When you step into Long Branch, the scent of saltwater mixes with the aroma of fresh seafood, grilled steaks and wood-fired pizza. Waves roll close beside lively boardwalks where oceanfront patios fill up with friends and laughter.
Here, dinner isn't just a meal, it's a shorefront experience.
Long Branch’s restaurants spotlight bold local flavors and creative menus, from elegant steakhouses with floor-to-ceiling sea views to cozy trattorias serving homemade pastas.
Whether you crave brunch by the beach, tapas with a breeze or upscale classics with a side of sunset, this stretch of the Jersey Shore delivers. Let’s uncover where the food is as memorable as the shoreline itself.
Avenue: French Elegance on the Boardwalk
Avenue pairs the magic of the Jersey Shore with the spirit of a Parisian brasserie. This oceanfront spot sits right on the boardwalk, with wall-to-wall windows that put the beach on full display. Crisp white tablecloths and soft candlelight set a romantic mood, perfect for both date nights and celebrations. Every seat feels close to the waves, transforming a meal into an experience. The lounge buzzes with energy, while the rooftop bar draws a lively crowd for sunset drinks. Avenue is the kind of place where you’ll want to dress up and toast to something—the beauty outside and the flavors on your plate
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Rooney’s Oceanfront Restaurant: 30 Years of Seafood Excellence
A Long Branch staple for three decades, Rooney’s Oceanfront Restaurant is all about fresh seafood, toes-in-the-sand views, and a pure Jersey Shore vibe. The dining room and patio spill out right onto the sand, with salty breezes and sunsets as part of the meal. The menu excels with its signature seafood highlights, pan-seared scallops, buttery lobster, and ever-changing catch-of-the-day. The wraparound deck and outdoor bar deliver summer fun and unbeatable water views. For special occasions or laid-back weekends, Rooney’s keeps its doors open through every season, adapting menus and events to the tides.
McLoone’s Pier House: American Favorites and Sushi with a Seaside View
With floor-to-ceiling glass and a prime spot on the Long Branch pier, McLoone’s Pier House blends classic American cooking with seaside flair. The vibe is welcoming, a cross between a modern beach house and a lively brunch spot. McLoone’s Pier House draws crowds with its
* American classics: From juicy burgers and grilled steaks to hearty comfort dishes
* Brunch buffet: Sundays bring a sweeping buffet with everything from omelets to seafood towers—a favorite tradition for families and friends.
* Sushi bar: Fresh rolls and sashimi surprise guests with a taste of the Pacific, crafted right before your eyes.
These three restaurants set the standard for fine dining in Long Branch, each bringing its own style, spirit, and flavor to the Jersey Shore.
Charley’s Ocean Bar & Grill: Year-Round Local Summer
Charley’s Ocean Bar & Grill captures what locals love most about living near the shore—good food, laid-back summer vibes, and a lively dining room that always hums. The ocean view from the big deck stretches wide, while inside, wood accents and breezy décor make it feel like summer no matter the month.
Charley’s sets itself apart with a bar menu full of signature cocktails. The beer list boasts local picks, while the wine menu covers everything from celebration bubbles to easy-drinking whites.
Charley’s is more than just a place to eat seafood. It’s a year-round slice of beach life, with live music, happy hour, and a setting that feels like a boardwalk party—even in winter. From easy weekday dinners to lively group celebrations, the staff treats you like a local, making every visit feel like a mini vacation.
Beach Tavern: Classic Shore Seafood on the Marina
Located at nearby Monmouth Beach, Beach Tavern is where you get the real shore experience—one where the sound of rigging from the Channel Club Marina sets the background and sunlight glimmers off the Shrewsbury River just steps away. The restaurant’s interior layers nautical touches with warm lighting and rustic wood floors, creating a cozy-yet-polished scene fit for both date nights and family outings.
The raw bar is the main draw: platters of fresh oysters chilled over ice, little neck clams, and a rotation of shellfish that always spotlights whatever is freshest. Many order a glass of crisp white wine and a briny dozen on the deck, letting the marina breeze do the rest.
