Location: Belmar
Top Restaurants in Belmar
Top Things to do in Belmar
Countries
Belmar Food Guide: 10 Must-Eat Restaurants & Street Food Stalls in Belmar
Belmar is a borough in Monmouth County, New Jersey, United States. As of the 2010 United States Census, the borough's population was 5,794, reflecting a decline of 251 (-4.2%) from the 6,045 counted in the 2000 Census, which had in turn increased by 168 (+2.9%) from the 5,877 counted in the 1990 Census.
Things to do in Belmar
1. Whispers Restaurant
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 291 reviews
Reviewed By Entiat - Issaquah, Washington
Nothing wrong, everything was OK, but only the service stood out as great (without our fantastic server, this was a 3-star place).
My wife had the "Chef's specialty" shrimp on home made pesto pasta. Yawn. The shrimp clearly hadn't been brined, the pesto needed more fresh basil and garlic. A red pepper flake or two wouldn't kill anyone.
I had a NY strip steak that was cooked to order and had some sort of steak butter, but ... yawn. I think the steak butter may have actually had A-1 in it (what the heck?).
Some steamed veggies (perfectly al dente...but nothing in terms of seasoning - how about some garlic and browned butter and sage or something? Yawn.
Mashed potatoes were, well, mashed and salty. Yawn. Maybe go Robuchon and toss in a lot of salted European butter? Or garlic? Or a splash of whipping creme? Or anything?
As I said our server was fantastic so that takes the place up from 3 to 4 stars. Given the price I expected something novel or unique or...well, if we're going all "normal" mid-American cuisine, it needs to be stunningly executed. This wasn't.
I guess the amuse bouche (sautéed finely chopped mushrooms in a olive oil/basalmic(?) reduction) was interesting. But otherwise...a perfectly executed yawn.
Nothing was bad, but nothing made me want to go back. That doesn't cut it at this price point in this day and age of stunning and unique restaurant options.
2. Avon Pavilion
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 294 reviews
Beachside restaurant with outdoor and indoor seating, serving breakfast, lunch and a more upscale yet casual, gourmet dinner experience.
Reviewed By RickNewJersey - New Jersey
The food just screams average. The descriptions sound much better than what you really get. For example under Starters, we had the Baby Back Ribs. They aren't sold buy the full or half rack. They're sold by full or half "order." A full "order" is half a rack. The Mardi Gras Crevette tasted like it was pre-made and not fresh. We wouldn't try again... Too many other places to eat at.
3. Pete and Elda's Bar/Carmine's Pizzeria
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 402 reviews
Reviewed By joe c
I went here on a recommendation for a work meeting. We had anti pasta salad, calamari, and split an XL pizza with pepperoni, black olives and cheese. Amazing ! The crust was on the thin side yet we plowed down a whole pizza and did not want to curl up in a ball and sleep afterwards.
The staff was great and welcoming. The place was full and everyone looked happy. This is a must if you are near by.
4. Moonstruck
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 579 reviews
Reviewed By justblu - Bronx, New York
We dined here on a friend's recommendation.
We arrived after 9pm on Saturday night without reservation as the establishment does not take reservations on parties of less than 12.
We were quickly seated to a very tight, small table right out side the kitchen and not far from where the silverware is kept so all we would have been hearing while dining would have been the annoying noise silverware makes when dropped. Additionally, all the hustle and bustle from the wait staff coming in and out of the kitchen would have been a major distraction from what we thought should have been a romantic dinner.
We asked if there was another table available and within five minutes we were moved to the third floor. We asked if we could sit at a larger table with a pretty view of the lake. We felt it was a very reasonable request considering it was already well after 9p plus there were plenty of other 4 seat tables available. The host told us it was not possible because "at any minute they could many more customers come in".
The host proceeded to sit by a table where they very obviously celebrating a birthday and a young lady at that table clearly had had too much to drink because she very loud.
For appetizers we ordered calamari which absolutely tasteless and Portuguese clams with chorizo chili peppers. I grew up eating chorizo and fresh clams. These clams and chorizo were bland and completely devoid of taste.
Our entrees were Sesame seared tuna which wasn't bad other than it was unevenly seared and a bit too much wasabi. My boyfriend liked the Thai grilled salmon.
Our waitress was pleasant.
The owners of this establishment should pay more attention to the taste and quality of the food than they do to the décor. We won't be returning.
5. SeaGrass Restaurant
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 508 reviews
Reviewed By Bernadette P - Allamuchy, United States
Have eaten here several times always excellent. Last night clam chowder was tasty but not hot enough. Scallops with lobster and bread crumbs was disappointing. Lobster was over cooked and dry. Scallops were under cooked and fishy. Toasted bread crumbs were balls of butter and were not hot. The prime rib special was the way to go. Not sure I will go back. Service was mediocre.
6. Day's Ice Cream
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 227 reviews
Reviewed By Heidi D - Lambertville, New Jersey
This charming ice cream shop, located off the beaten path in Ocean Grove, serves excellent ice cream. There are several options in town, and I've definitely come to prefer this one. Outpost in the Dunes food court, but the Pittman location has the most atmosphere. Expect a line, but worth the wait. Today we had two seasonal flavors -- the pumpkin (very good and just the perfect spice) and the apple pie (big chunks of apple). Try it -- you'll be back.
7. Hoffman's Ice Cream
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 196 reviews
Reviewed By lynnita30 - New York City, New York
Your wildest ice cream combos come into reality here, with crazy creative flavors galore.... jersey chunky monkey for example! Very generous portions, served by local college kids. A wait on the summer weekends, but very worth it once you bite in!
8. The Buttered Biscuit
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 269 reviews
Reviewed By E C - Princeton, New Jersey
Went with a group on a weekday for lunch and it was packed. Food is authentic homestyle cooking so you cannot go wrong with anything! One person in our group asked for the meatloaf recipe because it was outstanding! They are very stringent on the closing time so allow plenty of time if you want to get in.
9. Federico's Pizzeria and Restaurant
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 106 reviews
Reviewed By IAP65 - silver spring, md
This little restaurant is short on ambiance and long on friendliness. The service is efficient and friendly without being intrusive. The pizzas and calzones are very good. The prices are really quite reasonable. The outdoor dining area is very plain but it's nice to eat outdoors when the weather permits. Bring your own wine or beer if you want to imbibe.
10. St. Stephen's Green Publick House
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 219 reviews
Reviewed By 7David49 - Manalapan, New Jersey
Hadn't been here in a couple of years. Our prior visits were excellent, and things haven't changed in that respect.
Wonderful old time decor. Lots of wood furnishings and huge bar, fireplace. Lots of local people enjoying the place, and music at 6 pm.
Pub food is great. Service is great. Prices very reasonable. Not much more to say. A terrific place to enjoy.
