I really enjoy this restaurant. Breakfast is awesome. Dinner is great too. Lots to choose from. Eating outside & watching the locals walk past with their glasses of wine to toast the sunset is spectacular! Across from the bay makes it so relaxing. Everything I've eaten there is good. read more

They have a great location with a beautiful view of the sunset but would not recommend this place. The rosemary focaccia is was the best thing we ate. We started with the octopus appetizer. The octopus was cooked well and the flavor was okay but I've had better. It came with a good portion of seasoned potatoes but they were cold like a potato salad which was odd since the octopus was hot. It was a very busy night so I think the kitchen was backed up but we then waiting over 30 minutes for our main entrees. The pork chop had good flavor but was slightly overcooked and honestly not worth it for the price. The shrimp risotto was inedible and I sent it back after the first bite. The risotto had no flavor and tasted like wet rice. Very disappointing. The waitress was nice and took it off the bill. read more

Chef Justin's Sunset Keys - Pork chop - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Lavallette, New Jersey

See all

Have gone to Sunset Keys, a couple of times this summer and both times the meal was over salted. I really used to like sunset keys, but they're adding too much sodium to their food. The last meal I had was the crabcakes and my wife had the clams and linguine in both were over salted. The Caesar salad has been changed and that's over salted. Given another try, but I'm very disappointed. read more

Chef Justin's Sunset Keys - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Lavallette, New Jersey

Nice friendly waitress, good service, lovely view from the deck. Enjoyed our breakfast. Will return.

I'm sad to write this review but from the summer month it seems like Chef Justin's has gone downhill. I am a chef Justin's regular who continually goes over the winter and the food is amazing and the service is great. I went for the first time in the summer and was very sad about what I experienced. My waiter, barely checked on us took half an hour to bring out bread and didn't even bring out our food it was brought out by other people. The kitchen was busy, which is under understandable for the summer, but we sat down at 7:30 and left at almost 10. I understand that wait but that was only half of it. I ordered linguine with clam sauce that was just all water with a little bit of pasta and clams it was inedible. I went to tell the waiter he said the chef was showering snd that that he couldn't talk to the manager. Not what I expect from chef Justin it's normally so a great time with amazing food. The whole experience was just pretty neglected and not what I expect from the place I usually love. read more

Super cute spot right by the bay. Delicious food and fast service. Highly recommend the eggs Benedict and biscuits & gravy! Indoor and outdoor seating available, I'd say stay inside if it's windy. read more

Chef Justin's Sunset Keys - Jersey Benedict - comes with hash browns or a side of fruit - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Lavallette, New Jersey

I've never given a 1 star review. I would love to talk about the food & service & share photos. But even though I made my reservation at least 2 MONTHS in advance for our anniversary dinner we were refused to be seated as was the couple in front of us. Apparently there was a "problem in the kitchen" & the people sitting at their tables apparently had been "sitting there for an hour" according to the hostess?--not sure what that was supposed to mean? Ambiance--ALL tables are outside and a thunderstorm was expected so I feel like maybe it was a blessing in disguise & we dodged a bullet. There was no seating inside . They're supposed to have great views of the sunset but we wouldn't know bc again--our reservation didn't mean we could get a table. Now I can understand an issue in the kitchen and you can't seat ppl, but I received a text 30 minutes prior to my reservation (booked on Resy) that I was expected at the restaurant in 30 minutes. WHY in the world could the restaurant not text me before I drove over the bridge and out of my way that they could not serve us? Because of this it shows poor management, lack of regard for other ppl & horrible customer service and I would never recommend them or ever go back. I'd rather pack a picnic and watch the sunset from the park in front of the restaurant. read more

The best meal we've had down here in a while...maybe ever. Service, food, and menu were perfect. We can't wait to go back!

