The Diving Horse

Name: The Diving Horse
Address: 2109 Dune Drive, Avalon, NJ, United States, 08202
Telephone: (609) 368-5000
Price range: $31 to $50
Rating: 4.9

4.9 (1503)

$31 to $50

Farm-to-table

2109 Dune Drive, Avalon, NJ 08202

Make a reservation

2 people

Jul 6, 2025

7:00 PM

Booked 61 times today

About this restaurant

Neighborhood gem
Good for special occasions
Great for outdoor dining

The Diving Horse is a seasonal seafood-focused BYOB located at 21st and Dune Drive in Avalon, NJ. We serve an inspired and fresh menu, with ingredients sourced from local farms and day boat fishermen. The name “Diving Horse" pays homage to the horses who used to dive off the Steel Pier in Atlantic City, NJ, in the early to mid-20th century. Our intimate 70-seat restaurant features a modern farmhouse atmosphere and bright, oversized windows with views of Avalon’s quaint main street. We have ample outdoor seating on a patio that holds three large picnic tables for communal seating beneath strands of vintage Edison bulb string lights. Dinner reservations are highly recommended. The Diving Horse has received many honors since opening, including being named Philadelphia Magazine’s “Best Shore Hot Spot”, as well as receiving the OpenTable “Diner’s Choice” award.

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Elegant
Price
$31 to $50
Cuisines
Farm-to-table, Seafood
Hours of operation
Daily 5:00 pm–10:00 pm
Phone number
(609) 368-5000
Website
http://www.thedivinghorseavalon.com/
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Smart Casual
Executive chef
Alex Schiff

Location
2109 Dune Drive, Avalon, NJ 08202
Neighborhood
Avalon
Cross street
21st & Dune Drive
Parking details
Street Parking
Additional
BYO Wine, Chef's Table, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Wheelchair Access

Ask Concierge
AI Beta

Our AI assistant, Concierge, is here to answer your questions about this restaurant.

What 1,503 people are saying

The Diving Horse reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.9

4.9 based on recent ratings

4.8Food
4.9Service
4.7Ambience
4.4Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

Cape May
Best Overall
Cape May
Best Food
Cape May
Best Service
Cape May
Best Ambiance
Cape May
Innovative
Cape May
Neighborhood gem

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

The Diving Horse offers an exceptional dining experience with "excellent food and fantastic service." Guests rave about the "beautiful environment" and "delicious food," highlighting dishes like the Chicken Milanese and halibut. While some note the "loud" atmosphere, the attentive staff and memorable meals keep patrons returning.

1,503 Reviews

T
Tara
New York City6 reviews
4.0
Dined 2 days ago
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 5
This is our 3rd summer dinning at The Diving Horse. It always has an eclectic and delicious menu options. It's always a favorite and highlight of our beach week.
Is this helpful?
k
kim VIP
Philadelphia County1 review
2.0
Dined 3 days ago
1. Overall 2
2. Food 3
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 2
Expensive and loud! Better in years past. Food is good but le
Is this helpful?
N
Nancy VIP
Washington, D.C. Area1 review
5.0
Dined 6 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
We love this restaurant - the food is excellent, and the service is always very good. The menu changes periodically which we love. The experience is innovative and well executed!
Is this helpful?
D
Dee VIP
Philadelphia County10 reviews
4.0
Dined on June 28, 2025
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
The food was very good. My only comment is that the chicken was a bit undercooked and the mussels definitely could have used way more broth- there was barely any especially to dip the great bread in. The halibut and short rib was the best. Tuna was good but a very small portion. Our waiter was outstanding!!!!
Is this helpful?
L
L VIP
Philadelphia County20 reviews
5.0
Dined on June 28, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
I have eaten here many times over the years and have never been disappointed. The halibut special was truly amazing. The peach purée truly made a delicious summer dish Service was outstanding and let’s not forget the Kit Kat dessert and now they have a coordinating ice cream with kit kat chunks in it.
Is this helpful?
C
Charles
Philadelphia County18 reviews
5.0
Dined on June 28, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Great service and the staff very friendly. Food was excellent.
Is this helpful?
S
Suzanne VIP
Atlanta25 reviews
5.0
Dined on June 26, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 4
The inside was quite loud but the patio offered a lovely place to enjoy a wonderful meal and have great conversation. Food was divine. Service was a little lacking, may not be fully staffed yet.
Is this helpful?
C
Courtney
Greater Boston4 reviews
5.0
Dined on June 25, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
We had a lovely dinner. Everyone in our party of 8 was raving about the food. They accommodated an extra 2 people the day before and were very helpful.
Is this helpful?
K
Kathryn VIP
San Francisco Bay Area4 reviews
5.0
Dined on June 24, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Excellent food and fantastic service! Terrific time as always!
Is this helpful?
J
Joe
Unspecified1 review
5.0
Dined on June 23, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Unbelievable! Food was amazing and the service was even better!
Is this helpful?

FAQs

The Diving Horse is rated 4.9 stars by 1503 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people

Jul 6, 2025

7:00 PM

Booked 61 times today

2109 Dune Drive, Avalon, NJ 08202

Additional information

Cross street
21st & Dune Drive
Neighborhood
Avalon
Hours of operation
Daily 5:00 pm–10:00 pm
Price
$31 to $50
Cuisines
Farm-to-table, Seafood
Dining style
Casual Elegant
Dress code
Smart Casual
Parking details
Street Parking
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Executive chef
Alex Schiff
Additional
BYO Wine, Chef's Table, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Wheelchair Access

Website
http://www.thedivinghorseavalon.com/
Phone number
(609) 368-5000

The Diving Horse

Make a reservation

About this restaurant

Additional information

Ask Concierge
AI Beta

Menu

What 1,503 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Loved For

Review summary

FAQs

How is The Diving Horse restaurant rated?

Is The Diving Horse currently accepting reservations?

Make a reservation

Additional information