The Best Seafood Restaurants in New Jersey: 2023 Edition

The 2023 Edition of The Best Seafood Restaurants in New Jersey is written by Vinny Parisi.

One of the perks of being a coastal state is access to fresh fish; and — contrary to popular belief — it’s not just the Jersey shore that has great seafood. In fact, there are delicious meals straight from the sea to be had all across the Garden State. To prove it, we’ve put together a list of The Best Seafood Restaurants in New Jersey.

From all-you-can-eat crabs to an entire branzino fish dinner, there are plenty of fish in New Jersey. But the variety doesn’t stop there, as our list includes seafood from cajun spots, Greek eateries, Italian restaurants, and more. In other words, NJ offers a true ocean’s bounty of seafood.

Quick Click Guide: Select an NJ Region below to find The Best Seafood Restaurants near you.

North Jersey | Central Jersey | Jersey Shore | South Jersey

North Jersey

Chesapeake Tavern

Location: 1 W Mill Rd, Long Valley
Details: Chesapeake Tavern offers an updated take on the menu of its predecessor, Chesapeake Bay Seafood Co. They offer a mix of seafood and land-based dishes but specialize in a number of classics and favorites. Their lunch and dinner options include oysters, fish-n-chips, shrimp & grits, spicy tuna tartare, Alaskan King Crab legs and Maryland Blue Claw Crab Cakes. Some of their most popular items include fried calamari, the seafood tower, and the Maryland Nachos with crab. In addition to indoor dining that boasts a rustic tavern vibe with a fireplace, they have seasonal outdoor dining. Patrons can even sit and enjoy their meal at a fire table. Causal and rustic, Chesapeake Tavern is cozy and inviting.
Why I like it: Oyster Night Mondays offer oysters four ways, while daily Peake Hour provides craft cocktails and small plates.

Click to Visit their Website | Reserve a Table on Resy | Follow them on Facebook | Give them a Call.

Crab Island Cajun Seafood

Location: 1016 Main Ave, Clifton
Details: Crab Island offers a huge variety 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, either mild, medium, or hot. Popular Crab Island menu items range from the soft shell crab basket to the lobster tail with garlic butter. In addition, their selection of entrees all pair well with sides like corn on the cob, fried onion rings, or their Cajun fries.
Why I like it: The portion sizes are big here, which means plenty of leftovers to take home!

Allegro Seafood Grill

Location: Newark
Details: Portuguese cuisine and seafood dishes combine at Allegro, but it’s not just the menu that’s stunning. The atmosphere and decor of this seafood grill transports guests to an exotic oasis. For instance, their outdoor patio boasts palm trees, is surrounded by bamboo, and has an outdoor bar. They also have a large saltwater tank filled with fun fish in the dining room. As for the menu, we recommend the shrimp with linguine, or the salmon loin with cockles.

Battello

Location: Jersey City
Details: Battello is known for its stunning views of the Manhattan skyline, in addition to their Italian/Seafood cuisine. Chef Ryan DePersio serves up signature entrees such as Pignoli Crusted Halibut, Day Boat Sea Scallops, and Littleneck Clam Risotto. But they also have a few seafood-based pasta dishes, including their Squid Ink Torchio and Fettucini Verde with lobster. Dessert fans can look forward to ending the night with items like peach almond tart.

H2Ocean Restaurant & Raw Bar

Location: Cedar Knolls
Details: H2Ocean Restaurant & Raw Bar offers fresh seafood that is, as they say, “from hook to table”. They serve only wild caught seafood sourced from local fisheries, made with ingredients from nearby vegetable farms. In particular, their Surf & Turf Burger is a signature favorite. It includes Maine lobster claw, Gouda, and spicy mayo atop a half-pound black label Angus beef burger. Their market fish options range from grilled swordfish to whole branzino.

