Blog

Best Year-Round Restaurants on Long Beach Island

Seafood pasta, things to do in long beach island

Credit: Image by Black Eyed Susans

The numerous tourist attractions and white sandy beaches of Long Beach Island, NJ, make it such a busy destination during the summer months. But while most visitors flock LBI Memorial Day to Labor Day, many of Long Beach Island’s best restaurants are open year-round. Whether you are looking for a casual or fine dining experience, the island contains numerous options to suit your pallet. 

These are some of our favorite year-round restaurants.

Delaware Ave. Oyster House

Sporting one of the coziest atmospheres on the island and some of the Long Beach Island’s best food, Delaware Ave. Oyster House is a must visit. Don’t let the name fool you, the oysters are accompanied by pizza, tacos, burgers, wings and much more.

Our Favorites:

  1. Crab Fried Rice – Fresh picked blue claw crab, egg yolk, ginger, togarashi, black sesame, smoked trout roe.
  2. Seasonal Whipped Ricotta Appetizer – Varies depending on season.
  3. Crispy Octopus – Red roasted red pepper hummus, chili double crunch, black sesame, arugula. 

Reviews:

“Discovered this phenomenal FIND a year ago and we went back again yesterday, and oh boy it certainly didn’t disappoint! Some changes to the menu but it is one of my favorite dining experiences on the island. The oysters are ridiculously good! We absolutely loved the tuna tartare and the crab fried rice. YUM! P.S. Chef, PLEASE BRING BACK THE LOBSTER MAC N CHEESE!! Amazing food and ambience”
– Diane H.

Restaurant Information:

The Old Causeway Steak & Oyster House

Steak on long beach island nj restaurants

Credit: Image by Carlos Davila Cepeda | Unsplash

The Old Causeway Steak & Oyster House is popular for its premium Angus steaks, hand-shucked oysters, amazing drinks, and lively atmosphere. Seafood lovers will be pleased to know about their impressive oyster selection, with offerings from both coasts.

Our Favorites:

  1. “The Black Eye” – 14 oz. rubbed down NY Strip steak grilled with black seasoning and smothered in our jumbo lump crab and gorgonzola cream sauce with house-roasted sunrise peppers.
  2. “Bonsai” Oysters – House oyster topped with sushi grade tuna, spicy mayo, eel sauce, panko, scallion and tobiko.
  3. “Steakhouse” Burger – Avocado, cheddar, bacon, fried egg, chipolte ketchup on grilled Texas toast.

Reviews:

“I recently dined at The Old Causeway Steak & Oyster house it was casual yet high-quality steakhouse that exceeded my expectations. The inviting atmosphere seamlessly blended with a top-notch dining experience. The star of the show was undoubtedly the perfectly cooked steak and lobster, showcasing the establishment’s commitment to quality. Beyond the food, the vibrant bar scene added an extra layer of enjoyment, and the live music enhanced the overall ambiance. This steakhouse strikes the ideal balance between casual dining and culinary excellence, making it a standout choice for those seeking a memorable and relaxed evening out in LBI.”
– Ericca Jane Rios Stylist

Restaurant Information:

Shrimp pasta on long beach island nj restaurants

Credit: Image by Olayinka Babalola | Unsplash

Tucker’s Tavern

Inspired by the best American taverns and English pubs, Tucker’s Tavern is LBI’s favorite neighborhood bar and tavern. Its creative gastro-pub menu features fresh-caught local seafood, chef-crafted daily specials, and tavern favorites with a twist.

Our Favorites:

  1. Honey Nut Squash & Arugula Salad – Braeburn apple, honeyed pecans, feta, plum vinaigrette, golden raisins
  2. Local Tuna Tacos – spicy mayo, sweet soy, seaweed salad, micro cilantro, crispy gyoza.
  3. Tuckers Burger – fresh 1/2 pound burger, short rib, aged cheddar, garlic aioli, fries.

Reviews:

“Rooftop deck is so nice. Had the Tuna Tacos and Calamari, wife had a Tucker Burger. Drinks all solid. Service was great quick and on point. What else can you say, it’s LBI with a nice Bay view , so don’t expect dollar menu prices and it’s not better up North . Looking forward to the chowder fest coming up should be a blast. Will be returning for sure soon.”
– Mapleleaf Enterprises

Restaurant Information:

Seafood pasta, things to do in long beach island

Black Eyed Susans

Must Try:

Combining a modern, coastal vibe with a diverse menu, Black Eyed Susan’s is a popular choice among Harvey Cedars locals and summer vacationers alike. 

