10 Great Restaurants in Jersey Shore

Like many coastal regions, the Jersey Shore has its fair share of fresh seafood. While there are quite a few great seafood spots in the area, The Parker House in Sea Girt is definitely one of the best.

Situated in a green and white 1878 home, the atmosphere at The Parker House is immediately cosy and inviting – and that’s before the food even reaches your table! Try the Maryland crab cakes, the chilled lobster roll, or the mojito lime-seasoned fish tacos for a delicious seafood meal.

If you’re looking for a fancy restaurant on the Jersey Shore, Atlantic City is your best bet. And if you’re hoping for some prime, juicy steaks in particular, you’ll want to check out Knife & Fork Inn. There, you can cut into a pasture-raised porterhouse, savour herb-crusted lamb chops, or sample the classic lobster thermidor.

If you want the upscale food without the hefty price tag, stop by for happy hour (weekdays from 4pm to 6pm) instead. With tasty starters like buttermilk fried quail with pepper bacon gravy and Kobe sliders with caramelised onions for half price, it’s a sweet deal.

Head to Cape May for some of the best lobster in the region. Serving up loads of lobster dishes – including creamy lobster bisque, flavourful lobster melt, chilled stuffed lobster, and the hefty, grilled fisherman’s wharf platter – The Lobster House is definitely one of the greatest restaurants in Jersey Shore.

And The Lobster House’s harbour front location is just the cherry on top! As you dine on your delicious meals, you can watch all sorts of seafaring vessels sail on by, from weather-roughened fishing boats to luxurious yachts.

A visit to Pascal & Sabine will transport you all the way across the Atlantic and to the cobblestone streets of France. With chic wall art, tufted booths, and French provincial cross-back chairs, the atmosphere is just like that of a classic French brasserie.

The decor isn’t the only French-inspired part of Pascal & Sabine – the food is too! Enjoy loads of French classics, like French onion soup, foie gras, duck cassoulet, and coq au vin. And don’t forget to finish off your meal with a famous French dessert, like a creme brulee or a milk chocolate pot de creme.

Craving Mediterranean-inspired cuisine? Head to Moonstruck in trendy Asbury Park. There, you’ll be able to dine on sumptuous entrees like almond-crusted Icelandic cod, orange-rosemary glazed duck, and grilled filet mignon. There are so many wonderful options, it might be hard to choose just one!

But no trip to Moonstruck would be complete without a drink or 2. After all, with a full bar and dedicated cocktail lounge, the bartenders definitely know their stuff. Try the citrusy Moonstruck martini or the bourbon-heavy Kentucky ginger.

All of the dishes at The Poached Pear look like they could have been plucked straight out of a magazine, thanks to the brightly coloured purees and artfully plated proteins. And it’s not just the plating that’s incredible – the flavours are fantastic too!

The whole menu at The Poached Pear is great and you’re sure to find a combination of dishes that creates your perfect meal. You could start with the beloved poached pear salad, opt for the jumbo lump crab cakes as your entrée, and wrap things up with bananas foster crepe.

Daniel’s Bistro’s menu is undoubtedly influenced by the culinary journey of chef and owner, Moussa Bass. Hopping everywhere from Paris, France to Bamako, Mali, Bass’ culinary journey took him all over the world! He even had a quick stint doing research and development at Food Network before settling down in Point Pleasant Beach, New Jersey.

Now, Bass’ travels and culinary experience come together at one of the best restaurants in Jersey Shore: Daniel’s Bistro. During your visit, you’ll undoubtedly want to try some of the crowd favourites, like the Hudson Valley foie gras, the diver sea scallops, or the grilled veal chop.

With all the Italian immigrants that flocked to Jersey Shore, it should come as no surprise to find out that the area is filled to the brim with Italian restaurants. However, Mangiare Tu is a hidden gem!

Dining at Mangiare Tu is just like eating at your nonna’s house – but with a dash of luxury. While the candlelight and white tablecloths set the scene, homely dishes like aubergine parmesan and seafood ravioli are what really make Mangiare Tu one of the best restaurants in Jersey Shore.

Located in Sea Bright, Anjelica’s is almost like 2 Italian restaurants rolled into 1. If you’re looking for a casual sandwich to take on a Jersey Shore adventure, Anjelica’s has a fabulous summer panini shop. Munch on tasty options like the chimichurri-drizzled la folla or the eggplant-focused contadina.

But the sandwich shop is just one part of Anjelica’s. This Jersey Shore Italian restaurant also has a sit-down section with fancy lunch and dinner plates. Try the campanelle con rapa (broccoli rabe pasta), the braciola di maiale (double-cut pork chop), or the sole al limone.

The Rum Runner has claimed its spot as one of the best restaurants in Jersey Shore for 2 reasons: the atmosphere and the food. First, this lovely restaurant is located right on the banks of the Shrewsberry River. Add large windows, natural light, and golden sunsets to the mix, and the ambience is next level.

The only thing that could make The Rum Runner better is, well, the food. Order some of the most popular dishes, like the dark and stormy pork chop, the juicy NY strip, or the 1.5-pound lobster.