One of the highlights of your vacation will be exploring the diverse range of Seaside Heights restaurants, which cater to all tastes and budgets. From seafood shacks and pizzerias to fine dining establishments, there is something for everyone in this vibrant seaside town.
Looking for a romantic dinner with ocean views, a casual lunch with friends, or a family-friendly meal after a day at the beach, Seaside Heights has a restaurant that will satisfy your cravings.
Let’s get eating!
Seaside Heights Restaurants — A Local 2026 Guide
After more than a decade eating our way through Seaside Heights every summer, we’ve got strong opinions about where to eat. Some places have earned a permanent spot on our rotation. A few we keep trying out of loyalty even when they disappoint us. And a couple we’re done with entirely.
In selecting the best restaurants in Seaside Heights we factored in our many experiences, which places use high-quality ingredients, service, a great shore vibe, and value for money. We did not simply list every single restaurant with four stars and above, because we know better.
A Few Things to Know Before You Book Dinner
Parking is a variable you need to plan for. On a peak summer Friday or Saturday, parking near any restaurant in Seaside Heights or Seaside Park can add 20 minutes to your night. A few places — Ohana Grill in Lavallette, specifically — are notorious for it. Build that into your plans or just Uber.
Reservations are not optional at the better spots. The restaurants people actually want to eat at in Seaside Heights fill up weeks in advance in July and August. If you’re coming in peak season and have your heart set on somewhere specific, call or book online before you leave home.
Many sit-down restaurants in the area are BYOB. That’s actually a nice perk — grab a bottle from the Acme or a liquor store before dinner and keep the bill more manageable. We’ve listed all the BYOBs below.
The Best Restaurants in Seaside Heights 2026
1. Ohana Grill
Hawaii-influenced American| 65 Grand Central Ave, Lavallette
This is one of the best meals you can have near Seaside, full stop. Hawaiian fusion done right — mini pork tacos with pineapple slaw, Ginger Hoisin BBQ Pork Chop, flavors that make you do a double-take. It’s a 5-minute drive from Seaside Heights and technically in Lavallette, but it’s 100% worth the trip.
The caveats: parking is a real problem. Leave 20 extra minutes, or just Uber. They will not seat your party until everyone is there, so don’t stagger your arrival. And book reservations weeks out — this place fills up. [Call for reservations: (732) 830-4040]
2. Lenny’s Pizza & Italian Grill
Italian & Seafood | 406 Grand Central Ave, Lavallette
Lenny’s is the most consistently reliable food on the island, and that matters after a few summers of watching good restaurants have off nights. The penne alla vodka is the real deal if you like a creamy pink sauce, and the Limoncello cake is not something to skip.
Saturday nights mean long waits — sometimes hours long. If you want takeout, order by 5pm. Reservations well in advance are a must for peak season.
3. Seaside Social House
Pizza and Burgers| 116 Sumner Ave, Seaside Heights
Pizza, Sports, and Cocktails, what else could you want. This use to be our #1 restaurant in Seaside Heights but we have pushed it to #3 because of the pizza. Don’t expect a normal pie, you will get a rectangle very thick style of pizza.
4. CheeseSteak Louie’s
American | 22 Boulevard, Seaside Heights
Not a sit-down restaurant, but we’d feel bad leaving it off. If you’ve ever tried to find a real Philly cheesesteak in New Jersey, you know how hard it is. Louie’s comes closer than anything else in Seaside. Perfect for a takeout night when no one wants to deal with a full dinner out. You can also order online.
5. Mad Fish Company
Seafood | 1001 SW Central Ave. Seaside Park
Very low-key, very good. Local fresh seafood, limited seating, and only open Friday through Sunday. If you’re serious about fish, this is the spot. The limited hours mean it’s a bit of a mission to get there, but that’s also part of what keeps it good — they’re not scaling to meet tourist demand, they’re just cooking good food.
6. Xina
Japanese | 3430 NJ-37, Toms River
Just over the bridge, about 10 minutes from Seaside Heights. The sushi menu is huge and the food is consistently good. If your group needs a break from pizza and seafood and someone is really craving sushi, Xina delivers. Rated 4.6 on over 1,700 reviews — that’s not an accident.
