It’s no secret that fresh seafood is a highlight of the culinary scene in The Wildwoods. In fact, you can enjoy fresh scallops, flounder, black sea bass, bluefish, tuna, and more at over 60 restaurants in the area.
This guide highlights 12 local picks, paired with real reviews that share what guests love most, and it is only scratching the surface of the delicious seafood available in the Wildwoods.
Down the Shore Steamers
Location: 2501 New Jersey Ave
Best For: To-go meals for picnics and group dinners
Down The Shore Steamers is your go-to for casual, summer-ready meals. Whether you’re heading home from the beach, entertaining friends, or just craving the fresh catch of the day, you can pick up made-to-order seafood steampots here and bring them back to your family.
“We were so happy to randomly come across this place while looking for takeout seafood during our stay in Wildwood. We actually bought 2 different steamer baskets over 2 days from them because we loved it so much!”
Boathouse Restaurant
Location: 506 West Rio Grande Avenue
Best For: Waterfront views for date night
Enjoy a full-service waterfront dining experience at The Boathouse, or opt for a lighter fare menu on the Marina Deck. Whichever you choose, you’ll find a menu full of delicious, fresh seafood entrees, plus pasta and grilled options.
“We come to Wildwood every summer and make it a point to dine at The Boathouse! Fantastic food and excellent service every time.”
Copper Dog
Location: 4400 Atlantic Avenue
Best For: Pet-friendly patio dining and an eclectic menu
Everyone can find something they like at Copper Dog, with an expansive menu that includes locally-sourced seafood for Maryland-style crab cakes, sushi, street tacos, pizza, and pasta dishes.
“Great place for dinner. The sushi was really good; an unexpectedly fun selection.”
Beach Creek Oyster Bar and Grille
Location: 500 West Hand Ave
Best For: Contemporary international cuisine
Whether you’re getting appetizers from the raw bar, enjoying a bowl of clam chowder, or indulging in seared scallops and strawberry BBQ salmon, you’ll have a memorable meal at this small, eclectic restaurant.
“Awesome location (can see wonderful sunsets), excellent food (we ordered several appetizers to share), great drinks, and friendly staff.”
Rick’s Seafood
Location: 435 West Spruce Avenue
Best For: Take-out platters
Rick’s Seafood serves fresh takeout seafood, including crabs, clams, shrimp, scallops, lobster tails, and fish. They offer made-to-order platters that are available fried, broiled, or sautéed.
“By far the best crab cake I’ve ever had. Not to mention the best customer service in NJ.”
Urie’s Waterfront Restaurant
Location: 588 West Rio Grande Avenue
Best For: Waterfront dining for the whole family
Urie’s Waterfront Restaurant has been a Wildwood tradition for over 50 years, serving fresh seafood and all-you-can-eat crabs, among other delicious entrees, in tropical dining rooms and on a gorgeous waterfront deck. A great family-friendly option, they also have a children’s menu, arcade, and gift shop.
“Our family has been coming to Wildwood for 4 generations and Urie’s is always [our] first stop [for] dinner after the drive down the shore.”
Schellenger’s Restaurant
Location: 3516 Atlantic Avenue
Best For: Lobster
Schellenger’s Restaurant in Wildwood offers one of the island’s largest selections of lobster entrées, along with a variety of other seafood favorites. Pair your meal with a delicious appetizer and cocktail.
“Can’t come down the shore without getting my lobster dinner. Generous portions and great tasting seafood.”
The Wharf
Location: 708 West Burke Avenue
Best For: Raw bar and sunset views
The Wharf is a family-run waterfront restaurant that serves freshly caught crabs, mussels, raw-bar favorites, and other delicious seafood dishes. Guests can enjoy their meal with scenic sunset and bay views.
“Summers in Wildwood are not complete without a visit to the Wharf!”
Crab and Seafood Shack
Location: 4520 Park Blvd
Best For: Fish sandwiches
Enjoy fresh seafood platters, flavorful pastas, and hearty sandwiches featuring local catches from Crab and Seafood Shack. Have a casual seafood meal while dining in, or order carry-out to enjoy on the go.
“If you’re looking for outstanding seafood in Wildwood, the Crab & Seafood Shack is an absolute must-visit!”
Jersey Girl Kitchen & Bar
Location: 3601 Atlantic Avenue
Best For: Late-night bites
Take your pick from a menu full of fresh local seafood and seashore classics paired with specialty martinis and wines by the glass. Jersey Girl also offers steaks, chops, and late-night bites that’ll be a hit with your whole group.
“Phenomenal food! It was the best restaurant I’ve visited so far.”
Venezia
Location: 4801 Pacific Avenue
Best For: Italian seafood dishes
Venezia offers authentic Italian seafood dishes, from seafood-packed pasta and shrimp risotto to Mediterranean branzino and Atlantic salmon. You can also enjoy favorites such as cioppino, fried calamari, and linguine with clams.
“Perfectly prepared seafood and delicious Italian style dishes. The ambiance was nice and the service was excellent!”
Adam’s Restaurant
Location: 1700 Boardwalk
Best For: Casual breakfast, lunch, or dinner
Located right by the beach, Adam’s Restaurant serves fresh seafood alongside American and Italian classics. This family-owned boardwalk spot is open daily for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and cocktails.
“This was the most delicious food I have eaten hands down on the entire island of Wildwood.”
More Dining in The Wildwoods
Remember that this list is just a fraction of the delicious restaurants here. Find more seafood options and explore all of the food and drink options in The Wildwoods.
