April 28th 2022

The area known as "Seven Mile Island" in South Jersey is the home of two towns: Avalon and Stone Harbor. Originally known as Leaming Island after Aaron Leaming bought the 2725-acre island in 1722, the current area known as Stone Harbor was not established until 170 years later.

In 1891, the land south of Avalon was purchased from the Seven Mile Beach Company by a development company that named it "Stoneharbor" in honor of legendary and infamous English Sea Captain John Stone who used the southern harbor for refuge from storms during his shipping of goods between modern-day Virginia and New England.

Stone Harbor was marketed by developers as an untapped destination for wealthy families from the Philadelphia area who wanted an alternative at the Jersey Shore to Cape May Island. Thanks to the railroad company already having lines connecting the island to the mainland in the late 1800s along with the main streets being laid in the early 20th century opened the door for the rapid growth of what we know as modern-day Stone Harbor from 1892 to 1920.

Today, Stone Harbor is a small community in Cape May County that has seen up to 25,000 people visit during the summer months. Whether you are a South Jersey local or a visitor on vacation, here are 20 restaurants for you to check out in Stone Harbor:

20 Restaurants to visit in Stone Harbor, NJ - Alphabetical Order

Alex's Stone Harbor Market

Named after owner Alexandra, who has over 15 years of experience as a Chef and she is a true Stone Harbor local, born and raised, here you will find some of the best food on the island on 3rd Avenue near 97th street. Open for lunch year-round and offering Breakfast, Lunch, plus Dinner in-season, Alex's Stone Harbor Market makes all of their food fresh daily from locally sourced ingredients. The menu really does have something for everyone which makes this a great destination for families and those looking for a fresh-made meal on the island.

Back Bay Crabcakes

Located next door to Mack's Pizza in Stone Harbor on Third Avenue is this unique and popular take-out seafood restaurant. Back Bay Crabcakes offers more than just crustaceans; Since 2006, they offer made from scratch numerous seafood options which have earned them numerous awards as one of the best seafood restaurants in South Jersey right in Stone Harbor.

Borghi's By The Bay

Open daily for Breakfast and Dinner from Memorial Day to Labor Day then open select days for Dinner in the Stone Harbor off-season, this casual establishment is a short walk from the bay. Opened in 2015 by "Chef Dino", they offer great seafood food and Italian dishes for dinner which makes this restaurant a popular destination for visitors and locals alike.

Buckets Margarita Bar & Cantina

Within walking distance of the 96th street shopping district, open for Lunch and Dinner during the Summer and Fall months offering a Mexican-Style Menu. Buckets Margarita Bar and Catina offers indoor and outdoor seating along the bay featuring a fun environment that is a different vibe than many of the restaurants in Stone Harbor.

Donna's Place and Fish Market

Since 1979, this establishment has been open for Lunch and Dinner at their Restaurant plus features a Market with Seafood takeout. Located at the corner of 107th street and 3rd Avenue, Donna's Place offers a family-friendly atmosphere for those looking to have something to eat from a spot that is removed from the busy environment of the business district of Stone Harbor.

Freds Tavern

Since 1934, the Hand Family has made Fred's Tavern a staple of Stone Harbor on 96th Street and is one of the few establishments on the island that is open year-round. One of the staples of Fred's Tavern is their simple menu that reflects a "quality over quantity" approach to their business model. A pub-style atmosphere that offers live Entertainment throughout the year on the weekends and daily during the Summer months, Fred's is one of the favorite spots for those looking for a night out in Stone Harbor.

Green Cuisine Restaurant

Open daily for lunch most of the year on 96th street is Green Cuisine. Like the name suggests, they have many healthy eating options including gluten-free and vegan food items on their menu. But don't like the "healthy food" label fool you, because their diverse menu has delicious choices for many different palates. If you are spending a weekend in Stone Harbor or visiting for the day, try out their fresh-made foods along with their smoothies.

Jay's On Third

Entering their 15th season, Jay's On Third is open for eat-in and take-out for dinner with a variety of different types of American food choices on the menu. Located near the corner of Third Avenue and 99th street, this establishment is well-known for their great food and they offer BYOB for customers looking to dine in.

Lee's Hoagie House

A Jersey Shore tradition is the throwback Sub or Hoagie spot to grab some lunch and Lee's Hoagie House in Stone Harbor fits the mold. Open daily for lunch during the Summer months, you can get the sandwich of your choice with generous amounts of meat and toppings. Whether you are vacationing in Stone Harbor or a local looking for a Half or Whole Hoagie/Sub to satisfy your hungry, Lee's is a great option to check out.

