Jenna Giustino 
Long Beach Island, known as LBI, is beloved at the Jersey Shore for many reasons (at JSG, we are personally obsessed with its picturesque sunsets, bay beaches, and, of course, Fantasy Island Amusement Park). But we can’t forget that it’s also a foodie haven, with can’t-miss restaurants just a coastal bike ride away. That’s why we’ve curated a list of our favorite LBI-based dining options: everything from staple seafood dining to casual eats and spots with real Jersey Shore energy. Read on to learn more about the best restaurants in Long Beach Island.
Azzurri Italian Cucina | 8001 Long Beach Boulevard, Harvey Cedars
This photo is courtesy of Azzurri Italian Cucina.
Azzurri Italian Cucina is located in Harvey Cedars. It’s a BYOB contemporary restaurant featuring house-made pastas, fresh seafood, and seasonal specials. The ambiance is cozy coastal, and the 10-oz wagyu New York strip is a must-try for those looking for a memorable plate.
Bird + Betty’s | 529 Dock Road, Beach Haven
Bird + Betty’s is known in Beach Haven for its live music performances and nightclub experiences, and locals know the restaurant is just as much a staple of the community. The menu features everything from pizza to sandwiches to veggies, salads, and plenty of appetizers ideal for sharing. JSG recommends coming during happy hour and grabbing a seat on the upper deck, which has the prettiest views of the bay, especially during sunset.
Read More: Mike’s Giant Submarines: A Belmar Staple for Authentic Deli Eats
Black-Eyed Susans | 7908 Long Beach Boulevard, Harvey Cedars
Black-Eyed Susans is a beach-casual restaurant and tavern in Harvey Cedars. The menu includes artisan pizzas, house-made pastas, fresh seafood, salads, and shareable items. Black-Eyed Susans prioritizes building menus around seasonally available ingredients, many sourced from local farms, distributors, and fishermen.
Blue Water Cafe | 11205 Long Beach Boulevard, Long Beach
This photo is courtesy of Blue Water Cafe.
Blue Water Cafe is a coastal BYOB restaurant open for brunch, lunch, and dinner. For breakfast, there are plenty of omelets, French toast variations, and more. For lunch and dinner, there are seafood options, soups, salads, sandwiches, and more. FYI: The red and white clam chowder is award-winning.
Buckalew’s Restaurant | 101 N Bay Avenue, Beach Haven
Buckalew’s Restaurant is a chill bar and eatery in Beach Haven. The aesthetic is set by the historical 1874 hotel, and the menu features a mix of classics like pizza, handhelds, appetizers, sushi, and more. Buckalew’s is also known for its happy hour and entertainment schedule, which you can view here.
Daddy O | 4401 Long Beach Boulevard, Long Beach
Daddy O is a restaurant, bar, and hotel with a beach-retro inspired aesthetic. Its menu is broken down into all-day eats, brunch, vegetarian options, and happy hour. Plus, Daddy O has a hidden garden patio and rum bar, and there’s a rooftop we love for a boozy brunch.
Dock + Claw Clam Bar | 506 Centre Street, Beach Haven
This photo is courtesy of Dock + Claw Clam Bar.
Dock + Claw Clam Bar is a seafood restaurant in Beach Haven. Menu highlights include its raw bar, lobster roll, clams or mussels, white, and more. Dock + Claw also has mocktails and wine options that pair well with its fish plates.
Dune 18 |1916 Long Beach Boulevard, Ship Bottom
Dune 18 is a family-run, upscale restaurant in Ship Bottom. The menu includes plenty of comfort items, and we suggest the shrimp tempura, fried burrata, and cider-glazed double-cut pork chop. There’s also a prix fixe menu (four courses for $45), and there are plenty of gluten-free options.
Kyuramen | 1419 Long Beach Boulevard, Surf City
Kyuramen is a Japanese ramen restaurant in Surf City. The menu includes favorites like its tonkatsu curry ramen, pork belly buns, and mochi donuts. For dessert, JSG also recommends trying the matcha tiramisu.
Jersey Girl LBI | 400 N Bay Avenue, Long Beach + 400 N Bay Avenue, Beach Haven
This photo is courtesy of Jersey Girl LBI.
Jersey Girl has two locations in LBI: the grill (in Long Beach Township) and the kitchen + market (in Beach Haven). Jersey Girl is a must-stop for breakfast (especially if you are in the mood for Nutella pancakes), and the grill also serves lunch and dinner. The market has take-home items for sale – JSG recommends grabbing a bottle of its hot sauce.
