Sunset Seafood of Seaside is a retail fish market and restaurant located on the edge of Seaside, Ortley and near the bridge to Tom's River. You can reach it by car or boat. There's a jet ski rental on the premises and a large enough parking lot. Prices are decent here for the cooked food. The retail fish market prices seemed a bit high to me. I ordered lunch takeout and things felt a little disjointed. I had to call a few times to get through to a person to place the order. Then upon pickup, I had to wander around inside to find someone who suggested that maybe I ordered from another location since they hadn't received any takeout orders. Then another guy told the girl that they did indeed receive a couple orders... And thankfully he had mine. There were only a few employees here. The traditional lobster roll was excellent. Good portion, very tasty and I loved the seasoned fries. The fish and chips treated a bit meh. The fish itself had a funny taste to it. My son liked his cheeseburger and I had the fried clam strips. It was about expected. The menu says they are fried littleneck clams, but they are indeed little strips. They're alright. It's hard to taste the clam either things as they're so small. Anyway, if you want a full, buttery lobster roll at a his price, I highly recommend it here. And, no credit card fee! read more

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Great food great view great service ! We come here every year and sometimes twice ! Last night my family got the halibut, clams with white sauce, clams with red sauce and the seafood combo . Then for the non fish lover in the family they have chicken and burgers .! Highly recommend! I can't wait to go back ! read more

So awful!! Bad food and service. They have children waiting tables. Save your time and money and avoid this shithole at all costs. Seafood is not fresh and everything else was disappointing. Also wait forever to be seated at dilapidated tables. A big no!! read more

Food was sub par. Half of the scallops were warm and the rest were cold. Crab cake appetizer had an odd taste. Ate one bite. Sodas from there fountain machine were flat. For a dinner for three at $150 I would go someplace else! read more

Sunset Seafood - Seafood Near Me - Seaside Heights, New Jersey

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We wanted a restaurant with a water view and this was a nice one. We both had the special that was delicious-scallop fricassee I think it was called. It came with noodles, burrata, scallops and a tasty sauce. The scallops were cooked perfectly. Service was good and the view was enjoyable. They do have some outside seating which could be nice in cooler weather. We really enjoyed the meal. read more

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All of the food we ordered was served fresh. Everything from the appetizers, to the dinners to the espresso and desserts was delicious. The staff was friendly and the owner walked around mingling with all the diners. Everyone was so social and personable. The view all around is beautiful. We look forward to dining there again and sampling more of their unique menu items. We ordered: -fresh oysters -bang bang shrimp and calamari -crab cake dinner -broiled lobster -Shrimp scampi -shrimp & scallop dinner -lobster ravioli -apple crumb cake -chocolate mousse cake read more

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Iced tea was really bad. It took a while for the waitress to find out if it was freshly brewed. This is a seafood market and a restaurant. We asked about the raw oysters. The waitress had no clue about them but did go and ask someone. She returned and the response was "Wild from the USA". She asked us if that was a proper response. We confirmed that it wasn't. Needless to write we had no oysters. Wife decided we would have the crab cake appetizer. She liked it. This accounted for one of the stars. I thought it was just so so. My lunch was a Greek Salad with a piece of salmon. The salmon was both burned and raw. The burned outside had an odd flavor. The salad was drowning in dressing. Inedible. When the waitress asked me if I wanted a container to take my 98% uneaten salad home I expressed how terrible it was. That fell on deaf ears. Wife had a grilled shrimp platter with broccoli and little red roasted potatoes. She enjoyed the shrimp and potatoes very much. Hence the generous second star. I tasted her broccoli and it was ice cold and tasted like burned garlic. Dessert? No way. They have a long way to go to catch up with their nice outdoor area at the marina. Of course upon exiting I will engage the fish monger about those oysters!!! read more

