From dockside lobster shacks and raw bars to chef-driven dining rooms serving pristine seafood towers and perfectly seared fish, Monmouth County has become one of New Jersey’s best destinations for seafood lovers. Whether you’re craving sushi by the water, buttery lobster tails, fresh oysters, or locally sourced catches, the county offers everything from upscale date-night destinations to casual Jersey Shore staples.
Here are some of the best seafood restaurants in Monmouth County worth visiting right now.
How We Chose These Seafood Restaurants
This list was curated based on a mix of local reputation, menu quality, waterfront atmosphere, reviews, chef recognition, longevity, freshness of seafood offerings, and overall dining experience. We also considered restaurants known for standout raw bars, sushi programs, seasonal seafood menus, and destination-worthy seafood dishes.
Drifthouse Restaurant, Lounge & Bar
Located on the ocean in Sea Bright with sunset views over the Shrewsbury River, Drifthouse has built a reputation as one of Monmouth County’s premier dining destinations, especially for seafood lovers. Their menu blends coastal influences with steakhouse-quality execution, featuring sushi, fresh fish, shellfish, and beautifully plated seasonal specials.
The sushi program is one of the strongest in the county, while dishes like Chilean sea bass, oysters, seafood pasta, and rotating fresh catches continue to draw loyal diners year-round. The stylish dining room, fireplace lounge, craft cocktails, and ocean-adjacent setting make it equally suited for date nights, celebrations, or upscale nights out at the Shore.
Address: 1485 Ocean Avenue, Sea Bright, NJ 07760
Website: Drifthouse
Related: Discover why Drifthouse is consistently recognized as one of the best seafood restaurants in Monmouth County, with an inside look at its fresh seafood, sushi, seasonal specials, and oceanfront dining experience.
Klein’s Fish Market
A Jersey Shore institution overlooking the Shark River, Klein’s has been serving seafood lovers for decades. The restaurant combines a classic fish market feel with a large waterfront dining space known for sunsets, seafood platters, and casual Shore energy.
Their menu covers everything from steamed lobsters and clams to fried seafood combos and fresh catches. It’s especially popular in summer for outdoor dining along the marina.
Address: 708 River Road, Belmar, NJ 07719
Website: Klein’s Fish Market
Bahrs Landing
One of the most historic seafood restaurants on the Jersey Shore, Bahrs Landing has been operating since 1917 and remains a staple for fresh seafood with waterfront views.
Known for lobster dinners, chowders, crab cakes, and old-school seafood-house charm, Bahrs offers a true dockside dining experience overlooking the Highlands waterfront and Sandy Hook Bay.
Address: 2 Bay Avenue, Highlands, NJ 07732
Website: Bahrs Landing
Charlie’s Ocean Grill
Charlie’s Ocean Grill brings a polished coastal atmosphere to the Long Branch waterfront with sweeping ocean views and a seafood-forward menu that fits perfectly into Monmouth County’s Shore dining scene. Located inside the Ocean Place Resort & Spa, the restaurant specializes in fresh seafood, including sushi, oysters, and lobster, as well as seasonal coastal-inspired entrées.
Its upscale setting overlooking the beach makes it a strong choice for everything from sunset cocktails and seafood dinners to special occasions by the ocean.
Address: 1 Ocean Boulevard, Long Branch, NJ 07740
Website: Charlie’s Ocean Grill
Cuzin’s Seafood Clam Bar
Cuzin’s Seafood Clam Bar has become one of Monmouth County’s most popular seafood destinations thanks to its lively atmosphere, oversized seafood platters, and crowd-pleasing menu packed with Shore-style favorites. Known for generous portions and a high-energy dining room, the restaurant consistently draws locals looking for everything from raw bar selections and lobster to crab legs, seafood fra diavolo, and fried seafood classics.
The menu blends Italian-American comfort dishes with a strong seafood focus, making it a go-to for groups, celebrations, and casual nights out alike.
Address: 130 South Main Street, Marlboro, NJ 07746
Website: Cuzin’s Seafood Clam Bar
On the Deck Restaurant and Bar
Perched directly on the waterfront at the Atlantic Highlands Marina, On the Deck delivers one of the most scenic seafood dining experiences in Monmouth County. The restaurant combines casual Shore vibes with panoramic harbor views, making it a favorite during the warmer months for lunch, sunset dinners, and cocktails by the water.
Seafood staples like lobster rolls, fish tacos, crab cakes, oysters, and fresh-catch specials anchor the menu, while the outdoor deck creates a true dock-and-dine atmosphere that feels quintessentially Jersey Shore.
