No matter the season, there is something about a restaurant with an ocean view that instantly makes the food taste even better. The Jersey Shore is home to some of the best coastal cuisine options with a picturesque beach view that will be hard to resist capturing a photo of. The Jersey Shore Girl compiled a list of the best Jersey Shore restaurants with a water view for anyone looking to dine with the ocean as a backdrop. Keep reading for a guide to restaurants with a beach view at the Jersey Shore.
Asbury Park
The Break | 1000 Ocean Avenue North
The Break has oceanfront dining with live music and coastal cuisine. This restaurant is the spot for those looking for sushi on Asbury Park’s boardwalk. It has traditional rolls, signature rolls, chef’s specials, vegan signature rolls, and sake (to put it short — the sushi options are endless). Customers who aren’t into sushi can try one of its Mexican-inspired plates like the various tacos, burritos, or Boardwalk Bowl (rice topped with guac, sour cream, pico de gallo, cheese, + choice of protein). Its handhelds, salads, and starters also add to the laid-back environment created in this oceanfront restaurant.
Iron Whale | 1200 Ocean Avenue, Unit 504
Iron Whale is a restaurant specializing in innovative seafood dishes and various meat presentations. It has fun options on the menu, like the Taco Bar, which features seafood-focused taco options, like mahi mahi, grilled shrimp, crispy cod, tuna, salmon, and blackened chicken. The Iron Whale has upscale protein dishes, including steaks, pork chops, and swordfish. It also has pasta, salads, small plates, and a vegetarian section on the menu. This restaurant is located directly on the boardwalk, giving visitors a direct view of the ocean, and this nautical atmosphere is topped off with a rustic aesthetic featuring an open kitchen and fireplace that customers love.
Read More: A Guide to the Jersey Shore’s Boardwalks
The Robinson Ale House | 1200 Ocean Ave North
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The Robinson Ale House has an extensive beachfront outdoor seating area ready and waiting for those craving contemporary American entrees. JSG loves that there is a salad option that anyone would love, and they are as filling as they are good, especially when topped with a protein of choice. The Robinson Ale House also has plenty of burger choices, and the best part is that the burger can be substituted with a portabella, chicken breast, turkey, or 10-ounce USDA prime patty. The menu has a raw bar, flatbread, and soup section, which is mixed in with an array of mains and starters. The Robinson Ale House also has happy hour specials, signature cocktails, and live music that can all be enjoyed while sitting by the ocean.
Seahorse | 1300 Ocean Avenue North
Seahorse is a beachside bar and grill located inside of Asbury Park’s Convention Hall. It serves elevated beach cuisine — everything from oysters to a chicken quesadilla. Beachgoers can easily take a break from the sun and head into Seahorse for a sandwich, burger, flatbread, or salad; for those looking for an elevated option, there is even calamari and salmon. There is brunch every Sunday for anyone who wants a mimosa with a beach view, and there is often live music. Seahorse has a casual vibe that is even better during the summer when its outdoor section is open — locals love that its patio makes the water seem touchable right in the dining area.
Stella Marina Restaurant + Bar | 800 Ocean Avenue North
Stella Marina Restaurant + Bar is another Asbury Park boardwalk restaurant with an ocean view. Stella Marina, which means star of the sea in Italian, is fitting for this upscale restaurant that serves cuisine that aims to give everyone a taste of Italy. Its menu satisfies all those Italian food cravings — there is antipasti, pasta, and pizza. There are also plenty of protein dishes like steaks and different seafood plates, and the salads are a satisfyingly light option for a beach day. Customers can enjoy the classic aesthetic and windows that reveal the glistening water on those summer evenings, all while diving into one of its dessert options like ricotta cheesecake or tiramisu.
Swimcrush | 800 Ocean Avenue
Swimcrush is a beach bar + grill that serves all the boardwalk munchies one would want while dining amongst coastal decor that brings all the beach vibes. Swimcrush’s menu has snackable apps like pretzel bites, chips, and guac or wings. There are salad options and classics like burgers, sandwiches, and chicken fingers. The cocktails at Swim Crush are fittingly beachside festive with frozen drinks, rum buckets, and its specialty “Crushed” cocktails, which taste like a spiked 7/11 slushie. There is indoor and outdoor seating with the ocean in easy viewing, and customers can even play its bar games inside while still getting a background look of the beach.