Jack’s Lobster Shack

Location: Montclair | Edgewater | Short Hills | Tenafly
Details: Jack Tabibian manages all four of the Jack’s Lobster Shack locations in New Jersey. This seafood restaurant offers everything from crab cakes and New England Clam “Chowda” to their famous Shack Fish Sandwich Platter. The latter comes with blackened pan seared grouper, arugula, red onion, tomato, and lemon aioli on ciabatta bread. But it’s impossible to visit without trying the Lobster Fettuccine Alfredo or Lobster Ravioli, with fresh Maine lobster.

Lithos Estiatorio

Location: Livingston
Details: What’s this, a Greek restaurant on a seafood list? It’s true, Lithos is indeed one of our selections. Inside the restaurant is an open display of fresh, whole fish from the Mediterranean. Of course, there are plenty of traditional Greek items on the menu. But their Raw Bar and prepared seafood selections are highlights. Favorites include the shrimp scampi, yellowfin tuna, lobster ravioli, and fisherman’s stew (with lobster, mussels, clams, and more).

Mama’s Cafe Baci

Location: Hackettstown
Details: Most folks know Mama’s as a family-owned Italian restaurant that’s been open for over 50 years. There’s no denying the menu features top notch, land-based appetizers and entrees. But their specialty seafood dishes are also creative and delicious. For example, their signature “Duet Piatti” menu section includes a Filet Mignon Tips / Shrimp & Scallops combo. Meanwhile, traditional seafood entrees range from Shrimp Fra Diavolo to Salmon Rustica.

Mohawk House

Location: Sparta
Details: The Raw Bar at Mohawk House is serious business. They have both oysters and shrimp cocktail, as well as the Mohawk Platter. The platter includes a half-pound Maine lobster, 3 colossal shrimp, 4 east coast oysters, and 4 west coast oysters. Seaworthy appetizers range from grilled octopus and coconut shrimp to Maine Lobster Mac N’Cheese. As for entrees, the Chilean Sea Bass, Organic Salmon, and Day Boat Scallops are highlights.

Molos

Location: Weehawken
Details: Molos is a seafood restaurant with Greek and Mediterranean influences. For instance, they serve Colossal King Prawn, Dover Sole, Fagri (Mediterranean White Snapper), and Lavraki (Seabass) as whole fish entrees. They even have seafood-infused pasta dishes like lobster pasta and Seafood & Orzo (with scallops, mussels, clams, and more). Scallops, grilled tuna with seaweed tempura, and Faroe Islands Salmon round out the list of entrees.

Oceanos

Location: Fair Lawn
Details: Oceanos self-proclaims to be “The Best Seafood Restaurant in New Jersey”. A bold claim, but it might just be true. The appetizers at Oceanos are so good, they can be a whole meal. In particular, we recommend the Shrimp Saganaki, Mussels Lyonnaise, tuna tartar, and jumbo lump crab cakes. They also have plenty of shellfish and raw bar options, in addition to a whole fish Lavraki (branzino) option. Seafood and salad lovers can try the Ahi Tuna salad.

Sear House Grill

Location: Little Falls
Details: As the name implies, Sear House Grill offers a mix of steak, seafood, and more. They also specialize in homemade pasta. In addition to an a la carte menu, their signature prix fixe lunch and dinner options popular with patrons. These three course menus include a starter, entree, and either coffer/tea (lunch) or dessert (dinner). Those looking for a seafood-centric meal can start with baked clams, followed by grilled salmon, then end with tiramisu.

Varka Restaurant

Location: 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 Tsikoudia (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.

Central Jersey

Salt Seafood & Oyster Bar

Location: 103 Church St, New Brunswick
Details: Salt is a hip, upscale seafood spot. Their raw bar features east and west coast oysters, crabs, shrimp, clams, and more. New for this year, the restaurant now offers both upper level and lower level dining. Their lower level downstairs dining offers a speakeasy vibe, complete with lounge area and spacious six-seater bar. Current menu highlights include Lobster Gnocchi and “Key West” Florida Grouper with coconut-panko crust and avocado key lime butter. But their lineup of small plates, entrees, and desserts is so good, patrons typically order something different every time. Not sure what to order? Don’t worry, their exceptional wait staff is familiar with each dish and can make the perfect recommendation every time.
Why I like it: Salt has an incredible crew; from the servers to the owners, everyone is an All Star.

