By Joshua Duvauchelle
The Best Seafood Restaurants in New Jersey
Situated right on the Atlantic coast, New Jersey exports a lot of seafood. No wonder, then, that residents and tourists can find a multitude of seafood restaurants throughout the state. Choose a seafood restaurant that stands out as the best, either for its prices, creative cooking, location or outstanding freshness. Whether you're craving fresh lobster, shrimp, crab or fish, these establishments will surprise you with their jaw-dropping goodness.
Klein's Fish Market
Situated on River Road right across from Shark River Island, this restaurant is popular both with families and couples and offers one of the most scenic views for seafood lovers. Watch boats sail by as you dine on some of New Jersey's freshest seafood. Popular items include seafood chowder, crab cakes and their North Atlantic lobsters, delivered fresh daily. Or unwind after a hard work day during their happy hour, every weekday from 3 to 6 p.m., which includes specials on beer and jumbo cocktail shrimp.
Klein's Fish Market, Waterside Cafe, Grill Room & Sushi Bar
708 River Road
Belmar, NJ 07719-2141
(732) 681-1177
kleinsfish.com
Joe's Crab Shack
Trenton, the capital of New Jersey, is an hour from the coast. That doesn't prevent several restaurants from serving up some of the finest fresh-caught seafood in the state. At the budget-friendly Joe's Crab Shack, a national franchise, start with an appetizer of mussels served in a bucket of garlic sauce. Then continue to one of their many seafood entrees, including crab-stuffed shrimp and grilled salmon. If you're feeling exceptionally hungry, order one of their seafood platters. For example, the Bayou's Platter includes blackened tilapia, fried shrimp and hushpuppies.
Joe's Crab Shack
3191 Hwy 1
Trenton, NJ 08648
(609) 896-0360
joescrabshack.com
Laurel Seafood Restaurant
Found just 10 minutes outside of downtown Clementon, Laurel Seafood Restaurant is a throwback from the era of small mom-and-pop restaurants. Considered to be somewhat of a local secret, prices are budget-friendly and the service is always accommodating. However, the restaurant is small. Get your order to-go, and take it to one of the many nearby parks for a delicious picnic. Must-have menu items include their crab and lobster specials with real melted butter that enhances, rather than hides, the naturally-sweet taste of the fresh seafood.
Laurel Seafood Restaurant
2001 College Drive
Clementon, NJ 08021-5617
(856) 346-3355
Chickie's & Pete's Crab House and Sports Bar
If you're looking for a place to dine on fresh seafood while watching a game on TV, this restaurant has everything you need. However, the delicious, fresh seafood will definitely pull your attention away from the multitude of flat-screen TVs. Chickie's & Pete's is most-known for their crab dishes offering five different crab species, including fresh dungeness crab that weighs in at a 2 lbs. It's also one of the best seafood restaurants near New Jersey's Six Flags theme park, a half-hour away.
Chickie's & Pete's Crab House and Sports Bar
183 US Highway 130
Bordentown, NJ 08505
(609) 298-9182
chickiesandpetes.com
Rod's Steak and Seafood
Surf-and-turf restaurants serve both steak and seafood.
This steakhouse has won numerous awards and elevates surf-and-turf dining to a posh new level thanks to the creative haute cooking of executive chef Jose Velez. Appetizers include calamari fried with hot peppers and pomodoro sauce. Try the broiled shrimp stuffed with crab and a lemon chardonnay sauce. Prices are slightly expensive, with the average entree starting at $35 (in 2009). However, the sumptuous feast and decadent ambiance makes it worthwhile. Call ahead for reservations, especially on weekends.
Rod's Steak and Seafood
One Convent Road
Morristown, NJ 07960
(973) 539-6666
rodssteak.com
Resources
About the Author:
Joshua Duvauchelle is an editor and journalist who has been writing since 2000. His work has appeared in various national and international magazines, including "Honolulu Magazine." Duvauchelle graduated with honors from Trinity Western University, holding a Bachelor of Arts in professional communications, and earned a certificate in applied leadership and public affairs from the Laurentian Leadership Centre.
Photo Credits:
Mike Munchel; Bill Davenport; Jim Meier; Donald Cook