  1. Gnocchi Lobster– Broccoli rabe, garlic, Calabrian chili, parmesan fonduta, lobster.
  2. Black Garlic Caesar– Lettuces, parmesan, breadcrumbs.
  3. Burrata Pizza– pecorino, broccoli rabe, calabrian chili, garlic. 

Our Favorites

“This absolutely one of the best restaurants on LBI!! You will not find a more friendly staff, service is incredible, food is more than delicious. Whether you are having a simple pizza or one of the amazing fish dishes. Chef Chris has a way of bringing out all of the flavors. The black garlic cesar salad is a must start. I highly recommend this restaurant, we go at least once a week.”
– Dan Petrozelli

Restaurant Information:

Seafood pasta at long beach island nj restaurants

Credit: Image by Adolfo Félix | Unsplash

Raimondo’s

This fine-dining Italian restaurant has served Long Beach Island over 30 years. Raimondo’s is one of the best Italian restaurants in LBI NJ, serving only the freshest assortment of meats, local seafood from Barnegat Light, and fresh produce from local growers.

Our Favorites

  1. Spedini all Romano Risotto – Fried Mozzarella, prosciutto, eggplant in an anchovy, olive and caper sauce. 
  2. Scallop Risotto – Pan-seared jumbo sea scallops over a pancetta, asparagus, asiago risotto, chive oil, and micro herbs.
  3. Parmesan Trio – Chicken, veal & shrimp with marinara and melted mozzarella served with rigatoni marinara. 

Reviews

“Our favorite Italian restaurant on LBI. Never disappoints and the early bird is a great deal before 6pm. When we have out of town guests Raimondo’s is always 1st on the list.”
– Frank Calabrese

Restaurant Information:

food plate served in long beach island nj restaurants

Credit: Image by Brooke Lark | Unsplash

Salt Kitchen & Bar

Located in Ship Bottom, Salt Kitchen & Bar offers coastal casual dining in a modern environment. Eclectic dishes made fresh and locally sourced are prepared by Chef Nicholas, who is well known for preparing traditional dishes and adding his own flare.

Our Favorites:

  1. Mediterranean Plate – Dill and garlic hummus, harissa farro, pickled vegetables, romesco, marinated olives, flatbread.
  2. Cajun Spiced Scallops – U8 Hokkaido Scallops, corn maque chou, smoked baby carrots, tasso ham, pimenton crema.
  3. Crisp Calamari – Marinara Sauce, hot cherry peppers, basil.

Reviews:

“If there was 6 stars, I would give it one more. Last night we had an event at Salt. The Director of the restaurant, Keith along with the lead server Laura and staff could not have been more attentive. We are a group of Local women, “The Jokers of Mahjong” who support our local restaurants. We had our Spring dinner and game night at Salt. Everyone raved about the food, service and atmosphere, their attention to details, patients with 60 women, was over the top. (and lets not even mention the beautiful sunset you arranged for us lol) We look forward to many years and events with Salt. I know I will now be a regular at Salt and the Hotel LBI. They have a wonderful happy hour at the bar in the lobby, with amazing food and a wonderful selection of wines. Thank you Keith and staff…”
– Debbie Skipper

Restaurant Information:

Scallops served in long beach island nj restaurants

Credit: Image by WikiSleep App | Unsplash

Daddy O Restaurant

Located in one of the most iconic hotels on the island, the restaurant at Daddy O offers a wide-range of eats in a variety of settings. Patrons can choose to eat in a stylish dining room, an indoor bar, an outdoor garden patio or a rooftop deck with a scenic view.

Our Favorites:

  1. Manhattan Red – 2022 Chowderfest Champ! Local clams, smoked ham, mirepoix.
  2. Spicy Tuna Tacos – Goma wakame, mango, sweet soy, crispy gyoza. 
  3. Barnegat Light Scallops – Applewood bacon-sweet pea risotto, red pepper coulis, pinelands micro greens.

Reviews:

“Great spot for food and drinks. Didn’t stay here but looks nice. Pro tip: the roof top bar in first come first serve but apparently you can call for a reservation too. We took the Long Beach Island Shuttle here which is also clutch for kids and families at $5 a trip per person.”
– Will Glass

Restaurant Information:

pasta served on long beach island nj restaurants

Credit: Image by Carissa Gan | Unsplash

Kubel’s Barnegat Light

Located near the docks in Barnegat Light, this LBI tradition is known for American eats served in a comfortable setting with a fireplace and a full bar. Kubel’s has been a favorite dining spot among locals since 1927.

