New Jersey has over three dozen gorgeous rivers, along with numerous tributaries, brooks, streams, and canals. Lucky for us, some of these rivers have restaurants right along their banks. While there are many kinds of waterfront dining experiences – ocean, lake, pool, and pond, there’s something so special about the steady flow of a river. Enjoy your next meal riverfront at one of these fantastic restaurants in the Garden State. Please note that the list begins with North Jersey restaurants and ends with riverside spots in the southern portion of our state. Without further ado, here are some of the best riverfront restaurants in New Jersey.
- Pier 115, Edgewater
Facebook/Pier 115 Bar & Grill
Yelp/Talia M. This riverfront eatery isn’t just near the water, it’s ON the water. You’ll find fantastic views from the lounge, but you can’t beat dining on the deck. A modern gastro pub, you’ll find a wide range of spirits (including over 100 different beers) and a full menu featuring soups, salads, sandwiches, wood fired pizza and delectable steak/seafood-style entrees. For more information, you can visit the Pier 115 website.
- Son Cubano, West New York
Facebook/Son Cubano
Facebook/Son Cubano This swanky spot looks out on the Hudson River and serves up spectacular Cuban-American cuisine. Visit for brunch, lunch, dinner or cocktails. Enjoy live music every Friday and Saturday evening. Dine in the Havana Room for Lower Manhattan views or the Vista Room to scope out the Upper West Side. Outdoor seating is also available. For more information, visit the Son Cubano website.
- Waterside Restaurant, North Bergen
Facebook/Waterside Restaurant
Facebook/Waterside Restaurant This breathtaking spot is a popular event venue, but also offers lunch and dinner daily. You’ll find a mix of Mediterranean and American cuisine with a well stocked bar and delectable desserts. Find out more by checking out the Waterside Restaurant online.
- Wicked Wolf Tavern, Hoboken
Yelp/Jazz F.
Yelp/T.K. This casual spot caters to a younger crowd but anyone can enjoy the outdoor patio. Enjoy pub food, an abundance of drinks and even a special menu for the kids. Great for sporting events, you’ll also find a boozy brunch on Sundays. Learn more by visiting Wicked Wolf Tavern online.
- Surf City, Jersey City
Facebook/Surf City
Facebook/Surf City Craving the beach but stuck in the suburbs? Head to Surf City beach bar on the Hudson River. This massive seasonal dining spot is casual, but neat. It’s a great place to relax and enjoy a drink but you can come hungry, too. Bring a friend (or date) and don’t miss out on the twin lobster rolls. Learn more about this beach bar by visiting Surf City online.
- Patriots Crossing, Titusville
Facebook/Patriots Crossing
Facebook/Patriots Crossing This tavern and wine shop overlooks the Delaware River and D&R Canal. Enjoy a relaxed atmosphere, fresh, delicious food and live music on Friday and Saturday nights. Dine indoors, on the patio, or order for pickup. For more information on Patriots Crossing, check out the website.
- The Famous River Hot Dog Man, Milford
Image/RiverHotDogMan.com This restaurant isn’t just ON the water, it’s IN the water. Stop by while kayaking, rafting or tubing down the river. A free meal is included to patrons of Delaware River Tubing, but they cater to everyone. The menu is limited (hot dog, cheeseburger, chicken sandwich, and veggie burger, along with drinks, ice cream, and snacks) but the tables are right in the river. How many restaurants can say that?
- Hamilton’s Grill Room, Lambertville
Facebook/Hamilton’s Grill Room
Facebook/Hamilton’s Grill Room Next up on our list of the best riverfront restaurants in New Jersey is Hamilton’s Grill Room. This BYOB Mediterranean spot offers gorgeous garden seating and ever changing menus. The food is fresh, flavorful and often local.
- The Lambertville Station Inn, Lambertville
Facebook//The Lambertville Station Inn
Facebook/The Lambertville Station Inn & Restaurant This iconic event venue and eatery is ideal for a romantic evening or fancy dinner. Food, service, atmosphere - you’ll find rave reviews all around. If you feel too full to move, you can always book a room.
- Riverside Coffee & Tea, Clinton
Yelp/Anthony P.
Yelp/Nick A. This charming coffee shop offers flavorful coffee and a fantastic patio. They also serve cafe fare in a friendly atmosphere that makes diners feel right at home.
- Carlucci’s Waterfront, Mount Laurel
Yelp/Carlo C.
