Although the first few months of 2020 have been difficult, the worst of it is past us and the situation is beginning to look brighter. Restaurants will be reopening soon, which is worth celebrating. Many people on Long Beach Island have been missing all the places with delicious food to eat. To help you gather some ideas for where you can go to chow down this summer, the Long Beach Island Restaurant Guide for 2020 will help you out.
While you’re perusing through the mouth-watering options below, keep in mind the kinds of restaurants you are interested in. Whether you want something casual, romantic or family oriented, you will surely find someplace that suits your fancy. You can even search for restaurants based on criteria like scenic views or extra-friendly service. Here is a brief overview of some of the restaurants you will find in the 2020 LBI Restaurant Guide.
Sand Dollar Restaurant
Our favorite pick of all the restaurants in Long Beach Island is the Sand Dollar Restaurant. We love this restaurant for many reasons, not least of which is the food. Try all kinds of classic American meals at Sand Dollar Restaurant including lobster, ribeye steak, shrimp, salad, crab and burgers. With their enormous menu, there is something for everyone. Better still, the restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. For a drink out in the fresh air, you can visit their Beach Spray Bar & Lounge as well. They offer catering services for all events, and best of all, they feature live music almost every day by popular local stars such as Dylan Carter, the Neil Miranda Band and Steel Margarita. Come here for an experience you will never forget.
The Gables
For scrumptious meals with decadent, turn-of-the-century charm, The Gables is hard to beat. This restaurant has a great selection of food, including the juicy and well-seasoned rack of American lamb and the delectable valrhona chocolate three ways. It also has a catering menu that is suitable for birthdays, weddings, graduation parties and all the best events of your life. There are also five romantic guest rooms that offer a peaceful place to unwind overnight. Table reservations are recommended, as it is quite the popular spot on Long Beach Island.
Pearl Street Market
If you want a more casual environment that is equally exquisite, visit the Pearl Street Market for some high quality groceries. You can also try the prepared food that is available to take out or enjoy on their outdoor patio. Whether you want to grab a croissant and espresso for breakfast, sit down and share a lobster bake with friends or bring home cheese and prosciutto for a relaxing evening in, Pearl Street Market has you covered. And do not forget about their grab-and-go food cases, that have everything from lobster corn chowder to pan-fried onion dip.
Ship Bottom Shellfish
Celebrating their 39th year in business, Ship Bottom Shellfish is as flavorful as ever. Started in 1981 by Bob and Gina, who pooled their talent and love of seafood to create this local gem. They serve some of the freshest food in the region. With local favorites like mussels in wine and garlic and jumbo lump crabcakes, Ship Bottom Shellfish has a loyal customer base who cannot get enough of their food. It is also the perfect spot for out-of-town families looking for some authentic Long Beach Island cuisine.
Sandbox Cafe
With stellar scores on review sites like Yelp and Tripadvisor, the Sandbox Cafe is everything you could want from a quaint and friendly Long Beach Island lunch and breakfast place. Renowned for its family-oriented aesthetic, super friendly service and, above all, the wonderful food, Sandbox Cafe is a magnet for hungry tourists and locals alike. Sweet deep-dish pancakes, fluffy scrambled eggs and hot, tasty crab cakes are just a few of their wonderful menu options. So, drop by and experience it for yourself. Just remember that they are a cash-only establishment, so do not forget to visit an ATM on your way.
Uncle Will’s Pancake House
For over fifty years, Uncle Will’s Pancake House has been satisfying customers on Long Beach island. Uncle Will’s Pancake House serves traditional American breakfasts with love and discipline, though it is not your ordinary diner. Crafting unique meals from ingredients like havarti cheese, Canadian bacon, hollandaise sauce, portabella mushrooms and lobster, Uncle Will’s Pancake House will stun you with its interesting dishes and incredible tastes. And with a kids’ menu and an option for private events, you will not have to look far for your next favorite place to dig in.
Black Whale Bar & Fish House
If happy hour is more to your liking, it is difficult to find a better pub than the Black Whale Bar & Fish House. The three-dollar pints and drink specials are refreshing, and easy on the wallet too. While the drinks alone are well worth the trip, it doesn’t stop there. The restaurant also has a large menu, filled with appetizers, soups, salads, pastas, sandwiches and sides. In case you are still hungry, do not forget about the raw bar with dishes like shrimp cocktail and seared sushi tuna. As a part of the restaurant’s commitment to local music, it also has live bands playing three nights a week throughout the summer. If a cozy local tavern, with inexpensive beverages, delicious food and a comfortable atmosphere is something you miss, come down to the Black Whale Bar & Fish House for a fun and memorable evening.
The Old Causeway Steak & Oyster House
For a restaurant that is more on the energetic side, the Old Causeway Steak & Oyster House is high on our list of recommendations. Considered by many to have the best Bloody Mary on the Jersey Shore, this spot has one of the largest drink menus you will find anywhere in the country. Come for the drinks, and stay for the locally sourced food. Their mouthwatering cuts of beef and seafood are so good you will not be able to resist them. Whether you want to come in for a delicious brunch or share a seafood tower with your family while they’re in town, The Old Causeway Steak & Oyster House is ready to take your order.
Black Eyed Susans
If a restaurant that is locally sourced, beach-casual and not too high in calories are features you value, Black Eyed Susans needs to be on your bucket list. Partnering with many nearby farmers and fishermen, this local gem gets most of its ingredients from organic and sustainable suppliers. The owners base the menu items off of seasonally-available ingredients. If you want a good idea of how the food tastes, check out review sites such as Opentable, Zagat and Resy to see what diners think. Black Eyed Susans is loved for its down-to-earth-staff and excellent menu choices like the seared barnegat bay scallops and the chocolate pot de la creme. This restaurant is highly appreciated by the townsfolk, so make a reservation before you head over there.
Pietro’s Italian Restaurant
For some of Long Beach Island’s Italian flair, look no further than Pietro’s Italian Restaurant. Located in Manahawkin Plaza, this restaurant has become a crowd favorite of nearby patrons. With a wide array of classic Italian dishes, plus tons of scrumptious and original slices, this is the place to go for a delicious afternoon or evening pie. Whether you are in the mood for a Italian sub and spaghetti with vodka speciality pizza, or simply a regular, cheesy slice, Pietro’s Italian Restaurant can satisfy.
Manera’s
This Italian-themed restaurant is still rather new, but it is just as pleasing to the palate as every other restaurant on this list. While putting an emphasis on Italian-style food, Manera’s is not as easy to define as simply ‘an Italian restaurant”. It takes in influences from all over the world and combines them to create culinary masterpieces, such as the crunchy Asian salad and the chicken francaise. Manera’s may seem small from the outside, but with proud, ambitious owners and a dedicated staff, this restaurant will defy your expectations.
Antoinetta’s Waterfront Restaurant
With a waterfront view that will melt your heart and food that can’t be beat, Antoinetta’s Waterfront Restaurant is the perfect place for a get-together with friends. Not only is its view worth the visit, but the service is spectacular, and the food is to-die-for. Some of their best dishes include the calamari balsamico and the Scotish salmon. Do not miss out on this place if delicious meals and beautiful scenery are among your highest joys.
Narrowing down the best places to dine in Long Beach Island is a difficult task, as there is no shortage of superb eateries in this area. However, these are the select few that rise above and beyond in the restaurant industry. The delicious meals, quality service and memorable occasions are the top priority at these restaurants. So, when life starts to get back to normal in the coming months, make sure you stop by these restaurants for the most sensational food Long Beach Island has to offer.
