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: 4.8

4.8

1330 Reviews

$31 to $50

Farm-to-table

Top Tags:

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.

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Sep 30, 2023

7:00 PM

Booked 15 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Elegant
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

Braised Creekstone Farm Short Rib$34.00
farmer's potatoes, braised greens, red wine tomato jus
Cape May Point Scallops$36.00
mixed mushrooms, chickpeas, shallot cream sauce
Local 130 Catch of the Day$34.00
Castle Valley Mills spelt, carrots, spiced yogurt
Housemade Pasta$32.00
blush vodka sauce, sundried tomatoes, asparagus

Sides

Fried Brussels Sprouts$10.00
homemade ranch, parmesan
Braised Greens$9.00
parmesan, olive oil
Roasted Asparagus$9.00
brown butter, almonds, lemon
Boardwalk Fries$9.00
old bay aioli, ketchup

What 1,330 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

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

4.8

4.8 based on recent ratings

4.8Food
4.8Service
4.7Ambience
4.3Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

Atlantic City / South Jersey Shore
Best Overall
Atlantic City / South Jersey Shore
Best Food
South Jersey Shore
Best Overall
South Jersey Shore
Best Food
South Jersey Shore
Best Ambiance
South Jersey Shore
Innovative
South Jersey Shore
Good for special occasions

