This place is great. Great location, great food. Love this place! We will be back.

My husband and i ate here 2 weeks ago.. The scallop appetizer was delicious--the best scallops I have ever eaten! My husband had the halibut--also excellent. I ordered dessert to go, cannoli pie. So glad I did! read more

Excellent dining experience! We had filet mignon, halibut, and scallops. All were cooked to perfection and the corresponding vegetable concoctions that accompanied them were unique and well balanced for flavor and presentation. All were unique and better than I have had in a long time. We will be going back again and again. Johnston party. read more

I had an especially hard time picking from the menu because everything sounded insanely delicious. We settled on the lamb dish and filet. Bout we're outrageously delicious and cooked to perfection as you'd expect. Also recommend the grilled artichoke and panna cotta. The setting is very pleasant. Not to crowded together which is a usual problem in sore towns. Service was spot on - above and beyond. It's easy to see why cafe Loren continues to be successful and full every night. read more

Cafe Loren - New American Near Me - Avalon, New Jersey

Went with friends this weekend and the food here was absolutely delicious! The staff was wonderful, friendly and provided the best service I've had in a long time. If you are looking for a great place to take friends or for a nice date night. Head to Cafe Loren, you will not be disappointed. read more

I would give them 10 stars if I could. This place is amazing. The food is beyond good. The service amazing. They are taking every precaution for COVID-19 and we felt so safe and clean while we were there. They are constantly wiping down everything including the chairs. The menus are paper and tables are spaced out well. I can't say enough about this place. If you're in Avalon, Cafe Loren is a MUST. read more

This is our go to place to get a great meal on the Island. It never disappoints. The staff is professional, friendly and accommodating. And the chefs are first class. Perfect night out. read more

Look - this place is awesome. If you love expensive, gourmet food this is the place for you. It's BYOB so that helps a lot. Everything we tasted was presented nicely and we totally enjoyed everything. The portions are not small but basically the right size - that means you'll order an appetizer, entree, and dessert and you'll feel satisfied. We checked in a month or so back so I don't have the details on everything. However, I do remember eating the scallops and poached lobster appetizers are both were awesome. Really this place is awesome. read more

Best dinner food in Avalon! Amy was knowledge about the entrees and she offered fabulous recommendations! Seafood Stew was simple yet amazing. Portions were big, esp the octopus in the stew! The only complaint we had was that the seafood flavor of the Halibut and Scallops and Shrimp with Grits was over powered with additional unnecessary flavors....pancetta on everything, cream sauce, butternut purée etc...missing the actual flavor of the fish. read more

Cafe Loren - Seafood Stew with Arugula...look at that octopus! - New American Near Me - Avalon, New Jersey

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Put it to bed. Solid. No brainer. Can o' corn. Epic win. I could go on and on with cliches that describe just how good Cafe Loren is. A quite, unobtrusive store front location at 23rd and Dune in Avalon, this byob delivers some of the best food down the shore. I enjoyed the calamari with olives and capers served piccata style, with a nice blend of lemon and some garlic. The ceasar salad was crisp and flavorful, and my filet, served medium rare over a bed of garlic mashed hit the spot. Dessert was a house made key lime tart, to which I have a mild addiction. This is the quite, romantic spot for dinner in Avalon. Whereas Diving Horse is great if you want to drink and be loud, like everyone else, CL is the spot for gazing into each others eyes, spouting syrupy cliche's, some of which you might actually mean. read more

I have been coming to Avalon for 21 years. This is the first time we have dined at Cafe Loren. I can honestly say perhaps the best meal I've had at the jersey shore. The perfect setup 1) Go to the liquor store and get a nice bottle of wine (we drank champagne) 2) Sit down at Cafe Loren for a relaxing sumptuous experience. I had the rack of lamb with a house salad. The salad was more than ample with a tangy house dressing. Served with a home made crusty roll and butter. The lamb was cooked to order and tender. The lamb was accompanied with a mix of potatoes and vegetables including almonds in the sautee. Service was awesome without being overbearing. The atmosphere was friendly and relaxed. My wife had the scallops cooked to perfection, sweet and tender. I thought it reasonably priced for Avalon. Oh and when we were done we had delicious hot coffee. We didn't consider desert as Avalon freeze is out the front door. Great meal great service we will be back. read more

I don't give 5-star reviews away like candy. Cafe Loren deserves a stellar review for their food / service. I can't believe I waited this long to try it... This is by far the best restaurant on the island, and it even gives some of the four star NYC restaurants a run for their money. You definitely pay for what you get here, but the fact that it's BYOB makes it all worthwhile. I had the lobster tail appetizer to start - they were generous with the portion and the risotto was awesome. Then had the halibut, which was cooked perfectly over, yet again risotto *yes, I freaking love risotto*. Everyone at the table shared bites of each other's plates- The special seafood salad was fresh, filet was cooked perfect, scallops were awesome, lamb was tender and one of the best racks of lamb I've had in a long time. Overall, service was great and the menu has something for everyone. Tip - leave room for dessert. They have a peanut butter pie that is out of this world... also tried the blueberry cobbler and it's a little piece of heaven. read more