Click to visit their Website | Make a Reservation on OpenTable | Follow them on Facebook | Click to give them a call.

Blue Fish Grill

Location: Flemington
Details: Blue Fish Grill offers “creative casual dining” thanks in part to rotating specials and a Taco Tuesday menu. Their seafood tacos include the Baja Mahi and Tokyo (seared tuna) tacos. Likewise, their wood grilled seafood entrees feature tuna, mahi, salmon, shrimp, fried cod, and crab cake. Patrons can also get these options served in either a bowl or burrito instead, complete with rice, beans, and more. We recommend the spicy tuna nachos starter.

Blue Point Grill

Location: Princeton
Details: It’s safe to say there are a plethora of fresh fish options at the Blue Point Grill. The menu changes daily, as they source fresh seafood from their nearby Nassau Street Seafood & Produce Company. Their oyster selection is second-to-none, with over a dozen rotating east and west coast options. The exotic entrees at Blue Point Grill include Costa Rican Tilapia, Icelandic Arctic Char, and Greek Bronzini. Meanwhile, the local fish includes Barnegat Bluefish.

Blue Water Seafood

Location: East Brunswick
Details: Despite the small size of the restaurant, Blue Water Seafood packs some big flavors on the menu. For instance, the Spicy Buffalo Scallops Salad has just the right amount of heat and crunch. Other popular dishes include the Lobster Meat Risotto and Honey Calamari starters, and Seafood Fra Diavolo and Shrimp Teriyaki entrees. Seafood doesn’t usually travel well when it comes to takeout, but Blue Water swears by their food delivery service.

Fin Raw Bar and Kitchen

Location: Summit
Details: Fin Raw Bar doesn’t shy away from heaping helpings of fish. Their popular seafood tower includes a dozen oysters, 4 shrimp cocktail, and colossal crabmeat. However, they have the option to tack on a whopping one-and-a-quarter-pound lobster. As for entrees, they serve a 7 Spice Big Eyed Tuna, Barramundi, and Shanghai Style U-7 Shrimp. Other favorites include the Shrimp Lobster & Crab Strozzapreti, and the Jumbo Diver Scallops.

Lukas’ Seafood & Grille

Location: Warren
Details: Run by three brothers and a close family friend, Lukas’ offers fanciful dishes such as Seafood Crepes Champagne. This signature entree comes with crabmeat, lobster, scallops, shrimp, caviar, sauteed spinach, and béchamel sauce. (A white sauce typically famous in French cuisine.) One other unique menu item is the Horseradish Salmon, with saffron risotto, asparagus, mushrooms, and roasted pepper sauce. Lukas’ ambience is chic, but also cozy.

Marino’s Seafood Restaurant and Market

Location: Cranford
Details: Marino’s is a fresh fish market and restaurant combo, so nothing here goes to waste. Their retail market offers an assortment of daily and seasonal selections, including salmon, haddock, flounder, tilapia, monkfish, and mako. (Yes, that last one is a shark.) As for the menu, they offer homemade clam chowder, spicy crab bisque, and other soups. Likewise, their house specials feature Sole Oreganato, Shrimp Scampi, and the “Hari Kari” combo.

Metropolitan Seafood & Gourmet

Location: Lebanon
Details: The fish doesn’t get any fresher than at Metropolitan Seafood & Gourmet. This spot is primarily a specialty market, but they also happen to offer a can’t-miss takeout menu. So it’s not only a place for fresh fish, bread, cheese, and desserts, it’s also a great dinner option. They have raw bar selections including oysters, clams, and crab, as well as hot apps like Popcorn Rock Shrimp. Try the soft shell crab club sandwich or their Famous Fish and Chips.