Allenhurst
Mister C’s Beach Bistro | Allen Avenue + Ocean Place
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Just minutes from Asbury Park is Mister C’s Beach Bistro, a date night option for anyone looking for a lively restaurant with an ocean view. It has American fare featuring options like salads, pasta, and seafood plates. JSG loves that Mister C’s gives options to classic plates like a burger, which customers can order either Angus, cheeseburger, or lamb burger; and when it comes to french fries, there’s a waffle or shoestring fries choice (naturally, JSG recommends the waffle fries). Customers can sit on the porch at Mister C’s, and have a clear view of the beach while enjoying craft cocktails.
Avon-By-The Sea
The Columns | 601 Ocean Avenue
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The Columns is a bar and restaurant that looks like a mansion by the ocean. It has fine dining with a twist. Some of The Columns’ favorites include grilled shrimp + burrata, surf’ n turf lobster roll, filet mignon, and tuna tacos. Its Grill Room Menu is only served Friday through Sunday and includes casual eats like mini cheeseburgers, griddle dogs, and a boat of fries. The Columns is known for its live music, so keep updated on its schedule here.
The Promenade in Avon | 600 Ocean Avenue
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Avon Promenade serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner on Avon-By-The-Sea’s boardwalk, so it is sure to have a clear view of the beach. There are views of the water from every seat at Avon Promenade, and live music is often on deck. Avon Promenade also has unique features like a coffee bar and windows that can be kept open on those breezy summer days, which makes visiting this spot a must-try.
Read More: Things to Do in Avon-by-the-Sea | Jersey Shore Getaway
Belmar
La Dolce Vita | 400 Ocean Avenue North
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La Dolce Vita has Instagramable seaside views and Italian food making it a good choice for an evening dinner in Belmar. The menu has everything one would expect from an Italian restaurant, like seafood plates, pasta specialties, salads, proteins, and antipasto. JSG recommends looking out for its bar specials — on Mondays, there is a deal on meatballs and martinis, and on Tuesdays, there is a deal on Tito’s cocktails, wings, and pizza.
Long Branch
Rooney’s Oceanfront Restaurant | 100 Ocean Avenue North
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Rooney’s is a coastal cuisine restaurant with a bi-level outdoor deck and ocean views. The dinner menu has a fish board section that gives customers choices by allowing them to select a fish, the preparation, the sauce, and two sides. Seafood lovers can get live Maine lobsters here that can be boiled, steamed, or stuffed. There are also pasta options and a large portion of the menu with traditional dishes such as chicken, pork chop, lamb, and steak.
Avenue Long Branch | 23 Ocean Avenue North
Avenue Long Branch is a French restaurant + lounge with a raw bar and extensive wine options. It has elevated selections such as escargot, caviar service, and crab cocktails. Avenue also serves salads, proteins, and pasta. It has happy hour from 3PM to 6PM Tuesday through Friday, and it lasts all day on Mondays. At Avenue, diners can enjoy the fireplace, ocean backdrop, rooftop lounge, and beach bar, all of which add to this dining experience conveniently located in Pier Village.
McLoone’s Pier House | 1 Ocean Avenue North
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McLoone’s Pier House is a restaurant + event venue by Long Branch’s beach that serves American food. It has indoor and outdoor seating with views of the ocean and is the place for weddings, parties, and entertainment. Its dinner menu has classic appetizer options, pasta + risotto, salads, seafood plates, and a raw bar. McLoone’s has a Sunday brunch buffet, Night Caps (which includes boozy desserts), and a Sunday Sauce with Joe Racioppi, a pasta deal that starts at 2PM on Sundays.
Charley’s Ocean Grill | 29 Avenel Boulevard
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Charley’s Ocean Grill promises to provide customers with a “local summer” experience all year round with its view of the Atlantic Ocean, which is right by Seven Presidents Ocean Park Beach. The beach-going atmosphere is topped off with its New American cuisine concept; customers love its signature prime rib roast, steaks, and chops. At Charley’s Ocean Grill, fresh seafood is sourced daily, so look out for its daily specials. The access to its private parking lot makes going to this restaurant convenient after spending a day under the sun.