Yelp/Winnie K The waterfront location of this NJ/PA chain has won numerous awards for its spectacular Italian cuisine and bountiful wine list. It’s also well-known for its romantic atmosphere but also works for an evening out with close friends. Enjoy happy hour seven days a week from 3-6 p.m., and live music on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights. Learn more by visiting Carlucci’s Waterfront online.
- Robin’s Nest, Mount Holly
Yelp/Brian S.
Yelp/Jessica C. This charming restaurant offers a riverfront patio and fabulous French-American cuisine. Enjoy lunch, dinner or Sunday brunch at this eclectic eatery. Visit on Tuesday-Thursday evenings (4:30-7 p.m.) for a special discounted menu. Dogs and bikes are welcome on the Crow Bar Upper Deck. For more information, head on over to Robin’s Nest online.
- The Landing Restaurant, Newport
Image/The Landing Restaurant This relaxed American spot on the Nantuxent Creek serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, and is best known for its seafood - the crab bisque is a favorite.
- Riverview Inn, Pennsville
Yelp/Patrick W.
Yelp/Bob C. Rave reviews and beautiful views, especially at sunset. They serve up new American cuisine and scrumptious seafood both indoors and on a seasonal outdoor deck. You’ll also find live entertainment on weekends. The Riverview Inn may keep seasonal hours, so be sure to check the website for further information.
- Breezes, New Gretna
Yelp/Patti I.
Yelp/Dennis M. This bar and grill on the Bass River is home to Buck-A-Shuck happy hour. Monday-Friday from 3-6 p.m., enjoy clams on the half (along with other fun foods) for just a dollar each. Check the website for live music listings.
Do you agree that these are some of the best riverfront restaurants in New Jersey? Did any of your favorite places miss the list? If so, be sure to share them with us in the comments below! For more waterfront dining in New Jersey, check out these 14 restaurants by the beach.
Facebook/Pier 115 Bar & Grill
Yelp/Talia M.
This riverfront eatery isn’t just near the water, it’s ON the water. You’ll find fantastic views from the lounge, but you can’t beat dining on the deck. A modern gastro pub, you’ll find a wide range of spirits (including over 100 different beers) and a full menu featuring soups, salads, sandwiches, wood fired pizza and delectable steak/seafood-style entrees. For more information, you can visit the Pier 115 website.
Facebook/Son Cubano
This swanky spot looks out on the Hudson River and serves up spectacular Cuban-American cuisine. Visit for brunch, lunch, dinner or cocktails. Enjoy live music every Friday and Saturday evening. Dine in the Havana Room for Lower Manhattan views or the Vista Room to scope out the Upper West Side. Outdoor seating is also available. For more information, visit the Son Cubano website.
Facebook/Waterside Restaurant
This breathtaking spot is a popular event venue, but also offers lunch and dinner daily. You’ll find a mix of Mediterranean and American cuisine with a well stocked bar and delectable desserts. Find out more by checking out the Waterside Restaurant online.
Yelp/Jazz F.
Yelp/T.K.
This casual spot caters to a younger crowd but anyone can enjoy the outdoor patio. Enjoy pub food, an abundance of drinks and even a special menu for the kids. Great for sporting events, you’ll also find a boozy brunch on Sundays. Learn more by visiting Wicked Wolf Tavern online.
Facebook/Surf City
Craving the beach but stuck in the suburbs? Head to Surf City beach bar on the Hudson River. This massive seasonal dining spot is casual, but neat. It’s a great place to relax and enjoy a drink but you can come hungry, too. Bring a friend (or date) and don’t miss out on the twin lobster rolls. Learn more about this beach bar by visiting Surf City online.
Facebook/Patriots Crossing
This tavern and wine shop overlooks the Delaware River and D&R Canal. Enjoy a relaxed atmosphere, fresh, delicious food and live music on Friday and Saturday nights. Dine indoors, on the patio, or order for pickup. For more information on Patriots Crossing, check out the website.
Image/RiverHotDogMan.com
This restaurant isn’t just ON the water, it’s IN the water. Stop by while kayaking, rafting or tubing down the river. A free meal is included to patrons of Delaware River Tubing, but they cater to everyone. The menu is limited (hot dog, cheeseburger, chicken sandwich, and veggie burger, along with drinks, ice cream, and snacks) but the tables are right in the river. How many restaurants can say that?
