New Jersey may be the Garden State, but its fresh seafood is just as important to the state’s identity. And it isn’t just the Jersey Shore serving up fresh catches. The culinary scene in North Jersey is an absolute ocean-to-table powerhouse. To prove it, we’re showcasing The 10 Best North Jersey Seafood Restaurants.
If you’re on the hunt for the best seafood NJ has to offer, look no further. Our list features all the best spots, from bib-requiring feasts of authentic Cajun seafood to elegant white tablecloth Mediterranean. Whether you’re looking for waterfront dining featuring the day’s fresh catch or just a really good lobster roll, we’ve got you covered. So forget the drive to the coast and dive into our handpicked guide of North Jersey’s 10 best seafood restaurants.
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The 10 Best
North Jersey Seafood Restaurants
Blue Anchor
Where: Jersey City
Details: Fresh seafood meets waterfront dining at Blue Anchor. The restaurant offers what they call an “elevated casual” menu with options for both lunch and dinner. Their raw bar features favorites like East and West Coast Oysters, Ceviche, shrimp cocktail, and trout tartare. For something a little different, try the Cajun Mango Swordfish with mango salsa or the Crab Encrusted Halibut. Otherwise, go for a tried-and-true classic like the Frutti di Mare with shrimp, mussels, and calamari over fettuccine. (Just don’t forget to add Garlic Mashed Potatoes.)
Chesapeake Tavern
Where: Long Valley
Details: Chesapeake Tavern provides a mix of sea and land dishes, but specializes in a number of seafood classics. Their lunch and dinner menu includes spicy tuna tartare, clams casino, and their signature Chesapeake Lobster Roll. Other fan favorites range from fried calamari and Maryland Crab Nachos to the Blackened Salmon Tacos and Alaskan King Crab. In addition to indoor dining that boasts a rustic tavern vibe with a fireplace, they have seasonal outdoor patio dining. Keep an eye out for their recurring spring/summer Lobster Boils.
Crab Island Cajun Seafood
Where: Clifton
Details: Crab Island offers a huge variety (and huge portions) of seafood, both a la carte and as a combo. They have a cold food bar, baskets, soups & sides, fried options, and an assortment of customizable entrees. First, patrons can select their seafood from choices such as crab, lobster, oyster, shrimp, mussels, and crawfish; then they select a seasoning from choices that include Old Bay, Garlic Butter, Lemon, Pepper, and of course, Cajun. The final step is to choose a spice level and enjoy. We also recommend their Seafood Po Boys (like oyster).
Elia Mediterranean
Where: East Rutherford
Details: This family-owned spot is owned by Rutherford native Annamaria Adinolfi and her mother Anna Rosati. Together, they’ve created a Mediterranean restaurant filled with popular seafood dishes and other Greek classics. From the Cherry Stone Clams and East/West coast oysters to the Mediterranean Ceviche, the Raw Bar is always fresh. (And served with their house condiments, including citrus cocktail sauce, mignonette, and garlic aioli.) They have plenty of whole fish options, as well as unique entrees like Salmon a la Plancha.
Halcyon
Where: Montclair
Details: Halcyon specializes in “upscale-casual” seafood and sushi. The restaurant features a raw bar as well as traditional seafood starters and entrees. Popular menu items include the grilled oysters, White Miso Soy Scottish Salmon, and classic Paella. As for their sushi, standout rolls range from the Crispy Fried Maki Roll to the Coconut Shrimp Roll. We also say the Lobster Spaghetti (with Gremolata Parmesan Crumb) is a must-try. In addition to dinner seven nights a week, Halcyon offers a weekend brunch menu that is great for groups.
Molos
Where: Weehawken
Details: Molos is known for exquisite waterfront dining, floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the NYC skyline, and a Greek and Mediterannean inspired seafood menu. Their signature Port Imperial Seafood Tower is a fresh mix of lobster, crabmeat, mussels, crab claws, oysters, crabmeat, and clams. We also recommend their seafood-focused pasta dishes, including the Squid Ink Linguine with shrimp, Lobster Fettuccine, and Seafood Orzo. For a romantic evening, the sunset prix fixe menu offers two courses plus an optional dessert.