Sirena Restaurante | 27 Ocean Avenue
Sirena’s name means mermaid in Italian, which is fitting due to its views of the ocean and the Italian plates featuring both land and sea. Sirena aims to create a romantic environment with its floor-to-ceiling windows that reveal beach views, and an extensive wine list featuring bottles from all over the world. The menu at Sirena features fresh meats, pasta, and seafood, which are either made in-house, sourced locally, or imported from Italy. JSG tip: get there early if you want a spot outdoors, as Sirena does not accept reservations for outdoor seating, so customers are seated on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Point Pleasant
Jenkinson’s Pavillion Bar + Restaurant | 300-308 Beach Front
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Jenkinson’s has oceanfront dining in a pavilion overlooking Point Pleasant Beach. It serves up boardwalk favorites like wraps, sandwiches, tacos, and burgers. The sides include casual classics like onion rings, french fries, and coleslaw. Jenkinson’s also has various seafood options and fun cocktails like frozen drinks or buckets. There is often live music to accompany this coastal dining experience.
Sea Bright
Drifthouse by David Burke | 1485 Ocean Avenue North #2225
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Drifthouse by David Burke has pretty views of the ocean and an event calendar featuring live music and activities like bingo or comedy night that adds a bonus incentive to dine here. Its menu features a raw bar, seafood towers, whole lobsters, and main entrees besides fish like pasta, steaks, and chicken. Drifhouse by David Burke has specials like happy hour, Tuesday Burger + Taco Night, Wednesday Lobster + Prime Rib Night, and Sunday Supper.
Seaside Heights
Chef Mike’s ABG | 10 24th Central Avenue
Chef Mike’s ABG brings tropical vibes to the Jersey Shore with its tiki bar and live entertainment offerings. The cocktails at the tiki bar are written out on a menu in the shape of a surfboard and feature frozen drinks, freshly squeezed cocktails, buckets, and margaritas. There are a variety of appetizers to order, but the JSG loves the Hot Sampler, which includes fried calamari, chicken dumplings, mini crab cakes, shrimp tempura, and dipping sauces. Chef Mike’s ABG also has salads, a raw bar, seafood dishes, pasta, chicken, and steak.
The Ocean View Restaurant | 2 Boardwalk
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The Ocean View Restaurant creates a fun atmosphere with its on-beach dining area, indoor seating, and large outdoor decks. Its menu has options one wants while dining by the shore, including handhelds, salads, a raw bar, and appetizers. JSG recommends trying its Surfside Spuds, which are house-made potato chips with Old Bay® seasoning, served with melted white cheddar dipping sauce (prepared within five minutes, or the customer gets it for free). The Ocean View Restaurant has frozen drinks and handcrafted cocktails, and there is even a members-only cabana club with a private pool — all located by the beach, including live music during the day and DJs on deck at night.
See More: 16 Beaches Accessible by Public Transportation From Hoboken + Jersey City
Spring Lake
Amelia’s By The Sea | 1505 Ocean Avenue
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Amelia’s By The Sea is a fine dining restaurant located inside the Grand Victorian Hotel across from the Atlantic Ocean in Spring Lake. Amelia’s By The Sea combines contemporary cuisine and old-school Italian comfort food. It has seafood options like a daily oyster selection of chilled clams on the half-shell, wild-caught shrimp, and salmon. Amelia’s By The Sea also has pasta, chicken + veal plates, eggplant parmigiana, and pork chops for those not fans of seafood but who want to experience this oceanview restaurant.
Art Walks, Farmers’ Markets, + More at the Jersey Shore for Spring and Summer 2025
There is nothing like a row of brightly colored tomatoes on a rustic tablecloth at a local farmers market to signal the signs of spring. As the weather warms up, so do the opportunities to get outside. From festivals to food tours, there are tons of ways to support local vendors while taking in some vitamin D. Check out our comprehensive guide to farmers' markets, craft fairs, u-pick flower days, and more at the Jersey Shore for the spring + summer 2025.
