The Best Seafood Restaurants in New Jersey: 2025 Edition

The 2025 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. From buttery Barnegat Bay scallops to briny Delaware Bay oysters, NJ’s local catches are unmatched in variety and flavor. And it’s not just the Jersey shore that has great seafood. To prove it, we put together a Statewide list of The Best Seafood Restaurants in New Jersey.

Each spot on this list has been chosen for the quality of their dishes, as well as their commitment to sourcing local, fresh caught seafood from NJ’s local fisheries. The menus range from raw bars that will delight any purist to creative and unexpected twists on traditional favorites. But above all, each provides an unforgettable experience that merits a return visit (or three.)

Quick Click Guide: Select a Region below to find The Best Seafood Restaurants nearby.

North Jersey

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 Fluke with mango salsa or the Crab Encrusted Striped Bass. Otherwise, go for a tried-and-true classic like the Frutti di Mare with shrimp, mussels, and calamari over fettucine.

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 stuffed shrimp, spicy tuna tartare, Alaskan King Crab, and Maryland Blue Claw Crab Cakes. Other fan favorites range from fried calamari and the Chesapeake lobster roll to their Maryland Nachos with crab. In addition to indoor dining that boasts a rustic tavern vibe with a fireplace, they have seasonal outdoor patio dining.

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.

Halcyon

Where: Montclair
Details: Halcyon (pronounced hal·cy·on) 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. In addition to dinner seven nights a week. Halcyon offers a weekend brunch menu that is great for groups.

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.) 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 Lavraki (branzino) and dover sole options.

Sirenetta

Where: Hoboken
Details: Patrons come to Sirenetta (“little mermaid”) when they are in the mood for coastal cuisine with a twist. The menu is bursting with creativity, with options like Lobster All’Amatriciana and Scallop & Shrimp Aqua Pazza. The latter pairs fresh scallops and shrimp with fennel, tomatoes & grilled semolina bread. But the best way to start any meal at Sirenetta is with an order of their housemade Lobster Biscuits. (Though we’re partial to the Spicy Shrimp Frites, made with Thai Chile, as well.)

The Windlass

Where: Lake Hopatcong
Details: The Windlass is already a Best of New Jersey pick as one of NJ’s Best Outdoor Dining Restaurants. But their seasonal dining is also noteworthy for its selection of fresh seafood dishes. Summertime favorites include the Italian clams, lobster ravioli, and baked salmon oreganata. Of course, the food is only half the experience of dining at The Windlass. Another major draw is the waterfront dining, which boasts both a covered deck and private dockside gliders for small groups.

Central Jersey

Featured from Middlesex County:
Salt Seafood & Oyster Bar

Where: 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. The restaurant improves itself each year, and currently offers both upper level and lower level dining. Their downstairs dining offers a speakeasy vibe, complete with lounge area and spacious six-seater bar. Current menu highlights include corn gnocchi with lobster and peas and “Key West” Florida Grouper in a coconut-panko crust. The latter also includes citrus basmati, charred broccolini, lump crab, and avocado key lime butter. In fact, their selection of small plates, entrees, and desserts is so good, patrons typically order something different each time. Those with a sweet tooth will want to order either the Cotton Cake or Rustic Apple Crumb Pie. But what really elevates the experience at Salt is the exceptional customer service. For instance, Chef Christian Graciano ensures each member of the wait staff is familiar with every dish on the menu.

Blue Point Grill

Where: Princeton
Details: For seafood lovers always in the mood to try something different, the menu changes daily at Blue Point Grill. That’s because 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. In addition, they prepare exotic entrees such as Costa Rican Yellowfin Tuna, Icelandic Arctic Char, and Whole Greek Bronzini. They also source a few local options as well, including Barnegat Bluefish.

Lukas’ Seafood & Grille

Where: 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 yet cozy, and works just as well for lunch as it does for dinner.

Marino’s Seafood Restaurant and Market

Where: 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 specialty soups such as homemade clam chowder, spicy crab bisque, and more. Meanwhile, their house specials feature traditional favorites like sole oreganato, shrimp scampi, and the “Hari Kari” combo.