Phenomenal! Apps were the scallops, and beet and goat cheese salad. Entrees were halibut and the filet. Dessert was a chocolate banana something. Everything was perfectly cooked and presentation was beautiful. The halibut was the best I've had. Our server, Mary, was excellent. Friendly and knowledgeable and helped steer us to great choices. First time here and will go back. read more

Pros: Atmosphere, servers, presentation, BYOB. Cons: Nothing to note that really stood out. Food was all a bit on the sweeter side. My wife and I dined here and brought a bottle of wine with us. We had a reservation and were quickly seated when we got there. Sally was our server for the night and did a great job making sure we felt at home and made sure our wine was put on ice. She was able to tell us about the specials and explain what came with each dish. The water boy came around and filled my glass first not my wife's (ladies first!!!), a small detail missed. As for the food, we ordered an appetizer and two entrees. The appetizer was amazing, we had the tuna tartar and the tuna was fresh as was everything else it came with (sweet potato, avocado, radish). My wife ordered the scallops served with a garlic and edamame purée and an edamame succotash. The truffle red onion marmalade placed on top of the scallops was nice and sweet and went very good with the rest of the dish. I was able to try some of her dish and was extremely impressed. As for my dish however, I was a bit disappointed. I ordered the Baramundi fish that came with a cucumber and watermelon salad placed in a honeydew 'broth'. The fish was seared perfectly, the best sear I have ever had. The cucumber and watermelon salad was great. However, the salad and fish did not mix well at all. I couldn't escape the sweetness from the salad and actually enjoy the flavored of the fish. Disappointing, especially because I've never had Baramundi before. Overall, the meal was nice and quaint and a real gem in the Avalon area. I would love to return and give the place a second shot and I know my wife wants to go back for the scallops. read more

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Ok... my wife and I are true foodies. The food here is absolutely amazing. I had the Lobster Toast followed by the Halibut. Both were so good. We can't wait to return here. The food was really amazing!!! read more

Excellent byo restaurant. Menu is diverise enough to offer nice selections from apps to entrees. Maybe a bit pricey for some, but worth it for me. read more

Great food! So happy to see that you have kept the outdoor dining!! We went several times last year and need to make a reservation soon!! So goid. read more

Wow! I truly hope Cafe Loren stays open well into the fall again next year. The seasonal updates to the menu are phenomenal. The short rib was extremely tender and delicious. The gumbo brought us right back to the south. The chefs are extremely creative and never disappoint! Thank you once again for an amazing meal. We will see you soon! read more

What a fantastic place! My girlfriend and I had a great date night here tonight. The food was amazing, the service was wonderful, just an all around great dining experience. Our waitress Judy was a sweetheart and I can't say enough about the owner Patty, what an wonderful lady.. Looking forward to our next visit! Try the pan seared scallops, they are fantastic! Thanks Patty and Judy, you made our night one to remember! read more

This was our first date night spot in Avalon! The ambiance is a little dated but charming. The friendliness and food were great though. My boyfriend started with the seafood bisque, which was rich and creamy. I got the the steamed clams for us to share, and we loved these. The onions and chorizo added so much flavor. My scallop entree was phenomenal. We both decided it was our favorite, especially the red onion marmalade. To the point that I really forget what he ordered! The service was very friendly. The crowd here was a little older, if that's something you care about. read more

Delicious food, amazing service, intimate setting definitely a breath of fresh air from the usual Atlantic City restaurant.

Very nice BYOB in Avalon. Service was good, food is excellent. As other reviewers said, the scallops are amazing, some of the best I've had. You can have them as an app or entree. Either way, they are excellent. I also had the Mahi-Mahi, and I would have that again in a minute. Definitely will go again. read more

Yep - 5 stars it shall be. Took my lady here for dinner on a busy Friday summer night - the entire experience was SOLID. We had the following: Spinach and Arugula salad - very good seafood bisque - very good Halibut - excellent Scallops - excellent We will definitely go back - excellent BYOB in Avalon, as of this entry our favorite meal at shore of summer of 2013! read more

We love this place. The food is consistently the best at the shore. Great quality. The mussels are awesome, the halibut, the veal and the scallops are all excellent. Service and staff are superior. Couldn't ask for a better experience. I'm loving the outdoor dinning. Hope they keep it when we return to "normal" dinning. Thanks for another great dinning experience. read more

Best restaurant from Cape May to New York City! I love the chef's creativity and variety and the quality of the food is outstanding. I also always look forward to the Fall specials that the Chef features after Labor Day! I just wish they could stay open a little longer in the fall. Even the inside decor of the restaurant is pleasant and relaxing! The entire staff is also friendly and extremely professional. Great Job!!! read more

