eat next, let’s discover the best that Long Beach Island has to offer.

Top Fresh Seafood Restaurants

Seafood is the heart of Long Beach Island’s dining categories and nowhere is that more clear than in its standout seafood spots. Generations of fishermen supply local kitchens with the freshest catches, making these restaurants top picks for authenticity and flavor.

  • Black Whale Bar & Fish House- Beach Haven: Known for its lively raw bar, Black Whale serves up local oysters, lobster mashed potatoes, and signature crab cakes. Their use of daily catches guarantees freshness and deepens the connection to LBI’s fishing heritage.
  • Parker’s Garage-Beach Haven: A go-to for nautical atmosphere and innovative seafood dishes. Try the chef’s tasting menu or Nashville hot fried oysters. The kitchen often prepares fish caught the same day, making every meal a true taste of the island.
  • Kubel’s-Barnegat Light: Step into history with a menu full of classics like clam chowder, broiled scallops, and fried clam strips. Kubel’s keeps old-school seafaring spirit alive with simple, perfectly cooked plates.

These iconic restaurants are trusted by locals and visitors who want a direct taste of LBI’s salty, storied tradition.

Italian and Italian-American Favorites

Italian-inspired restaurants anchor another core category on Long Beach Island, blending family recipes with shore-style hospitality.

  • Stefano’s-Beach Haven: Famous for its “Black Magic” linguine with seafood and rich, house-made sauces, Stefano’s draws regulars and seasonal visitors alike. Their attention to detail makes every meal memorable.
  • Raimondo’s-Ship Bottom: A hidden gem known for its elegant atmosphere, veal saltimbocca, and seafood risotto. The wine list and attentive service put special occasions over the top.
  • Russo’s Italian Restaurant-Ship Bottom: Loved for classics like chicken parmigiana and wood-fired pizza, Russo’s delivers comforting flavors in a laid-back setting.

Locals return to these spots for hand-rolled pasta, generous portions, and the sense of being welcomed like family.

Top Casual Diners and Family Eateries

For relaxed, crowd-pleasing meals, the island’s diners and family eateries are at the center of this category.

  • Chicken or the Egg (Chegg)-Beach Haven: Renowned for inventive wings, breakfast served all day, and playful menu names. Chegg’s casual style fits beach days and late-night cravings.
  • Wally’s-Surf City: This all-ages favorite shines with hearty breakfasts, homemade soups, and stacked burgers. The friendly staff and homey décor turn every visit into a tradition.
  • ScoJo’s-Surf City: Beloved for made-from-scratch pancakes and loaded omelets, ScoJo’s is an early morning staple. Consistent quality and a cheerful vibe make it perfect for families and groups.
  • Tucker's Tavern- Beach Haven: is a standout spot known for its coastal gastro pub vibe, bay-side location, and year-round presence. It Offers an elevated pub fare, excellent seafood, craft beers & cocktails, and a charming nautical atmosphere in a bayfront location. From brunch to happy hour, rooftop drinks to family dinners or private events, it delivers something for nearly every mood or occasion on LBI.

Expect lines at these bustling spots—proof of their place in island dining life.

Top Pizzerias and Quick Bites

Every food lover knows that pizza and quick meals are essential categories for fun, fast, and satisfying dining.

  • Bay Village Pizza-Beach Haven: This takeout institution packs flavor into every slice, with a crust that strikes just the right balance between crispy and chewy. Their cheese pizza is legendary, but loaded options win fans every summer.
  • Food trucks and counters scatter the island, offering everything from shrimp tacos to Philly cheesesteaks.

These spots make group outings and laid-back evenings easy, offering everyone something hot, tasty, and quick.

LBI Unique and International Flavors

LBI’s food categories reach far beyond tradition—several restaurants serve up international and creative plates that reflect the island’s adventurous side.