Address: 10 Simon Lake Drive, Atlantic Highlands, NJ 07716
Website: On the Deck Restaurant and Bar
Rooney’s Oceanfront Restaurant
Few restaurants combine exceptional seafood with oceanfront views quite like Rooney’s Oceanfront Restaurant in Long Branch. A Jersey Shore favorite for decades, Rooney’s is known for sourcing fresh seafood daily and serving it in an elegant yet relaxed setting overlooking the Atlantic. While the menu offers everything from oysters and fresh catches to perfectly prepared steaks, one dish that has earned a loyal following is the Angry Lobster. This signature entrée features tender lobster tossed in a bold, spicy garlic butter sauce that delivers just the right amount of heat without overpowering the lobster’s sweetness. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply craving fresh seafood by the beach, Rooney’s continues to be one of the best seafood restaurants in Monmouth County.
The Rum Runner
The Rum Runner pairs panoramic waterfront views with a broad seafood menu featuring oysters, sushi, lobster, crab cakes, and fresh fish specials. The multi-level restaurant overlooking the Shrewsbury River has long been a go-to for seafood dinners with a view.
Its outdoor deck becomes one of the county’s most popular warm-weather dining spots.
Address: 816 Ocean Avenue, Sea Bright, NJ 07760
Website: The Rum Runner
SeaGrass Restaurant
SeaGrass has become one of the Shore’s standout upscale restaurants, known for refined seafood dishes and an intimate BYOB atmosphere. Chef-driven plates focus heavily on fresh ingredients and seasonal seafood preparations.
Expect dishes like scallops, seafood risotto, fresh-catch specials, oysters, and creative coastal-inspired appetizers in a polished yet relaxed setting.
Address: 68 Main Avenue, Ocean Grove, NJ 07756
Website: SeaGrass Restaurant
Shipwreck Grill, Brielle
For more than two decades, Shipwreck Grill has been one of Monmouth County’s most respected seafood restaurants. Chef-driven menus, impeccably fresh fish, creative daily specials, and a commitment to quality have earned Shipwreck a loyal following among serious seafood lovers throughout the Jersey Shore.
Spring Lake Seafood
A longtime favorite at the Jersey Shore, Spring Lake Seafood is known for exceptionally fresh seafood, generous portions, and a polished-but-approachable dining experience. The restaurant has built a loyal following for everything from lobster tails and crab cakes to seafood pasta, oysters, and beautifully prepared fresh fish specials.
The upscale coastal atmosphere makes it a popular choice for both casual dinners and special occasions, while the market side of the business reinforces its reputation for sourcing fresh, high-quality seafood.
Address: 1300 Third Avenue, Spring Lake, NJ 07762
Website: Spring Lake Seafood
Shucked by Local 130 Seafood
Shucked by Local 130 Seafood has quickly become one of Monmouth County’s most exciting seafood spots, especially for oyster lovers and fans of ultra-fresh coastal cuisine. Located in downtown Asbury Park, the restaurant is known for its rotating oyster selections, seafood towers, lobster rolls, crudo, and creative raw bar offerings.
The modern coastal vibe and focus on high-quality seafood sourcing give it a distinctly contemporary Shore feel while still maintaining a casual, approachable atmosphere.
Address: 601 Bangs Avenue, Asbury Park, NJ 07712
Website: Shucked by Local 130 Seafood
Why Monmouth County Is Such a Great Seafood Destination
With direct access to the Atlantic Ocean, Sandy Hook Bay, and countless marinas and fishing communities, Monmouth County naturally lends itself to outstanding seafood dining. Restaurants here benefit from proximity to fresh catches while also drawing culinary talent from both New York City and the Jersey Shore dining scene.
Whether you want sushi near the beach, a sunset seafood dinner on the water, or an elevated chef-driven tasting experience, Monmouth County offers one of the strongest seafood restaurant scenes in New Jersey.
FAQ
What is the best seafood restaurant in Monmouth County?
Many locals consider Drifthouse one of the top seafood destinations for its sushi program, seafood specials, cocktails, and upscale coastal atmosphere.
Where can you get waterfront seafood dining in Monmouth County?
Popular waterfront seafood restaurants include Klein’s Fish Market, Bahrs Landing, Drifthouse, and The Rum Runner.
What restaurant has the best sushi in Monmouth County?
Taka and Drifthouse are two of the county’s most popular sushi destinations.
Are there upscale seafood restaurants in Monmouth County?
Yes. SeaGrass Restaurant, Drifthouse, and Spring Lake Seafood all offer elevated seafood-focused dining experiences.