Honestly I wish I could put 0 stars. Extremely disrespectful and inappropriate welcoming. The bigger gentleman at the front, which I think was an owner possibly, was making uncomfortable remarks to me. He stated "Do you belong here" and also "am I making you nervous". When I was seated, he also said "why do you look uncomfortable talking to me?". This is very unsettling considering I am a young female and he is older. The only person that was extremely polite and pleasant was the bus boy. It seems like the staff especially the bigger man was very rude to him as well. Overall horrible experience and couldn't wait to get out of there. They also rushed us and we were in there for not even 45 minutes. Will never go back. read more

Went there for lunch with my wife It's right across the street from the bay in LAVALLETTE. Very small seating area and for some reason the tables outside of the tent area do not have umbrellas. Not pleasant on a sunny day and under the tent is like an oven. Service was slow and the food was just average. The issue that really annoyed me was they charge $5.00 for a glass of soda and there are no free refills. We were not informed of this so between my wife and I we spent $20 on soft drinks For this reason alone I will not return. Some guys get full of themselves when they put "chef" in the name of the restaurant. Food was average at best. Did not live up to the Chef title. read more

Sunset Keys was amazing! We were there celebrating our son's proposal to his girlfriend with a party of 8 including a baby. The owner and chef/owner came out to greet the guests, and our waiter, Landon, was professional, attentive, and absolutely awesome. The food was some of the best we've ever had--everything was delicious! We highly recommend Sunset Keys and will definitely be back! read more

Great food, service, BYOB! Also sunset is beautiful, worth a visit. Bone in veal chop, home mage pasta and so much more. read more

Chef Justin's Sunset Keys has become our favorite/go-to spot for dining around Lavallette. The menu is always exciting and the food is always amazing! The staff is friendly and attentive. The location along scenic Bay Boulevard can't be beat! Where else can you get this sunset? We love bringing our own wine which gives us more spending room on the dinner bill. Chef Justin stopped at our table once - what a nice guy! Can't possibly recommend Sunset Keys more highly!! read more

Chef Justin's Sunset Keys - Spectacular Sunset views! - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Lavallette, New Jersey

Finally made it here and i am so glad that I did! The outside is set up with a covered, heated area, super casual, and you can enjoy the sunset. Service was right on. We started with an octopus special that was cooked perfectly, flavored well and served over potatoes and onions. Extremely delicious! Our entrees were also excellent! See the photos. The restaurant is not opened every night, and close for a couple of hours between lunch and dinner, so check the schedule. read more

See all

Place was horrible food was gross service sucked and the owners a dueshe .Went there had a reservation our table wasn't ready the girl seating us couldn't care less told us there was nothing she could do when I asked her where the boss was she said she wasn't allowed to bother him there not allowed to talk to him when we finally sat down it took forever to get the food and the food wasn't good when we complained about our food the waitress rolled her eyes . Also our table was dirty and not stable and the ambiance sucks .Stay away from this place don't waste your time or money your better off eating at Lenny's read more

This place was a huge disappointment. Lunch Menu states sandwiches served with cole slaw & pickle. They have no cole slaw. Says nothing about coming with chips, just that fries are an up charge. They ran out of chips so they gave sour cream & onion with no other option, gross. Table next to us asked where the coleslaw was and waitress said "we don't do coleslaw anymore" well then update the menu or at least inform guests prior to ordering! The chicken sandwich came out made half the way the regular one is made and half the way the spicy one is made, which was completely wrong and had to send it back because my wife doesn't eat chipotle mayo and it was drenched in it. By the time it arrived the rest of the table was done eating. The chicken was so dry and flavorless we left half of the sandwich. Grouper sandwich was decent but it came w mango salsa which was just chunks of mango, that's not "salsa." Some tomato mixed in would have increased the flavor. $4 for a seltzer water!! CC surcharge added to bill (before paying) but is not posted anywhere on the menu, that's actually illegal in NJ. We watched 2 tables sit down and leave without ordering. We debated doing it too and wish we did. Lunch for 4, with no alcohol and only 3 fountain sodas was $105 with tip, for less than average food. This place will not make it, just like all its predecessors, which is too bad because the neighborhood could use another option. read more

Good food great service and spectacular sunsets. Very enjoyable evening. Nice outdoor seating with an option to sit indoors

So glad sunset Keys is open again! Our first time back tonight and it didn't disappoint. Already looking forward to our next visit. The lobster rolls and old bay fries were terrific. The beet burrata salad was perfect. The shrimp risotto was so tasty. Our waitress (Monica) was top notch. The service couldn't be better. Good luck for the rest of the season. You'll be seeing us again for sure. Great ambiance, great service, friendliness above and beyond, and the food is just delicious. read more

Amazing food and spectacular service at Sunset Keys. Highly recommended BYOB. Look forward to visiting again and again.