The Milford House

Location: Milford
Details: The menu rotates regularly at this spot, so it’s always good to check the specials online before heading over. But the seafood mainstays include Oyster Du Jour, Crab Norfolk, and their Fish & Chips. Other highlights — when they’re available — include the Bay Scallop Po’ Boy, Ahi Tuna with wasabi, and Monk Fish Provençale. Though The Milford House is a new interpretation of the original “Milford Oyster House”, their commitment to seafood remains.

The Portuguese Fisherman

Location: South River
Details: Portuguese and Spanish dishes combine at The Portuguese Fisherman. Open since 1976, locals rave about their rotating daily specials. The fusion menu serves unique options like Grilled Halibut with Broccoli Rabe and Poached Salt Cod with Garbanzo Beans. We would recommend starting with the Clams Portuguese and then ordering The Fisherman’s Platter as an entree. This large platter includes a 7oz lobster tail and scallops, as well as jumbo shrimp.

Sea World Seafood

Location: Trenton
Details: There’s no orca on the menu at this Sea World, just some classic steamed or fried platters and sandwiches. Some unique options include the Catfish sandwich, the Whiting & Chicken Wings fried platter, and the Basa & Clams platter. For a bigger bounty, they also offer deluxe platters such as their signature Sea World Platter. It comes with snow and dungeness crab clusters, 1 king crab leg, 1 lobster tail, shrimp, clams, corn, broccoli, and potatoes.

Uncle Vinnie’s Clam Bar

Location: Raritan
Details: First established in 1989, Uncle Vinnie’s Clam Bar has been serving the Raritan area for over 30 years. The restaurant features a raw bar and specializes in Italian-style seafood. In particular, the menu boasts a number of classic options ranging from Mussels Marinara to Flounder Francesce. They offer daily specials as well, so patrons can expect fresh Blackened Mahi Mahi, red snapper, and lobster in rotation. Just don’t forget about their pasta dishes.

Jersey Shore

Black Whale Bar & Fish House

Where: 100 N Pennsylvania Ave, Beach Haven
Details: The Black Whale — also known as “Beach Haven’s corner bar” — is open year-round on Long Beach Island. They offer a raw bar with clams, jumbo shrimp cocktail, oysters, and seared sushi tuna. Meanwhile, their entree menu features classics like Clam Strips, Bacon Wrapped Scallops, Butterfly Shrimp, and Jumbo Lump Crab Cakes. As a bonus, every entree comes with a family-style salad and one side. Looking for a real feast? Their Lobster Bake for 2 includes two lobsters, corn on the cob (available seasonally), cole slaw, and 2 steamer bags. These steamer bags have red potatoes, mussels, and clams inside. The expansive menu also includes sandwiches, soups, salads, pasta, Po’ Boys, and signature fish dishes.
Why I like it: They offer a unique Sunday brunch with items like Steak & Eggs Tartine and Lox Crostini.

Rooney’s Oceanfront Restaurant

Where: 100 Ocean Ave North, Long Branch
Details: Just steps from the beach, Rooney’s offers a picturesque view of the Atlantic Ocean. Their large bi-level outdoor deck with custom décor offers a sense of closeness to the sea. Since the lower level is covered by the upper deck, it’s great for lunch or dinner any time of day. The innovative dishes from Executive Chef Jared Brown focus on enhancing seafood staples. For instance, the Angry Lobster dinner is pan roasted in the original shell and served over a bed of linguini. Plus, their unique Fish Board menu lets patrons select their preferred fish, plus the preparation method, sauce, and side. One option is the Yellowfin Tuna, pan seared with sweet chili and garlic sauce. Try it with a side of Mashed Gouda Cauliflower.
Why I Like it: Lobster lovers can also order the Lobster Mac-A-Rooney, with lobster meat, Parmesan and Mozzarella.