  • Crêperie de la Mer & French Café-Beach Haven: Savor sweet and savory crêpes, French toast, and artisan coffee drinks. Every detail celebrates fresh ingredients and a classic French touch.
  • Black Eyed Susans-Harvey Cedars: Renowned for t farm-to-table seafood, seasonally inspired pizzas, and brunch with an upscale twist. Chefs here blend regional ingredients with global ideas for dishes you won’t find elsewhere.

From classic American to inventive international plates, these restaurants prove that Long Beach Island is always ready to surprise you. Variety isn’t just an option—it’s a way of life, and each category gives you new reasons to come back for another meal.

LBI's Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

Beyond the names that draw crowds each summer, Long Beach Island quietly celebrates a set of hidden gems cherished by locals. These restaurants might not always top the biggest categories or make flashy headlines, but they earn steady praise for good reasons. Authenticity, passion for food, and a welcoming spirit shape these beloved spots. Each of these eateries carves out its own place in LBI’s dining categories—offering everything from classic seafood to vegetarian and health-focused plates.

Dock & Claw Clam Bar: A Local Seafood Secret
Tucked away from the busiest thoroughfares in Beach Haven, Dock & Claw Clam Bar is one of those spots that seasoned islanders pass along like a well-kept secret. This casual clam bar stays loyal to LBI’s fishing traditions—with fresh shellfish, fried platters, and rotating daily catches. Visitors swear by the fried clam strips, raw oysters, and tangy sauces. What sets Dock & Claw apart? There’s no pretension here. Expect simple picnic tables, chalkboard menus, and a dockside setting that lets the seafood do the talking. This gem belongs in any ranking of the best in LBI’s seafood categories—without the fuss or fanfare.

Viking Fresh Off the Hook: Dockside Flavor, No Frills
Time and time again, locals mention Viking Fresh Off the Hook in Barnegat Light, as a go-to for ultra-fresh, no-nonsense seafood. It sits right near the docks, a reminder that the morning’s catch might end up as your lunch. The menu features fried scallop platters, lobster BLTs, and fish tacos that balance brightness and crunch. Portions are generous and everything tastes like the ocean is just steps away. Fans appreciate the fast service and consistently high quality. Viking Fresh Off the Hook shines in seafood and casual quick-serve categories, winning hearts with each basket served.

Honorable Mentions: Locals Favorites

If you want to eat where the locals do, put these favorites on your list. Each brings something different to LBI’s diverse restaurant categories:

These spots don’t rely on buzzwords or fancy trends. They have loyal followings because they deliver what matters most: honest food, friendly faces, and a true sense of place. For anyone serious about exploring all the categories LBI has to offer, a stop at one of these local favorites is a must.

Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth: Dessert and Treats

No meal on Long Beach Island feels complete without a sweet finish. Dessert is more than a capstone here—it’s a cherished part of the local dining tradition, woven into beach culture and family rituals. Long after the plates are cleared, the glow of neon ice cream signs and the sparkle of candy shops draw crowds along LBI’s main drags. Whether you crave classic cones, handcrafted donuts, or a jaw-dropping candy selection, LBI’s dessert and treat categories stand as their own lively attraction. Here’s how to add the perfect sweet ending to your island feast.

Ice Cream Parlors: From Nostalgic Scoops to Creative Cones
Long Beach Island’s ice cream shops create memories that stick—sometimes literally, if you’re not quick on a hot summer night. These iconic parlors showcase what makes the island so inviting: family tradition, inventive flavors, and a sense of fun that never gets old.
Some favorites not to miss:

  • Skipper Dipper-Beach Haven: (since 1978) is a local institution with long lines for a reason. They serve both soft-serve and hard ice cream in dozens of flavors, plus classic sundaes and cakes. Fan-favorite flavors like pistachio and rainbow sherbet keep families coming back.
  • Poppy’s Ice Cream Parlour- Barnegat Light: Captures old-fashioned charm with its checkerboard floors and creative sundaes. It’s a top stop after climbing the lighthouse or strolling the north end of LBI.
  • Barry’s Do Me A Flavor-Beach Haven: Blends savory eats with ice cream, but their 24 flavors stand out as essential summer treats. Pair a cone with bay breezes in Beach Haven for pure LBI flavor.
  • The WooHoo-Beach Haven: brings a modern twist, making their small-batch ice cream from scratch with options for every diet. Their rotating flavors, dairy-free choices, and inventive toppings show how the island’s sweet category keeps evolving.
  • Ship Bottom Ice Cream & Big Dipper-Surf City: Both promise homemade ice cream cakes, inventive flavors, and friendly service that makes every night out feel like a celebration.

