The Jersey Shore dining scene has continued to improve year over year, and 2024 is no exception. By our count, nearly a dozen new restaurants will grace the region this season, and countless more renovations, seaside shacks and dives make this summer one to remember for foodies down the shore.
Don’t miss the hottest new restaurants by the beach amid sun and surf this summer at the Jersey Shore.
P.S. Did we miss a spot? Email us here so we can add it.
Atlantic City
Buddy’s Boardwalk Empire
777 Harrah’s Blvd., Atlantic City
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Located inside Harrah’s Resort in Atlantic City, this new concept from “The Cake Boss” Buddy Velastro opened just a few weeks ago. It offers an array of Italian favorites from sandwiches and pizzas to pastas and, of course, cakes and desserts from New Jersey’s own Carlo’s Bake Shop.
Pearl & Mary Oyster Bar
500 Boardwalk, Atlantic City
Serving up coastal favorites, the second iteration of Pearl & Mary (the first opened in Center City Philadelphia in 2022) is coming to Atlantic City’s Ocean Casino Resort. Though there’s no official open date presently, Michael Schulson’s team projected its latest project to open before summer 2024, so stay tuned for updates.
Samuel’s
500 Boardwalk, Atlantic City
Another upcoming project from Michael Schulson located in Ocean Casino Resort, Samuel’s presents an American-Jewish style menu with fresh baked breads, pastries, salads and signature sandwiches. Samuel’s is also slated to open in summer 2024.
Avalon
Black Cactus
2688 Dune Dr., Avalon
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Though Black Cactus doesn’t have an official opening date yet, it aims to bring the flavors of coastal Mexico to the Jersey Shore sometime in summer 2024. Crafted cocktails and complex flavors will delight diners from the mind of Chef Jason Cichonski of Tulip Pasta and Wine Bar in Fishtown, Attico Roof Top in Center City and Messina Social Club in East Passyunk Crossing.
Cape May
Fish House
502 Sunset Blvd., Cape MayÂ
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Nestled at perhaps the best viewing spot anywhere along the Jersey Shore, Fish House will replace The Grille at famed Sunset Beach. Paying homage to seafood shacks and soulful beach bars in a slightly higher-end setting, Fish House will also feature craft sandwiches and homemade ice cream in a stunning natural setting when it opens this summer.
King’s Ice Cream Parlour
401 Lafayette St., Cape May
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Open as of fall 2023, this summer will be King’s first at the Jersey Shore. The quaint seaside stop is ready to welcome diners seven days a week and sells toys, merchandise and candy alongside premium soft-serve, homemade selections and dairy-free treats.
The Pier House
1317 Beach Ave., Cape May
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Open at La Mer Beachfront Resort as of May 10, The Pier House offers high-end cuisine for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Boasting outdoor seating, atrium doors to let in the breeze for indoor diners, handcrafted cocktails and live music, this new restaurant down the Jersey Shore sounds like the ideal finish to a sunny day on the beach.
Port
954 Ocean Dr., Cape May
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The former Harbor View on the marina at Cape May Harbor has been sold to Zest Restaurant Group (the same owners as Fish House) and rebranded as Port. Fresh cuisine, handcrafted cocktails and exquisite sunsets are all part of the package at this brand-new waterfront eatery.
Margate
Wokworks
7801 Ventnor Ave., Margate City
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Husband-and-wife duo Brennan and Samantha Foxman opened their first Wokworks outside of Philadelphia in Margate this spring. Replacing Greens and Grains, the newest Wokworks offers ample outdoor seating alongside new dishes and menu items like dry pepper Korean fried wings, peach yuzu slushies and single-origin local soft-serve premium ice cream.
Ocean City
Doozie’s Place
100 Asbury Ave., Ocean City
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This locally owned and operated cafe is a great place to start any Ocean City morning. Prior to opening the space on June 15, owner Devon “Doozie” Raab always dreamt of debuting a breakfast joint in her hometown. Now, that dream is a reality.
Maria’s Cafe
846 Central Ave., Ocean City
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Opened March 16 at 846 Central Avenue, previously home to The Ocean City Café, Maria’s offers breakfast and lunch from early morning to mid-afternoon seven days a week. Reubens, eggs and platters are the signatures at Maria’s, so stop by for big portions and a classic diner atmosphere.
Related: Where to Find the Tastiest Breakfast at the Jersey Shore