Our Favorites:

  1. Barnegat Light Sea Scallops – Broiled with a lemon beurre blanc and topped with seasoned breadcrumbs.
  2. Buffalo Wings – Celery and Blue Cheese. 
  3. Kubel’s Crab Pie – A house favorite. Jumbo lump crab meat in a rich sherry sauce with herbs, spices, onions, and peppers. Topped with a puff pastry.

Reviews:

“We had our food trail (Anthony Bourdain’s) in NJ and went to Kubel’s for lunch. Restaurant receptionist is not that welcoming but the waitress is awesome, she went above and beyond to provide us with excellent customer service.

We ordered clam chowder, steamed clams and fried clam strips. We already knew what to order but one of them is no longer on the menu (fried clam strips). The waitress offered that they can make it for us and I’m so delighted.

It’s a 5/5 for everything that we ordered. Hearty soup, tasty and fresh clams! It’s “clam-azing”!”
– Nic Vldz

Restaurant Information:

A bowl of vegetable in long beach island nj restaurants

Credit Image by | Unsplash

Buckalew’s Restaurant and Tavern

This Beach Haven restaurant is popular for its seafood and steaks. It offers an extensive beer and wine list. Enjoy your food and drinks accompanied by great local art and entertaining live music.

Our Favorites:

  1. Spicy Roll – Choice of shrimp, salmon or tuna. 
  2. Spicy Poke Bowl – your choice of marinated tuna or salmon with sushi rice, mixed greens, cucumber, carrot, avocado, seaweed salad, fried onions, spicy sauce.
  3. Poached Pear Salad – mixed greens, goat cheese, softened raisins, avocado, crushed pistachios, raspberry vinaigrette.

Reviews:

“Went to Buckalew’s for lunch today. As opposed to normally going for dinner.
Christina was our server. She was really great.
Today I just had their Reuben sandwich with fries. Very delicious. Looking forward to going again the next time I’m in LBI. Next time, definitely dinner. Oh, the picture is of the take out order I took when I got home.”
– Michael Robertazzi

Restaurant Information:

long beach island nj restaurants serving ribs and fries

Credit: Image by Alexandru-Bogdan Ghita | Unsplash

The Chicken or the Egg

The Chicken or the Egg in Beach Haven, popularly known as The Chegg, serves some of the best buffalo wings in town, along with local favorites like stuffed omelets, eggwiches, and peanut butter pancakes.

Our Favorites:

  1. Super Macho Chicken Nacho – tortilla chips, grilled chicken, onions, tomatoes, black olives, jalapeño peppers, melted jack and cheese sauce, with sour cream and salsa.
  2. The Lumberjack Omelet – Fried chicken tenders, bacon, and pepper jack cheese, topped with country sausage gravy, served with a buttermilk biscuit. Buffalize it! Choose one of our 18 famous wing sauces, plus a side of blue cheese or ranch.
  3. Buffalo Chicken Cheesesteak (recommend beesting sauce) – chicken steak, American cheese, one of our 18 famous wing sauces, on a fresh hoagie roll with a side of blue cheese or ranch, fries and pickles.

Reviews:

“I have been hearing about the legendary Chicken or the Egg for years now. This Long Beach Island staple is no joke. With an expansive menu, a wide variety of sauces, and a fun atmosphere, Chicken or the Egg is worth a visit. I didn’t know if it could live up to the hype, but I have been to the restaurant twice in the last few months and was satisfied by the experience both times. Not only is the food delicious (the perfect restaurant for a wing enthusiast or a lover of breakfast), the staff is friendly and the wait time is short. They run the ship like a well oiled machine. I definitely get the hype and will be returning next summer!”
– Caleb De Jesus

Restaurant Information:

Conclusion

Long Beach Island, NJ, has so much to offer in terms of culinary experience. The Jersey coastline is known for its delectable food, and these LBI restaurants are open the entire year to deliver on that promise.

If you have any questions about the area, please don’t hesitate to give me a call at 609-467-4061 or send me an email at drew@guarinoteam.com.

Frequently Asked Questions

The months of April through June and September through October have generally cool weather with fun events, and LBI is not too crowded.

Yes, especially at restaurants like Black Eyed Susans where it’s always filled with families and friends celebrating special occasions.

Many of these restaurants accommodate dietary restrictions, including Kubel’s, Buckalew’s Restaurant & Tavern, and Raimondo’s.

Meal prices range from around $30 to as much as $100.

Family-friendly dining options in LBI include The Chicken or the Egg, Crabby Paddy’s, Uncle Will’s Pancake House, and Good Shore Donuts.

Learn more about your future home

Explore Long Beach Island, NJ, with The Guarino Team, your local real estate experts!
Get in Touch