Asbury Park
Asbury Park Restaurant Tour
When: Sunday, April 27th
Where: 104 Grand Avenue, Asbury Park
The 12th Annual Asbury Park Restaurant Tour is scheduled from 12PM to 4PM on Sunday, April 27th. Attendees can sample small bites of flavors from the myriad of restaurants, cafes, juice bars, and other locations serving up culinary treats. Since this is a self-guided tour, there is an opportunity to customize the experience and linger as long as the location stays open. Long-time favorites alongside newcomers to the Asbury food scene will be featured, so do not miss the chance to welcome spring with tasty treats.
Read More: 14 Spring Activities to Try at the Jersey Shore
Asbury Park Spring Bazaar
When: Saturday, May 10th + Sunday, May 11th
Where: Grand Arcade of Convention Hall (Saturday + Sunday) and The Asbury Hotel (Sunday)
The Asbury Park Spring Bazaar is a seasonable pop-up marketplace celebrating makers, music, and art. Scheduled on Mother’s Day weekend from 12PM to 5PM, there are numerous opportunities to find the perfect gift with or without the Mother figure in your life. Attendees can expect a curated selection of crafts from local makers, fresh flower bouquets, Mother’s Day photos and photo stations, crafts, music, and more.
Asbury FRESH Farmers + Makers Market
When: Every Sunday from May 11th to September 28th
Where: Press Plaza between Cookman Avenue + Lake Avenue
Returning for its 13th year, the Asbury FRESH market kicks off in mid-May, just in time for the warmer weather. From 9AM to 1PM, visitors can browse a variety of crafts, farm goods, and fresh bakery items available for purchase. The market is dog-friendly and occasionally features vendors that cater to furry friends, so be sure to bring your best-behaved pups along for the experience.
North 2 Shore Music Festival
When: June 14th to June 29th
Where: Atlantic City, Asbury Park, + Newark
North2Shore is a three-city celebration of music featuring a diverse lineup of music, comedy, film, and other events. This year's festival boasts performances by renowned artists such as Tina Fey and Amy Poehler, John Stewart, George Clinton + Parliament Funkadelic, and Streetlight Manifesto on the Stone Pony Summer Stage. Attendees can maximize their festival experience by downloading the Prudential North to Shore app, which has schedule planning, artist exploration, ticket purchases, and access to exclusive content and giveaways.
Beach Haven
Beach Haven Art Walk
When: Saturday, May 31st
Where: Along Bay Avenue from Pearl Street to 8th Street, Beach Haven
The Seventh Annual Beach Haven Art Walk is scheduled for Saturday, May 31st, from 9AM to 4PM. This year’s event appeals to fine art enthusiasts, creators, and even novice artists. On display will be glass art, sculpture, pottery, photography, and other works across various mediums. It’s a wonderful opportunity for the community to come together to celebrate local and national artistic talent.
Brick
Brick Farmers Market
When: Every Saturday from May 3rd to October 4th
Where: Windward Beach Park, 265 Princeton Avenue, Brick
The Brick Farmers Market is back for another season, showcasing a variety of local produce, artisanal goods, baked treats, handmade crafts, and more. The community is together in a beautiful park, the location features amenities such as parking, restrooms, and river views. The hours for the market are 8:30AM through 1:30PM rain or shine and leashed and friendly dogs are allowed to attend.
Cream Ridge
U Pick Tulip: Spring Spectacular
When: April to May
Where: 108 Rues Road, Cream Ridge
The farm features over eight million tulips, horse and carriage rides (weekends only), friendly farm animals, floral photo props, food trucks, and more. The exact opening date for the U-Pick tulip spectacular depends on when the tulips start to bloom, and once open, hours are 9AM through 5PM. Tickets go on sale about a week before opening — get updates on the best times to visit by joining the text list: text FAMILY to 855-363-2843.
Holmdel
Bell Works FRESH Saturday Farmers + Makers Market
When: Once monthly on Saturdays from April 12th to November 1st
Where: Bell Works, 101 Crawfords Corner Road, Holmdel
Shoppers can explore a thoughtfully curated mix of handmade goods, vintage finds, fresh produce, and more from local makers and food purveyors at the Bell Works FRESH Market. Visitors can purchase specialty mushrooms, fresh sourdough bread, pickles, and other seasonal food items, while supporting small businesses. The market is open from 12PM to 4PM and features a rotating lineup of vendors each month.
