With 130 miles of coastline, it surprises no one that New Jersey has a lot to offer in the way of incredible seafood restaurants. Whether you’re craving lobster tail or black sea bass, you know you’re in for a flavorful feast. For the freshest catch, here are the best seafood restaurants in the state.
Dock’s Oyster House, Atlantic City, NJ
Step into history when you step into Dock’s Oyster House, a seafood restaurant open since 1897. This upscale, cozy eatery has been updated throughout the years, yet is still owned by the same family… and is on its fourth generation! In addition to having a popular raw bar, Dock’s Oyster House features a large menu of appetizers, soups and chowders, entrees, and even items that have been on the menu since its original opening like lobster tail and crab meat au gratin.
Red Oak Trading, Cape May, NJ
This cash-only, BYOB restaurant creates succulent, creative dishes from locally grown and caught food. Enjoy flavorful seafood meals both at brunch and during their elegant dinner. Brunch seafood fare might include options such as shrimp and grits, the Red Store Pancake, fish tacos, and a fisherman bowl. Dinner is also a fabulous affair with a menu that changes frequently based on what’s fresh locally, and all dinners are multi-course.
Hooked Up Seafood, Wildwood, NJ
The owner of Hooked Up Seafood is a fisherman with decades of experience catching fish, and uses this knowledge to ensure that his restaurant serves the freshest catches. Dig into local seafood dishes, such as clam chowder, fish tacos, littlenecks, and fish of the day, in the casual atmosphere at Hooked Up Seafood. A few sides are also available on the menu to accompany your seafood main.
The Diving Horse, Avalon, NJ
From starters to mains, the Diving Horse’s menu is packed with seafood dishes. Savor yellowfin tuna tartare with toasted coconut and jalapeno or opt for mussels and clams for a starter. For mains, you have your choice of four different seafood dishes off a tight menu, with highlights including the Hudson Canyon tuna and New Jersey fluke.
Mud City Crab House, Manahawkin, NJ
Mud City Crab House has been serving up casual fish dishes since 1999, with a focus on shellfish, soups, and massive seafood entrees. The menu is lengthy and offers vast seafood options including garlic mussels, crab cakes, fried oysters, scallops, fish, and more. If that wasn’t enough already, they have seafood pastas on the menu.
Rudy’s Seafood, Cliffside Park, NJ
Italian flavors play up the flavors of the ocean here at Rudy’s Seafood. You’ll be transported to the Positano coastline with zuppa di pesce, shrimp pasta, linguini with clam sauce, and capellini with crabmeat. If seafood doesn’t tantalize your palate, don’t worry as there are numerous land-based Italian favorites.
Steve & Cookie's Restaurant & Oyster Bar, Margate City, NJ
Taste creative, fresh dishes served in a homely atmosphere. Menu stand-outs include lobster mac and cheese, lobster, and jumbo lump crab pasta. In addition, they serve numerous non-seafood dishes for those who prefer meat and even vegetarians are well catered to. Do save room for dessert as the menu is heavenly.
