The best restaurants in Ocean County

43 restaurants we’ve checked and stand behind — with the story on each one. Not a ranking; a record.

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Restaurants · 43 places · showing the latest additions first

Clemmy's

Restaurants

Dinner plans dragging? Clemmy's in Waretown does seasonal American cuisine that changes with what's fresh, served in a cozy little room…

290 US-9 (Waretown) · ✓ checked Jul 29

Dinner plans dragging? Clemmy's in Waretown does seasonal American cuisine that changes with what's fresh, served in a cozy little room with outdoor tables when the weather behaves. Perfect for a low-key weeknight that still feels like a treat.

From the Ocean County newsletter, August 7, 2026

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Ott's Good Earth Garden turns Ocean County's farms and docks into polished-casual plates that actually surprise, with seasonal ingredients…

771 S Main St (West Creek) · ✓ checked Jul 29

Ott's Good Earth Garden turns Ocean County's farms and docks into polished-casual plates that actually surprise, with seasonal ingredients and creative specials. Settle in with award-winning Sharrott Winery pours, eye the Chef’s Table, and let Chef Geoff show off why fresh really matters this week.

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Mateo's Pizzeria

Restaurants

With a secret recipe and fresh ingredients, Mateo's Pizzeria does that classic Jackson pie just right, from foldable slices to shareable…

707 Jackson Mills Rd (Jackson Township) · ✓ checked Jul 29

With a secret recipe and fresh ingredients, Mateo's Pizzeria does that classic Jackson pie just right, from foldable slices to shareable pies that disappear fast. When you need a no-fuss dinner that still feels like a treat, this spot brings the flavor locals crave.

From the Ocean County newsletter, August 4, 2026

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Daymark

Restaurants

Rustic-chic eatery & bar serving seasonal, globally inspired American fare & drinks.

404 Broadway (Barnegat Light)

Rustic-chic eatery & bar serving seasonal, globally inspired American fare & drinks.

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Daytime diner serving homestyle breakfasts & lunches in retro, 1950s-style digs with outdoor seats.

W 8th St (Barnegat Light)

Daytime diner serving homestyle breakfasts & lunches in retro, 1950s-style digs with outdoor seats.

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Sweet Jenny's

Restaurants

Comfort eats & ice cream are the highlights at this cozy, long-running parlor.

688 E Bay Ave (Barnegat)

Comfort eats & ice cream are the highlights at this cozy, long-running parlor.

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Mi Pueblito

Restaurants

Relaxed eatery for Mexican staples, such as burritos, quesadillas and tacos, as well as American-style breakfast fare.

166 Main St (West Creek)

Relaxed eatery for Mexican staples, such as burritos, quesadillas and tacos, as well as American-style breakfast fare.

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Breakfast-to-dinner Mexican dishes are served at this informal restaurant known for huge portions.

500 US-9 (Bayville)

Breakfast-to-dinner Mexican dishes are served at this informal restaurant known for huge portions.

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Casually decorated eatery serving a variety of Mexican comfort food, plus a breakfast menu that’s available until noon.

621 E Bay Ave (Manahawkin)

Casually decorated eatery serving a variety of Mexican comfort food, plus a breakfast menu that’s available until noon.

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Friendly family eatery serving pho (Vietnamese soup) as well as other casual dishes such as spring rolls.

905 NJ-70 E (Brick Township)

Friendly family eatery serving pho (Vietnamese soup) as well as other casual dishes such as spring rolls.

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La Riva

Restaurants

Family-run pizzeria with a wood-fired oven and a bar.

408 Broadway (Barnegat Light)

Family-run pizzeria with a wood-fired oven and a bar.

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Family-run Italian deli for fresh bread, hot-cooked meals, catering and delivery.

360 N Main St (Waretown) · ✓ checked Aug 6

Family-run Italian deli for fresh bread, hot-cooked meals, catering and delivery.

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Pizza and pasta eatery turning out pizzas with thin crusts, steaks, seafood and other classic Italian dishes alongside brunch options and…

696 E Bay Ave #202 (Barnegat) · ✓ checked Aug 6

Pizza and pasta eatery turning out pizzas with thin crusts, steaks, seafood and other classic Italian dishes alongside brunch options and beer, wine, and cocktails.

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Laid-back eatery serving pizza, pasta & other homey, old-school Italian & American dishes.

3119 NJ-88 (Point Pleasant)

Laid-back eatery serving pizza, pasta & other homey, old-school Italian & American dishes.

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Open-air, palm-lined venue at the Sea Shell Resort offering seafood, cocktails, and ocean views.

10 S Atlantic Ave (Beach Haven)

Open-air, palm-lined venue at the Sea Shell Resort offering seafood, cocktails, and ocean views.

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Burger King

Restaurants

Familiar chain for burgers, breakfast, fries, chicken sandwiches, onion rings, Whoppers and other fast-food staples. Kids' menu.

37 Sandpiper Road, 902 W Bay Ave (Barnegat Township)

Familiar chain for burgers, breakfast, fries, chicken sandwiches, onion rings, Whoppers and other fast-food staples. Kids' menu.

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Pan Asia

Restaurants

Casual dining spot for sushi rolls as well as traditional Chinese dishes like wonton soup and fried rice.

770 Lighthouse Dr #153B (Barnegat)

Casual dining spot for sushi rolls as well as traditional Chinese dishes like wonton soup and fried rice.

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Relaxed joint offering a selection of seafood plates & sandwiches, plus a riverfront tiki bar.

304 E Lacey Rd (Forked River)

Relaxed joint offering a selection of seafood plates & sandwiches, plus a riverfront tiki bar.

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Seafood, pasta dishes, and more served in a comfortable spot with a tiki bar, water views, and live music.