Metropolitan Seafood & Gourmet

Where: 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. For a first-time visit, we recommend ordering the soft shell crab “club” sandwich or their Famous Fish and Chips.

Jersey Shore

Featured from Ocean County:
Black Whale Bar

Where: 100 N Pennsylvania Ave, Beach Haven
Details: This popular spot is named for the old Black Whale Cruises running from Little Egg Inlet to Atlantic City. As Beach Haven’s neighborhood bar, Black Whale is perfect for families and friends looking for casual lunch and dinner fare. The team has spent years perfecting their menu of specialty seafood dishes. This includes appetizers like wine and garlic clams, buffalo calamari, and their monthly oyster special. Likewise, popular entrees range from clam strips and butterfly shrimp to bacon wrapped scallops and seasonal soft-shell crabs. But for a real feast, order their Lobster Bake for 2. The meal includes two lobsters, corn on the cob, coleslaw, and two steamer bags with potatoes, clams, and mussels. The Black Whale’s intimate bar setting offers ten beers on tap, selected based on the team’s travels across the globe. They also have an assortment of handcrafted cocktails to pair with any seafood dish. We also commend The Black Whale for supporting local artists and musicians.

Featured from Ocean County:
Mud City Crab House

Where: 1185 E Bay Ave, Manahawkin
Details: Whether dining in or picking up, the Mud City Crab House is the go-to seafood spot in town. That’s because in addition to their sit-down restaurant area, they also curate a fresh seafood market. The market offers everything from soft shell crabs and flounder to mussels and more. Plus, they use the same fresh fish they sell at the market in their restaurant dishes. So whether folks order the seared tuna, jumbo lump crab cake, or their signature garlic crabs, everything is always fresh. Their house specialty, however, is the Cioppino. This fish stew comes with salad, fresh bread, and a large portion of clams, crab, shrimp, mussels, and fish. Mud City Crab House also has over a dozen cocktails on the menu, along with wines and beers. Popular picks include the Strawberry Basil Lemonade, Pear Martini, and Muddy Mary. Just keep in mind they do not accept reservations, it’s first come first serve. Parked on their patio is The Mud City Barstream, a unique outdoor bar offering drink service.

Featured from Ocean County:
Parker’s Garage & Oyster Saloon

Where: 116 Northwest Ave, Beach Haven
Details: Parker’s Garage is a seafood haven that really shines a spotlight on fresh oysters. In fact, the team invests in a local oyster co-op just west of their docks. This co-op improves the health of the bay, as oysters are filter feeders which help improve the area’s water quality. Besides their marquee dish, Parker’s Garage offers a variety of other seafood options. For instance, the tuna crackers are their most popular appetizer. Other standout starters include grilled calamari (with harissa and chimichurri) and the sharable roasted octopus (smokey and cooked to perfection). As for entrees, we recommend the tilefish (with celery root, black truffle, and caviar) or the Tuna entree. The latter includes tentsuyu, yuzu, kosho, and foie gras to add layered, sophisticated flavors to the dish. Plan a visit during a warm day/evening to take advantage of their wonderful outdoor dining. They have a deck that’s right on the water, which also doubles as a unique option for a wedding reception.

Featured from Ocean County:
Ship Bottom Shellfish

Where: 1721 S Long Beach Blvd, Ship Bottom
Details: Ship Bottom is a seasonal BYO spot open every day except Tuesday. They don’t take reservations, but remain a popular hotspot during the summer months thanks to their patio. To ensure a table, we recommend planning a day trip in the area and speaking with the hostess early. It’s also a great option for takeout, as the restaurant is just a block from the beach. The menu features interesting options like Thai Calamari, which comes in a sweet chili sauce with sriracha aioli dipping sauce. But the bounty of fresh seafood doesn’t stop there. Ship Bottom also offers soups such as New England Clam, Manhattan Clam, and Seafood Bisque. Popular entrees include the Fried Shrimp & Scallops, stuffed flounder, and Jumbo Lump Crab Cake + Blackened Tuna. We also recommend saving room for dessert and, in particular, ordering either their homemade Toll House Pie or Blueberry Cobbler with fresh Jersey blueberries. Thanks to their fresh fish market, Patrons can bring their favorite seafood home with them, too.