The well-rounded bar features a broad wine selection and expertly mixed cocktails, perfect for lingering after sunset. Large windows and patio seats frame the boats drifting in and out, so even inside you feel close to the water. Overlooks the marina for memorable sunset dining, offering Waterfront atmosphere, impeccable seafood, and a go-to spot for social hour
Johnny Piancone’s
Johnny Piancone's is a delightful gem for lovers of Italian comfort food served with style and warmth. Whether you're seeking date-night elegance, family-friendly hospitality, or gluten-free peace of mind, it delivers consistently strong food, service, and atmosphere at reasonable prices.Set in a warm, brick-interior dining room with elegant lighting, Johnny Piancone's offers upscale yet casual Italian cuisine in a welcoming atmosphere. It's an inviting spot whether for a cozyFamily lunch or a romantic dinner. The menu features traditional Italian dishes made with high‑quality ingredients—from seafood and veal to housemade pastas and hearty classics like Sunday Sauce and Orecchiette. The beverage lineup includes specialty cocktails, a fine wine list, and a well-stocked happy hour program with generous food and drink deals.
Sirena Ristorante
Sirena offers a chic and romantic setting with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the Atlantic, making it ideal for date nights or special occasions. The décor is stylish and warm, with features like a roaring fireplace that enhance the seaside ambiance. Sirena specializes in classic Italian cuisine, including housemade pastas, top-quality seafood, and meats—sourced locally or imported from Italy. The wine list is extensive, featuring everything from approachable bottles to rare selections, curated by an in-house sommelier.
Trama’s Trattoria: Farm-Driven Italian Fare
Trama’s Trattoria is the kind of Italian restaurant where the blackboard menu changes with the weather, and every dish feels like it was made just for you. Tucked into the heart of Long Branch’s West End on Brighton Avenue, it’s a local favorite where Chef Pat Trama’s farm-to-table philosophy drives every plate. The kitchen sources the best local produce, fish, and meats, then builds vibrant Tuscan classics around what’s freshest that day. Offers a sophisticated, cozy setting with white tablecloths and modern art. The dining space is inviting but intimate—think soft lighting and the hum of happy conversation. Whether you’re sipping a glass of Chianti or toasting to a birthday, you sense the care behind every detail.
Jack’s Goal Line Stand: Sports, Sliders, and Smiles
This beloved Long Branch spot bursts with sports-bar buzz, the kind where big screens surround you and the mood feels like a Sunday tailgate every night of the week. Jack’s isn’t just about cheering for touchdowns and three-pointers. The menu reads like a wish list for sports fans and picky eaters alike.
Step outside and you’ll find a spacious patio that turns lunch or dinner into an open-air party. There’s room for kids to wiggle, grown-ups to relax, and everyone to bask under the string lights when the sun sets. Jack’s is the unofficial clubhouse for families who want great food with no fuss and plenty of cheer.
Neil’s Kitchen: Homestyle Comforts for All Ages
Neil’s Kitchen is where comfort comes standard and everyone is welcome, from toddlers to grandparents. The laid-back Deli vibe wraps you up like a soft blanket, while the menu feels as if it was plucked right from a family recipe box—each dish made from scratch and served with a smile.
Ambiance is simple with local flare and decor. Kid-friendly picks: Chicken fingers, grilled cheese, and fresh-cut fries, always made to order
There is Flexible seating for high chairs, booster seats, and strollers, making little guests feel at home
Parents appreciate not having to compromise on quality just because little hands are at the table. The relaxed setting lets families unwind—no need for ties or inside voices. For those times you crave Sunday-dinner comfort on a Wednesday, Neil’s Kitchen is ready with open doors and open arms.
The Butcher’s Block: Modern Gastropub Fare
Step into The Butcher’s Block and the aroma of charred steak, seared burgers, and smoked ribs fills the warm space. This isn’t your average pub—it’s a modern shrine to whole-animal butchery and high-spirited social dining.
The menu is bold and meaty by design. Thick-cut steaks, dry-aged on site, show off deep, beefy flavor and a crackling, flame-licked crust. House burgers stack juicy local beef with crisp bacon, melty cheese, and tangy pickles. Carnivores can also dig into smoked pork, butcher’s sausages, or share the kitchen’s ever-changing “butcher board” for a true feast. Every cut tells a story, with specials posted daily depending on what’s best from nearby farms. The energetic social scene with an open kitchen and butcher counter give an inside look at the craft. The crowd buzzes with laid-back energy, and group tables invite sharing and conversation.
Drinks match the menu’s muscle. The bar spotlights regional craft beers and a small but punchy list of American whiskey and classic cocktails. Whether gathered for an after-beach bite or a full table celebration, diners leave feeling satisfied in every sense.