7. PJ’s Place
Italian & Seafood | 419 Bayside Terrace, Seaside Heights
One of our personal favorites. It’s directly on the Boardwalk, BYOB, and a lot of the seats have a view of the ocean and the beach. The Seafood Paella is excellent, and if you’re there on a Sunday, get the Sunday Dinner — it’s only available that day. It also doubles as a breakfast spot, which we love. Reservations recommended.
8. Klee’s Bar & Grill
American | 101 Boulevard, Seaside Heights
Klee’s is the reliable standby. It’s not going to be the most exciting meal you have in Seaside, but it’s consistent, the menu is big enough for everyone in a group to find something, and the bar pies are legitimately good. No reservations, so be ready to wait. We often just do takeout from Klee’s and eat on the patio back at the rental.
9. Sunset Seafood
Seafood | 419 Bayside Terrace, Seaside Heights
We really love this place, but it requires some strategy. The atmosphere is fantastic — bay-side, relaxed, mostly water views, none of the chaos of the Boardwalk side. The food is fresh and good. But the menu is pricey and the service can be inconsistent.
Our move: order a bunch of appetizers, maybe one or two mains, ask for everything to come out at once, and eat family-style. You get to experience the best part of Sunset (the atmosphere and the food quality) without running up a huge check. Book online
10. Lobster Lounge
Seafood | 901 Boardwalk, Seaside Heights
The lobster rolls are excellent and the lobster roll menu covers the classics — they do clam chowder well too. It’s located up above the Boardwalk, so you actually get decent ocean views while you eat, which is rarer than you’d think for a Boardwalk restaurant. Call for reservations.
11. Ebby’s Ristorante & Lounge
Italian | 2013 Central Ave, Seaside Park
Great for a casual night out, especially if you’ve got a bigger group or kids in tow. Inside is small, but they set up large tents in the summer for outdoor dining, which gives you room. Live music some nights, which adds to the atmosphere. Call for reservations.
12. Breaking Bread on the Boulevard
Italian | 115 Boulevard, Seaside Heights
Family-run, friendly, and the Italian food is generally good. It’s a small space, so reservations are important. The food is a bit pricy for a BYOB, but the quality is there. They also do some breakfast/brunch options if you’re looking to mix it up. Book on OpenTable
13. Mystic Lobster Roll Company
Seafood | 812 NE Central Ave, Seaside Park
Fresh Maine lobster meat, which is the real differentiator here — and you’ll pay for it. If you’re a lobster roll person who cares about the source, this is your spot. The menu has Classic Rolls and a whole Specialty section (LBI, Deep South, Hawaiian, BLT, and more). Not cheap, but the right call if you’re treating yourself.
14. Beach Tacos
Mexican | 1904 N. Ocean Ave, Boardwalk, Seaside Park
Great tacos — steak, chicken, al pastor, carnitas, chorizo, fish, rock shrimp, grilled vegetables — and a little-known secret: they have a roof terrace with a pretty good ocean view. And it’s BYOB. Grab a six-pack and get up there.
15. Gigi’s
Italian | 419 Bayside Terrace, Seaside Heights
Decent Italian, decent-sized space, BYOB — good for a larger group when you need room to spread out. The menu is pricy, and if you pay by card they’ll add a 2.9% processing fee. Tips are added automatically for parties over 6. Cash is your friend here. Book online
16. Berkley Cut Steakhouse
Steak | 2204 Central Ave, Seaside Park
The vibe is really cool — outdoor seating, local and family-owned, a step above the typical Shore steak experience. But the food has been inconsistent. We’ve heard they brought in a new steak chef, so maybe things have improved. Worth a shot if you’re in the mood for steak, but go in with realistic expectations.
17. Maruca’s Tomato Pies
Pizza | 601 Ocean Terrace, Seaside Heights
A Shore institution. Maruca’s was on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, and the sauce-on-top pizza is its own thing. If you haven’t tried it, you have to go at least once. Located right on the Boardwalk. No reservations needed — it’s counter service.
Best Seaside Heights Restaurants by Situation
Families with Kids
Most Seaside Heights restaurants are casual enough that a family dinner is not a big production. That said, some spots are much easier than others.