Sunset Seafood - Seafood Near Me - Seaside Heights, New Jersey

All I can say is WOW! If you're looking for the perfect spring and summer spot, Sunset Seafood is it! This new dock-and-dine, BYOB restaurant also has a fresh fish market in the front area, a smaller indoor dining area, expansive outdoor space with incredible views of the water AND a fire pit. The newly updated touches on the old space really bring life to restaurant. Gorgeous! Their menu is EXPANSIVE - there are sooo many crowd-pleasers. From breakfast to dinner, there truly is something for everyone. I came with one of my girl friends and we decided to sample a little bit of everything (which I'm so happy we did!) Here's what we got: -Fried Calamari - SUPER tender and friend to perfection. My friend doesn't even like seafood and this was one of her favorites! -Coconut Shrimp with Thai Chili Sauce - I could have this app as a meal and be satisfied, Delicious -Wings - I don't know how they are breaded but WOW. Honestly so tender and the breading was so delicious (and not overly fried) -Breaded Shrimp in Spicy Red Sauce - not overly spicy which I was happy about. Perfectly seasoned though. So so good. -Clams Oreganata - I asked the waitress about these because the lemony sauce was THAT good, as were the breadcrumbs. This is Toni's recipe. My absolute favorite of the night. -Seared Tuna - I don't even like seared tuna but I'd order this again -Steak Entree (the menu name escapes me, sorry) - tender and absolutely delicious. Perfectly cooked. Another favorite. -Salmon Entree - we started eating this before I was able to snap a picture but you'll have to trust me on this one, ALSO DELICIOUS. Obviously, the 2 of us over-ordered but we went home with so many leftover goodies so it was a good move on our part. I will also say the staff was incredible from start to finish. With this restaurant spot just recently opening, you'd expect some growing pains but NOPE! The waitresses knew the menu inside-and-out and brought out our food at lightning speed. And they were all so sweet. You can tell this is a family-run spot. Mike, Toni, and their business partners have truly outdone themselves. I'd gladly trek in from Brooklyn for the food and views anytime. We couldn't stop raving about the experience the whole ride home. PS - if you're big on the 'gram, they have the cutest neon sign and photo wall out front that says 'Sunset Chasers." Such an adorable, modern addition. read more

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Food is mediocre waitstaff lovely but the coordination btwn front of house and kitchen is way off. Oysters made me sick like really actually sick.:( read more

Food and service very average Too expensive Clams weak and no meat Much better places around area Not coming back read more

Absolutely love this restaurant. Service and food is always great. And do a great job accommodating larger groups. They also take reservations read more

I wish I could give this over priced horrible food place a -10. Yes the ambiance is great. But the over priced lobster roll, most terrible. As my wife noted, they used old tiddy bits of lobster in some horrible sauce that barely filled the roll. That sauce over powered the tasteless stale lobster. The menu at least lunchtime, is very limited. Nothing healthy. No option for greens instead of the fries. The fries were actually better than the lobster. I wasted over $60 today for two lobster rolls, tax and tip. It was a disgusting rip off. read more

We always try to find a local eatery where we stay and we found a gem. We went for lunch and they had a wonderful varied menu, including a kids menu. I had the Buffalo Lobster Roll, my wife had Fish & Chips, and my mom had Crab cake Sandwich. Not one of them was a disappointment. Fresh and delicious. I don't give out 5's very easily at all, so I can't quite get to 5, and I can't figure out how to give a 4.5, or I would. Don't do Drifters, this place is the real deal. read more

Came here for dinner with a friend and everything was excellent! Service and food on point. We started with oysters on the half which were local. Next we shared a seafood platter (shrimp, scallops, and flounder) which was served with potatoes and broccoli. We had the platter broiled and the sauce was delicious and all the fish was cooked perfectly. Finally we finished with a crab cake and the Mediterranean salad with grilled tuna. The crab cake had ZERO filler and a delicious sauce. The salad was served with the most delicious vinaigrette dressing. To finish it off this is a family owned business and the owners are present checking on tables, bussing, and running food. Definitely would recommend this local family business! read more

Sunset Seafood - a plate of salad with tuna - Seafood Near Me - Seaside Heights, New Jersey

