Restaurant in Belmar, United States
Shore seafood that earns its local reputation.
Klein's Fish Market on Belmar's River Road is a no-frills seafood institution best suited to groups, casual daytime meals, and anyone who wants fresh fish without the restaurant overhead. Walk-in friendly and locally credible, it's a practical first stop on any Jersey Shore seafood itinerary — just don't show up expecting a sit-down dinner experience.
Klein's Fish Market is a Belmar institution worth knowing about if you're spending time on the Jersey Shore — particularly for groups looking for a casual, seafood-forward stop near the water. With limited data on pricing and hours available, the practical advice here leans on what the address and regional context confirm: this is a fish market and casual eatery on River Road, a short walk from the Shark River Inlet, in a town that runs on summer seafood traffic. First-timers should set expectations accordingly — this is not a white-tablecloth dinner, it's a working fish market with prepared food, and that's exactly the point.
The River Road address places Klein's in Belmar's marina-adjacent corridor, where the spatial experience is functional rather than designed. Think counter service, a market display of the day's catch, and seating that prioritizes turnover over comfort. For a first-timer, the format is refreshingly simple: you're here for fresh seafood in a no-frills setting, not for atmosphere or service theater. The physical space is typical of a market-style operation , open, practical, oriented around the product. Don't expect a sprawling dining room; the square footage goes to refrigerated cases and prep, not to cushioned banquettes.
For groups of four or more, this format actually works well. Market-style venues remove the friction of a single shared menu , everyone can order to their own appetite, whether that's a whole fish, a fried plate, or something to take back to a rental house. Groups visiting Belmar for a weekend should factor Klein's into a broader seafood itinerary, especially for a daytime or early-evening run before the town's bars fill up. It is not a dinner reservation destination, but as a group eating experience, it removes a lot of coordination headaches.
Klein's has been part of the Belmar seafood scene long enough to carry genuine local credibility , the kind that comes from decades of serving people who know what fresh fish should taste like. That longevity is its clearest trust signal in the absence of formal awards data.
Reservations: Almost certainly not required , walk-in format typical for fish markets. Dress: Casual; shorts and sandals are standard in summer. Budget: Pricing unavailable, but fish market pricing in this category typically runs lower than full-service seafood restaurants. Getting there: 708 River Rd, Belmar, NJ 07719 , car is the most practical option; street parking is available in the area.
For a full picture of what's worth booking in the area, see our full Belmar restaurants guide, our full Belmar bars guide, our full Belmar hotels guide, our full Belmar wineries guide, and our full Belmar experiences guide.
Expect a mix of locals, shore regulars, and summer visitors. Klein's sits on River Road in Belmar's marina corridor, which draws a casual, unpretentious crowd rather than a destination-dining scene. This is not a dressed-up night out — it's a place where families, beach groups, and day-trippers outnumber date-night pairs.
Klein's has earned a long-standing reputation as a Belmar institution, which in a competitive shore seafood market means it's held up to repeat visits from locals who have other options. The focus is straightforward seafood done consistently — not inventive preparation, but reliable quality that keeps regulars coming back across seasons.
Only if your date appreciates no-frills, casual settings over atmosphere. The River Road location is functional rather than designed, and the vibe skews communal and family-heavy. For a date on the Jersey Shore, Klein's works best as a low-stakes lunch stop, not a dinner with ambition behind it.
Reservation policy isn't confirmed in available records, but fish market-style venues on the Jersey Shore typically operate on a walk-in or first-come basis. Arriving early — especially on summer weekends — is the practical move. Midweek visits will generally be the most manageable.
Specific seating configuration isn't confirmed in available records. Given its marina-adjacent address on River Road in Belmar, outdoor or semi-outdoor options are plausible, but verify directly before planning a warm-weather meal around it.
Yes — this is one of Klein's stronger use cases. The casual, counter-service style at fish market venues handles groups more easily than sit-down restaurants, and the Belmar location suits large shore-day parties. Just account for potential waits on peak summer weekends and keep expectations practical rather than event-style.
Keep this venue in your Pearl passport, rate it after you visit, and track it alongside every other place you collect.