Best with kids:
- Seaside Social House — big menu, casual, no pressure
- Klee’s — they’ve seen every kind of family, the bar pies keep kids happy
- Ebby’s (Seaside Park) — outdoor tent seating in summer, relaxed Italian, good for bigger family groups
- Drifters — laid-back, no one’s going to stress about kids here
- Maruca’s — counter service Boardwalk pizza, the easiest possible dinner
Skip with young kids: Ohana Grill (tight parking, long waits, they won’t seat incomplete parties), Lenny’s on a Saturday night (hour+ waits with hungry kids is its own adventure), Berkley Cut.
Date Night
You’ve got a few hours and you actually want to eat well.
- Ohana Grill — the best meal near Seaside, period. Book weeks ahead.
- PJ’s Place — BYOB, ocean views, Seafood Paella. Romantic without trying too hard.
- Lenny’s — consistently great food. Bring a nice bottle.
- Sunset Seafood — the bay-side atmosphere is the whole point. Do the appetizer strategy.
- Breaking Bread — small, intimate, family-run. Reserve ahead.
- Lobster Lounge — Boardwalk views, good food, easy to make a night of it.
Watching the Budget
Eating out in Seaside Heights adds up fast, especially with a family. A few ways to keep it reasonable.
BYOB everything you can. The gap between a $60 dinner and a $100 dinner is usually just the bar tab. Most of the better Seaside Heights restaurants are BYOB — pick up wine or beer before you go.
Boardwalk food stands are cheaper than sit-down and they’re part of the experience. A slice at Maruca’s, tacos at Beach Tacos, a sandwich from Jersey Roll — you don’t need a full sit-down every night.
Takeout from Klee’s or Chop Shop — get it, eat on the balcony or the patio, and save yourself the wait. Some nights that’s the right call.
Gigi’s is BYOB with a larger space, which makes splitting easier for groups.
Heads up: A few places add automatic gratuity and card processing fees on top of already-high menu prices. Gigi’s adds the processing fee, and parties over 6 get auto-gratuity. Ask upfront when you’re not sure.
BYOB Restaurants In Seaside Heights
If you enjoy a little vino with your meal, there are quite a few BYOB restaurants in Seaside Heights that can help keep the costs of your meal a bit more affordable. Not only that, but, you can be sure your favorite drink is on the table! Here is a list of BYOB restaurants in Seaside Heights:
- PJ’s Pace
- Sunset Seafood
- Breaking Bread
- Ohana Grill
- Lenny’s Pizza
- Gigi’s
- Beach Tacos (not a sit down restaurant)
- Xina
Seaside Heights Restaurants with Live Music
Looking for a night out on the town without the kids? Here are some great hot spots that have great food and entertainment – and cater to adults of all ages.
- Spicy’ Bar and Grill, live every night during the summer season
- Beachcombers Bar and Grill, bands every weekend in the summer.
- Ebby’s in Seaside Park
- Bum Rogers Crabhouse
Restaurants with Outdoor Seating
When the weather is right — and at the Shore, it usually is — eating outside just feels better. These spots have outdoor seating options:
- Spicy Mexican Cantina
- PJs Place
- The Sawmill
- Berkley Cut Steakhouse
- Breaking Bread
More Seaside Heights Restaurants on the Boardwalk
If you’re walking the Boardwalk and want to grab something on the fly, here’s what you’ll find. Some (as noted) are counter-service and food stands — not sit-down restaurants, but essential to the Seaside experience:
- Seaside Empanadas (Food Stand)
- The Sawmill
- Beachcomber Bar & Grill
- Midway Steak House (Food Stand)
- Jersey Roll
- Shore Slice
- Park Seafood (Food Stand)
- Jimbo’s Bar & Grill
- Spicy Cantina Restaurant
- Mac’s Mac & Cheese (Food Stand)
- The Seaside Eatery (Food Stand)
- Lazy Dog (Food Stand)
- Three Brothers
- Seaside Pizza & Grill
- Ocean View Restaurant
- Holy Smokes Southern BBQ (Food Stand)
For the full story on the best Seaside Heights pizza — Boardwalk and off — we’ve got a separate guide. And if seafood is your main focus, the Seaside Heights seafood restaurant guide goes deeper on the waterfront spots.
