Pasta, pizza, and seafood, oh my! No matter what you’re craving, Belmar, NJ, has you covered. This quintessential Jersey Shore town offers everything from waterfront bistros to casual hangouts. Read on for a list of the best Belmar restaurants and use our complimentary Vacation Guide to plan the rest of your trip!
5 Belmar Restaurants You Need to Try
1. Marina Grille
Marina Grille is a popular eatery that overlooks the Belmar Marina. It’s our favorite place to go for tasty food and live music. Stop in for lunch and choose from their selection of pizzas, salads, burgers, and sandwiches. Or, come for dinner and enjoy beautiful sunset views. You can split a few small plates and order fresh seafood from the raw bar. Don’t forget to pair your meal with a specialty cocktail; you’re on vacation, after all.
2. La Dolce Vita
La Dolce Vita means “the sweet life” in Italian, and this Belmar restaurant gives you a taste of just that. It’s been family-owned and operated for two generations! Start your meal off with the antipasto misto for two, which includes prosciutto, soppressata, fresh mozzarella, tomato, aged provolone, fire roasted peppers, and Sicilian caponata. Then, indulge in a specialty pasta or entrée. With options like steaks, chops, veal, and chicken, there’s something for everyone.
3. La Terrazza
La Terrazza, or The Terrace, is the sister restaurant of La Dolce Vita. Here, diners can expect equally delicious dishes that focus on seafood. Raw bar selections range from grilled octopus to PEI mussels, and homemade pasta and brick oven pizza round out the menu. Feel free to sip a glass of sangria at the outdoor bar or dine on the terrace with unobstructed views of the ocean. You’ll feel like you’re on the shores of Italy!
4. Ragin’ Cajun
You don’t have to travel to Louisiana for Cajun-Creole eats like gumbo, jambalaya, and red beans and rice. Ragin’ Cajun in North Belmar has it all. The tiny dining room (which was once a living room) welcomes guests with open arms and provides an intimate setting for your next meal. Sink your teeth into menu favorites like alligator sausage, blackened tuna, and Swamp Daddy pasta. Live music adds to the fun atmosphere.
5. Mr. Shrimp
When it comes to seafood restaurants in Belmar, NJ, Mr. Shrimp is at the top of the list. This award-winning restaurant and market serves fresh, local fish seven days a week. Browse the 16-foot case filled with shrimp, clams, oysters, and crab claws. Or, pick up some chowder and hot starters to-go. You can also dine in and order one of the restaurant’s many seafood specialties. We love the hot & spicy shrimp!
Come Home to Ocean Grove
As you can see, the Jersey Shore isn’t just a great place to sunbathe. It’s a paradise for foodies of all ages! Belmar is only 10 minutes away from Ocean Grove, but if you’re looking for something closer, you’re in luck. There are plenty of places to eat in Bradley Beach and Asbury Park. Check out our Dining Guide for a complete list of restaurants.
Are you looking for a place to stay? The Ocean Plaza Hotel has everything you need. After a delicious meal, return to our grand, century-old hotel and relax. The Plaza features 16 guest rooms, three suites, luxury amenities, and spectacular views of the ocean. It’s one of the best hotels in the area!