Island Heights
33rd Annual River to Bay 5K
When: Saturday, May 3rd
Where: 1 Wanamaker Municipal Complex, Island Heights
The 2025 River to Bay 5K kicks off at 7:30AM and is scheduled as an In-Person Race on May 3rd, rain or shine. It is presented by the Kiwanis Club of Greater Toms River, and proceeds benefit local youth and charitable organizations. Participants can choose their own adventure and register for a 1-mile fun run, a 1-mile health walk, or challenge themselves by signing up for the 5k.
Lakewood
Flea Market
When: Sunday, April 27th from 9AM to 2PM
Where: The Lakewood Historical Museum, 500 Country Club Drive, Lakewood
The Lakewood Historical Museum is hosting a Flea Market on Saturday, April 27th, from 9AM to 2PM, with setup beginning at 8:30AM. This event provides community members with the opportunity to sell unwanted items and the opportunity to find unique treasures. Vendor spaces are available for $10 each and participants must provide their tables. Participants can visit the flea market website for more information or to reserve a space.
Oceanport
Oceanport Spring Festival
When: Saturday, April 26th (Rain date: Saturday, May 3rd)
Where: 910 Murphy Drive, Oceanport
Just in time to kick off the spring season, the Oceanport Spring Festival is back. The day will feature local makers, delicious food, craft brews, and fun activities for children. It is free to attend and runs from 1PM to 5PM. There is a rain date (May 3rd), so make sure to check the forecast before heading for an afternoon of fun.
Ocean Grove
Ocean Grove Spring Fling Festival Arts + Crafts Show
When: Saturday, May 3rd
Where: Main Avenue to Pilgrim Pathway, Ocean Grove
Ocean Grove will host its annual Spring Fling Festival Arts + Crafts Show on Saturday, May 3rd. Starting at 10AM and ending at 4PM, there is ample time to visit all of the local crafters, artisans, and makers who will be displaying their goods. There will also be live music featuring Jo Wymer and band from 11AM to 1PM and Chuck Lambert Blues from 1PM to 4PM. The festival is rain or shine.
Ocean Grove Spring Market
When: Saturday, May 31st
Where: The Great Auditorium on Ocean Pathway, Ocean Grove
Formally known as the Ocean Grove Spring Flea Market, the Spring Market, hosted by the Ocean Grove Area Chamber of Commerce, provides attendees the chance to browse wares of all types. The market is open from 9AM through 3PM and will be held rain or shine. For more information on how to become a vendor, visit the Ocean Grove website.
Seaside Heights
Pups + Pints
When: Sunday, June 1st
Where: Casino Pier, 800 Ocean Terrace, Seaside Heights
Get ready for a tail-wagging good time at the Annual Pups + Pints event on Sunday, June 1st, from 12PM to 5PM at Casino Pier in Seaside Heights. There are treats for both humans and dogs alike, so there is fun for everyone. And don't miss the chance to showcase your pet's style in the dog costume contest, with winners announced at 3PM. Owners must adhere to event guidelines, including ensuring well-behaved dogs, cleaning up after them, and utilizing the designated doggie restrooms located near the Pier Pub.
Toms River
Mathis Plaza Farmers Market
When: Thursdays, starting on May 15th to September 11th
Where: Mathis Plaza Park, 134 NJ-166, South Toms River
Every Thursday starting on May 15th, the town of Toms River welcomes patrons to visit their farmers market, which is open from 10AM through 4PM. The market features various vendors that will have produce, flowers, plants, baked goods, and other food items for home and on-premise consumption, so come hungry!
See More: Spring Festivals Happening in Hoboken, Jersey City, + Beyond for 2025
Downtown Night Out
When: Every Friday + Saturday night beginning on May 30th to October 18th
Where: 101 Washington Street, Toms River
This is your answer to the age-old question “what should we do tonight?” Downtown Night Out returns to Toms River for 2025, transforming Washington Street into a lively hub every Friday + Saturday night from May 30th through October 18th from 5PM through 10PM. Attendees can enjoy outdoor dining on Washington Street, live music, shopping, and more as local businesses and restaurants open their doors to the community.
