These Seafood Restaurants are a Must-Visit

Credit: Black Whale

All year long, we wait for for the temperature to climb just enough to be outside, comfortably. Al fresco dining is our lifeline on the jersey shore; who doesn’t want to indulge in the simple pleasure of fresh seafood at a picnic table, on the beach or at the restaurant? While there’s never a bad time to eat seafood, we’d say now is arguably the perfect time, so get those lobster roll, fried clams and grilled fish orders in while the weather is still dreamy.

Here are our trusted local seafood restaurants on the island and mainland with the best seafood. Whether you’re looking for a casual raw bar or an upscale dining experience, we’ve got something for every occasion. Or no occasion at all… who needs an excuse to take themselves out?!

Howard's Seafood Restaurant 

Howard's Seafood Restaurant is a charming, upscale eatery that has been around for 70 years. The restaurant is best known for its french fried lobster, which is exactly as it sounds — breaded lobster that’s fried to golden perfection. You can enjoy this as a main meal or simply get a taste as a side with your entree. In terms of their menu, Howard's runs the gamut with clam chowder, crab cakes, and fresh grilled fish with an option of preparing it four ways. We love to come here on special occasions or with a group so we can try out the whole menu.

Mud City Crab House

A wait is part of the experience at Mud City Crab House, but what a magical experience it is. Put your name in and grab a drink from the Airstream out back while you wait for a table. You’ll dine under twinkling string lights outside right beside the marsh, a perfect scene. The go-to order here is jumbo lump crab cakes and blue crabs, garlic style. If you aren't in the mood for shellfish, you still have options like local scallops, clam linguini, or grilled tuna. Pro tip, you can order takeout and enjoy wherever you are!

Ship Bottom Shellfish

Ship Bottom Shellfish is the first restaurant of this family's seafood empire, Tide Table Group. Start with garlic clams with crab and then move on to mains like mussels in wine and jumbo lump crab cakes. While those dishes are fan favorites, you can still get your fill of fried seafood, grilled fish and seafood pastas with their extensive menu. Don't forget that it is BYOB, so plan accordingly.

Parker's Garage

Located in Beach Haven right on the water, Parker's Garage is one of those places where you come for the dreamy setting and stay for the food. This bayside restaurant is one of the best for sunset views as the large, open-air dining room spills out onto the dock so everyone has the best seat in the house. The glass-and-steel “garage” remains open in warmer weather to create an indoor/outdoor experience for all. The menu is elevated and refined, offering a slew of shared plates alongside hearty mains for a complete meal. Our favorites: seafood tower, tuna cracker, mac and cheese, scallops and the watermelon salad. Pssst… also BYOB.

Polly's Dock

At Polly's Dock, you can dine on the bay as you watch them catch the clams you are about to eat… talk about Dock to Dish. This no-frills clam shack offers waterfront views without the price tag, serving (arguably) the best clams on the island. Direct your attention to the "Bay Fresh Clams" section of the menu for the quintessential experience. Polly's is also more than a local food establishment; if you’re in the mood for activities, you can also rent a rod to fish off the docks or a boat to explore the local waters. 

Delaware Ave Oyster House

Looking for a solid raw bar? Delaware Ave Oyster House will satisfy your craving with the freshest, best oysters in LBI. If you aren't a fan of raw seafood, you can have local fish tacos, blackened fish sandwiches or duck wings, too. Get there early for happy hour out back from 3-6 PM. 

Harvey Cedar Shellfish Company

At Harvey Cedar Shellfish Company, you will eat at a beach cottage that serves various seafood delights. Enjoy classics like sautéed clams and mussels over garlic bread, baked crab cakes or a lobster platter. If you want to mix it up, we also recommend the calamari Veracruz (fried calamari sautéed with tomatoes, hot peppers, garlic, and parmesan cheese… yum). Harvey Cedar Shellfish Company is only open from May to September, is BYOB and cash only. They also have a clam bar next door serving fried clam realness.