It’s summertime on LBI and you’re playing all the greatest hits: A slice from Bay Village Pizza, a waffle cone at Skipper Dipper, a cheese burger at Burger 25, or a warm garlic roll from Barry’s. These classics are beloved for a reason—they hit every time.
But every now and then, you’ve got to mix things up.
Whether you’ve worked your way through your favorites or you’re just in the mood for something a little different, here are 10 unique and delicious eats on the island that might just earn a spot in your regular rotation.
Milky Bun
📍Ship Bottom Ice Cream, Ship Bottom & Beach Haven Terrace

Scallop Taco
📍Viking Fresh Off The Hook, Barnegat Light
Home to one of the largest scallop hubs on the East Coast, Barnegat Light sees nearly 20 boats haul in over 2 million pounds of fresh scallops each year. These locally caught beauties have become a summer staple across the island—but their most unique form might just be the scallop taco. It’s one of my absolute favorite things to eat on LBI—and quite possibly something you won’t find anywhere else on the Jersey Shore.
Each taco is packed with a generous portion of melt-in-your-mouth scallops, topped with crisp lettuce, shredded cheese, a drizzle of chipotle mayo, and served with sides of fresh pico de gallo and sour cream—layered to enhance, not overpower, the star of the show. Paired with a heaping handful of homemade potato chips, it’s the ultimate coastal lunch.
If you’ve been looking for a reason to make the trek up to Barnegat Light—this is it. But don’t wait too long—these are only on the menu through Labor Day.

High Tide Dog
📍Surf City Dog House, Surf City

Elephant Ears
📍Ferrara's, Ship Bottom
We all have that LBI sensory memory—watching the pastry chefs in Bay Village, noses pressed up against the glass, with sweet cinnamon and sugar wafting through the alley. I still remember watching the chef roll out the dough when I was younger, in awe of its size and the incredible scent. I also remember a few fingerprints on the window from when I tried to get even closer.
A flaky and oversized puff pastry that’s made a name for itself on the island, Elephant Ears have been a staple on LBI for decades. Talk to anyone who’s wandered through Bay Village, and they’ll likely mention this dessert—whether they were there last week or haven’t visited since the ’90s.
Although the one on display in Beach Haven might be the most well-known, my personal favorite is Ferrara’s rendition in Ship Bottom. Regardless of which spot you prefer, this is a must-have if you find yourself on LBI. – HF

Dana's Street Taco Pizza
📍Flour Child, Brighton Beach
LBI’s newest pizza joint enters an already stacked scene, but it’s quickly carving out its own identity with a menu that goes well beyond the basics. With inventive specialty pies and unexpected sides like ribs, this is far from your standard New Jersey pizza spot.
I’m a classic cheese or pepperoni guy. If I’m craving a taco, I order tacos in a shell. So when I saw a carnitas taco–inspired pie on the menu, I was skeptical. We’ve all had those so-called “specialty pizzas” where toppings are just haphazardly thrown on, creating a novelty more than a cohesive end-product. But this? This was different.
From the first bite, my taste buds were confused—in the best way. The flavor was money, but something felt off… or rather, unexpected. About fifteen minutes later, it hit me: the pizza was refreshing. I never thought I’d describe a pizza that way, but the cilantro, onions, salsa verde, and fresh lime worked in harmony. A lime wedge on the side added a bright finishing touch—an unexpected but welcome detail. This is a beach pizza, or dare I say it, a lunch pizza, through and through.
Every ingredient felt intentional—balanced, bright, and thoughtfully layered. The carnitas taco pie isn’t just different for the sake of being different. It works. The richness of the pork, the zip of lime, the slight heat—it all comes together in a way that’s both bold and undeniably delicious. – BG

Lobster Grilled Cheese
📍Blue Water Cafe, Haven Beach

Complete Galette
📍Crêperie de la Mer, Beach Haven

Spicy Tuna Sandwich
📍Ellis' Chicken & Crab Cakes, Beach Haven
We all know the Tide Table Group loves a good theme. When I heard they were opening their newest island eatery, I’ll be honest—I wasn’t racing to line up on day one. I figured it would just be a remix of dishes from their existing spots. And while that is the case for a few menu items, I’ll be the first to admit—I was wrong.
Ellis’ is a different kind of joint, offering a mix of cuisine the island hasn’t seen before. It’s the kind of place you swing by after the beach for a bucket of fried chicken, or settle into for a hearty crab cake to close out your trip. And while it may have the look of a fast-casual spot, the prices definitely lean upscale. Still, if you’re willing to splurge a little, it’s absolutely worth it—especially for the Spicy Tuna Sandwich.
I haven’t seen anything quite like it on the island, so there’s no real comparison. But what I can say is this sandwich has earned its place on our list. Piled with fresh-caught tuna and sandwiched between two thick slices of brioche, it hits all the right notes: a touch of heat, a hint of mayo, and crisp veggies that give it a subtle banh mi-style twist. Packaged cleanly and bursting with flavor, Tide Table has knocked it out of the park with this one. – HF

Pickle Sub
📍Lenny & John's, Beach Haven
Calling all pickle lovers—this one’s for you.
If you haven’t tried a pickle sub yet, consider this your sign. It’s exactly what it sounds like: your favorite sandwich fixings, but instead of bread, they’re tucked inside a giant, crunchy dill pickle. It’s a simple swap, but it totally changes the dynamic of the sandwich—adding tang, snap, and a burst of flavor in every bite.
I tried the #4 Jumbo (pictured above), and it delivered in every way. The proportions were spot on—the meat, cheese, layering, and pickle all worked in perfect harmony. Without the bread, it still felt super filling but didn’t weigh me down. And honestly, having the pickle as the “bun” made indulging in some of the fattier meats feel just a little less guilty.
It also happens to be the perfect beach sandwich. No carbs, no soggy bread, and it stays crisp even after hanging out in the cooler. Plus, as an added bonus, that salty pickle punch comes with a little boost of sodium—just enough to help keep you going after a sun-soaked day.
Whether you’re low-carb, heat-weary, or just a fan of all things briny, this refreshing, no-bun sub is a summer standout. – BG

Jersey Bun
📍Baked on the Beach, Surf City & Beach Haven