Ship Bottom Shellfish

Where: 1721 S Long Beach Blvd, Ship Bottom
Details: Clams are the signature item at Ship Bottom Shellfish, and have been since day one. Founder Bob Nugent started out in the 1970s selling clams from a little shack on Cedar Bonnet Island. That’s how he met Ginna, who would eventually be his wife and co-founder. Ginna herself grew up around her father’s fish market. Together, they opened Ship Bottom Shellfish in 1981. Now, they continue to serve a signature seafood menu of favorites like Crab Imperial, Fried Shrimp & Scallops, and Flounder. Of course, there’s no shortage of clams. The appetizer menu boasts Garlic Clams, Clams Casino, Steamed Little Necks, Clams in Wine + Garlic, and more. For something a little different, try their Thai Calamari appetizer.
Why I Like it: Dessert includes Blueberry Cobbler made with fresh New Jersey blueberries either warm or a la mode.

Atlantic Offshore Fishery

Location: Point Pleasant Beach
Details: More than just a restaurant, Atlantic Offshore Fishery has their own family-operated fishing fleet. So guests can be sure they are getting the freshest fish possible. But even beyond that, this spot only offers premium quality fish. For instance, they serve Grade 1 (sushi grade) tuna, which is the best available. Their newly expanded menu includes favorites like lobster rolls and swordfish sandwiches, as well as seafood platters and chef’s specials.

Bahrs Landing

Location: Highlands
Details: There’s no doubt about the menu at this spot, as Bahrs Landing leans heavy into its nautical theme. The interior feels like some sort of boat museum, complete with its own gift shop and wall-to-wall decor. As for the food, their massive dinner menu features everything from clams and calamari to lobsters and Alaskan king crabs. For something different, try the grilled local monkfish with lobster vinaigrette or the Jamaican jerk shrimp with mango salsa.

Black Whale

Location: Beach Haven
Details: Black Whale — also known as “Beach Haven’s corner bar” — is open year-round on Long Beach Island. But don’t let the simple setup and friendly barkeep distract from their cooking chops. The spot just happens to also be one of LBI’s best seafood restaurants. The Herb Grilled Shrimp Skewers are popular, with eight jumbo shrimp in roasted garlic chimichurri sauce. Their Buffalo Calamari, Shrimp Bisque, and Bacon Wrapped Scallops are also a big hit.

Charlie’s of Bay Head

Location: Bay Head
Details: Charlie’s is known for its view of Twilight Lake, contemporary American menu, house made desserts, and assortment of drinks. This includes a large selection of wines and plenty of taps featuring local craft beers. The dinner menu boasts popular starters such as spicy tuna tartare and a grilled salmon entree. Meanwhile, Sunday brunch standouts include the Crab Cake Benedict, with poached eggs, sauteed spinach, and colossal lump crab cakes.

Cuzin’s Seafood & Clam Bar

Location: Marlboro
Details: The extensive menu at Cuzin’s Seafood & Clam Bar really does have something for everyone. That includes folks who want a little bit of everything, as they offer a Crispy Seafood Combo. The combo comes with shrimp, scallops, cod, clam strips, hand cut fries, and coleslaw. They also have a dedicated Whole Maine Lobster Bar, with grilled, steamed, oreganata, fra diavolo, and angry options. The latter is pan seared and comes with spaghetti.

Daniel’s Bistro

Location: Point Pleasant Beach
Details: This BYOB bistro has plenty of seafood choices on the menu, plus choices for landlubbers as well. In particular, the Seafood Salad is a great starter, mixing scungilli, shrimp, calamari, celery, onion, and fresh herbs. (All in a lemon and olive oil marinade.) But we recommend the pan seared Arctic Char with chablis, capers, truffle butter, chanterelle mushrooms, bacon gnocchi, and spinach. Plus the Tableside Berries Flambé for dessert.

The Diving Horse

Location: Avalon
Details: This BYOB farm-to-table (or is that sea-to-table?) restaurant offers a seasonal menu. The Diving Horse sources their ingredients from local farms and day boat fisherman and presents them in a modern farmhouse. They also offer outdoor seating on their patio. Of course, the name references the famous diving horses that would leap off the Steel Pier in Atlantic City. Locals really love the Barnegat Scallops, as well as their unique “Kit Kat” dessert.