I came here for my birthday dinner this year. It was amazing! If you're looking for a nicer/fancier restaurant to go to without having to travel up to AC, this is the spot. It's cozy, romantic and the food is on par with some of the best food I've had in Philly and NYC. The service was 5+ stars, so attentive. I felt like she was our personal waitress for the night. I got the filet migon which comes over this heavenly pureed butternut squash mashed potato thing, and manchengo cheese zuccinni. We had the calamari and brushetta to start. Out of this world. Presentation of the plates are top notch. Try to get one of the wicker tables along the wall they are so cozy and private. read more

Simply the best on the 7 mild island - better than all the rest - great service, amazing food - they do octopus better than anyone and their pan seared scallops will have you wanting more. read more

Great atmosphere, beautiful, delicious food, impeccable service. Bonus: it's a BYOB with a liquor store next door. You'll need a reservation to be sure you get a spot, so make one and enjoy! read more

Make a reservation, nice atmosphere, very attentive service, I had a delicious filet and the mashed potatoes were great! Half of our party ordered the halibut and most of them said it was the best halibut they have ever had. Highly recommend, overall rating: above average. read more

We have been to Cafe Loren several times and invited some close friends who have never been to join us for dinner there. We made reservations on Open Table a month+ in advance for a party of 4 for 7/30 at 5:30 pm. When we arrived, we went in through the front door and told the hostess of our reservations. Without even looking up, she said, "You need to go back outside and around to the side of the building. Someone will be there to seat you." Thinking it to be COVID related, we did what she said. As we approached the side door, a young man (late teens) started raising an umbrella over a picnic table. When we realized what he was doing, we told him we did not want to eat outside. He said he would check to see if there were any tables inside. Another young man (20-something, tall, thin, dirty blonde, glasses) emerged. We told him the same - that we had made reservations over a month ago and did not want to dine outside (there were no others dining outside at the picnic tables, BTW). He said he would have to check and as he started inside again, said, "And, you made your reservations on Open Table, right?" His tone and attitude seemed condescending and a bit snotty. Within 15 seconds he came back out and unabashedly told us he had no tables inside. We said no thank you and said we were leaving. As we walked away, he said, "Next time call the restaurant to make reservations." We said, " There won't be a next time." We are in a local community with over 500 homeowners on a Facebook group and will be sharing our experiences with them about this treatment and with a warning about booking through Open Table in general. read more

The food was very tasty and fresh. I had the salmon curry special and my girlfriend had the halibut. I took away a star because my salmon was slightly under cooked based on my request. HOWEVER, you do not get a lot of food. If you are a big eater and want something that will fill your stomach this is not the place for you. Both entrees were very pricey and very small. read more

We had an amazing meal at Cafe Loren! This was our first visit and we will definitely be back. My husband had the special which was coffee crusted pork chop. It was delicious! I ordered the halibut and was not disappointed. We had a wonderful waitress Dana. I can't wait to return! read more

Worst take out system ever.. waiting 25 minutes outside. 12 people also waiting, and they me the time to pick up. Told me food made close to when you arrive. Wrong.. food cold when i got it.. dont order take out here.wait til they open. read more

Our favorite restaurant on Seven Mile Island. Service, ambiance, food always superior. The butternut squash soup with honeyed walnuts was delicious. I had the duck breast with an apple Cole slaw. My wife had swordfish. We finished up sharing Key Lime Pie. BYOB. read more

This is by far the best dining experience that we have had at the Jersey shore!! The food is consistently excellent both in concept and execution. The service is very attentive and pleasant. I only wish there season was longer and reservations were not so hard to get. read more

my wife and I popped in last second to cafe loren the other night after having not sat down for dinner here in almost 15 years. not only have they done a very nice job with their renovation, but the food was excellent and worthy of 4 stars. the mahi mahi was an excellent choice, but i was jealous of my wife's pork chop. perhaps one of the best I have ever eaten. great stuff. thank you to the kind and attentive staff. it will certainly not be 15 years until I visit again! read more

We have enjoyed coming to Loren for many years but left last night feeling cheated. We ordered the lobster tail entree which turned out to be two small tails about the size of jumbo shrimps on two mounds of risotto. The price was $39.50. The whole dinner with an appetizer was served in less than 40 minutes, cost $136 and we left thinking "where can we go for a hamburger". The waitress never asked us if we were satisfied with our meals nor did the woman (owner?) at the front. My wife, who eats far less than I do, resorted to a mound of Utz pretzels when we got home just to satisfy her hunger. Loren is now off our "favorites" list. read more

Byob. Food was amazing. The macadamia encrusted fish was incredible! Order dessert, you won't regret it! The banana caramel tart was slammin! read more

Top Choice for a fabulous Meal The new decor is lovely! Finally! Excellent service and top quality meals, so consistently good. Never disappoints! read more

Cafe Loren was amazing. Service was just right- attentive, not suffocating. Every dish we had was beautifully presented and most importantly, was delicious. Only criticism was a bit too salty for a few dishes. I usually am annoyed by the lack of salt at most restaurants in our salt paranoid world. In this case, just be aware. The mussels (salty from chorizo), the grilled lobster tail and the short ribs were heavily salted for example. I still recommend and the salt explains the 4 star rating. read more