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First time here and to be fair, I'd give this spot 3 1/2 stars. The location is great, located right on a marina, just over the Seaside Heights bridge. It's a BYOB and if you forget, there's a liquor store close by. The first thing I have to say about this spot is it needs some lessons in service. Seems like there's a lot of young people working here and they need to be taught some simple basics, like making sure you have plates and silverware. Being more attentive and bussing tables that are dirty right next to you. Taking forever to open your bottle of wine, things like that. I will say though, that everyone we encountered was very friendly and took care of what we needed when we asked. As for the food, I'll start with the positives. We love oysters and we started out by ordering some. They were fresh and delicious. We also ordered some Coconut Shrimp, not only presented well, but also delicious. Now a couple of negatives. The Fried Clams, even though they looked great, were overly breaded and were very hard and way too crunchy. The clams inside also seemed overcooked. The Fish and Chips we ordered were also not great. The batter fell off the fish and left you with a fish, probably cod, that was a little overcooked and a bit dry. Overall, I'd have to say we will probably come here again as it has a great location, we live close by and there was a beautiful breeze on their outdoor patio. Also, if you want to save money on drinks, again, it's a BYOB and if you want to pair that with some light fare and a view, it's a perfect spot. read more

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I usually don't post reviews, but I am an avid review reader. That being said I was a bit hesitant to dine at Sunset Seafood due to the mixed reviews. I don't understand why this place only has 3 stars and what the bad reviews are about. I had one of the BEST seafood meals I've had in a while here at Sunset Seafood! My experience was superb! Everyone was so friendly and the vibes at the dock were amazing! Our waiter Lauren was so nice and attentive. Now the food was absolutely incredible. We had the sunset fries smothered in clam chowder (Amazing!) Their garlic butter Mussel special (LITERALLY the best thing ever!) and the Seafood Stew! Everything was perfectly cooked and the broth I could drink with a straw. Don't miss out on this incredible place!!! Can't wait to go back! read more

Looking for a place to relax with friends, enjoy a wonderful meal and see an amazing sunset? Then this is the place. Located at the water's edge with available slips for you boat and right off of Rt 35 South. Regardless of how you choose to visit, by land or sea, this will be your favorite seafood location at the Shore. They have the freshest seafood in New Jersey. Wait staff who cater to special requests and treat you like family. So plan your reservation now and don't forget to bring your favorite alcoholic beverage. You're gonna love it. And I promise you'll tell your friends. read more

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This is little gem tucked in a cozy spot in Seaside Heights on the Bay facing Harbor Island. The food is very good as is the wait staff and management. I like that it's casual atmosphere....you can tie up there , hop off the boat and enjoy a good meal. read more

We went as a large party on Saturday Night Memorial Day Weekend and the food was amazing, our party really enjoyed the atmosphere and the staff was really friendly. It is a fairly new restaurant and they where working thru some bumps but that's expected as we are just coming out of the pandemic. I would recommend checking this place out. read more

Everything from my prior review remains true based on multiple visits this season already. In addition, they now offer Acqua Panna water. Worth the up-charge for those who appreciate it. read more

Not the same as Panini Bay. Shame to previous owners sold. Menu selection is large so I doubt they will ever have the signature dishes that Panini became known for and many patrons went repeatedly back for. I'm also not a cheapskate but when you get charged over $20 + for fried calamari appetizer and are lucky if you get a dozen and a half pieces thats something that turns me off. Looking for another place to refer to as my favorite place. read more

Very disappointed with food and ambiance. Mozzarella sticks were def frozen and lacked the ooey gooey quality that was described on the menu. Potatoes on the side of all meals were severely undercooked and very bland. Overall very disappointed with the food. read more

We went this past Friday for dinner for 4 with a seven o'clock reservation. Got seated around 7: 15 or so no big deal. From that point on I have to say a great dining experience , great service and terrific food. Highly recommend. read more

Looking for an unforgettable meal in a casual atmosphere and a beautiful view of the bay? You've found it. Succulent seafood dishes, that tickle your palette and tantalize your taste buds are offered on a menu that has something that everyone will enjoy. When I attend with friends we share the appetizers and selections of our entray. Everything looks so delicious that we all want to try each other's dishes. Special occasion, date night or a family outing, the customer service is excellent and they focus on making your meal an experience that you'll tell your friends about. The owners, Mike and Tony make you feel at home and you'll make this your go to place to enjoy a meal. Did I mention that you will have some of the freshest seafood around? The scallops melt in your mouth and their specials sound so amazing that you want to try them all. Stop reading and go now. You'll be glad you did. Did I mention that it's a BYOB? read more

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I ate a smash burger which was good and my wife had the tuna tartar which was very good the place had live music as well on outside porch clean! read more

Great environment, great staff, and great food. And you can't beat the sunset if you can get a table at that time.

