Belmar is a popular Jersey Shore destination. When in town don’t miss Klein’s Fish Market and Waterfront Cafe, a local institution since 1929. This is a great spot for lunch or dinner along the water at 708 River Rd., at Main St. It has a large menu of seafood, sushi, sandwiches like lobster rolls, burgers and other shore favorites.
Thanks to a recommendation from friends in Manasquan, I found La Dolce Vita. This is an oceanfront restaurant across from the Belmar Beach at 400 Ocean Ave. N. This is an Italian restaurant serving seafood and Italian specialties, daily, for lunch and dinner. They have a large indoor dining room, two bars along with outdoor patio seating. I went for lunch and enjoyed my crab cake sandwich and great service while overlooking the ocean.
Down the street is Coffee Surf Co. at 803 Ocean Ave. N. They are in the same building as Playa Bowls. This is a hip coffee shop, with a surfer’s vibe, serving lattes, cold brews, tea, hot chocolate. They are offered in many different flavors. They recently opened a small counter location in Manasquan on the boardwalk near me. Make sure to try the coconut cold brew if they have it. It is my favorite.
Recently opened is the Marina Grille at 905 New Jersey 35. It is a large restaurant for seafood, drinks and live music overlooking the Belmar Marina. Open for lunch and dinner, it features items from their raw bar plus salads, chowders and bisques, pizzas, burgers and seafood entrees. I enjoyed the lobster roll for lunch. They also feature live music so check their online schedule. The views of the Belmar Marina are really outstanding from the outdoor seating.
Locals also recommend Ragin’ Cajun for good Cajun food. 1102 River Rd. (Rt. 35).
Turnstile Coffee Roasters is a great spot for a latte at 1607 Highway 71 in Belmar. They roast their own coffee in their attractive store.
Recently opened is the Beach Haus Brewery in Belmar at 801 Main. They do offer tours and their tasting room upstairs is a great spot. I really enjoyed trying the Herb’s Rye – American Wheat Beer that was very smooth to drink. They also make a number of pilsners, lagers, IPAs, ales, porters and seasonal offerings like a Pumptoberfest pumpkin marzen/Oktoberfest beer. It is part of the Jersey Shore Craft Beer Tour. There is also a rooftop bar and a restaurant, 801 Craft Kitchen & Spirits, which opened next door in 2022.
Mr. Shrimp Seafood Restaurant + Market: This is a new location of a seafood restaurant and market that has been open for over 25 years. I went to their market and bought some great shrimp salad and lobster bisque. I now hope to go to the restaurant for lunch or dinner as the menu looks great. I want to try the fish tacos or fish and chips. 1608 NJ-71
Nearby is Matt’s Farm Market & Garden Center at 1740 NJ-71. I stopped in and was very impressed with the amounts and quality of the fruits and vegetables that they carry.. A great spot to buy Jersey corn and tomatoes plus peaches, plants and flowers. I will definitely stop in every time I am in the neighborhood.
When in town, you might enjoy visiting the Belmar Arts Center. This is a local arts organization that features art exhibitions, music performances and art classes. It was not open when I was last in town, but I enjoyed seeing the outdoor mural and sculptures. 608 River Rd.
