Summer may past the half-way point, but for seafood-loving foodies who crave a great bite of lobster, scallop or shrimp to accompany the warm weather, the opportunities to enjoy fresh, local seafood are alive and kicking (unlike their plated counterparts).
In Central Jersey, you don't need to venture far for some spectacular seafood. Throughout Somerset, Hunterdon, Middlesex and Union counties, we have tons of eateries that can provide it all— minus the Parkway traffic.
Ready to chow down on your favorite seaside munchies? Check out these local restaurants for a little taste of the Atlantic (or Pacific)!
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Uncle Vinnie's Clam Bar in Raritan
Anchored by a large, U-shaped bar, a jovial atmosphere and friendly flagship owner Lou Malenchek, Uncle Vinnie's Clam Bar in Raritan istheneighborhood spot for fresh, upscale seafood dishes with an Italian slant housed in homey digs.
Diners here have their pick from the regular menu or the large list of daily specials depending on the day's catch, which has included dishes such as blackened strawberry bass with broccoli rabe as well ashalibut in white wine lemon butter sauce paired with rock shrimp, sundried tomatoes, portobello mushrooms and asparagus.
(And Uncle Vinnie's Market right next store has seating, too. Just remember that its a BYOB.)
Don't miss:5 E. Somerset St., Raritan;908-526-9887,unclevinniesclambar.com
Swim over:The clams oreganato have a cult following here, and luckily they're on the menu full-time for $7.50 for a half-dozen and $13.75 for a dozen.
La Griglia in Kenilworth
With one of the most sprawling collections of Italian wines in the area, La Griglia in Kenilworth's white-tablecloth dining has remained a favorite of locals since it opened more than 20 years ago.
From the $34 zuppa di pesce to the $36 pan-seared soft-shell crabs in Chardonnay beurre blanc paired with sauteed spinach, the pastas, seafood and other Italian fare issure to please— just ask one of their countless regulars.
Don't miss:The $28 red snapper in aChardonnay beurre blanc and crispy potato crust paired with sauteed spinach has been a huge hit with diners.
Swim over:740 Kenilworth Boulevard, Kenilworth;908-241-0031,lagriglia.com
Lukas' Seafood & Grille in Warren
Reservations are often a must at this high-end, family-run eatery run by three brothers and their close family friend, who work to bring authentic Mediterranean cuisine to the Warren area.
With seafood-centric items including seafood crepes with lobster, crabmeat, shrimp, scallops, caviar, sautéed spinach and bechamel sauce as well as clam chowder, lobster bisque and tuna carpaccio, a visit toLukas' Seafood & Grille is a safe bet for a tasty night out.
Don't miss: Lukas' grilled octopus with olive oil, grape tomatoes, olives, roasted potatoes and lemon emulsion, a Mediterranean staple.
Swim over:61 Mountain Boulevard, Warren;908-668-4888,lukasnj.com
Dockside Market and Grill in Flemington
Adorned with bright pastel walls, seaside photos and even some stationed surfboards, a trip to the 25-year-old Dockside Market and Grill will make you feel like you're a world away from rural Flemington.
This 50-seat restaurant is known for some customer-favorite dishes, includingjumbo shrimp and lump crabmeat finished with a light, fresh tomato, garlic andbasil sauce over linguini for $24 as well as a lump crab tower with with chilled lump crab meat, avocado, mango and two sides also for $24.
Don't miss: The $28 fisherman's platter withAlaskan cod, two sea scallops, two jumbo shrimp, crabmeat stuffed clams, coleslaw and french fries.
Swim over:148 Route 31, Flemington;908-806-3000,docksidemarketandgrill.com
Blue Water Seafood in East Brunswick
Housed in friendly, relaxed digs designed to feel like diners' home-away-from-home, the nearly 20-year-old Blue Water Seafood brings in daily seafood from around the world— which has garnered the attention of the New York Times.
The intimate Blue Water Seafood, which can accommodate about 60 diners, prides itself on popular dishes such as $38 paella with lobster, shrimp, scallops, clams, mussels, chorizo sausage andspinach as well as $75 Alaskan king crab legs, to name just a few of their most upscale options.
Don't miss: The Brazilian lobster tails served with oven-roasted potatoes, fresh steamed vegetables and drawn butter for $48.
Swim over:1126 Route 18, East Brunswick;732-967-9220,thebluewaterseafood.com
Staff Reporter Jenna Intersimone writes the weeklyCentral Jersey Gocolumn, which appears Fridays in the Courier News and Home News Tribune and spotlights five weekly local destinations.
She also writes a weekly travel column and is a regular contributor to the weekly Table section.Tweet her at@JIntersimoneor email her at JIntersimone@GannettNJ.com.