Breakfast Spots in Seaside Heights NJ
Dinner sorted. Now, the morning after the beach:
- Mila’s of Seaside — 701 Boulevard. The newest addition to the breakfast scene and already one of the most talked-about spots on the island. BYOB brunch, trendy atmosphere, house made breakfast options. Reservations recommended, the food is delicious.
- Jersey Roll on the Boardwalk in Seaside Heights. Place to go for breakfast sandwiches and fresh homemade donuts.
- PJ’s Place is both a great dinner spot and a breakfast spot. Freshly made eggs, bacon, and all the trimmings.
- Jimmy’s Breakfast in Seaside Heights.
- Dock Outfitters in Seaside Heights. It’s a little out of the way on the bay side of town, but the menu is great, and reasonably priced.
- Blue Cup Coffee If you are a coffee lover this is the spot to hit. Good for other grab-and-go breakfast items.
- Breaking Bread on the Boulevard offers a handful of sandwich options and sides like bacon and home fries.
Looking for a full list of the best breakfasts spots? Discover where to find vegan options, the best breakfast sandwiches and more. We have you covered!
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there BYOB restaurants in Seaside Heights? Yes — quite a few. Ohana Grill, Lenny’s, PJ’s Place, Breaking Bread, Gigi’s, Sunset Seafood, Beach Tacos, and Xina are all BYOB. Pick up a bottle before dinner and you’ll save real money. Always confirm BYOB status when you make your reservation since policies can change.
Do I need reservations for Seaside Heights restaurants? For the places people actually want to eat, yes — especially in July and August. Ohana Grill, Lenny’s, PJ’s Place, Breaking Bread, and Lobster Lounge fill up weeks out during peak season. Book before you arrive. Klee’s, Hooks, and Maruca’s don’t take reservations, so you wait in line.
Is there fine dining in Seaside Heights? Not in a white-tablecloth sense. The closest thing near Seaside Heights right now is Ohana Grill in Lavallette — real ingredients, creative menu, a step above typical Shore food, though it’s still casual. Berkley Cut Steakhouse in Seaside Park is trying to fill that gap but has been inconsistent.
Where can I eat on the Seaside Heights Boardwalk? Sit-down options on or right off the Boardwalk: Lobster Lounge (901 Boardwalk), PJ’s Place (Bayside Terrace), and Ocean View Restaurant. For food stands and counter service: Maruca’s, Beach Tacos, Jersey Roll, Sawmill and plenty more as you walk.
What’s the best seafood in Seaside Heights? For sit-down: PJ’s Place (Seafood Paella, Boardwalk-adjacent), Sunset Seafood (bay-side, fresh), Mad Fish Company (Seaside Park, local catch, Fri–Sun only), Lobster Lounge (lobster rolls on the Boardwalk), and Mystic Lobster Roll Company (Seaside Park, Maine lobster). The Seaside Heights seafood guide goes deeper.
Where should I eat with a big group? Gigi’s (BYOB, bigger dining room), Ebby’s in Seaside Park (outdoor tents in summer), Klee’s (big menu, always turning tables), and Seaside Social House all handle groups well. Call ahead wherever you go — most smaller spots can accommodate but need warning.
What restaurants near Seaside Heights are worth a short drive? Ohana Grill (Lavallette, 5 minutes) is the main one — best meal near Seaside Heights, full stop. Lenny’s (Lavallette, 5 minutes) for consistent Italian and pizza. Xina (Toms River, 10 minutes over the bridge) when someone needs sushi.
Ultimately, the best restaurants in Seaside Heights provide an exceptional dining experience that satisfies both the taste buds and other senses, creating a memorable and enjoyable experience for guests.
After Dinner in Seaside Heights
If the night isn’t over when dinner ends — and in summer it shouldn’t be — the bars in Seaside Heights guide covers the best spots for drinks and live music on and off the Boardwalk.
Now go eat something good.
THE AUTHOR
I have spent my whole life going to and loving the beach. I am a wife, a mom of 2, and a business leader with an MBA in Marketing from Seton Hall University. We have owned a home in Seaside Heights since 2012, and I have been writing about Seaside Heights and the beach for the past 10 years. I love discovering new things about our town and helping you make the most of your vacation. The only thing I love more than writing about Seaside Heights is being there!
