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!
Best Restaurants in Seaside Heights 2024
We are not some name less site aggregator of restaurants. We have eaten at every single one of the ranked restaurants on this page!
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.
1. Seaside Social House
| Pizza and Burgers| 116 Sumner Ave, Seaside Heights
Pizza, Sports, and Cocktails, what else could you want. This is a new restaurant in Seaside Heights but our top pick for best restaurants in Seaside Heights!
2. Ohana Grill
| Hawaii-influenced American| 65 Grand Central Ave, Lavallette
You will not be disappointed with dinner at Ohana in Lavallette, which is a restaurant near Seaside Heights beach. The Hawaiian fusion menu will make your taste buds swoon. From mini pork tacos with pineapple slaw to Ginger Hoisen BBQ Pork Chop there will be something for everyone to enjoy.
The flavors will be combined in unique ways that are sure to delight the palate. One note of caution, the restaurant is a short 5-minute drive from Seaside Heights, but parking is a royal pain. Leave at least 20 minutes to park, or take an Uber. They will not seat you until your entire party is there. Make reservations weeks in advance! Call for Reservations
3. Lenny’s Pizza & Italian Grill
| Seafood | 406 Grand Central Ave, Lavallette
Lenny’s Pizza in Lavallette is a staple on the island, and probably the most consistently good food you will find. I highly recommend the penne alla vodka (if you like pink and creamy vodka sauce), and definitely get a slice of Limoncello cake for desert. Lenny’s is super busy especially on Saturdays with wait times often hours long. If you are going to order take out, we suggest doing so by 5pm. Call for reservations will in advance.
4. Drifters of Seaside
| Seafood | 701 Boulevard, Seaside Heights
Drifters in Seaside Heights offers a laid back beach vibe, awesome drink menu and live music in the summer. They offer seafood and a few other options like the Mac Daddy Burger and Pineapple Fried Chicken Sandwich.
5. CheeseSteak Louie’s
| American | 22 Boulevard, Seaside Heights
Not a sit down restaurant, but we would be remiss if we did not include CheeseSteak Louie’s in this list. Perfect for a night of take out, this is as close as it gets to Philly in New Jersey. You can also order online.
6. Mad Fish Company
| Seafood | 1001 SW Central Ave. Seaside Park
Local fresh seafood, does it get any better? This very low key restaurant serves up delicious food, but has limited seating and is only open Friday to Sunday.
7. Chef Mike’s ABG
| Seafood & American | 10 24th Central Ave, Seaside Park
Be sure to call at least a week and a half in advance for a reservation, you likely will also end up waiting even if you have a reservation. The food is good, but, if you have poor service that night it may not be worth the price you will pay. Be sure to get spiffed up because this is not a flip flop joint! Book Reservation
8. Xina
| Japanese | 3430 NJ-37, Toms River
Just over the bridge from Seaside Heights, Xina is a great option if you are in the mood for something other than pizza or burgers. They offer a huge sushi menu and have all the popular Chinese food options.
9. PJ’s Place
| Italian & Seafood | 419 Bayside Terrace, Seaside Heights
PJ’s Pace in Seaside Heights. is one of our personal favorite spots to eat. They have an Italian / Seafood menu and are BYOB directly on the Boardwalk. Popular options are the Seafood Paella and Sunday Dinner (which you can only get on Sunday). Many of the seats have a view of the boardwalk and ocean.
10. Klee’s Bar & Grill
| American | 101 Boulevard, Seaside Heights
Klee’s is your typical local bar and grill and a favorite among locals. It will not be the best meal you have in Seaside Heights, but it will be good and it is consistent. They have a pretty large menu so everyone in your group will find something they like, they are well known for their bar pies. Be prepared to wait, they don’t take reservations and are always busy. We often opt for take out from Klee’s.
