What are the opening hours?

Wednesday 5:30pm - 9pm Thursday 5:30pm - 9pm Friday 5:30pm - 9pm Saturday 5:30pm - 9pm Sunday 5:30pm - 9pm

Cafe Loren

The Café Loren was opened in 1978 as Avalon’s first fine dining BYOB. For over three decades our menu has kept pace with American culinary trends.

Nestled around the Avalon Freeze, Avalon’s 1950’s landmark ice cream stand, we have maintained an atmosphere of casual seashore elegance with a friendly and professional staff for 34 years. Over the years heavy French influence has given way to American cuisine, a happy hybrid comprised of styles, methods and ingredients from around the globe. Our menu can best be described as "American Coastal Cu

isine". American because of our diverse preparations and Coastal because of our emphasis on seafood. But meat lovers have not been forgotten. We also offer superbly prepared lamb, veal, beef and pork. Chef/owner Stephen Serano has spent time with some of the best in any kitchen including three years in New York City with Chef Gordon Ramsey of “Hell’s Kitchen” fame. He brings all of this to the table and continues to be progressive with his dishes including house made desserts and creative daily additions to our regular menu. Everyone seems to know someone at the Café Loren. Patty & Mark want you to be one of the regulars who make the Café Loren a must each summer! Attire is "dressy-casual". Men should wear a collared shirt. Shorts are acceptable. Visa, Mastercard and Discover are accepted. We encourage you to make a reservation. Our phones are answered every day we are open after 2pm or you can go to our reservations page to request your reservation on-line. Please allow 48 hours for online reservations. Same day reservations should be made by phone.

06/06/2026

Two of our specials from this weekend, just what you needed!

Ahi Tuna Poke with sesame and sweet soy vinaigrette, mango salsa, crispy rice noodles

Crispy Skin Barramundi with cauliflower gratin, balsamic glazed pearl onions, and cashew romesco sauce.

06/03/2026

Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp
roasted shish*to peppers, garlic, lemon, lilikoi lemon beurre blanc

06/01/2026

View from our pass in the kitchen.

As we move into summer, we’re excited to be open on our full schedule: Wednesday through Sunday. Come see what’s new on the menu or try an old staple like our signature Halibut, and spend an evening with us in Avalon.

Reservations recommended. Make them by going to our website www.cafeloren.com or call the restaurant directly after 3pm on a day we are open.

05/31/2026

One month into the season, these two have quickly become guest favorites.

Grilled salmon with pearl couscous, cucumber yogurt, lemon poppy carrots, feta, and pickled baby peppers & onions

French onion braised short ribs with spring shore succotash, roasted garlic aioli, and crispy leeks

We’re incredibly grateful for the support we’ve received during our first month back! Full dining rooms, returning guests, and the absolute best and most hardworking team have made for a great start to the season. Thank you ALL for being part of it.

05/28/2026

Thankful for continued recognition by Craig Laban and the Philly Inquirer!

04/26/2026

48 summers, and countless memories. Right here on the corner of 23rd & Dune.

From first dates to family traditions, late night desserts to lifelong friendships… this little corner has seen it all. And we’re just getting started.

The 2026 season begins Mother’s Day Weekend.
Friday, May 8th.

See you soon!

06/29/2025

In honor of being referred to as being able to “cultivate a sense of continuity and tradition while keeping the menu fresh and relevant” we present this past weekends specials 😊.

Crab Imperial Stuffed Flounder
Baby potato, asparagus, and cherry tomato medley. Served with green goddess aioli, and old bay breadcrumbs.

Pan Seared Skate Wing
Served with yellow oyster mushrooms, melted leeks, port poached shallots, and peppercorn beurre blanc.

A twist on a classic shore staple, as well as something new and refreshing to offer our guests.

06/26/2025

We’re incredibly grateful to be included in list of “25 Places to Eat at the Shore This Summer” for ! 🙌🌊

It’s a privilege to carry the torch at Cafe Loren, a place with such deep roots in Avalon, and we are proud to keep this shore tradition alive, one plate at a time.

Huge thanks to Craig for the thoughtful write-up and for shining a light on all of the other restaurants up and down the coast. And of course, thank you to our amazing guests—new and returning—who make each night in the kitchen worth it.

Come down, bring a bottle, and taste the season with us.
🍷🐟🦞

06/22/2025

Our octopus is slow-braised all day for melt-in-your-mouth tenderness, then finished on the grill for that perfect char. Served with cucumber-lemon yogurt, marinated roasted red peppers, pickled red onions, and Castelvetrano olives kissed with lemon and oregano. Finished with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil.

06/16/2025

A shore favorite, reimagined.
Our grilled artichoke “caprese” has quickly become one of the most-loved specials of the season — with marinated cherry tomatoes, pearl mozzarella, and roasted garlic saffron aioli. Light, elegant, and perfect for those early summer evenings in Avalon.

Address

2288 Dune Drive
Avalon, NJ
08202

Opening Hours

Wednesday	5:30pm - 9pm
Thursday	5:30pm - 9pm
Friday	5:30pm - 9pm
Saturday	5:30pm - 9pm
Sunday	5:30pm - 9pm

Website

http://www.cafeloren.com/

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