1,330 Reviews

L
Luv2eat
Naples
18 reviews
vip
5.0
18 reviews
Dined 3 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
As usual dinner was great. Look forward to our next time.
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
Chicago
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined 3 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience4
The Diving Horse was fantastic. Food was exceptional, service was outstanding, noise level, yes, a little loud, but not unbearable. The restaurant has a really great vibe and is a fantastic place to go if you’re looking for upscale food in a great NJ shore town.
Is this helpful?
t
tony
Atlantic City
52 reviews
vip
5.0
52 reviews
Dined 3 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Our place to go to in the spring/ fall when they open and getting ready to close! Been going here for years never a bad meal ! Staff very friendly! Host as well ! Nice decor inside! ,,, tuna app is always good! Pasta dish tonight was excellent! If you like eating try it
Is this helpful?
2
2eaty
Philadelphia
210 reviews
vip
5.0
210 reviews
Dined 6 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Kale Caesar salad was great especially the dressing. The short ribs were good. A big hit was the Pasta dish (radiatore with sausage and cheese) Glad I ordered it. Service was great. My only complaint is that the noise level at times was disturbing. Several Tables of 6 were so loud that it was hard to talk to each other.
Is this helpful?
GM
GeorgeM
New York Area
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on September 22, 2023
overall4food4service4ambience4
Cant get in to this restaurant in the summer so we figured we would try off season. Glad we did. It is very good. Cool space, great service, great food and its a BYO
Is this helpful?
LM
LauraM
New York Area
10 reviews
vip
5.0
10 reviews
Dined on September 22, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
We had an outstanding dinner on September 21– delicious oysters from Maine, summer tomato and melon, salad and steamers over chowder vegetables for appetizers. Dinner was mahi-mahi, scallops and tuna. Everything was really good and the service was perfect. Great way to end our beach trip, even though Ophelia cut it short!
Is this helpful?
MM
seashoreMiMi
Philadelphia
24 reviews
vip
4.0
24 reviews
Dined on September 17, 2023
overall4food5service5ambience5
Loved the restaurant. Gave an Overall 4 stars because we had to wait in the rain for our 5:00 dinner reservation. Just would have been nice if they could have opened the doors a few minutes early to come inside.
Is this helpful?
PA
PeterA
Philadelphia
1 review
2.0
1 review
Dined on September 15, 2023
overall2food4service2ambience2
Server only visited our table twice. Would have been nice to know the special was $88……. Very loud.
Is this helpful?
SB
SailorBob
Pittsburgh
53 reviews
4.0
53 reviews
Dined on September 14, 2023
overall4food4service5ambience4
We always book a table at The Diving Horse during our vacations in the area each year. The food is excellent though at this point the highly predictable menu needs some refreshing. I was somewhat disappointed in my beef short rib entree this year as it was very salty.....not the usual excellence we've experienced in past years. Otherwise, this is a special place in Avalon and not to be missed. Book early as it fills quickly even on the shoulder seasons in early summer and fall.
Is this helpful?
KK
KathyK
Philadelphia
12 reviews
vip
5.0
12 reviews
Dined on September 14, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Delicious meal in a positive, airy spot. Will dine there again.
Is this helpful?
GS
GregS
New York Area
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on September 13, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Very nice evening. Food and service were both terrific.
Is this helpful?
CO
CaitlinO
Washington DC
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on September 7, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Excellent meal!! Our best dining experience this week!
Is this helpful?
BO
BartO
Philadelphia
14 reviews
vip
5.0
14 reviews
Dined on September 7, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Service and food outstanding, would recommend The Diving Horse to friends.
Is this helpful?
d
davidr
Atlantic City
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on September 7, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Diving Horse is a great dining experience to share with friends and family. Excellent menu and meal. Noise level was perfect! Thank you!
Is this helpful?
S
Satisfied
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on September 6, 2023
overall4food4service4ambience3
We arrived for our reservation and were seated immediately. Service person was courteous and helpful. The food was very good from start to finish, and we were very pleased with our choices both with the restaurant and the food.
Is this helpful?
m
mariet
New York Area
69 reviews
vip
5.0
69 reviews
Dined on September 6, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
It was our first time here but we will return. Both the Wedge and Kale Caesar salads were exceptional. Everyone was happy with their entrees which included scallops (2), pork chop and short ribs. Minor complaint that the short ribs were a little salty. Did not need them but the table also shared the Brussel sprouts and fries. So glad we tried the Brussel sprouts! The preparation was different and superb. Although the fries were also excellent probably would not get them again because it was just to much food. The specialty dessert was delicious but really did benefit from adding a dip of the ice cream.
Is this helpful?
m
maryc
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on September 6, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
From the moment we arrived to the moment we left we loved everything. Food was delicious.
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
Philadelphia
38 reviews
vip
5.0
38 reviews
Dined on September 5, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
After many years of dining at The Diving Horse, even though only one or two visits each summer, I can opine that they are still a must go to dinner spot.
Is this helpful?
5
5678
San Francisco
12 reviews
vip
5.0
12 reviews
Dined on September 5, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
This restaurant is THE BEST in Avalon and surrounding area. No view of dunes or ocean but who cares! Food is wonderful. Not heavy: just right. Inventive without being weird. Our waiter was very fun to talk to in a non intrusive way. That's hard to do! Setting is lightly beach without any signs (thank God) that read "Life's a Beach."
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
Philadelphia
1 review
vip
5.0
1 review
Dined on September 5, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
Food was phenomenal as was our server Cristina!!!!
Is this helpful?
T
Tazz
Philadelphia
12 reviews
4.0
12 reviews
Dined on August 27, 2023
overall4food5service4ambience3
food was excellent, but tables are too close together -i do not wish to hear my neighbors entire conversation.
Is this helpful?
M
Marissa
Philadelphia
2 reviews
3.0
2 reviews
Dined on August 26, 2023
overall3food3service3ambience3
Great food and ambience; however, make sure you ask for the price of the specials before ordering them! My husband and I each got the NY strip (which was on special) and came to find out when we received the bill that the steaks were $90/each. The waitress did not disclose this price when telling us the specials and although we didn’t ask, every other entree item on the menu is less than $46 so we were pretty shocked when we received the check and they confirmed that the price of $180 for the steaks was accurate.
1 person found this helpful
EB
EmilyB
Richmond