Featured from Ocean County:
Chef Mike’s ABG

Where: 10 24th Ave, Seaside Park
Details: Executive Chef Mike Jurusz has been delighting taste buds across the Jersey Shore for close to four decades. At Chef Mike’s ABG, his puts his culinary talents on full display across an array of appetizers, entrees, and desserts. The restaurant specializes in seafood, and features a popular raw bar with colossal white shrimp cocktail, east coast blue point oysters, and middle neck clams. For a tasty seafood medley, we recommend the Hot Sampler appetizer. It includes fried calamari, chicken dumplings, mini crab cakes, and shrimp tempura. As for signature seafood entrees, must-try dishes include the Horseradish Crusted Chilean Seabass and Lobster & Shrimp Risotto. Other highlights include Peppercorn Crusted Ahi Tuna, and the Berruti Zuppa di Pesce. (Lobster, shrimp, clams, mussels, scallops, calamari, and crab meat over linguine in a garlic tomato broth.) Thanks to their outdoor dining, patrons can pair that fresh fish with some fresh air for the perfect night out.

Featured from Monmouth County:
Rooney’s Oceanfront

Where: 100 Ocean Ave North, Long Branch
Details: Folks flock to Rooney’s for the exceptional waterfront dining experience. Their large, bi-level outdoor deck offers ocean views that pair perfectly with their signature seafood dishes. The lobster roll is of course a favorite of vacationers staying along the Shore. But their house favorite Angry Lobster, pan roasted in its original shell, is both a flavor sensation and visual spectacle. Pasta fans are also in for a treat, with options like Lobster Mac-A-Rooney, Shrimp Fra Diavolo, and Cioppino. The latter mixes shrimp, mussels, clams, and mahi mahi with garlic and tomato broth over linguine. Their sushi menu is also available throughout the day, and makes for a great beach day lunch option. Rooney’s hosts live music a few days a week throughout the summer, so be sure to check the schedule online. After the summer winds down, Rooney’s stays hot in the off-season by offering one of the country’s best brunches. They typically introduce some new brunch items each fall when the menu launches.

Featured From Monmouth County:
Harpoon Willy’s

Where: 2655 River Rd, Manasquan | 2360 NJ-33, Robbinsville Twp
Details: Harpoon Willy’s stands out for it’s exceptional cuisine, picturesque views of the Manasquan River, and unforgettable hospitality. The restaurant is great for couples, families, and small groups alike thanks to spacious interior seating and outdoor patio dining. Their all-day menu offers a bounty of fresh seafood options for either lunch or dinner. Standout dishes include the day boat scallops (with brown butter, mushroom risotto & sautéed spinach); sauteed shrimp over linguine (with tomatoes, sautéed onions, spinach & fresh basil in light lemon, garlic, & EVOO); and the lobster avocado wrap (with crispy onions, lettuce, and spicy lime remoulade). As for cocktails, popular picks include the Maverick (White Claw Vodka, Prosecco, passion fruit puree, vanilla syrup, passion fruit); and the French Butterfly (Empress Gin, Prosecco, and lavender with a lemon twist). The service at Harpoon Willy’s is top notch, boasting a friendly and knowledgeable waitstaff that treats guests like VIPs.

Beach Creek Oyster Bar & Grill

Where: Wildwood
Details: For fans of waterfront dining, Beach Creek is Cape May’s premier destination. The starry lights, candle lit sunsets, palm trees, and tropical flowers make each visit feel like a trip to paradise. The waterfront deck is the perfect spot to enjoy signature, fresh seafood dishes like their Strawberry BBQ Salmon. This unique flavor profile features grilled salmon glazed with a spicy strawberry-orange infused BBQ sauce. More traditional seafood favorites include the Blackened Mahi and Maryland Crab Cakes.