Dock’s Oyster House

Location: Atlantic City
Details: The Dougherty family has been maintaining Dock’s Oyster House for four generations at this point. The original owner — Harry “Call Me Dock” Dougherty — first opened the seafood restaurant over 100 years ago, in 1897. In fact, the “Dock’s Classics” menu section features dishes from the original opening. For example, their signature Crab Meat Sauté cooks jumbo lump crab meat in butter, shallots, garlic, lemon, parsley and chives.

DRIFTHOUSE by David Burke

Location: Sea Bright
Details: DRIFTHOUSE, one of Chef David Burke’s restaurants, floats somewhere between New American cuisine and seafood. As usual for Chef Burke restaurants, the appetizers menu includes innovative dishes like Eggplant Chips and Pretzel Crusted Crab Cakes. Meanwhile, signature entrees include the Shrimp and Octopus Veracruz and the Whole Lobster (steamed or broiled) with zoodles. Of course, all meals come with the bonus of stunning ocean views.

Mike’s Seafood

Location: Sea Isle City
Details: This fresh seafood spot is equally great for dine-in and takeout. Since first opening in 1911, Mike’s Seafood continues to be a go-to seafood spot for lunch and dinner. Their takeout menu features fresh steamed clams and mussels, plus platters, sandwiches, soups, chowders, and family style buckets. As for Mike’s Dock — their restaurant — starters include the Lobster Mac & Cheese Balls and Chilled Sampler. We recommend the Hell Raiser special.

Mud City Crab House

Location: Manahawkin
Details: It will come as no surprise that crab cakes are a signature item at Mud City Crab House. Both their Jumbo Lump Crab Cakes and “The Original” Crab Cake, which is deviled style, are can’t-miss items. But beyond that, their house specialty is the Cioppino, a large portion of clams, crab, mussels, shrimp, and fish. They serve this in a spicy red sauce over linguini with salad and fresh bread. Other options include fresh fish, lobster, and shellfish.

Oyster Creek Restaurant & Boat Bar

Location: Leeds Point
Details: Whether stopping by for lunch or dinner, seafood is on the menu at Oyster Creek. Their selection of sushi includes tuna or salmon rolls, blackened scallop, Alaskan king crab, Caribbean crab, and bourbon shrimp. Likewise, they offer signature starters such as seared sea scallops and Parmesan Encrusted Crab Cake. We recommend one of their combo entrees, either the Fried Seafood Combination or the namesake Oyster Creek Combination.

Peter Shields Inn & Restaurant

Location: Cape May
Details: The Peter Shields Inn is a sizable venue with five different dining rooms and a menu specializing in seafood. Executive Chef Carl Messick prepares a menu that spotlights two courses. The first course features favorites like Seared Hudson Valley Foie Gras. This comes with Grand Marnier Cinnamon Swirl French Toast, Almond Granola, Apricot Marmalade, and Cherry Purée. Meanwhile, one second course highlight is the Alaskan Halibut with Gnocchi.

Pisces Seafood

Location: Toms River
Details: Pisces offers a retail counter selling fresh fish to take home, and a dining room open Wednesday through Sunday. The kitchen cooks up starters such as Seared Pepper Tuna and Pina Colada Coconut Shrimp. Meanwhile, their popular entrees range from Fish + Chips and Fried Combo Platters to the local caught Fluke Filet. In addition, their market offers a wide range of fresh and frozen fish. They also have crab cakes, soups, and sides all ready to-go.

Shipwreck Grill

Location: Brielle
Details: Shipwreck Grill crafts beautiful cocktails adorned with fresh flowers, in addition to a rich menu. Locals love their classic seafood dishes, from the Seared Sesame Tuna to the Surf & Turf. The latter combines an 8oz lobster tail with an 8oz boneless Filet Mignon. It’s not easy, but try to save room for dessert. Shipwreck serves some can’t-miss favorites like Crème Fraiche Lemon Cheesecake, Chocolate Caramel Cake, and House Made Ice Cream.