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on August 22, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
Wonderful food and service. We enjoyed everything single bit of food, and the staff were great! The only very small critique I have is that the tables were very close together, so it was difficult to hear our own conversation at times. This is a definite must visit - the details and care put in to each dish were obvious. Scallops, short ribs, and even the Brussel sprouts were full of flavor and expertly prepared!
Is this helpful?
EW
EricW
Philadelphia
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on August 22, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Perfectly prepared and presented. Gentle seaside atmosphere with a casual upscale vibe. Enjoyable and will definitely go again.
Is this helpful?
S
Suew
Atlantic City
6 reviews
4.0
6 reviews
Dined on August 20, 2023
overall4food5service5ambience4
Food was very good hostess had a bit of an attitude
Is this helpful?
s
suzeeq
Philadelphia
11 reviews
vip
3.0
11 reviews
Dined on August 19, 2023
overall3food4service4ambience3
We have been here many times a summer over the years and it had remained our favorite until this summer. Lovely atmosphere. Tables a little close but that's ok. The wedge salad is always wonderful but last night's new catch of the day, cobia, was awful. (nice to have a change from halibut, but not as this was prepared) Had a very "grassy" flavor. Server was great. It was crowded as usual but the noise level this summer has been deafening. We have literally been yelling across the table to other people and we have only been a table of 4 each time. One meal is not a deal breaker but please deal with the acoustics. Until then it's Cafe Loren or Jay's.
Is this helpful?
SL
StacieL
Washington DC
31 reviews
vip
5.0
31 reviews
Dined on August 17, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
We love the Diving Horse. The staff are excellent and the food is awesome!
Is this helpful?
j
julie
New York Area
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on August 17, 2023
overall5food5service4ambience5
Great food, service and ambiance. Always a great experience at the Diving Horse!
Is this helpful?
G
Grazer1
New York Area
19 reviews
vip
3.0
19 reviews
Dined on August 14, 2023
overall3food4service4ambience4
This is a nice place, no doubt, but I find that it’s too loud and cramped for a couple dining alone, and I also felt like the portions were small and a tad precious, meaning, I was a little hungry even after a full meal. And $42 for pasta is pushing it. I’ve been here before and I thought it was a little better back when it first opened. Nice server. Nice ambience. Just too loud and cramped for a relaxing dinner.
Is this helpful?
GB
GBH1
Washington DC
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on August 14, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
An annual vacation must-do for our family. Never fails to please everyone, kids included. There’s a kid menu, but ever since they were little, they have skipped it and gone for the full menu items.
Is this helpful?
PF
PhillyFoodie
New York Area
10 reviews
vip
5.0
10 reviews
Dined on August 14, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Wonderful experience at Diving Horse! Loved the farmstand salad and scallops. Great atmosphere. Will be back!
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
Washington DC
18 reviews
vip
5.0
18 reviews
Dined on August 13, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
Dinner was awesome as usual. The short rib was so moist and delicious as always. The burrata salad had so many great flavors; tomatoes so good and prosciutto in salad was perfect. Our server (Cate) is always amazing. My top pick on the island this Summer.
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on August 13, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
We had an excellent experience. We were one of the first reservations of the evening so there were a far amount of diners entering at once. Regardless, the service was attentive. More importantly, the food was fresh, inspiring, and delicious. My husband said his mahi-mahi was the best he’s ever had. My halibut was perfectly presented and cooked. The prices were on par - or even less- than finer dining in Philly. Second time there and will plan a third time the next time in Avalon.
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
Philadelphia
3 reviews
vip
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on August 10, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
Always beautiful but a little too loud, would also appreciate more availability for outdoor seating
Is this helpful?
M
Maureeninvirginia1
Richmond
71 reviews
vip
5.0
71 reviews
Dined on August 8, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Really enjoyed our dinner at the Diving Horse! Since it was my birthday, they gave me a free dessert! Nice touch!
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
Philadelphia
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on August 6, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Very special! Went with the family and we enjoyed the community tables outside! The service was exceptional!
Is this helpful?
BS
BruceS
Atlantic City
7 reviews
vip
1.0
7 reviews
Dined on August 5, 2023
overall1food4service1ambience1
Very disappointed. It's extremely loud and we had to shout to speak with eachother. The salads were excellent. The pork chop was over cooked. The waitress was awful. Will not be returning.
Is this helpful?
M
Marlene
New York Area
5 reviews
1.0
5 reviews
Dined on August 5, 2023
overall1food1service5ambience1
I am sorry to say we gave Diving Horse anther try. We were again unable to hear ourselves speak due to the overcrowded dining room. The noise level was unbearable. I had the scallops, they were delicious. My husband had very dry and excessively salty short ribs, my son a dry pork chop. I have never given a poor review but felt after a second bad experience I would share. Sorry Diving Horse we used to love dining with you in past years.
Is this helpful?
VD
VictoriaD
New York Area
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on August 4, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
Everything was delicious! The portions were a little more generous than I’d remembered which was nice. Our waitress was absolutely amazing-I forgot her name but she was delightful. My only complaint is the acoustics are a little weird so if you have some hearing issues it’s best to eat outside.
Is this helpful?
CM
lovinCM
Philadelphia
14 reviews
5.0
14 reviews
Dined on August 3, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Absolutely a special evening and meal! Loved the ambiance and limited menu is amazing and offers something delicious for everyone. Only noted 4 star value because it was pricey.
Is this helpful?

FAQs

You can order delivery directly from The Diving Horse using the Order Online button.

The Diving Horse is rated 4.8 stars by 1330 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Sep 30, 2023

7:00 PM

Booked 15 times today

Order delivery or takeout

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
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

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

Menu

Starters

Tuna Tartare$16.00

Broccoli Croquettes$12.00

Baked Oysters$16.00

TDH Wedge$16.00

Mains

Braised Creekstone Farm Short Rib$34.00

Cape May Point Scallops$36.00

Local 130 Catch of the Day$34.00

Housemade Pasta$32.00

Sides

Fried Brussels Sprouts$10.00

Braised Greens$9.00

Roasted Asparagus$9.00

Boardwalk Fries$9.00

What 1,330 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Loved For

FAQs

Does The Diving Horse offer delivery through OpenTable or takeout?

How is The Diving Horse restaurant rated?

Is The Diving Horse currently accepting reservations?

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information