451 E Bay Ave (Barnegat)

Seafood, pasta dishes, and more served in a comfortable spot with a tiki bar, water views, and live music.

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Energetic tavern featuring a raw bar, seafood, steak & cocktails, plus live weekend music.

1201 E Bay Ave (Manahawkin)

Energetic tavern featuring a raw bar, seafood, steak & cocktails, plus live weekend music.

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Casual eatery for pizza pies, slices, pasta dishes and chicken parm, plus delivery.

886 W Bay Ave (Barnegat)

Casual eatery for pizza pies, slices, pasta dishes and chicken parm, plus delivery.

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Houlihan's

Restaurants

Casual American chain offering comfort food, happy hour specials, and a kids' menu.

491 John Davison Rockefeller Memorial Highway, NJ-70 (Brick Township)

Casual American chain offering comfort food, happy hour specials, and a kids' menu.

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The Waterfront

Restaurants

Waterfront hangout for comfort food and cocktails, with rooftop seating, live music, and a kids' menu.

361 E Lacey Rd (Forked River)

Waterfront hangout for comfort food and cocktails, with rooftop seating, live music, and a kids' menu.

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Casual restaurant with sushi and hibachi fare, including vegetarian options, in a kid-friendly atmosphere.

626 NJ-72 E (Manahawkin)

Casual restaurant with sushi and hibachi fare, including vegetarian options, in a kid-friendly atmosphere.

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Casual sports bar serving familiar comfort fare, beer, and cocktails, plus live music.

121 S Main St (Forked River)

Casual sports bar serving familiar comfort fare, beer, and cocktails, plus live music.

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Relaxed eatery offering comfort food such as barbecue in a backyard setting with live music.

440 US-9 (Forked River)

Relaxed eatery offering comfort food such as barbecue in a backyard setting with live music.

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Family-run eatery offering authentic Mexican fare like tacos, fajitas and enchiladas.

17 Lacey Rd (Forked River)

Family-run eatery offering authentic Mexican fare like tacos, fajitas and enchiladas.

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Casual eatery featuring a variety of tacos as well as burritos and other Mexican staples.

344 US-9 (Lanoka Harbor)

Casual eatery featuring a variety of tacos as well as burritos and other Mexican staples.

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Warm & informal Japanese BYOB spot offering a wide range of sushi, plus tableside teppanyaki shows.

575 NJ-72 #5 (Manahawkin)

Warm & informal Japanese BYOB spot offering a wide range of sushi, plus tableside teppanyaki shows.

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Upscale, white-tablecloth option for traditional & contemporary Italian meals, plus a full bar.

2 Hollywood Blvd S (Forked River)

Upscale, white-tablecloth option for traditional & contemporary Italian meals, plus a full bar.

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Windward Tavern

Restaurants

Neighborhood tavern serving steak, seafood & American fare in classic surroundings.

292 Princeton Ave (Brick Township)

Neighborhood tavern serving steak, seafood & American fare in classic surroundings.

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Dolce Liberta

Restaurants

Casual Italian eatery with BYOB policy dishing up classic fare and private event space.

100 McKinley Ave (Manahawkin)

Casual Italian eatery with BYOB policy dishing up classic fare and private event space.

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Asian Castle

Restaurants

Asian eatery with a menu of sushi, and hibachi along with Chinese favorites.

849 W Bay Ave (Barnegat)

Asian eatery with a menu of sushi, and hibachi along with Chinese favorites.

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Chain dishing up wings, tenders & burgers, plus sauces ranging from sweet to very spicy.

770 Lighthouse Dr Ste D-A (Barnegat Township)

Chain dishing up wings, tenders & burgers, plus sauces ranging from sweet to very spicy.

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Popular breakfast spot serving up omelettes, biscuits and gravy, and pies in a casual space.

1496 Main St (Barnegat)

Popular breakfast spot serving up omelettes, biscuits and gravy, and pies in a casual space.

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American comfort food, craft beer, and wine served in a casual atmosphere with golf course views.

261 Country Club Blvd (Little Egg Harbor Township)

American comfort food, craft beer, and wine served in a casual atmosphere with golf course views.

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Little Sumo's

Restaurants

Sashimi and sushi spot that's popular locally for takeout orders.

1513 Long Beach Blvd (Surf City)

Sashimi and sushi spot that's popular locally for takeout orders.

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Relaxed restaurant featuring familiar Mexican eats such as burritos and tacos.

3257 NJ-35 (Lavallette)

Relaxed restaurant featuring familiar Mexican eats such as burritos and tacos.

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MaMMa Rosa

Restaurants

Pizza, pasta, and other Italian specialties offered in a casual space with delivery.

770 Lighthouse Dr (Barnegat)

Pizza, pasta, and other Italian specialties offered in a casual space with delivery.

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Eatery offering Italian staples such as pizza & pasta dishes in a relaxed setting since 1984.

550 N Main St Ste d (Barnegat)

Eatery offering Italian staples such as pizza & pasta dishes in a relaxed setting since 1984.

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Lively BYOB venue featuring hibachi-grill dishes, specialty sushi rolls & other Japanese fare.

131 US-9 (Forked River)

Lively BYOB venue featuring hibachi-grill dishes, specialty sushi rolls & other Japanese fare.

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Carribbean Petes

Restaurants

Laid-back restaurant with a Key West vibe serving dishes such as coconut shrimp and conch fritters.

2 Point Rd (Waretown)

Laid-back restaurant with a Key West vibe serving dishes such as coconut shrimp and conch fritters.

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Pan Asia

Restaurants

Relaxed eatery offering classics from Japanese, Thai and Chinese cuisines, plus sushi.

416 S Main St (Forked River)

Relaxed eatery offering classics from Japanese, Thai and Chinese cuisines, plus sushi.

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