Whether you're craving fresh seafood, a romantic Italian meal, or casual appetizers and light bites, your dining experience will be that much better at a table outside with sparkling water views. Here are the Belmar Beachcomber's favorite places to dine al fresco near the water in Belmar, New Jersey.
1. Klein's Waterside Cafe, Grill Room & Sushi Bar
708 River Road Belmar, NJ 07719 732-681-1177 www.kleinsfish.com
Klein's seafood restaurant in Belmar is a third-generation family-run business that celebrated its 91st year of service in 2021. The restaurant is situated along the Shark River, so you can watch the fishing boats pass by on their way to and from the Belmar Marina.
A favorite outdoor spot is the tiki bar at Klein's. In addition, the restaurant has plenty of outdoor seating at umbrella tables and a shaded full-service bar.
Happy hour specials are available at all tables between 3:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. Klein's also offers online ordering with curbside pickup or delivery via DoorDash if you prefer your food to go.
During the Belmar Restaurant Tour in March, Klein's usually serve their delicious soups, such as red or white clam chowder, and lobster bisque. We also like the boom-boom shrimp and the Belmar Beach roll.
2. La Dolce Vita Italian Seafood Grill
400 Ocean Avenue
Belmar, New Jersey 07719
732-749-3177
2a. La Terrazza Cucina Rustica & Bar
408 Ocean AVenue
Belmar, New Jersey 07719
732-894-3855
The restaurant business also runs in the family for the uncle-nephew owners of La Dolce Vita Italian restaurant on the Belmar beachfront. The restaurant's prime location on Ocean Avenue offers first-class views of the Belmar boardwalk and beach, great for people-watching.
Lunch is served from noon to 3:00 p.m. daily, and dinner is served from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Reservations are recommended. Takeout is available from La Dolce Vita on a limited basis, depending on how busy the kitchen is with outdoor orders. Next door at 408 Ocean Avenue, the family's second restaurant, La Terrazza Cucina Rustica & Bar, is open for lunch and dinner. Current hours of service are 11:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. seven days a week. Lunch is served from opening until 3:00 p.m.
3. 9th Ave. Pier Restaurant and Patio Bar
Belmar Marina
905 Route 35
Belmar, New Jersey
732-749-3800
4. Marina Grille
Belmar Marina 905 Route 35
Belmar, NJ 07719
732-749-3800
If you love to watch sunsets while you're dining in Belmar, the best views of the blazing sky can be found at 9th Ave. Pier and Marina Grille at the Belmar Marina. Both water-front restaurants are owned and operated by Chef's International, a regional restaurant corporation, which also runs Anchor Tavern on 8th Avenue and Main Street in Belmar.
Neither Marina Grille nor 9th Ave. Pier accept reservations. All seating is first-come, first-served. RELATED: Marina Grille - 12,000 Square Feet Of "Wow" At The Belmar Marina
Live Like A Local: Rent A Belmar Beach House
Day trips down the shore are fun, but it's even better to rent a beach house for the week to experience everything wonderful about the Belmar area. For couples, single adults and small families, the two-bedroom Blue Hydrangea Cottage rental in Belmar, New Jersey, is the perfect getaway place. The home sleeps up to four people and is consistently rated five stars for cleanliness, amenities and location. Learn more at www.VacationInBelmar.com.
Story and photos © copyright by Christine Cardellino, owner of www.VacationInBelmar.com and publisher of the award-winning Belmar Beachcomber Blog, a travel and tourism guide for the Belmar region of the Jersey Shore. Do not copy any content (including images) without our permission. All rights reserved.
