Top 10 Unique Things You Can Eat on LBI

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

There’s nothing better than a waffle cone dripping with homemade ice cream on a hot summer evening—except maybe a freshly baked donut in the morning. Or better yet… how about both?
 
Ship Bottom Ice Cream is home to one of LBI’s most indulgent desserts: the Milky Bun. Choose any flavor of their homemade ice cream (I’m partial to the blueberry), and they’ll hand-press a scoop or two into a warm donut.
 
The first bite is life-changing—and you’ll immediately wonder how you went your whole life without one. – HF
IMG_3540

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.

The highly touted Scallop Taco | Image by Viking Fresh

High Tide Dog

📍Surf City Dog House, Surf City

Fresh on the LBI food scene, Surf City Dog House claims the title of the island’s only dedicated hot dog joint—and they’re putting an island-inspired twist on the classic. Instead of the standard bun-and-dog setup, they serve their dogs puka style, a Hawaiian technique where the bun is punctured to create a snug, tunnel-like pocket. They slide in a Thumann’s all-beef dog and inject it with sauces of your choosing.
 
It may be hard to picture—but trust me, it works.
 
I went with their most popular option, the High Tide Dog. Honestly, I was skeptical after reading the description and probably wouldn’t have ordered it if it hadn’t come so highly recommended. It’s filled with a spicy pineapple garlic sauce and honey mustard. I didn’t catch much honey mustard, but the pineapple garlic sauce? Absolutely bomb. Sweet up front, then a spicy kick that sneaks up just right. There’s also something oddly satisfying about having each bite completely encased in bread.
 
The whole experience brings a little taste of Hawaii to the Jersey Shore—unexpected, but totally welcome.
 
Overall, it was a fun, flavorful eat—perfectly packaged for a beach day. They also whip up fresh‑squeezed lemonade, which pairs perfectly with the heat from the dog and ties the whole thing together. I liked the vibe, I liked the food, and I’m hoping this spot sticks around down here.  – BG
 
IMG_3336

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

IMG_3531

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

 
IMG_3522

Lobster Grilled Cheese

📍Blue Water Cafe, Haven Beach

LBI isn’t New England, and lobster isn’t typically a “must-have” for most island visitors. But that doesn’t mean you can’t find some great lobster dishes across our 18 miles—they’re just often overshadowed by other Jersey Shore classics. Not every restaurant offers lobster on the menu, and when they do, it’s usually in the form of a lobster roll (which, in my opinion, is highly underrated around here).
 
Needless to say, there isn’t a ton of variation when it comes to lobster dishes on the island. Blue Water Café in Long Beach Island must’ve noticed this—and decided to run with it. Their garlic butter lobster grilled cheese is a prime example of how quality ingredients don’t need much dressing up.
 
The sandwich is piled with fresh lobster meat—we’re talking big chunks of claw and tail—then melted together with garlic butter and Colby Jack cheese. Just three ingredients, but it’s one of the most decadent bites you’ll find on LBI. – HF
 
IMG_3541

Complete Galette

📍Crêperie de la Mer, Beach Haven

Up until 2016, you had a better chance of finding the buried treasure in Holgate than an authentic French pastry. That changed when Crêperie de la Mer came onto the scene.
 
In addition to classic crêpes, they serve galettes — a French specialty that’s somewhere between a crêpe and an omelette. The “Complete” Galette toes the line between sweet and savory, delicately filled with cheese, egg, and ham. It’s light, satisfying, and full of comfort.
 
While the ingredients may be familiar, the final dish is anything but ordinary. With its crisp buckwheat base and perfectly balanced flavors, the galette is unlike anything else you’ll find on the island. If you’re on the south end and craving something a little different for breakfast, this hidden gem is well worth the stop. Just a heads-up: even though they’re open year-round, crepes and galettes are only served through Labor Day.  – BG
IMG_3539

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

IMG_3536

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

96A0479F-B780-4171-B951-C7DE73C1EE89

Jersey Bun

📍Baked on the Beach, Surf City & Beach Haven

f you’re indecisive like me and can never choose between salty or sweet, LBI has you covered. Head to Baked On The Beach in Surf City and try the Jersey Bun—one of the island’s more peculiar (and delicious) breakfast options.
 
The roll is made from the bakery’s signature sweet dough and filled with pork roll (sorry, no Taylor Ham debate here). You might think the pork roll is the star of the show, but what really makes this one of my favorite bites is the combination of Cooper Sharp cheese and brown sugar. It’s a burst of flavor that hits all the senses—so much so, you might even be able to skip your morning coffee.
 
This sweet-and-savory creation is the perfect way to kick off a perfect Jersey beach day.  – HF
IMG_3532

Learn more about your future home

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