Mack's Pizza of Stone Harbor

Making Pizza is part of this family-owned business history dating back to Anthony Mackrone, “Tony Mack”, bring his tomato pies to Wildwood in 1953 and later helped his cousin, Frank Manco, establish the original famous Mack-Manco Pizza in Ocean City. Tony Mack's second oldest grandson, Bob Moloney, opened Mack's Pizza in Stone Harbor in 1987 and made the foundation of the business on make pizza just like his grandfather did. Today, one of the most famous and popular pizza places in Stone Harbor is located at the corner of 83rd street and third avenue.

Marabella's Family Restaurant

Since 1972, this family-friendly restaurant located near 95th street is famous for its Italian dinner menu along with space for private events and staff for catering. Marabella's is a BYOB establishment with a diverse menu, they are a great option for an Italian-style dinner at a family-owned business in Stone Harbor.

Nemo's Pizza Of Stone Harbor

Open daily and year-round, Nemo's Pizza of Stone Harbor is located a few blocks away from 97th street. Their menu is a blend of Italian and American Food options with Pizza plus Hot and Cold sandwiches. Dine-In, Take-Out, Party Trays, and Free Delivery is available. Also during the Summer months, Nemo's offers delivery to the beach for those who spending a day on the sand.

Quahog's Seafood Shack and Bar

Featuring a menu of various Seafood Food options and Latin American Entrees, this restaurant is within walking distance of the 96th street shopping district. Open for Dinner and Takeout, Quahog's Seafood Shack and Bar is typically open from May to October each year, offering a fun environment with plenty of drink options for those looking for a fun evening. Don't judge this place by its exterior, the food and environment are a must-see for anyone visiting Stone Harbor during the Summer or locals looking for a spot to kick back on the island.

Ristorante Luciano

For two decades, one of the most popular Italian Restaurants in Stone Harbor is open on weekends for dinner most of the year with expanded hours during the summer months. Ristorante Luciano is operated by two brothers, Joe and Graziella, who offer their customers a Classic Italian Menu and homemade pasta in a warm environment with brick walls and wood floors.

Spiaggetta Restaurant

In 2012, Marco Tarantino brought his three decades of culinary experience on Philadelphia's Main Line to Stone Harbor. Spiaggetta Restaurant is open for dinner, serving classic Italian dishes and Roman Cuisine. This establishment is BYOB and they have live entertainment parts of the year. Their sister restaurant is Stone Harbor Panini Company and they are open for lunch.

Stone Harbor 96th Street Bar and Grill

In the heart of the 96th Street Shopping district and next door to the movie theater is this classic-style pub open daily for lunch and dinner during the Summer months along with weekends in the Stone Harbor Off-season. One of the most diverse menus on the island, Stone Harbor Bar and Grill literally has something for everyone on their menu, with the kind of food that has locals and visitors coming back for more. When the weather is nice outside, this establishment opens their windows near the bar to give you the fresh air blowing down the street from the bay and ocean. Their 20 HD TVs always have games on and their large bar typically has 16 beers on tap with some local breweries to complement the local scene. Family friend seating is setup away from the bar for those looking to take out the kids for a bite to eat also while in town.

Stone Harbor Pizza Pub

Located on the bayside of 96th street is this unique restaurant open year-round for lunch, dinner, and late-night pairing of food and drinks. Stone Harbor Pizza Pub is one of the few establishments open late on the island and they offer beers on tap from three local breweries in Cape May County. If you love pizza, a view of the bay, and a cold drink than this is the place for you.

Water Lily Japanese Cuisine

If you are looking for the best Sushi Rolls in Stone Harbor, most people will recommend you check out Water Lily Japanese Cuisine. Open for eat-in or take-out and usually open from May to September, this restaurant offers great Japanese food options and they get rave reviews for their customer service.

The Watering Hull

Since 2015, The Watering Hull has been a staple of The Walk At Harbor Square and a popular seasonal spot for locals and vacationers. Their menu features a variety of Modern American Foods from Sandwiches to Seafood to Tacos plus a Kids Menu for families looking to go out. For those looking for drinks and a night out on the town, they also offer one of the most diversified list of cocktails and drink options in Stone Harbor. The Watering Hull is also planning to open two new entities downstairs to compliment the upstairs restaurant: 96 Fathoms Poke Bar and Rum Row.

Yvette's Cafe

Referred to by Google Reviews as the "Hidden Gem of Stone Harbor", Yvette's Cafe is known for as a great spot for lunch. Inside the 97th street entrance of the Stone Harbor Mall, this restaurant is beloved by locals and vacationers for its great lunch-centric menu foods plus their top of the line customer service, a family-friend locally owned business that reflects the character of Stone Harbor.