There are many things to enjoy at the Jersey Shore and fantastic fresh seafood is definitely one of them. Home to some of the largest ports on the east coast, the Jersey Shore offers exquisite tastes from the deep blue sea. Many restaurants offer "Catch of the Day" selections so patrons can enjoy the freshest options available. In a region surrounded by water, satisfy your culinary desires with classic seafood platters or creative dishes and enjoy this authentic taste of the shore.
- Veronica Dudo

Doc's Oyster House

2405 Atlantic Avenue
Atlantic City, NJ, 08401
(609) 345-0092
www.docksoysterhouse.com

In 1897, Harry "Dock" Dougherty opened Dock's Oyster House with just 60 seats and today it is known as a South Jersey staple. Centrally located on Atlantic Avenue, the restaurant is apart of Atlantic City's rich history and is a convenient place to dine before hitting the town. Dock's Oyster House is within walking distance of the boardwalk and the Atlantic City Convention Center with free parking available next door to the restaurant.

This family-owned restaurant offers guests a fine dining experience. The atmosphere brings to life the vintage feel of the restaurants' early days while still embracing its modern appeal with stark white table cloths, dark wood furniture and a classic décor.

Dock's Oyster House serves seafood and steaks in a warm, friendly environment. This local institution has undergone several refurbishments, four generations of leadership and remained open through World Wars, the Great Depression, as well as the decline and rebirth of Atlantic City.

At the bar, patrons have their choice of champagne and a long list of wine. Some of the delicious cuisine offered includes selections from the raw bar such as oysters, shrimp, tuna, and crab; entrees such as seared sea scallops, pan sautéed red snapper, flounder and crabmeat; and signature items like lobster tail, beef and reef, rack of lamb and filet mignon.

Visitors spending time in the resort know they'll get a great meal at Dock's Oyster House making it a must-stop-place at the Jersey Shore.

Boathouse Restaurant and Marina Deck

506 West Rio Grande
Wildwood, NJ
(609) 729-5301
www.boathouseonline.net

The Boathouse Restaurant and Marina Deck in Wildwood proudly says they're known for, "specializing in fresh seafood, steaks and sunsets!" Almost entirely built over water, the restaurant offers beautiful panoramic views of the marina and has been welcoming patrons since it opened in 1989.

The multi-level restaurant offers a casual dining experience. With a main dining room, upstairs dining area with a martini bar, marina deck, and porch; this coastal establishment serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. Providing patrons with lots of choices on the menu some breakfast items include creamed chipped beef over toast, sausage and gravy over biscuits, eggs Benedict, chocolate chip pancakes, jumbo lump crabmeat and asparagus omelets.

The deck menu offers light fare with seaside favorites like fried flounder sandwich, tuna melt, shrimp kabobs, crab cake sandwich, fish of the day, burgers, fajitas and pizza. Early bird food specials are featured from 4PM to 5PM; with entrée selections including homemade soups, refreshing salads, tropical Mahi-Mahi, fresh sea scallops, jumbo fried shrimp, Maryland crab cakes, twin lobster tails, shrimp scampi, seafood alfredo, filet mignon and chicken parmesan.

The open air Marina deck serves up tasty treats for guests like frozen margaritas, daiquiris and other fruity cocktails. Happy hour is scheduled Monday thru Friday. Those looking for a martini can enjoy a huge selection with guest favorites like appletini, chocolate tini, peach tini, raspberry tini and a Cosmopolitan. Live music makes for a fun-filled atmosphere featuring 60's Doo-Whoop music and Top 40 hits.

The Boathouse Restaurant and Marina Deck in Wildwood has savory seafood, splendid scenery and stunning sunsets.

Angelo's Fairmount Tavern

2300 Fairmount Avenue
Atlantic City, NJ 08401
(609) 344-2439
www.angelosfairmounttavern.com

Family owned and operated since 1935, Angelo's Fairmount Tavern in Atlantic City is a fixture in the resort. The town has changed and grown through the decades and so has the restaurant. Its continued expansion is a tribute to its success and longevity; however one thing remains the same—Angelo's commitment to its customers.

A dining area and bar are still housed in the original building, which when it opened could only seat 25. Over the years three generations of Mancuso's have continued to serve guests and expand this famous Italian restaurant in the Ducktown section of the city. The Mancuso family purchased surrounding homes and converted them into additions to the restaurant which can now seat 240 in its multiple dining rooms.

Lunch is served Monday thru Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. and dinner is available seven days a week from 5 p.m. to 10:45 p.m.. Guests can sit in the Family Room, the Isabella Room or the Villa Room. Each room is different with a unique atmosphere. A massive amount of memorabilia and pictures adorn the walls in all of the dining rooms. Each room has their own series of pictures, showcasing sports figures, the Mancuso family and famous personalities. Angelo's has even welcomed celebrities such as Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr. and Dean Martin through its doors.
Angelo's is known for their home-style Italian menu serving consistent, large portions of quality food at reasonable prices. Some popular dinner dishes include shrimp marinara; shrimp Fra Diavlo; shrimp scampi; mussels; linguine and crab; Terry's seafood medley; shrimp and spinach; shrimp and mussels; scallops; linguine, portabella mushrooms and crab, and flounder.

While visiting the Jersey Shore stop in Angelo's Fairmount Tavern, a place where friends have gathered for great food and good conversation for more than seventy-five years. Remember once you dine at this old-time classic Italian restaurant, "You're a part of the family."

