Best Contemporary American Restaurants in Atlantic Highlands

12 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Proving Ground Waterfront Dining restaurant

1. Proving Ground Waterfront Dining

4.4

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary american • Highlands

Booked 6 times today

At Proving Ground Waterfront Dining in Highlands, the essence of Contemporary American cuisine is celebrated with flair and finesse. Tucked away in a picturesque waterfront setting, this restaurant thrives on innovation, testing new menu items that delight and surprise, such as the "best buffalo mac and cheese I have ever had!" according to a glowing diner. Patrons rave about both the food and the atmosphere, highlighting the "wonderful water views" and "broad and delicious menu." The dedication to fresh, quality ingredients and a vibrant dining experience makes Proving Ground a culinary beacon for those seeking authentic and dynamic American dishes. Whether it's a casual meal after a beach day or a special occasion, the seamless blend of excellent service, delectable eats, and engaging events ensures every visit is memorable.

A photo of Victory Park Tavern restaurant

2. Victory Park Tavern

4.8

Exceptional(1039)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary american • Rumson

Booked 7 times today

Victory Park Tavern in Rumson, NJ, is celebrated for its exceptional approach to Contemporary American cuisine with a seasonal twist. Guests consistently rave about the "terrific food and ambiance" and the "friendly, attentive service" that elevates each dining experience. The menu, rich with dishes like the praised "tuna tower" and "delicious swordfish," showcases a commitment to quality and creativity. Reviewers are particularly enamored with the "terrific Martini" and special mocktails, enhancing the dining experience. The ambiance, described as "cozy with just enough of an upscale vibe," makes Victory Park Tavern a beloved local gem where every meal is "always a terrific dining experience."

3. The Rum Runner

4.5

Awesome(2631)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary american • Sea Bright

Booked 11 times today

Welcome to the newly rebuilt, redesigned, and re-imagined Rum Runner! Although a lot has changed over the years, we still look to provide you and your family with same great experience you have come to remember and love. As always, we are featuring exquisite cuisine, paired wine, and creative drinks. We look forward to seeing you soon!

A photo of Semolina Restaurant restaurant

4. Semolina Restaurant

4.8

Exceptional(3148)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary american • Red Bank

Booked 17 times today

Semolina Restaurant in Red Bank, New Jersey, epitomizes the essence of farm-to-table dining with its dedication to fresh, locally-sourced ingredients. Celebrated for its homemade pastas and a menu that adapts to the seasons, Semolina offers a dining experience that is both authentic and delightful. Patrons rave about the quality of the dishes with comments like "The balance of flavors is so well executed" and "The food is always amazing." This BYO gem ensures each dish, from the half roasted chicken to the perfectly prepared pasta, showcases the best local produce, making every meal a testament to the culinary treasures of New Jersey. Whether it's your first visit or you're a regular, Semolina's commitment to excellence and warm, accommodating service promises a memorable dining experience every time.

A photo of The Dining Room - Molly Pitcher Inn restaurant

5. The Dining Room - Molly Pitcher Inn

4.7

Exceptional(1237)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary american • Red Bank

Booked 7 times today

The Molly Pitcher Inn prides itself not only in its fine dining menu but also its service and atmosphere. It is an ideal setting for that special occasion or just an elegant dining experience. Under the crystal chandeliers of our Dining Room, we serve some the most tantalizing cuisine in all of New Jersey. Our panoramic windows provide a truly breathtaking vista. No matter what season or time of day, the quiet stillness of the Navesink River envelops all who dine here.

A photo of Pearl at The Oyster Point Hotel restaurant

6. Pearl at The Oyster Point Hotel

4.5

Awesome(541)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary american • Red Bank

Booked 4 times today

If you're in search of quintessential comfort food, Pearl at The Oyster Point Hotel in Red Bank is a culinary gem not to be missed. Known for its serene waterfront setting and contemporary American cuisine, Pearl delights diners with its use of local, seasonal ingredients that bring traditional comfort dishes to new heights. Reviewers consistently praise the quality and presentation of dishes like the "delicious" watermelon salad, lobster salad, and the red snapper for two, describing meals as "out of this world." The restaurant's ambiance, combined with attentive service, makes every meal memorable. One reviewer summed it up perfectly: "Incredible food and service. The oyster selection is second to none. A place to definitely try if you love seafood." With such high accolades, Pearl at The Oyster Point Hotel stands out as a top choice for comfort food aficionados.