Wow wow wow! My husband and I ate here a few weeks ago and were very impressed. I had the shrimp scampi. Hubby had the bolognese. Both dishes were plentiful and delicious. The best food in the area for sure! Service was great. And the setting can't be beat. We will be back soon. read more

We randomly decided to walk to the bay in Lavallette and dine at Sunset Keys, on a whim and. suggestion. WOW... we were totally impressed by the food, preparation and the atmosphere. A very casual setting and live guitar, made for a lovely night :) The menu is soooo interesting, with a few staples, but overall very different, really wonderful options! I had Corvina fish with a sweet potato hash crust and vericot verts/baby potatoes/arugula salad with a horseradish dressing!! It was so good!! We also tried the angel hair pasta with crab and yellow tomatoes in a. beurre blanc sauce...superb! The restaurant is BYO and they accept credit cards, as well as cash! A real GEM!! They are open for breakfast too and I was informed by a regular customer that the Pork roll, egg and cheese, on their secret roll is an experience you won't want to miss. My plan is to try that tomorrow morning... lol!! read more

What a Phenominal expierence!! My Family and I have dined here 3 time now. Chef Justin has taken this to a whole new level - as we were past customers under the previous owners. I thought the sunset views were 2nd to none until our food arrived. My entire family raved about their meals and the service is just as great as the food and ambiance. I am actually heading back there for lunch with my son today read more

Made reservations weeks in advance for party of two. Got there early to make sure because never got confirmation. Then they tried to seat us on a table that was on uneven pavers on $5 plastic chairs when we told them they had 5 empty table we were told they were for bigger party's so I guess we didn't count as enough revenue to deserve a safe space to enjoy our dinner. No wonder why they closed twice read more

What an unfortunate experience - one of my favorite breakfast places has become a never again. Due to the attitude and rudeness of the hostess, I will not be returning. After hearing how she spoke to me as well as how she spoke / reprimanded other customers who had been waiting, we will be frequenting the places on the island that employ the kind, friendly people that make this place what it is. We left and were not the only ones who did. Hostesses are the face of the restaurant - when met with attitude, it ruins it for the rest of the staff who are smiling and kind. What a shame. read more

Sunset Keys! Under new ownership! Great place for breakfast! Very Nice outdoor seating, pleasant staff good food! Would definitely go back! read more

This was our first time having dinner at Sunset Keys. We are local and had a birthday to celebrate. Dinner did not disappoint! BYOB which is is nice. Everyone ordered seafood. Scallops over risotto were stellar. Grouper and whole Sea bass were both amazing. Sides ordered were truffle fries and broccolini. We ordered haricot verts but the server said they were out. We asked for salad instead which was never delivered. That is the minus one star. I recommend for a lovely dinner on the bay. Price was about 50pp. Worth it! read more

The only positive aspect of this restaurant is the view. There should be a law suit for false advertising. After ordering 4 basic egg Benedict's it took them just about an hour for us to get the food. Let alone the place was basically empty. The Eggs Benedict was decent although the hash browns were burnt on the top, soggy in the middle, had no flavor, and tasted like a day old bag of chips that was left out in the open. Finally, we asked them to split our checks. This whole process took at least 30 mins. It was almost like we took there splitting check virginity. After explaining which card is for which bill, they brought back the checks, only to find out each card was billed to the wrong receipt. Overall, this place needs some major service work. It's funny how the waiter said once he took our order, "your food will be out shortly". I feel like he gave us false hope knowing how bad of a restaurant he works for. I am honestly surprised this place is still in business. read more