Dock’s Oyster House

Where: Atlantic City
Details: The Dougherty family has been maintaining Dock’s Oyster House for four generations. The original owner — Harry “Call Me Dock” Dougherty — first opened the seafood restaurant over 100 years ago, in 1897. In fact, their “Dock’s Classics” section of the present day menu features dishes from the original menu. One example is their signature Crab Meat Sauté. To make it, they cook jumbo lump crab meat in butter, shallots, garlic, lemon, parsley and chives. Their Raw Bar is also popular with patrons.

Mike’s Seafood & Dock Restaurant

Where: 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 Kelce’s Buffalo Shrimp. For something new, we recommend the Fried Jersey Deviled Clams.

Shipwreck Grill

Where: Brielle
Details: Shipwreck Grill crafts beautiful cocktails adorned with fresh flowers, in addition to a rich menu of traditional seafood. 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 Affogato, Lemon Cheesecake, Chocolate Caramel Cake, and House Made Ice Cream (flavors rotate).

South Jersey

Featured from Burlington County:
Blue Claw Seafood & Crab Eatery

Where: 4494 Burlington Pike, Burlington
Details: The Blue Claw offers a year-round taste of being down the Shore, without the traffic. 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, basa, and more. Popular appetizers include the Buffalo Garlic Shrimp, Stoner Crab Nachos and Buttered up King Rolls. The latter features garlic rolls stuffed with king crab meat and dusted with crab spice. For entrees, we recommend the fried scallops basket, Oyster Po Boy sandwich, and of course, their signature Blue Claw Crabs. These crabs can come cleaned or dirty, cold or steamed, plain or seasoned, so each order is totally customizable. (Crabs are priced individually, with a small additional charge for cleaning and steaming.) The hungriest of patrons can take on their Feast options for one or two people. These feasts typically come with an assortment of blue crabs, snow crabs, dungeness crabs, corn on the cob, and sides.

Grabbe’s Seafood Restaurant

Where: Westville
Details: Grabbe’s Seafood Restaurant is famous around the country for their crabs, which they ship nationwide. But their crab cakes and stuffed shrimp are also popular picks off the main menu. Their clambake menu is also worth a look, with lobster tail, crab legs, and whole crab options. When it comes to crabs, we suggest ordering a dozen of their fan-favorite Blue Claw crabs served garlic style. (Size options may change depending on their fresh selection for the day.)

Max’s Seafood Cafe

Where: 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. Something of a landmark in town, the building and its design date all the way back to 1890.

Click Here To See More Best of New Jersey Lists.

NJ’s Best Seafood Restaurants FAQs

Which Restaurant Has the Freshest Oysters in New Jersey?

For an unforgettable oyster experience, head to Parker’s Garage & Oyster Saloon in Beach Haven. They take their oyster game seriously, partnering with a local co-op to farm fresh oysters right off their docks.

Which Jersey Shore Seafood Restaurant is Best for a Casual Meal?

Ship Bottom Shellfish on Long Beach Island is known for Thai Calamari, homemade chowders, and hearty entrees like Fried Shrimp & Scallops or Jumbo Lump Crab Cakes. It’s laid-back, no-reservations-required, and perfect for a relaxing beach day meal.

Are There Any NJ Seafood Restaurants that Double as a Fish Market?

Mud City Crab House in Manahawkin delivers on both fronts, offering a fresh fish market alongside a full-service restaurant. Patrons can enjoy a delicious lunch and take home fresh local seafood for later.

Does Central Jersey Have Any Upscale Seafood Restaurants?

Yes, Salt Seafood & Oyster Bar in New Brunswick is a polished, modern venue that fuses creativity with quality. Standouts like Florida Grouper in a coconut-panko crust and corn gnocchi with lobster make it perfect for date night or special occasions.

Where is the Most Family-Friendly Seafood Restaurant in New Jersey?

Blue Claw Seafood & Crab Eatery in Burlington has been serving families for over 65 years. This BYO, paper-tabletop crab house is the perfect atmosphere for families. Kids and adults alike enjoy the messy, hands-on experience of cracking open freshly steamed Blue Claw Crabs.

The Best Seafood Restaurants in New Jersey