A photo of DRIFTHOUSE by David Burke restaurant

7. DRIFTHOUSE by David Burke

4.7

Exceptional(2241)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary american • Sea Bright

Booked 7 times today

At DRIFTHOUSE by David Burke in Sea Bright, the Steakhouse cuisine is a standout experience that's not to be missed. Reflecting Chef David Burke’s innovative culinary style, the dishes are crafted with a contemporary approach, leaving guests raving about the quality. Patrons particularly praise the NY Strip Steak and steak tacos, noting them as favorites. As one reviewer exclaims, "Great food great service. We will definitely be back. My husband loved his fradiavola and my steak was perfect." The combination of delicious food, attentive service, and a beautiful oceanfront setting makes DRIFTHOUSE a top destination for both locals and visitors seeking an authentic Steakhouse dining experience in New Jersey.

A photo of Rooney's Oceanfront Restaurant restaurant

8. Rooney's Oceanfront Restaurant

4.8

Exceptional(6145)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary american • Long Branch

Booked 23 times today

Rooney's Oceanfront Restaurant in Long Branch, New Jersey, epitomizes the essence of American cuisine with a creative twist on seafood, embraced by its scenic oceanfront ambiance. Since 1995, Rooney's has been celebrated for its commitment to freshness and quality, with menus that evolve to bring a new culinary adventure on every visit. Patrons rave about the "excellent service" and the "great selection of entries" from brunch to dinner. A favorite among guests is the "lazy poached lobster entree," highly recommended for its exquisite taste. The restaurant's location on the Jersey Shore enhances the dining experience, making Rooney’s a beacon of American dining by the Atlantic. Whether it's the "fabulous" brunch or the "delicious" dinner menu, Rooney’s consistently delivers a memorable dining experience, making it a must-visit destination.

9. d'jeet

4.9

Exceptional(381)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary american • Red Bank

Booked 8 times today

"d'jeet?"asked Grandpa to everyone who walked through his door in hopes of sharing a homecooked meal, a token of his love. And so, food came to represent family, friends and memories. Our passion is to relish in the delight of providing people with food they can feel good about, cooking traditions passed down from our ancestors to bring you natural, flavorful foods using seasonal and local ingredients.

A photo of Seaview at Ocean Place restaurant

10. Seaview at Ocean Place

3.4

Very Good(213)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary american • Long Branch

With stunning ocean views Seaview Restaurant introduces itself as one of New Jerseys premier oceanfront restaurants. Enjoy a cocktail at our Seaview Lounge with its beautiful large marble-top bar and booth seating.In-Season enjoy Til's Oceanside offering outdoor seating and our famous Tiki Bar and fire pits.

‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

D
Dorcyvip
New Jersey •14 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
Tonight is the first time I have had a hamburger here and as to be expected Peter’s recipe for the French Onion Burger is the very best I have ever had! Thanks Peter! And I was lucky enough to have my favorite cocktail … even though it was no longer on the menu! Thank you one and all for a wonderful dinner … and Happy Thanksgiving 🦃🍁
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Victory Park TavernPrice: Expensive• American• Rumson
•
4.8
S
Susan
New York City •5 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
Great value bc of byob. The most tender, delicious pork chop ever. Great Clam Shell Pasta dish. Fabulous brussels caesar salad. So tasty! Janice is a fabulous waiter!!
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Semolina RestaurantPrice: Expensive• Farm-to-table• Red Bank
•
4.8
L
Lissa
New York City •4 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
Being a local for many decades, I can always count on excellent food & service at the Molly Pitcher restaurant. And today was another stellar experience. Being early in Thanksgiving week we had a coveted window seat on the water. Lovely way to celebrate friendship & all good things!
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The Dining Room - Molly Pitcher InnPrice: Expensive• Contemporary American• Red Bank
•
4.7
T
Terryvip
New York City •87 reviews
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
Our party of six really enjoyed our evening at Rum Runner. Our server was terrific (I'm sorry I didn't get her name) - professional, friendly. The cocktails and wine were excellent. Everyone enjoyed the appetizers (ahi tuna nachos & jerk chicken lettuce cups), and the entrees were very good. My only critique was that my Betty salad with sesame ahi tuna was drenched in dressing. Other than that, a terrific evening at a beautiful venue.
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The Rum RunnerPrice: Expensive• Contemporary American• Sea Bright
•
4.5
K
Kirill
New York City •10 reviews
4.0
Dined 5 days ago
The food was good, service attentive, the place had energetic ambiance of a sports bar.
More info
Proving Ground Waterfront DiningPrice: Moderate• American• Highlands
•
4.4

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Best Contemporary American Restaurants in Atlantic Highlands

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12 restaurants available nearby

1. Proving Ground Waterfront Dining

2. Victory Park Tavern

3. The Rum Runner

4. Semolina Restaurant

5. The Dining Room - Molly Pitcher Inn

6. Pearl at The Oyster Point Hotel

7. DRIFTHOUSE by David Burke

8. Rooney's Oceanfront Restaurant

9. d'jeet

10. Seaview at Ocean Place

See what locals rave about

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