We used to come to this place on occasion when we came To Lavallette, the view and the food was great but UNFORTUNATELY that is not the case any longer. NEVER AGAIN !!! - what a big disappointment. Service was terrible and our server looked genuinely annoyed to be there. The coffee came out and it was flavored and the 2nd cup of coffee tasted awful. The food was not good - A big waste of money - we will not be coming back. !!! Such a shame because it could be an amazing place to eat. The new management needs to be managed ! read more

What a lovely place to dine. The food was EXQUISITE. I already want it again. We got hot and cold lobster rolls (both 10/10, but I prefer cold cuz I'm not a butter guy), corvina (holy s**t has fish ever tasted better? Doubt it.), and the bolognese (for our non-seafood guy and look at that bowl with the burrata!!). Our waitress Christina was delightful and went above and beyond with her service. And you're right by the bay for sunset. Cannot recommend more, though I will say... get there now before it's the hottest place in town! read more

See all

Went for the Restaurant Week tasting menu and was extremely disappointed. Small plates came at one time and the final minuscule portion was literally served on a teacup saucer. read more

We ate here for dinner & really enjoyed the whole experience. We ate off the specials menu which were awesome but need to go back after we saw the burgers delivered to the table next to us. The view of the sunset as we ate desert made it extra special. read more

Chef Justin's Sunset Keys - a crosswalk and a street sign - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Lavallette, New Jersey

We went here twice and the staff is super friendly and efficient at the same time. I wish I saw more of this these days. We asked our waitress for recommendations and we took her advice and she was spot on! The food is outstanding! read more

Only 2 years ago, The Sunset Cafe was off the charts good! It's always been the most enjoyable breakfast spot. The coffee had that freshly brewed flavor where you knew one sip in you were getting a second cup. The food was delicious and always prepared to your liking. Unfortunately, since the new ownership this is no longer what it was. I understand it's very difficult to follow such a high standard after taking over such an excellent establishment. But this one went from 5 stars to 2 as of today. The coffee alone was flavored as it if wasn't even coffee. Bitter, strong 10w 40 motor oil that couldn't be saved by any amount of cream or sugar. My egg Benedict was good. But what made me make this my last visit was my girl asked to please have her coffee off the bill due to it undrinkable. Waitress didn't even consider it and didn't accommodate. We're done. I hope they can get their act together and I wish them well. It's always been a great spot for a restaurant/ cafe. read more

Food awesome. Service awesome. Ambiance awesome. Will be coming back. Have been here for breakfast lunch and dinner now, goes from beachy diner in the morning to classy water front soirée at night. read more

Just went to the sunset keys cafe twice since it opened Awesome new menu including the dinner menu I tried out. Will be back weekly as I'm down the shore read more

Absolutely TERRIBLE!!!!! First the host tells us the wait will be 15 minute, we ended up waiting much more than 15 minute. Not to mention the host is rude and nasty to all the customers. We finally get seated and she then tells us they are no longer serving breakfast. We order lunch but then look over and see other tables ordering breakfast? We asked our server if there was any way we can order breakfast, and she says no because the cook will get angry. We finally get our food and it ends up being okay. Moral of the story the cook had a hissy fit and ended up CLOSING THE RESTAURANT even though online it says they are open 8-8pm. DONT COME HERE!!!!!! (our waitress was very nice though, nothing against her.) read more

Me and my girlfriends went for lunch. We waited a long time for a table and a long time for our food. When we finished eating, the hostess came over to our table and asked us to leave because there was a family waiting and they had a baby! I couldn't believe that the hostess was that RUDE! Not good customer service because the five of us will NEVER eat there again! By the way, there were two other tables that were available for the other customers. SO RUDE!! read more

We had a wonderful breakfast here today. Everything was delicious but especially the bananas foster French toast. Yum! Our waitress was simply lovely and very honest. She charged us for an extra order of something we wanted to take home which we hadn't noticed but she quickly rectified the mistake. Really appreciate great service and honesty in todays world. Thanks!!! read more

Nasty rude people work here. Tried to call in an order and the woman told me to stop calling back after she hung up on me three times

Went there last September for brunch with three friends. Enjoyed sitting outside. Food and service were good. Service has improved under this new management. I will be back . read more