Sunlit Lunches to Savor….

By Tara Jean McDonald Bonanno 

FEATURED SPOTLIGHT:

Rooney’s Oceanfront Restaurant

{100 Ocean Ave N, Long Branch; 732-870-1200; rooneysocean.com} 

31 years on the shore—where ocean views, vibrant energy, and elevated coastal cuisine meet. 

Set along the ocean in Long Branch, Rooney’s Oceanfront Restaurant has been a Jersey Shore staple for 31 years, celebrated for its breathtaking beachfront setting and elevated coastal cuisine. Lunch here invites you to slow down and savor the moment—panoramic ocean views, the rhythm of the waves, and a diverse menu featuring fresh seafood, vibrant salads, burgers, steaks, sushi, and handcrafted cocktails.  Can’t make it for lunch? Settle in for dinner instead—palm trees swaying, acoustic melodies in the background. Rooney’s has it all! 

Lunch at Rooney’s  

Begin with the refreshing Watermelon Salad, a seasonal standout that balances sweet melon with salty feta and fresh herbs, or the Tuna Bruschetta, layered with spicy guacamole, crisp toast points, and a citrusy orange-ginger sauce with a hint of wasabi. The Lobster Roll is a must—overflowing with tender lobster and coastal flavor—while the Shrimp Cobb Salad offers a satisfying, lighter option. For something warm, Rooney’s expertly grilled fish showcases the kitchen’s strength in letting quality ingredients shine. 

What truly sets Rooney’s apart is its ability to blend upscale dining with a relaxed, beachside feel. Whether you’re seated inside with floor-to-ceiling windows or outside with the ocean just steps away, every table feels like an escape. 

The energy continues at the bar, where handcrafted cocktails, a thoughtful wine list, and ocean views create a lively yet refined gathering spot. With live music adding to the atmosphere, Rooney’s effortlessly transitions from a laid-back lunch into an afternoon that lingers just a little longer. 

Dinner Worth Staying For 

Dinner at Rooney’s Oceanfront Restaurant is not to be missed. With ocean views, swaying palms, and expansive outdoor seating, the setting alone sets the tone for a memorable evening. While known for fresh seafood, the house-made pastas—crafted in full view—are a standout. Signature dishes like the Angry Lobster (a favorite for 25 years), along with premium CAB Steaks and Bell & Evans Chicken, showcase the kitchen’s commitment to quality. As a true scratch kitchen, every detail shines—right down to the house-made desserts. 

Rooney’s is the kind of place you come for lunch—and before you know it, you’re still there, soaking in the afternoon. It’s more than a meal; it’s the Jersey Shore at its best. 

Brunch at Its Finest 

Brunch at Rooney’s Oceanfront Restaurant is consistently part of the “best of” conversation—and one visit tells you exactly why. While it’s a seasonal experience (from late September through Palm Sunday), it’s well worth the wait. With 13 stations—from raw bar and sushi to a chocolate fountain and ice cream—it goes far beyond the expected. Guests can also order multiple dishes directly from the kitchen, adding a made-to-order element that elevates the entire experience. Even the carving station stands out, featuring creative selections like whole tuna loin, stuffed flank steak, and rolled pork loin. This chef-inspired brunch is indulgent, thoughtfully crafted, and among the Shore’s most memorable experiences.  

Raising the Bar 

We asked owner Darrell Wordelmann, “When do you stop?”—because at Rooney’s, the evolution never seems to slow. Maintaining a 30-year-old oceanfront property is no small feat, yet each update reflects a clear vision for what’s next. From the stunning new bar top and elegant chandeliers to the expanded outdoor bar, it’s evident that Darrell is continuing to elevate the experience at Rooney’s—positioning it as a truly elite, year-round dining destination along the Jersey Shore. 

DOJ Also Recommends 

Bahrs Landing {2 Bay Ave, Highlands; 732-872-1245; bahrslanding.com} A true Jersey Shore classic, Bahrs Landing serves up lunch with a side of history and salty air. Known for its no-frills charm and ultra-fresh seafood—from lobster rolls to fried platters and classic clam chowder—it’s a go-to for an easy, satisfying meal. With boats drifting by and water views all around, it’s casual, authentic, and exactly what a seaside lunch should feel like. 

Charlie’s of Bay Head {72 Bridge Ave, Bay Head; 732-295-1110; charliesofbayhead.com} Charlie’s of Bay Head delivers a timeless yet elevated lunch, with refined American favorites like standout burgers, fresh seafood, crisp salads, and classic sandwiches. Warm, polished, and inviting, it’s a go-to for both casual bites and lingering lunches—loved by locals for its consistency and unmistakable charm. 

et al fine food {300 Shore Dr, Highlands; 848-300-2076; etalfinefood.com} Tucked in the heart of Highlands, Et Al Fine Food offers a refined yet welcoming coastal lunch with seasonal, chef-driven dishes—from fresh seafood and house-made pastas to elevated sandwiches and salads. The hidden grotto-style patio adds a lush, intimate setting, perfect for a relaxed midday escape just minutes from the Shore. 

Metropolitan Café {8 E Main St, Freehold; 732-627-2495; metrocafenj.com} For a relaxed yet refined lunch in Freehold, Metropolitan Café is a local favorite that consistently delivers. The menu features fresh salads, artisan sandwiches, standout sushi, and thoughtfully crafted cocktails, all served in a chic setting with a covered outdoor patio right on Main Street. Whether you’re meeting friends or stepping out for a midday break, it’s an easy go-to for quality and style. 

Scarborough Fair {1414 Meetinghouse Rd, Sea Girt; 732-223-6658; sfseagirt.com} A Shore favorite, Scarborough Fair is just as inviting for lunch as it is for brunch, with fresh salads, satisfying sandwiches, and comforting classics. The charming outdoor patio makes it perfect for a relaxed, feel-good midday break. Whether you’re meeting friends or taking a quiet break in your day, it’s an easy, feel-good spot that always delivers. 

Sweet Buns {285 Gordons Corner Rd, Manalapan Township; 732-792-3442; sweetbunsnj.com} A go-to in town, Sweet Buns is perfect for brunch or early lunch, with freshly baked breads, standout sandwiches, salads, and café classics. Bright, casual, and inviting, it’s an easy spot to relax with a specialty latte. 

Wally’s {712 Long Beach Blvd, Surf City; 609-494-1667; wallyslbi.com} In Surf City on LBI, Wally’s is a go-to for a casual, satisfying lunch with a laid-back beach vibe. From stacked sandwiches to fresh salads and comfort classics, plus plenty of gluten-free options, it’s an easy, no-fuss spot for a relaxed midday bite.