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The Diving Horse, Avalon, NJ

The Diving Horse

4.8
4.8
1330 Reviews
$31 to $50
Farm-to-table
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

2 people

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
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Smart Casual
  • Executive chef
    Alex Schiff
  • Neighborhood
    Avalon
  • Cross street
    21st & Dune Drive
  • Parking details
    Street Parking
  • Additional
    BYO Wine, Chef's Table, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Wheelchair Access

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

NoiseModerate

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
  1. 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.

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  2. 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. 

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  3. 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 

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  4. 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.

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  5. 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

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  6. 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!

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  7. 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.

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  8. 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.

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  9. 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.

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  10. 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.

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  11. 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.

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  12. CaitlinO

    Washington DC

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on September 7, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Excellent meal!! Our best dining experience this week!

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  13. 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.

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  14. 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!

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  15. 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.

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  16. 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.

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  17. 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.

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  18. 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.

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  19. 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."

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  20. OpenTable Diner

    Philadelphia

    1 review

    vip
    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 5, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Food was phenomenal as was our server Cristina!!!!

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  21. 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.

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  22. 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

  23. 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!

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  24. 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.

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  25. 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

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  26. 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.

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  27. 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!

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  28. 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!

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  29. 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.

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  30. 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.

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  31. 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!

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  32. 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.

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  33. 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.

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  34. 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

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  35. 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!

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  36. 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!

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  37. 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.

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  38. 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.

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  39. 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.

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  40. 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.

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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

2 people

7:00 PM


Booked 15 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Google Map for The Diving Horse

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
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