Shore Fresh Seafood Market & Restaurant

Location: Point Pleasant
Details: This BYOB spot is pretty self-explanatory, as Shore Fresh combines a traditional fish market and seafood restaurant. They offer ice-filled storefront fish cases full of take-home options and a full service sit down restaurant. Their coastal cuisine menu includes appetizers such as stuffed clams and tuna bites with ranch dressing. Meanwhile, they have a raw bar with oysters, shrimp cocktail, clams, and smoked whiting. We say to try the Shrimp Po’ Boy.

Spanish Potato Grill

Location: Brick Township
Details: Okay, just hear us out. Yes, Spanish Potato Grill is a Spanish and Portuguese fusion restaurant. But Owner and Chef Manny Martins previously owned Pescador Restaurant in Bergen County, and knows his way around seafood. As a result, his new restaurant offers Paella, Surf and Turf (Filet Mignon and lobster tail), and baked codfish entrees. It’s also a great spot for appetizers such as fresh clams, shrimp in garlic sauce, and fried calamari.

Steve & Cookie’s By The Bay

Location: Margate City
Details: For over 25 years, Caroline “Cookie” Till has dominated the restaurant scene in Margate City. Despite the unassuming building and decor, Steve & Cookie’s attracts the “who’s who” of Philadelphia and New Jersey alike. The upscale menu includes unique options like the Fried Oysters over Grilled Romaine salad and Butter Poached Clams. The stars of the entree menu are the Seafood Panroast and Warner’s Bouillabaisse (with optional lobster tail).

Westside Saloon

Location: West Wildwood
Details: A self-proclaimed “5 Star Dive Bar”, Westside Saloon offers a concise menu of seafood, burgers, sandwiches, and appetizers. All of their seafood goes for market price, with options like lobster tails, scallops, and shrimp. But the signature seafood sandwiches are the highlight of their menu, with a number of tasty options. The sandwich selection includes Crab Cake Grilled Cheese, a Shrimp BLT, and their “World Famous” Florida Keys Lobster Reuben.

South Jersey

Blue Claw Crab Eatery

Location: 4494 Burlington Pike, Burlington
Details: In business for over 50 years, the Blue Claw is a casual, fan favorite BYO crab house. They cover the tables with paper and encourage guests to have fun cracking open their crabs. Besides fresh crabs they also offer shrimp, scallops, clams, oysters, flounder, and more. But the real highlights are their Feast options for either one or two guests. The feasts available include Crab, Shell Fish, and Lobster, with each including an assortment of seafood.
Why I like it: For something a little different, Blue Claw even has fried soft shell crab sandwiches.
More info: Visit their Website | Follow them on Facebook | Click to give them a call.

Bayshore Crab House

Location: Newport
Details: This unassuming hidden gem is literally on “Back Rd”, but finding it is easy. Just look for the large painting of a bull on the side of a barnhouse. Bayshore Crab House is only open from May through October, but that just gives guests more time to plan accordingly. Chef/Owner Kenny Lore comes from a family of oystermen, so clams, crabs, and oysters are the highlight. In particular, the stuffed shrimp with crab and deviled crab cakes are favorites.

Dad’s Seafood

Location: Vineland
Details: Dad’s is primarily a fish market, known locally for selling the freshest fish around at great prices. Their inventory rotates as they receive fresh catches, but they offer all the usual favorites plus many oven-ready meals. This includes scallops, Icelandic cod, sword fish, salmon, ahi tuna, red snapper, flounder, and their famous crabs. From containers of crab meat to seasoned or steamed, cooked or cleaned whole crabs, Dad’s is the place to visit.

