Week 7 - July 31
This blog is your insider guide to everything edible on LBI. No tourist traps, just good food, local tips, and a little buzz from the beach. Whether you’re here for a week or a whole season, I’ve got you covered with where to eat, what to drink, and how to order like a local!
🍕 This Week’s Bite
Bacon Wrapped Jersey Long Hots at Azzurri
At the end of last summer, when I first heard a new fine dining restaurant was soft-opening on LBI, I’ll admit—I was skeptical. The island already has more than its share of Italian spots. And truthfully? I’m not usually a fan. With the exception of a few standouts, LBI’s trattoria scene feels a bit dated and overplayed.
So it’s no surprise I waited until the local buzz settled before giving Azzurri in Harvey Cedars a shot. Any new restaurant on the island gets a wave of initial buzz, but with so many openings in recent years, it’s hard to tell which ones are worth the hype. Opening in October was a bold move—especially with us locals as your first real critics. But Azzurri defied the off-season odds and quickly became one of the most in-demand reservations of the summer.
Blending traditional Italian with a coastal twist, Azzurri made its mark with creative plates like the Bacon-Wrapped Jersey Long Hots—a reimagined take on sausage and peppers. Served in a delicate pomodoro (easily the best I’ve ever had) and paired with whipped truffle ricotta. Every bite was better than the last.
This elevated experience takes you beyond the typical north-end fare—it feels like something straight out of The Bear.
Azzurri isn’t your roll-off-the-beach, sandy-feet kind of spot. While it embraces the island’s signature coastal-casual dress code, the vibe is notably more refined than most LBI restaurants. The interior design, culinary execution, and polished service all give the impression you’ve been transported to a city dining scene—not a seaside town steps from the surf.
👆 Insider Tip: If you’re going with one or two people, try and grab a counter seat. They have a small bar top that allows guests to watch the kitchen work its magic through a window. It gives a different meaning to dinner with a view.Â
The Garden
As the new kid on the block, the team behind Azzurri quietly introduced a second dining concept this summer: The Garden. While it shares a kitchen with the main dining room, The Garden offers a distinct four-course prix-fixe menu, creating a completely different experience for guests.
At $70 per person, it delivers a more elevated evening at a lower price point than some of the island’s classic date-night destinations—like The Gables (which is lovely in it’s own right). It’s a thoughtful, intimate option that still feels special without completely stretching your wallet.
🌟 Must-Order Dish
Summer Milanese —Arugula summer citrus salad, red onions, cherry tomatoes, avocado, red wine vinaigrette, pecorino romano
Honorable Mentions
Crispy Rice – yellowfin tuna, chipotle lime mayo, soy honey, scallions
Cacio e Pepe – strozzapreti, black pepper, Vermont creamery compound butter, pecorino romano
Flourless Chocolate Cake
Needless to say, Azzurri has more than lived up to the hype—and in my opinion, there’s truly nothing else like it on LBI. It’s unique, delicious, and ideal for a special occasion dinner. While it does sit on the higher end of the island’s dining price range, the experience it delivers makes it well worth it. If you’re looking for something a little more elevated, I can’t recommend Azzurri enough.
đź“Ť Located at 8001 Long Beach Blvd. Harvey Cedars
Open Daily: 4 pm – 9:30 pm
🌊Weekend Washashores
If you’ve spent enough summers on LBI, you probably already have a go-to fish taco spot. I have three. They’re the ones I keep coming back to, year after year. Beach day after beach day, because they always hit the spot. Whether it’s grilled, fried, topped with slaw, or kissed with mango salsa, each one hits a different kind of perfect. These are some of the best fish tacos on the island.Â
🍹This Week's Sip
This week’s sip comes with front-row sunset views and just the right amount of heat (as if this summer isn’t hot enough). The Coastal Sunrise at The Prop Bar, served upstairs on the rooftop overlooking the Causeway, is sweet, spicy, and dangerously easy to drink.
Coastal Sunrise ~ espolón blanco, cointreau, jalapeño, lime, agave, mango, Tajin, fishing rod
If there’s a Tajin rim on the menu, I’m ordering it—no questions asked. Luckily, this drink was better than its garnish.Â
🤙 Order Like a Local
If beer and wine aren’t your thing, head across the street to Black Eyed Susans to get your buzz on. They serve up some of the best cocktails on the island—and if you can, try to catch their daily happy hour from 4–5 PM for a little extra fun. It’s the perfect pre-game before your night at Azzurri.
đź‘‚ Word on the Beach
Taco Tuesday at Off The Hook
Taco Tuesday at Off the Hook is one of those island joints that’s been around for a while, and for good reason. The family behind it has been running their takeout spot inside Viking Village for over twenty years, and they’ve built a loyal following by keeping things authentic and straightforward. Fresh seafood, quick service, and LBI through and through.
Every Tuesday is Taco Night at Off The Hook, a seasonal must-try if you find yourself at the farthest end of the north side. From the Mahi Taco to the Crunchy Shrimp, each bite tastes as fresh as the last. You can practically taste the tide in the morning.
The spicy scallop taco is the standout and fan favorite, but there is no wrong order. It’s casual, affordable, and consistently good.
đź“ŤLocated at 1905 Bayview Ave, Barnegat Light
Monday-Saturday: Lunch 11 am – 4 pm | Dinner 5 pm – 8 pm
Sunday: Lunch 11 am – 4 pm | Dinner 5 pm – 7:30 pm
About Me
Hey, I’m Hannah! I’ve lived just over the bridge from LBI for the past 25 years and if there’s one thing I know, it’s how to order the perfect after-beach meal like a local. I’ve spent every summer either working in restaurants or hopping between them, chasing the best cosmo, returning for a tried and true classic, exploring new weekly specials, and looking for the thrill of a just-opened spot that’s already getting some island buzz. From takeout in your beach chair to white tablecloths under string lights, I’ve got the inside scoop on where to eat, sip, and celebrate all season long. Let’s dig in!