Facebook/Hamilton’s Grill Room
Next up on our list of the best riverfront restaurants in New Jersey is Hamilton’s Grill Room. This BYOB Mediterranean spot offers gorgeous garden seating and ever changing menus. The food is fresh, flavorful and often local.
Facebook//The Lambertville Station Inn
Facebook/The Lambertville Station Inn & Restaurant
This iconic event venue and eatery is ideal for a romantic evening or fancy dinner. Food, service, atmosphere - you’ll find rave reviews all around. If you feel too full to move, you can always book a room.
Yelp/Anthony P.
Yelp/Nick A.
This charming coffee shop offers flavorful coffee and a fantastic patio. They also serve cafe fare in a friendly atmosphere that makes diners feel right at home.
Yelp/Carlo C.
Yelp/Winnie K
The waterfront location of this NJ/PA chain has won numerous awards for its spectacular Italian cuisine and bountiful wine list. It’s also well-known for its romantic atmosphere but also works for an evening out with close friends. Enjoy happy hour seven days a week from 3-6 p.m., and live music on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights. Learn more by visiting Carlucci’s Waterfront online.
Yelp/Brian S.
Yelp/Jessica C.
This charming restaurant offers a riverfront patio and fabulous French-American cuisine. Enjoy lunch, dinner or Sunday brunch at this eclectic eatery. Visit on Tuesday-Thursday evenings (4:30-7 p.m.) for a special discounted menu. Dogs and bikes are welcome on the Crow Bar Upper Deck. For more information, head on over to Robin’s Nest online.
Image/The Landing Restaurant
This relaxed American spot on the Nantuxent Creek serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, and is best known for its seafood - the crab bisque is a favorite.
Yelp/Patrick W.
Yelp/Bob C.
Rave reviews and beautiful views, especially at sunset. They serve up new American cuisine and scrumptious seafood both indoors and on a seasonal outdoor deck. You’ll also find live entertainment on weekends. The Riverview Inn may keep seasonal hours, so be sure to check the website for further information.
Yelp/Patti I.
Yelp/Dennis M.
This bar and grill on the Bass River is home to Buck-A-Shuck happy hour. Monday-Friday from 3-6 p.m., enjoy clams on the half (along with other fun foods) for just a dollar each. Check the website for live music listings.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
Address: 115 River Rd, Edgewater, NJ 07020, USAAddress: 40-4 Riverwalk Pl, West New York, NJ 07093, USAAddress: 7800 B River Rd, North Bergen, NJ 07047, USAAddress: 120 Sinatra Dr, Hoboken, NJ 07030, USAAddress: 1 Marin Blvd, Jersey City, NJ 07302, USAAddress: Patriots Crossing Tavern & Wine Shop, 1339 River Rd, Titusville, NJ 08560, USAAddress: The Famous River Hot Dog Man, 778 Frenchtown Rd, Milford, NJ 08848, USAAddress: 8 Coryell St, Lambertville, NJ 08530, USAAddress: Lambertville Station Restaurant and Inn, 11 Bridge St, Lambertville, NJ 08530, USAAddress: 51 Main St, Clinton, NJ 08809, USAAddress: Carlucci’s Waterfront, 876 Centerton Rd, Mt Laurel Township, NJ 08054, USAAddress: Robin’s Nest Restaurant, 2 Washington St, Mt Holly, NJ 08060, USAAddress: 60 Main St, Pennsville, NJ 08070, USAAddress: 5724 U.S. 9, Tuckerton, NJ 08087, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
riverfront restaurants in New Jersey April 13, 2021 Beth C. What are the best restaurants for waterfront dining in New Jersey? If you like the idea of dining with a view, there’s nothing quite like enjoying a meal right on the water. One of the best regions for waterfront dining in New Jersey is the Jersey Shore. When you’re there, be sure to check out any of the following restaurants for incredible food and, arguably, even better views: Beach Tavern, Rooney’s Oceanfront Restaurant, the Boondocks Fishery and Grill, the Marina at Oceanport, Klein’s Fish Market, Panini Bay, Oyster Creek Restaurant and Boat Bar, and MJ’s Buttonwood Manor. What are the most popular restaurants in New Jersey? One of the best parts about living in or visiting New Jersey is the opportunity to enjoy some of the best dining in the U.S. While nearly every restaurant in the Garden State offers something special, there are certain restaurants that gain their popularity for good reason. Some of these must-try restaurants include Felina in Ridgewood, Hearthside in Collingswood, Cellar335 in Jersey City, Big Mike’s Little Red Store in Atlantic Highlands, The Pasta Shop in Denville, Franklinville Inn in Franklinville, Sagami Japanese Restaurant in Collingswood, Marley’s Gotham Grill in Hackettstown, and Victoria Diner in Branchville. Where can I go for the best views in New Jersey? Whether you enjoy dining with a view or a meandering trail that leads to a breathtaking overlook, New Jersey offers plenty of places for excellent views. If it’s scenery you’re after, you can’t go wrong with a trip to any of the following locations: Grounds For Sculpture in Hamilton, the Red Mill in Clinton, Liberty Science Center in Jersey City, High Point Monument in Sussex, Liberty State Park in Jersey City, Cape May, the Delaware Water Gap in Northwest New Jersey, and Duke Farms in Hillsborough. Learn more about these picturesque destinations in New Jersey.