The Lobster House

906 Schellenger Landing Road
Cape May, NJ 08204
(609) 884-8296
www.thelobsterhouse.com

For over four generations, The Lobster House on Fisherman's Wharf in Historic Cape May has offered an extensive menu serving fresh seafood unloaded right off of their boats every day. The commercial fishing fleet offloads and ships millions of pounds of seafood annually and supplies most of the fresh seafood served in the restaurant.

Patrons can choose to eat inside in one of five dining rooms, or can select from several outside dining options overlooking the Cape May Harbor. Open for lunch and dinner year-round, seven days a week, the main waterfront restaurant's five dining rooms have a full bar and offer an upscale family friendly dining experience in a uniquely nautical atmosphere.

During the summer, visitors can walk the dock and eat lunch out on the 130 foot-long authentic Grand Banks sailing vessel, Schooner American or just enjoy a cocktail onboard. Those looking for a more casual atmosphere can sit at the Raw Bar and snack on fresh steamed crabs while watching the boats unload their catch of the day.

Some of The Lobster House's famous seafood dishes include Cape May oysters; steamed clams; barbecued clams; baked clams casino; Fisherman's Wharf Clam Chowder; cold seafood platter; flounder francaise; baked stuffed flounder; sauté shrimp parmigiana; char-broiled swordfish, tuna, salmon and mako; steamed or broiled lobsters stuffed with crabmeat; soft shell crabs; and Alaskan King crab legs.

Items can also be purchased from the take out shop which offers a large variety of cooked or oven ready seafood prepared fresh daily; or from the Fish Market which also has a large selection of seafood available, and will even pack items in ice for traveling, free of charge.

On your next trip to the Jersey Shore check out The Lobster House which has been serving guests their signature dishes with an extraordinary waterfront view for decades.

The Sea Grill Steak & Seafood

225 21st Street
Avalon, NJ 08202
(609) 967-5511
www.seagrillrestaurant.com

The Sea Grill Steak & Seafood restaurant in Avalon is a shore-style dining experience open year round. Embracing its location, the restaurant offers lots of seafood options fresh from the Jersey Shore.

This charming and quaint restaurant in the seaside resort has a colorful décor with nautical artwork, statues, and trinkets placed throughout the establishment. Original paintings collected by owners Lizanne Tracy and Scott Zurawski also hang in the bar and dining areas. Guests can dine inside or outside in the backyard with lovely landscape, a stone patio and gazebos.

The sizzling atmosphere serves up sizzling seafood. Dinner begins at 5 p.m. and instead of menus, guests can read daily offerings listed up on the blackboard. Specials are offered everyday and guests can give their order directly to Chef Carla DeHart or her sous' chefs. Diners can even take it a step further and tell the chef how many ounces of seafood or steak they would like and exactly how they want it cooked. Whatever patron's desire, the staff is happy to assist and pride themselves on perfectly preparing mouthwatering delicious dishes.

This maritime infused restaurant features fare that keeps customers coming back for more including lobster, broiled salmon, broiled flounder, shrimp scampi, flounder stuffed with crab imperial, shrimp stuffed with crab imperial, shrimp scampi, scallops with crumbled bacon and surf and turf comprising of a filet and two lobster tails. Guests can create their own work of art at the fresh salad bar which is accompanies every entrée.

Desserts are homemade daily and patrons can enjoy a drink at the bar or choose from a long list of sparkling, red and white wines.
With a fun and funky feel, The Sea Grill Steak & Seafood restaurant at the Jersey Shore offers superb seafood dishes while embodying a sizzling vibe.

The Pilot House

142 Decatur Street
Cape May, NJ 08204
(609) 884-3449
www.pilothousecapemay.com

The Pilot House is a year round tradition at the Jersey Shore. For over 30 years, they have been known as one of the best casual restaurants in Cape May. From tasty appetizers to satisfying entrees and delectable desserts, the Pilot House has something for everyone.

With quality selections and friendly service, this is an "affordable family dining" option at the shore. The Pilot House has a seafaring décor complete with a beautiful aquarium that will delight children. Lunch is served daily beginning at 11:30 a.m. and early bird dinners 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Chef Mark is famous for his creative daily specials. Fresh seafood selections include Cape May crab cake; seafood trio with shrimp, flounder and crab cake; fresh local flounder; catch of the day; stuffed grouper; shellfish scampi; fried scallops; fish & chimps; fried shrimp and seafood sauté.

Many libations are available including festive frozen drinks; wine; beer; mixed drinks like the Pineapple Upside Down Cake with absolute vodka, DeKuper buttershots schnapps, Baileys Irish Crème and a splash of pineapple juice; Cape May Blues with absolute citron vodka, Dekuyper Blue Curarao and a splash of sour mix; Razzmatazz with Stoli raspberry blended with Dekuyper raspberry liqueur; as well as creamy hot chocolate and international coffee with amaretto, Grand Marnier, Frangelico, bailey's, Kahlua and Irish whiskey.

Set your course for the Pilot House at the Jersey Shore which offers great food in a comfortable atmosphere. When you stop in, be sure to check out the huge, tournament winning Mako shark mounted at the rear of the bar which has become a crowd favorite.

Veronica Dudo is an award-winning journalist who has covered everything from breaking news to red carpet celebrity interviews. For more information on her work, click here.