Ella’s Mama Mia’s Family Restaurant

Location: Salem
Details: Ella’s Mama Mia’s is primarily a pizzeria and Italian restaurant, but their seafood dishes are worthy of note. They offer a variety of shrimp dishes, including shrimp fra diavolo, scampi, parmigiana, and Francese. They also offer a number of seafood combos, from their Shrimp and Crab dish to the Shrimp and Broccoli. In particular, their Broiled Seafood Combo mixes flounder, shrimp, and scallops. Other options include mussels, clams, and crab cakes.

Grabbe’s Seafood Restaurant and Crab House

Location: Westville
Details: People come for the crabs, of course, but there’s so much more at Grabbe’s Seafood Restaurant. For instance, the crab cakes and stuffed shrimp are popular picks. Their clambake menu is also worth a look, with lobster tail, crab legs, and whole crab options. But when it comes to crabs, we suggest ordering a dozen of their Garlic Crabs. Keep in mind that Grabbe’s is still takeout only until further notice, but their seafood store is open for business.

John’s Seafood

Location: Paulsboro
Details: Fresh, local, and reasonably priced are the pillars of John’s Seafood. The extensive menu casts a large net, but is able to reel in a number of standout dishes. Highlights include the Jumbo Shrimp appetizer, Fried Flounder sandwich, Catfish Nuggets, and their selection of large family specials. In addition, they offer discounted bulk pricing when buying over 1lb of select menu items. Table seating is limited, however, so it’s probably best to plan for pickup.

Max’s Seafood Cafe

Location: Gloucester City
Details: Sometimes, the best thing to order at a restaurant is the thing they are famous for. Such is the case at Max’s Seafood Cafe with their “Max’s Famous Mussels” starter. This dish comes with a choice of four sauces, including savory red, spicy red, white wine garlic, and Thai curry. As for entrees, their Mixed Seafood Grill is a highlight, combining lobster tail, crab cake, shrimp, and scallops. The building — and its design — dates all the way back to 1890.

The Red Eyed Crab

Location: Port Norris
Details: “Fresh, fun, and friendly” is the motto at The Red Eyed Crab. Locals all love their top notch customer service and family friendly atmosphere. Standout menu items include the Bacon Wrapped Shrimp and their “Oysters Rock” dish. The latter is an appetizer sampler of local oysters topped with a mixture of cheese, spinach, and sour cream. Steam pots, fried platters, and broiled seafood are all available here, as well as a number of choices for kids.

Sagami Japanese Restaurant

Location: Collingswood
Details: Sagami serves authentic Japanese cuisine with a heavy focus on seafood. Of course, a large part of their menu is sushi and rolls. This includes tuna avocado, soft shell crab, shrimp tempura, and yellowtail avocado rolls. Likewise, their sea-based entrees feature popular picks such as fried oyster and the Fried Seafood Combination. The latter offers shrimp, scallops, and salmon all in one dish. We also recommend trying the shrimp dumplings.

Seafood Haven

Location: Willingboro
Details: Seafood Haven has been in business for over 50 years. In fact, they’ve been drawing crowds known to extend around the street corner since 1967. The reason for their popularity and longevity is their excellent customer service and assortment of sandwiches, platters, sides, and desserts. Their salmon cheesesteak is a unique creation, as is their “Faux-let O Fish” with plant-based fish filets. The signature Harlem Seafood Platter is also a big hit.

Shag’s Crab and Seafood

Location: Pennsville Township
Details: Shag’s Crab and Seafood is a seasonal market that also offers a full menu. They have limited hours during the fall and close for the winter season. (They typically close for the winter season beginning on Christmas Eve). But when they’re open they serve all the classics, from baskets and platters to sandwiches and… Tex Mex Seafood?! That’s right, their menu offers Shrimp, Mahi, and Salmon fish tacos, as well as their signature Crab Quesadillas.

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Top (Hero) Photo: © Blue Claw Crab Eatery / Facebook
Other Photos (in Order):
Chesapeake Tavern / Website
Salt Seafood & Oyster Bar / Facebook
Blue Claw Crab Eatery / Website

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