11. Sunset Seafood
| Seafood | 419 Bayside Terrace, Seaside Heights
Sunset Seafood on the bay side in Seaside Heights. We really love this place, but the menu is a bit pricy. The food is fresh and tasty, but sometimes the service can be poor. One alternative to keep the bill reasonable is to order a bunch of appetizers, maybe one or two main meal. Ask for them all to come out at the same time and eat family style. The atmosphere is amazing (super chill and relaxed) and most seats have a water view. Because it’s on the bayside, it is not as crazy as the boardwalk. Book Reservation
12. Lobster Lounge
| Seafood | 901 Boardwalk, Seaside Heights
The Lobster Lounge is a friendly and inviting establishment where you can delight in excellent lobster rolls, fresh seafood platters, and clam chowder, bursting with an abundance of clams. Located on the Boardwalk (above the former Aztec Bar) the location offers stunning ocean views, allowing you to enjoy your meal in a picturesque setting. Call to make reservations.
13. Ebby’s Ristorante & Lounge
| Italian | 2013 Central Ave, Seaside Park
Ebby’s is a really great option if you are looking for a casual atmosphere or have a larger group with kids. The inside is rather small, but in the summer they have large tents set up for outside dinning. Call for reservations.
14. Chop Shop
| BBQ | 415 Boulevard, Seaside Heights
If you are in the mood for BBQ, Chop Shop is the place to go. Service can be spotty if you dine in, but you really can’t miss if you do take out. Ribs, barbecue chicken wings, and the Chop Shop Burger, all excellent.
15. Breaking Bread on the Boulevard
| Italian | 115 Boulevard, Seaside Heights
The Breaking Bread menu offers Italian food and have both indoor and outdoor seating. It is a small space, so reservations are recommended! The food is typically good, but pricy despite being a BYOB. It is family run and everyone there is super friendly. Book Reservation
16. Mystic Lobster Roll Company
| Seafood | 812 NE Central Ave, Seaside Park
Mystic Lobster Roll is known for offering lobster rolls prepared with fresh Maine lobster meat. Because of this, the cost to eat there will be a bit pricy. Their menu features a variety of rolls, such as the Classic Rolls (Maine, New England, and Connecticut) and Specialty Rolls (LBI, Deep South, Hawaiian, BLT, King Louis XIII, Bombay, and Italian).
17. Beach Tacos
| Mexican | 1904 N. Ocean Ave, Boardwalk, Seaside Park
This Seaside Heights restaurant is located on the Boardwalk and serves a range of tacos, including grilled steak, grilled chicken, al pastor, carnitas, chorizo, fish, rock shrimp, and grilled vegetables. A little-known secret is they have a roof terrace with great ocean views, and you can BYOB. The ambiance is casual and inviting, making it a great spot to relax and enjoy a meal by the beach.
18. Gigi’s
| Italian | 419 Bayside Terrace, Seaside Heights
Gigi’s offers a basic Italian menu and it’s pretty decent. It’s a good option for a large group as the inside is pretty big, and it is BYOB. The menu is pretty pricy and if you don’t pay cash you pay the 2.9% processing fee. Tip is added automatically for more than 6 people. Book Reservation
19. Berkley Cut Steakhouse
| Steak | 2204 Central Ave, Seaside Park
The Berkley Cut Steakhouse. The vibe is really cool, they have outdoor seating and are local / family owned. However, the food is so-so, and super expensive. I have heard that they did hire a new steak chef, so perhaps it has improved.
20. Maruca’s Tomato Pies
| Pizza | 601 Ocean Terrace, Seaside Heights
Featured on Diner’s, Drive Ins and Dives, Maruca’s is famous for their Pizzas, with the sauce on the outside! Located on the Boardwalk.
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.
- Drifters
- 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
Outdoor dining provides a change of scenery from the typical indoor dining experience, allowing you to enjoy fresh air, natural light, and beautiful surroundings. And of course, which one of us does not love to people-watch, observe local life, and soak up the atmosphere of a bustling street or scenic view.
- Spicy Mexican Cantina
- PJs Place
- The Sawmill
- Berkley Cut Steakhouse
- Breaking Bread
- Drifters
More Seaside Heights Restaurants on the Boardwalk
- 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)
Breakfast Restaurants in Seaside Heights NJ
- 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!
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.
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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!
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