Joe Pop’s | 2002 Long Beach Boulevard, Ship Bottom
Joe Pop’s is a bar and restaurant in Ship Bottom. It’s known for its tiki bar, live music, and happy hour menu. Joe Pop’s menu features all the American classics you need out of a casual restaurant, and the vibes are always chill, ideal for a beach vacation.
Northside Bar + Grille | 1500 Long Beach Boulevard, Surf City
Northside is a bar + grill in Surf City. Food items include everything from burgers to wings to staple seafood plates, plus its happy hour includes both food and drink specials. FYI: The outdoor seating features bright-colored chairs that create a fun atmosphere. JSG suggests visiting on Thursdays, when it’s half off burgers.
Russo’s Italian Restaurant | 1415 Long Beach Boulevard #3, Ship Bottom
Russo’s is an Italian restaurant in Ship Bottom. Its menu includes paninis, heroes, salads, starters, and of course, plenty of pizza options. JSG recommends the Ozone Pie (and a pro tip: the rosa (vodka) sauce can be added to any menu item).
Station 117 | 117 N Bay Avenue, Beach Haven
Station 117 is a tavern and garden in Beach Haven. Standout menu items include lobster bisque, filet mignon, and crab cakes. The garden area seating at Station 117 feels like a hidden sanctuary, with plenty of flowers and greenery that pair well with the food and drinks.
Terrace Tavern | 13201 Long Beach Boulevard, Long Beach
Terrace Tavern is a laid-back restaurant with island vibes- its mascot, Terry (a flamingo), has the motto Ride the Wave, which adds to the feel-good environment. The menu has something for everyone- a raw bar, soups, salads, chef’s plates, and more. Terrace Tavern also has a rotating special frozen cocktail; ask the bartender what’s spinning.
The Arlington | 1302 Long Beach Boulevard, Ship Bottom
The Arlington is a restaurant and bar in Ship Bottom known for its extensive selection of craft beer on draft. The restaurant has a cozy, dimly lit vibe with fireplaces and a nautical aesthetic. The Arlington’s menu has everything from noodle bowls to rigatoni to pork chops and more.
The Black Whale | 100 N Pennsylvania Avenue, Beach Haven
The Black Whale is a seafood restaurant in Beach Haven. It has a raw bar and a la carte seafood to purchase: on the bun, as a big plate, from the steamer, and more. The Black Whale is also known for hosting Jack Antonoff’s rehearsal dinner, where Taylor Swift made an appearance.
The Chicken or The Egg | 207 N Bay Avenue, Beach Haven
The Chicken or the Egg is a classic for LBI. It has all the food items you’re craving, no matter the time of day. The menu has everything from omelets and waffles to cocktails and wings, and from sandwiches to crab cakes and more.
The Gables Historic Inn + Restaurant | 212 Centre Street, Beach Haven
The Gables Historic Inn + Restaurant provides a romantic dining experience in Beach Haven. The restaurant looks straight out of a storybook, with an antique aesthetic and flowers everywhere. The Gables menu features local seafood and fish, duck, handmade fresh pasta, raised right pork, prime beef, and vegetarian dishes, as well as a three-course prix fixe menu.
Tuckers Tavern | 101 Southwest Avenue, Beach Haven
Tuckers Tavern is a nautical-themed restaurant in Beach Haven. The menu includes all the coastal beach favorites, and there’s also a happy hour and weekend brunch. FYI: The deck seating at Tucker’s Tavern is always a good choice.
Wally’s LBI | 712 Long Beach Boulevard, Surf City
Wally’s is a casual restaurant in Surf City. It has comfort plates, is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and offers gluten-free options and a vegan menu. JSG pro tip: Join the online waitlist before showing up.
Woodies Drive In | 509 Long Beach Boulevard, Ship Bottom
Woodies Drive-In is in Ship Bottom. Customers walk up and order from the window (it has an old-school vibe), and there are hot dogs, hamburgers, sandwiches, breakfast items, and more. Woodie’s also has ice cream and, of course, milkshakes.
See More: 30+ Restaurants to Try in Union City, New Jersey
Follow @thejerseyshoregirl_ on Instagram for the latest Jersey Shore updates, sign up for our weekly newsletter here that shares everything you missed each week, and check out our events calendar, which has over 40+ events weekly to peruse.