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The Diving Horse, Avalon, NJ

The Diving Horse

4.9 (1500)
$31 to $50
Farm-to-table
2109 Dune Drive, Avalon, NJ 08202

Make a reservation

2 people
9:30 PM
Booked 59 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
  • 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

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What 1,500 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
  • 4.9Food
  • 4.9Service
  • 4.8Ambience
  • 4.4Value

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • Cape May

    Best Overall

  • Cape May

    Best Food

  • Cape May

    Best Service

  • Cape May

    Best Ambiance

  • Cape May

    Lively

  • Cape May

    Most Booked

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.
1,500 Reviews
  1. Dee VIP

    Philadelphia County10 reviews

    4.0

    Dined 3 days ago

    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!!!!

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  2. L VIP

    Philadelphia County20 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 3 days ago

    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.

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  3. Charles

    Philadelphia County18 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 3 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Great service and the staff very friendly. Food was excellent.

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  4. Suzanne VIP

    Atlanta25 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 5 days ago

    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.

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  5. Courtney

    Greater Boston4 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 6 days ago

    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.

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  6. Kathryn VIP

    San Francisco Bay Area4 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 7 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Excellent food and fantastic service! Terrific time as always!

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  7. 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!

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  8. mary

    New Orleans / Louisiana6 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on June 23, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Ryan took care of us and he was amazing! Attentive, made great recommendations, and the food was delicious. It is such a treat to eat there!

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  9. Charles

    Denver / Colorado5 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on June 19, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Nothing bad on the menu. Love this place for many reasons. But I’d go w chicken and halibut. Not a steakhouse. Also, KitKat desert is worthwhile and unique.

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  10. Robert

    Philadelphia County4 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on June 19, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Service was top shelf Kaitlyn did a great job food was excellent will be back again soon

    Is this helpful?

FAQs

The Diving Horse is rated 4.9 stars by 1500 OpenTable diners.

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

  1. Home
  2. United States
  3. New Jersey
  4. Cape May
  5. Avalon

Make a reservation

2 people
9:30 PM
Booked 59 times today
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
  • 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
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