Whether you prefer a traditional cone, allergen-friendly options, or theatrical outdoor entertainment with your scoop (like at Show Place Ice Cream Parlour), you’re never far from a family favorite. These parlors prove that the ice cream category is as much about atmosphere and tradition as it is creamy, cold perfection.

Donut Shops and Bakeries: Sweet Pieces of Island Life

If you love variety, LBI’s donut and bakery categories offer handmade options baked fresh every morning. These shops get creative with both classic and offbeat desserts.
A few standouts include:

  • Shore Good Donuts-Ship Bottom: Makes each donut to order, letting you choose the glaze and even the toppings. The aroma alone will stop you in your tracks, and flavors like inside-out Boston Cream or Maple Bacon keep locals hooked.
  • Crust & Crumb Bakery-Beach Haven: Offers a little of everything: cookies, pies, custom cakes, and classic shore-style crumb buns. Stop by early for the best selection.
  • Baked On The Beach-Surf City:Shines for pies, cinnamon buns, scones, and crowd-pleasing custom cakes. Their scratch-made goods fill the air with hints of cinnamon and butter.

LBI Restaurant Guidelines and Seasonal Tips

Long Beach Island’s dining venues are shaped by its changing seasons, lively crowds, and a mix of long-standing favorites with fresh newcomers. Planning where—and when—to eat makes all the difference for anyone hoping to taste the island’s best. From breezy summer nights packed with families, to quieter off-season evenings when local regulars take center stage, every meal tells its own story.

Here’s how to set yourself up for a great dining experience, no matter the time of year.

* Before going to a restaurant, it’s a good idea to check ahead for essential details, like whether reservations are needed, if it’s BYOB, child-friendly, has live music, outdoor seating, parking, or other features that matter to you.
A quick look at the website or a phone call can help avoid any surprises, especially if you’re planning to bring your favorite bottle. Many sit-down restaurants, especially Italian spots like Raimondo’s or Azzurri, are bring-your-own.

Summer transforms LBI into a dining hotspot where every category buzzes with energy. Memorial Day to Labor Day is peak season—expect longer waits at top picks as visitors crowd into their must-try spots.
• Shoulder seasons (early spring and fall) bring balance—crowds thin out, beaches stay warm, and getting a table becomes easier across most categories.
• Winter and early spring offer a rare chance for quiet meals at year-round favorites like Chicken or the Egg (Chegg), Old Causeway Steak & Oyster, and Black-Eyed Susans. Some eateries close or operate limited hours, but you’ll enjoy local hospitality and little to no wait.
When planning, pay attention to the island’s many seasonal-only venues. Classics like Polly’s Dock or Mustache Bill’s close up as the leaves fall, so check hours before you go.
Categories to Target Year-Round
While many island favorites hibernate in colder months, a handful of restaurants welcome diners all year. It pays to know these reliable categories for your next getaway.
• Seafood and steakhouse favorites: Old Causeway Steak & Oyster and Black Whale Bar & Fish House continue serving locals with rich raw bars and hearty plates.
• Classic diners: Chicken or the Egg keeps the grill hot day and night, while Wally’s and ScoJo’s are perfect for breakfast or comfort food cravings.
• Italian standouts: Raimondo’s and Salt Kitchen & Bar stay open for cozy nights, with menus built on fresh pastas and local ingredients.
• Health-conscious and vegetarian: Livin’ on the Veg operates year-round, offering creative plant-based takes for any season.

This handful of dependable venues makes LBI a food destination well beyond summer’s sun.

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