The secret is out: Long Branch has become one of the Jersey Shore’s most exciting food destinations, blending oceanfront views with culinary ambition. The city’s top restaurants combine bold flavors, seasonal ingredients, and diverse influences, from Portugal and France to classic coastal cuisine. After polling Best of NJ followers, here are the 5 Best Restaurants in Long Branch.
Each of the standout spots on this list offer more than just great meals. They deliver thoughtful service and inviting ambiance that suit every occasion, from date nights to group gatherings. Many of them remain open and popular year-round thanks to their creative menus, consistent execution, and loyal fanbases. Continue reading to find the 5 Best Restaurants in Long Branch, as voted by Best of New Jersey followers.
Quick Click Guide: Want to Jump Straight to Number One? Click any Number Below and see which restaurants made our list of The 5 Best Restaurants in Long Branch.
| Number #5 | Number #4 | Number #3 | Number #2 | Number #1 |
#1 in Long Branch:
Jack’s Goal Line Stand
Where: 149 Brighton Ave, Long Branch
Details: This sports restaurant offers seasonal outdoor dining and an outside cantina perfect for summer afternoons and evenings. Their rotating selection of beers on tap means that fans can watch live sports all year round and never run out of new beers, ciders, or stouts to try. The sports-themed menu is divided into sections like Bull Pen Wings, World Cup Wraps, and Pick & Roll Burgers. For the perfect fusion of bar food and upscale American dining, we recommend the Filet Mignon Sliders.
#2 in Long Branch:
Avenue
Where: 23 Ocean Ave N, Long Branch
Details: Fans flock to Avenue for oceanfront French dining, complete with a raw bar, lounge, and large wine list. The indoor-outdoor oasis is great for any time. Their all-day menu features a mix of salads, sandwiches, hors d’oeuvres and entrees. Raw bar favorites include the shrimp cocktail and chilled Maine lobster. Meanwhile, standout dinner entrees include the classic Duck A L’Orange, Beef Bourguignon, and Ratatouille Tian. But avenue is more than just a lunch and dinner restaurant, it’s also one of NJ’s Best Brunch spots.
#3 in Long Branch:
Mar Belo Restaurant
Where: 611 Broadway, Long Branch
Details: Authentic Portuguese cuisine meets Spanish favorites at Mar Belo. The menu includes options ranging from Spanish meatballs and empanadas to classically-prepared grilled artisan smoked pork sausage. For entrees, we recommend the Paelha Valencia with lobster, shrimp, scallops, mussels, calamari, clams, pork, chicken, and sausage over rice. The modern interior offers an inviting atmosphere and features a bar, white tablecloth dining, and plenty of nautical-themed photographs.
#4 in Long Branch:
Rooney’s Oceanfront
Where: 100 Ocean Ave N, Long Branch
Details: The Best of New Jersey team is no stranger to Rooney’s; it is a longstanding selection in our annual list of NJ’s Best Outdoor Dining Restaurants. (And also a recent addition to our list of The Best Seafood Restaurants in New Jersey.) So it’s no surprise our readers love it, too. From the incredible oceanfront views to the next-level customer service, Rooney’s is a great spot for lunch or dinner. Menu must-trys include the house favorite Angry Lobster, Shrimp Fra Diavolo, and their signature Lobster Mac-A-Rooney.
#5 in Long Branch:
McLoone’s Pier House
Where: 1 Ocean Ave N, Long Branch
Details: McLoone’s Pier House is part upscale American restaurant, part event venue. The restaurant’s beachfront location is a popular pick for everything from birthdays and proposals to weddings and anniversary dinners. They serve a lunch and dinner menu, along with high-quality sushi and a Sunday brunch buffet. We recommend starting with their signature bruschetta board. It comes with a choice of three toppings from options like mushroom, brie, warm artichoke, goat cheese, mozzarella, and prosciutto.
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Top Photo: © Rooney’s Oceanfont | Website