Oceanos
Where: Fair Lawn
Details: Oceanos is known by locals and travelers alike as Bergen County’s go-to spot for fresh seafood. In particular, their appetizers are so good they can be a whole meal by themselves. We recommend the Shrimp Saganaki, Mussels Lyonnaise, and jumbo lump crab cakes. Meanwhile, fan favorite entrees include the South African Lobster Tails, Seafood Linguine, and Stuffed Shrimp. They also have plenty of shellfish and raw bar options, plus whole fish including Lavraki (branzino) and dover sole. Just save room for their Vesuvius cake.
Sirenetta
Where: Hoboken
Details: Patrons come to Sirenetta (“little mermaid”) when they are in the mood for seasonal coastal cuisine with a twist. The menu is bursting with creativity, with options like Lobster All’Amatriciana and Bang Bang Shrimp Salad. Their signature Seafood Aqua Pazza is a must-try, and combines scallops, shrimp, crab, and homemade noodles in tomato broth. But the best way to start any meal at Sirenetta is with an order of their housemade Lobster Biscuits served with cheddar cheese and lobster butter. (We’re partial to the Seared Octopus as well.)
Sol Mar
Where: Newark
Details: This lunch and dinner spot focuses on authentic Portuguese & Mediterranean dishes. Their selection of seafood includes global fresh catches from Portugal as well as local regional coasts. Cod, lobster, salmon, sea bass, shrimp, and octopus are some of the key ingredients in most of their cuisine. Popular options include the grilled lobster, shrimp in garlic sauce, and classic Surf & Turf. Sol-Mar also features daily specials, so be on the lookout for a rotating selection of unique choices. Save room for their lemon cheesecake or Portuguese pudding.
Varka Restaurant
Where: Ramsey
Details: Mediterranean cuisine meets serene ambiance and attentive service at Varka Restaurant, open for both lunch and dinner. The bountiful menu boasts nearly 20 appetizers, including Greek Fisherman’s Chowder, Mussels Metaxa Brandy (with feta cheese), and Lobster Gyros. Meanwhile, their seasonal fish house offers a rotating assortment of fresh catches ranging from swordfish to scallops. They also have a variety of whole fishes and lobsters. Varka offers a full Martini menu to pair with their dinner selections, as well as desserts.
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North Jersey Seafood FAQs
Molos in Weehawken offers exquisite waterfront dining with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the NYC skyline. It’s the perfect view to match their signature Port Imperial Seafood Tower. Meanwhile, Blue Anchor in Jersey City features a fantastic raw bar and Cajun Mango Swordfish.
Varka Restaurant in Ramsey and Oceanos in Fair Lawn are Bergen County staples for incredibly fresh, whole-grilled fish. (Including Lavraki and Shrimp Saganaki.) Likewise, Elia Mediterranean in East Rutherford shines with its Greek classics and flawlessly executed whole fish options.
Halcyon in Montclair specializes in upscale-casual seafood, featuring an exceptional raw bar alongside their sushi offerings. In Bergen County, Oceanos (Fair Lawn) and Elia Mediterranean (East Rutherford) offer top-tier raw bars.
No contest here, Crab Island Cajun Seafood in Clifton is the ultimate destination. They offer massive portions and build your own catches featuring signature seasonings like Garlic Butter or classic Cajun.
The Ironbound district in Newark is legendary for its cuisine, and Sol Mar is a crown jewel for authentic Portuguese and Mediterranean seafood. They focus on fresh catches directly from Portugal, plus dishes like grilled lobster, octopus, and classic shrimp in garlic sauce.
Top (Hero) Photo: © Crab Island Cajun Seafood / Facebook
