Quick answer
"Where are we going for dinner?" is the daily vacation question. This guide sorts dinner options in and around Wildwood Crest by what you are in the mood for, and lists the town for each place so you know how far you are going.
A note on alcohol
Wildwood Crest is a dry town, so restaurants in the Crest do not sell alcohol. Some let you bring your own, so call ahead and ask. You can buy wine and beer in Wildwood, a few minutes north.
A nicer evening out
Beach Creek Oyster Bar & Grille (Wildwood)
At 500 W Hand Ave in Wildwood, with marina views and a seafood focus. A popular choice for a special dinner during your trip.
- Reservations: Call ahead in summer, especially for weekends.
Cavu BYOB (Wildwood Crest)
At 5901 Ocean Ave in Wildwood Crest. A BYOB restaurant right in the Crest, so you can bring your own wine or beer.
- Reservations and hours: Call ahead to check.
Casual family dinner
Owen's Pub (North Wildwood)
At 119 E 17th Ave in North Wildwood, about a 10 minute drive from the Crest. A casual pub with an outdoor area that welcomes dogs. Listings say it is cash only and can have a short wait at busy times.
Sam's Pizza Palace (Wildwood Boardwalk)
A longtime Boardwalk pizzeria at 26th Ave in Wildwood. Easy when the kids want pizza. See our pizza guide for more options, including one in the Crest.
Dinner by the water
The Boathouse Restaurant (Wildwood)
At 506 W Rio Grande Ave in Wildwood, on the bay by a marina. Casual, with water views that are nice around sunset. Call directly to ask about reservations.
The Inlet (North Wildwood)
At 101 E Walnut Ave in North Wildwood, near the inlet. Many people still know it by its old name, Westy's; it was renamed The Inlet after a 2017 sale.
Browse rentals close to dinner
Quick and easy dinner
- Primo Hoagies (6105 New Jersey Ave, Wildwood Crest). Hoagies for the deck.
- Carini Ristorante and Pizzeria (9854 Pacific Ave, Wildwood Crest). Pizza and Italian in the Crest.
- Any pizza place. See our pizza guide.
Planning a summer week
If you are arriving for a week-long Shore stay, a little planning helps:
- Early in the week: Call the nicer spots you want (for example Beach Creek or Cavu BYOB) to ask about availability.
- Pick a casual night or two: Pub food, pizza, or hoagies need less planning.
- Plan a grocery run: Cooking a few nights at the rental keeps the week affordable.
- If you want wine or beer with dinner: Pick it up in Wildwood before you head to a BYOB.
Worth the drive
- The Lobster House (Cape May). At 904 Schellengers Landing Rd, about 15 to 20 minutes south. A long-established dockside seafood spot.
- Cape May restaurants in general. More options a short drive south if you want a change of scene.
- Wildwood Boardwalk. Mack's Pizza, Sam's, and Curley's Fries. A fun kid night.
Frequently asked questions
Where’s the best dinner near Wildwood Crest?+
For a nicer night out, Beach Creek Oyster Bar & Grille in Wildwood or Cavu BYOB in Wildwood Crest. For a casual family dinner, Owen’s Pub in North Wildwood or pizza on the Wildwood Boardwalk.
Do I need reservations for dinner?+
For the nicer spots in summer, it is a good idea to call ahead, especially for weekends. Casual places usually take walk-ins, though you may wait on busy nights.
Is there a BYOB restaurant in Wildwood Crest?+
Yes. Wildwood Crest is a dry town, so restaurants there do not sell alcohol. Cavu BYOB on Ocean Ave lets you bring your own. You can buy wine and beer in Wildwood before you go.
Where can I eat with a water view?+
Beach Creek Oyster Bar & Grille and The Boathouse Restaurant are both on the bay side in Wildwood with marina views. The Inlet in North Wildwood is near the inlet.
What time do restaurants close?+
It varies by place and by season, and many spots shorten their hours after summer. Check current hours before you go. The Wildwood Boardwalk usually has food later in the evening in summer.
Are there dog-friendly restaurants nearby?+
Owen’s Pub in North Wildwood has an outdoor area that welcomes dogs. Policies vary elsewhere, so call ahead. See our pet-friendly Jersey Shore rentals guide for more.
Is tipping expected?+
Yes, same as anywhere in the US, usually around 18 to 20 percent at sit-down restaurants. Some places add gratuity for larger parties, so check your bill.