The OIYS Visitor Center
riverfront restaurants in New Jersey
April 13, 2021
Beth C.
What are the best restaurants for waterfront dining in New Jersey? If you like the idea of dining with a view, there’s nothing quite like enjoying a meal right on the water. One of the best regions for waterfront dining in New Jersey is the Jersey Shore. When you’re there, be sure to check out any of the following restaurants for incredible food and, arguably, even better views: Beach Tavern, Rooney’s Oceanfront Restaurant, the Boondocks Fishery and Grill, the Marina at Oceanport, Klein’s Fish Market, Panini Bay, Oyster Creek Restaurant and Boat Bar, and MJ’s Buttonwood Manor. What are the most popular restaurants in New Jersey? One of the best parts about living in or visiting New Jersey is the opportunity to enjoy some of the best dining in the U.S. While nearly every restaurant in the Garden State offers something special, there are certain restaurants that gain their popularity for good reason. Some of these must-try restaurants include Felina in Ridgewood, Hearthside in Collingswood, Cellar335 in Jersey City, Big Mike’s Little Red Store in Atlantic Highlands, The Pasta Shop in Denville, Franklinville Inn in Franklinville, Sagami Japanese Restaurant in Collingswood, Marley’s Gotham Grill in Hackettstown, and Victoria Diner in Branchville. Where can I go for the best views in New Jersey? Whether you enjoy dining with a view or a meandering trail that leads to a breathtaking overlook, New Jersey offers plenty of places for excellent views. If it’s scenery you’re after, you can’t go wrong with a trip to any of the following locations: Grounds For Sculpture in Hamilton, the Red Mill in Clinton, Liberty Science Center in Jersey City, High Point Monument in Sussex, Liberty State Park in Jersey City, Cape May, the Delaware Water Gap in Northwest New Jersey, and Duke Farms in Hillsborough. Learn more about these picturesque destinations in New Jersey.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
If you like the idea of dining with a view, there’s nothing quite like enjoying a meal right on the water. One of the best regions for waterfront dining in New Jersey is the Jersey Shore. When you’re there, be sure to check out any of the following restaurants for incredible food and, arguably, even better views: Beach Tavern, Rooney’s Oceanfront Restaurant, the Boondocks Fishery and Grill, the Marina at Oceanport, Klein’s Fish Market, Panini Bay, Oyster Creek Restaurant and Boat Bar, and MJ’s Buttonwood Manor.
What are the most popular restaurants in New Jersey?
One of the best parts about living in or visiting New Jersey is the opportunity to enjoy some of the best dining in the U.S. While nearly every restaurant in the Garden State offers something special, there are certain restaurants that gain their popularity for good reason. Some of these must-try restaurants include Felina in Ridgewood, Hearthside in Collingswood, Cellar335 in Jersey City, Big Mike’s Little Red Store in Atlantic Highlands, The Pasta Shop in Denville, Franklinville Inn in Franklinville, Sagami Japanese Restaurant in Collingswood, Marley’s Gotham Grill in Hackettstown, and Victoria Diner in Branchville.
Where can I go for the best views in New Jersey?
Whether you enjoy dining with a view or a meandering trail that leads to a breathtaking overlook, New Jersey offers plenty of places for excellent views. If it’s scenery you’re after, you can’t go wrong with a trip to any of the following locations: Grounds For Sculpture in Hamilton, the Red Mill in Clinton, Liberty Science Center in Jersey City, High Point Monument in Sussex, Liberty State Park in Jersey City, Cape May, the Delaware Water Gap in Northwest New Jersey, and Duke Farms in Hillsborough. Learn more about these picturesque destinations in New Jersey.