Food great, lots of selections to choose from. Chowder is plentiful. They take reservations so nice eating right off the bay. Great ambiance read more

Delicious food, great service. We came for a birthday dinner with a group of 16 and everything was great! Would recommend!

The food was great and we loved the vibe of the patio and being able to watch the sunset. Service was a little slow but we were a large party so perhaps that was the reason. We are looking forward to trying more meals here in the future! read more

Being year round residents we look forward to trying the new restaurants. Today for lunch we made our first visit. This restaurant has one of the best locations in the area. Unfortunately the meal did not meet our standards. my $15 shrimp tacos had absolutely no taste. I brought this to the attention of the waitress and she said that is how they are made. At the end of the meal I once again asked about seasoning and she offered to ask. When she returned she said they have salt, pepper & oregano on them. I showed her the shrimp and even had her take the remaining tacos away hoping someone in the kitchen would acknowledge that the spices were clearly missed on this meal. If pepper or oregano were on the shrimp it would be visible, these were pure white. Bottom line the tacos had no taste. Was a little surprised that the manager or cook didn't approach us since I clearly wasn't happy with the meal. Will we try the restaurant again? Not sure. read more

Horrible and slow service, even worse food. Do yourself a favor and go ANYWHERE else. I was severely disappointed with everything that came out of the kitchen. read more

First time visiting here. We went early on a Tuesday after a busy holiday weekend. There was no way to be seated which I'm sure won't be the case once summer really Is in full force. Personally our waitress was very good, I wish I remembered her name. They had a runner bringing out the food that was great and helpful, asked if there was anything else we needed. They had a gentleman who walked around cleaning the tables as you went which I love because dirty dishes lingering on a table is one of my pet peeves. Have you ever been at a restaurant where they come over and offer you dessert and all your dirty plates are still sitting on the table? The worst in my opinion. Not here they were very efficient. So the food, we ordered the clams oregano for appetizer and a spicy shrimp dish. Both were very good. For dinner we had crabcakes, penne vodka sauce with shrimp, chicken Parmesan with linguine and a kids pizza. I'll start with the kids pizza which was excellent and look just like the ones I make at home ,homemade. The chicken Parm was delicious, great sauce! Vodka sauce again so good, my husband loved his dish And crabcakes we're perfect. They only have four dessert choices but they were all fine no complaints except for the coffee. They made a new pot but was not very good. They probably could use a hostess and a manager once it's busier But I think they're off to a good start. It's casual but the location is nice. read more

Amazing... service was excellent. Food was delicious. Loved my shrimp scampi .... The view from the dock is absolutely beautiful at sunset.

Good food and service! Casual and sunset views! I had the penne and shrimp and it was yummy.

Went for breakfast. I will say once they got everything right the food was good. Also, our entire meal was comped. No hostess, very young kids serving really doing their best without any management present. 40 minutes after ordering one omelet and one breakfast sandwich we were told they have no English muffins. My wife's food came out after being there 50 min. My sandwich came out after a full hour now, wife done eating, no potatoes, missing Taylor ham. Wife sends it back for me. They replaced it and everything was really good. We will try it again in August when hopefully they work out the kinks. Two other couples walked out while we were waiting to eat. I hope they make it. Hire a manager and hire a hostess! read more

$80 for a seafood boil which included 5 mussels, 6 clams, 4 shrimp, 5 scallops and some crab legs is unheard of. The staff was great but the food is below average. The clams were the only highlight read more

Enjoyed a leisurely dinner outside by the marina. Not a fish lover, I got the chicken Francaise, which was large and delightful. One of our four got the shrimp Francaise and had a similar review. The crab cakes got a "good" rating, but not the best he'd had. The mussels appetizer was excellent, and the oysters were judged to be delicious. They are nice enough to allow dogs outside, which meant we could get a walk in besides a dinner. read more

The best scallops ever!!! The servers are very friendly, especially Matt and the food is always delicious and fresh!!!! read more

Sunset Seafood - Grilled shrimp platter....delicious!!!! - Seafood Near Me - Seaside Heights, New Jersey

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Amazing food and service. Owners are so personable ! Can't wait to go back! It's also very comfortable dinning!

Terrible service, food was ice cold clam chowder soup had no clams. Don't waste time or money read more