The Robinson Ale House
The Robinson Ale House blends coastal charm with a relaxed pub vibe. It delivers a welcome blend of beach-side gastropub energy, a wide beer/cocktail selection, and a versatile American menu. It's best suited for social nights out, happy hour gatherings, or brunch lovers in the mood for relaxed but elevated pub fare. The overall vibe—friendly servers, themed promotions, and a solid menu—makes it worth a try if you're in Pier Village, especially with friends.
The Whitechapel Projects
WCP brews its own craft beers and also offers rotating taps from local breweries. Favorites like the Citra IPA are frequently praised for their flavorful hops and balance Roost Cafe and Bistro . Specialty cocktails using seasonal NJ ingredients and local wines round out the selection.
The menu leans toward elevated comfort food—with standout dishes like Mississippi roast over loaded fries, brisket tacos poutine with vegan gravy, and snacks like truffle fries and wings.
Whitechapel Projects is deeply rooted in sustainability: the building was constructed using salvaged materials from its warehouse days, on-site herb and mushroom growing, use of LED lighting and Energy Star appliances, plastic straw elimination, and composting programs. The venue occupies a converted early-20th-century warehouse, thoughtfully repurposed into several distinct areas—a brick courtyard with picnic tables, an intimate main bar, a large backyard garden, and a minimalist white event room with exposed beams and high ceilings. The vibe is industrial yet elegant, with artistic touches, good natural light, and a relaxed Shore-town charm
Turning Point of Long Branch: Breakfast With a View
Turning Point sits at the heart of Long Branch’s daytime food scene, just blocks from the sand. Step inside and the mood feels bright, coastal, and easygoing—windows pour in sunlight while coffee cups clink and laughter rises in the air. Creative brunch specialties draw regulars and newcomers alike, turning the ordinary morning into something special. Turning Point’s coffee program stands out, with premium beans from Cowabunga Coffee Roasters and skilled baristas whipping up creamy lattes and foam art cappuccinos. The vibe is never rushed. With service that’s cheerful and swift, Turning Point combines ocean-town relaxation with the polish of an all-day brunch kitchen, making it the go-to for lazy weekend mornings or a weekday treat.
Sweet Spots for Ice Cream and Dessert Lovers
When the sun gets high or you just want a pick-me-up, Long Branch’s dessert shops deliver. This town takes sweets seriously, blending nostalgia with inventive flair. Whether you crave a small-batch cone, a classic Italian ice, or a loaded donut sandwich, these spots never disappoint.
Here’s where to head for the best sweet treats.
Coney Waffle
This iconic spot is best known for its epic ice cream shakes—overflowing with colorful toppings, monstrous slices of cake, and old-school waffle cones perched on top. Try the Wafflewich: a warm Belgian waffle, folded around creamy ice cream and loaded with sprinkles, syrup, and whipped cream. For thrill-seekers, the Sideshow Shake brings a circus of toppings that no camera can resist.
Sundae Donuts
Just steps from the sand, Sundae Donuts is the place to create your own customizable treat. Pick a made-to-order donut, choose an ice cream flavor, and pile on toppings from fruity pebbles to Nutella drizzle. The “Donut Sundae”—a still-warm donut sliced and filled with ice cream, hot fudge, and candies—has become a local legend for good reason.
Nicholas Creamery
This small-batch ice cream shop features weekly flavor rotations, often highlighting New Jersey produce or beloved desserts. Favorites include Hudson Café Coffee Crunch, Bourbon Chocolate Chunk, and several creative vegan options. The shop offers hand-spun milkshakes, generous portions, and adventurous combos like Honeycomb Pistachio or Salted Caramel Pretzel.
Strollo’s Lighthouse
For something lighter and iconic, Strollo’s is the home of Jersey-style Italian ice, dispensed creamy from a soft-serve machine. Options like lemon, cantaloupe, and orange are refreshingly natural, and it’s easy to mix-and-match flavors for a rainbow in a cup. Their “Hurricane” treat swirls soft-serve ice cream and Italian ice together, finished with candy toppings.
Long Branch makes it impossible to skip dessert. These neighborhood favorites offer cozy spaces for a post-brunch treat, a boardwalk cone, or a wild, Instagram-worthy milkshake that’s bigger than your head. Whether your sweet tooth leans classic or creative, you’ll find your perfect match by the shore.
Before heading out 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.