Cafe Loren

4.9 (2227)

$31 to $50

American

2288 Dune Drive, Avalon, NJ 08202

About this restaurant

Good for special occasions
Neighbourhood gem
Charming

The Café Loren was opened in 1978 and offers fine dining in an atmosphere of casual seashore elegance. For four decades our menu has kept pace with American culinary trends. Over the years our heavy French influence has given way to American cuisine, a happy hybrid of styles, methods and ingredients from around the globe. Our menu can best be described as "American Coastal Cuisine". American because of our diverse preparations and Coastal because of our emphasis on seafood. But meat lovers have not been forgotten. We offer superbly prepared lamb, veal, beef and pork.

Not bookable

This restaurant is open seasonally. Unfortunately, it is currently closed.

There’s more to explore

Discover countless more restaurants like this one with our app.

Scan the QR code to discover countless more restaurants like this one with our app.

Open app

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Elegant
Price
$31 to $50
Cuisines
American, Seafood, Contemporary American
Hours of Operation
Dinner Tue–Sun 5:30 pm–9:00 pm
Phone number
(609) 967-8228
Website
http://cafeloren.com/
Payment Options
Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Smart Casual

Location
2288 Dune Drive, Avalon, NJ 08202
Area
Avalon
Cross street
23rd St.
Parking Details
Limited parking is available in our lot on the 23rd street side of the building.
Additional
BYO Liquor, BYO Wine, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining

Concierge
AI Beta

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

Seafood BisqueUSD 15.00
crab, chive
Coconut Curry MusselsUSD 19.00
thai coconut broth, garlic, ginger, basil, napa cabbage, jalapeno, grilled toast
Chili Lime ShrimpUSD 19.00
corn salsa, poblano sauce, cilantro lime sour cream
Grilled OctopusUSD 20.00
pepperoncini aioli, marinated zucchini, blistered tomato, olives, citrus
Steamed Littleneck ClamsUSD 21.00
white wine clam broth, sweet Italian sausage, cannelini beans, grilled toast
Pan Seared Sea ScallopsUSD 29.00
fingerling potato, applewood smoked bacon and green apple hash, cauliflower puree, port reduction

2nd Course

Caesar SaladUSD 16.00
hearts of romaine, parmesan, herbed ricotta crostini, roasted garlic caesar dressing
Cafe Loren HouseUSD 16.00
baby field greens, spiced candied walnuts, tomato, imported gorgonzola, balsamic vinaigrette
Goat Cheese and BeetsUSD 18.00
roasted beets, goat cheese and yogurt gremolata, pistachio, orange, citrus mustard vinaigrette

3rd Course

Pan Seared HalibutUSD 47.00
sweet pea and pancetta risotto, grape tomato chutney, ginger carrot emulsion
Apple Butter Glazed Grilled SalmonUSD 42.00
butternut squash, pork roll and spinach hash, balsamic reduction
Grilled 12oz Gorgonzola Crusted Pork ChopUSD 45.00
roasted brussels sprouts and sweet potato, craisin, maple pear sauce
Pan Seared ScallopsUSD 58.00
pumpkin risotto, cranberry marmalade, pumpkin brittle, apple cider gastrique
Lobster and Shrimp “BLT” ScampiUSD 46.00
bacon, lobster, tomato, linguini, charred corn, parmigiano reggiano
Blueberry BBQ Braised Short RibUSD 45.00
vanilla roasted peaches, granola, ginger peach emulsion
Veal LorenUSD 51.00
veal medallions, shrimp, crab, garlic cream sauce, herb roasted yukon potato, asparagus, port reduction
Grilled 8oz Filet MignonUSD 58.00
garlic mashed potato, roasted vegetables, garlic confit, crispy onion, horseradish cream

Reviews

OpenTable reviews from verified diners

Reviews from people who have dined at Cafe Loren.

4.9

(2227)

4.9Food
4.9Service
4.6Ambience
4.6Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

New Jersey
American
Cape May
Best Overall
Cape May
Best Food
Cape May
Best Service
Cape May
Best Value
Cape May
Innovative
Cape May
Neighbourhood gem
Cape May
Good for special occasions
Cape May
American

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

Cafe Loren in Avalon is a cherished dining spot with "outstanding service" and consistently "excellent food." Visitors rave about the "unique and delicious flavor profiles," especially the "Veal Loren" and "BLT pasta." The eatery's "warm, professional staff" enhances every meal, making it a "go-to favorite" for special occasions.

2,227 Reviews

D
Debbie Gold
Philadelphia County25 reviews
1.0
Dined on 17 October 2026
1. Overall 1
2. Food 1
3. Service 1
4. Ambience 1
When we arrived on October 17 for our reserved time, the restaurant was closed. I had made this reservation weeks ago and was so disappointed as we had friends in from out of town and we had spoken so highly of Cafe Loren. I think we could have gotten a phone call or text to let us know that the restaurant was closed.
Is this helpful?
K
Kathy
Atlantic City / South Jersey Shore1 review
5.0
Dined on 25 September 2026
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Wonderful table I requested for our birthday we have it every year Amy was fantastic
Is this helpful?
E
Ed
Philadelphia County5 reviews
5.0
Dined on 24 September 2026
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
This is our favorite restaurant in Avalon. The food selections and service are impeccable. We are continued return customers.
Is this helpful?
K
Kathleen Gold
Miami - Dade37 reviews
5.0
Dined on 20 September 2026
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
The food and service are always excellent. The menu is chef inspired
Is this helpful?
A
Alice Gold
Atlantic City / South Jersey Shore10 reviews
5.0
Dined on 20 September 2026
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 3
Sitting deuses along the wall is not inviting. We realize the space is limited,
Is this helpful?
E
Elizabeth
Philadelphia County30 reviews
5.0
Dined on 20 September 2026
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Cafe Loren is one of our favorite Cape May County restaurants. It is our special occasion place, and last night, it was outstanding. Our neighbor had her 70th birthday yesterday, and everyone was very impressed with the food and property. Our wait person, Amy was super friendly and very professional.
Is this helpful?
D
Debbie Gold
Philadelphia County25 reviews
5.0
Dined on 19 September 2026
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Food was exceptional! Our waitress Danielle was kind and friendly. One of our favorite restaurants!
Is this helpful?
K
Kim
Philadelphia County5 reviews
5.0
Dined on 19 September 2026
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
We have been visiting Cafe Loren for at least 25 years for our anniversary. We were fortunate enough to have Joanne for our server again this year. She is super friendly and provides excellent service. Food as always was fabulous!Can’t wait til next year!
Is this helpful?
L
Laura Gold
New Jersey16 reviews
5.0
Dined on 19 September 2026
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Outstanding service from Paige. Everyone in our dinner party absolutely delighted in their chosen courses. New favorite! Superb dining experience. Thank you!
Is this helpful?
B
Brian Gold
Philadelphia County61 reviews
5.0
Dined on 19 September 2026
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Always a great meal with great service (thanks Jo Jo). The BLT pasta is to die for, and the veal cheek appetizer special was awesome. Thirty years plus and still the best restaraunt in Avalon.
Is this helpful?

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Elegant
Price
$31 to $50
Cuisines
American, Seafood, Contemporary American
Hours of Operation
Dinner Tue–Sun 5:30 pm–9:00 pm
Phone number
(609) 967-8228
Website
http://cafeloren.com/
Payment Options
Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Smart Casual

Location
2288 Dune Drive, Avalon, NJ 08202
Area
Avalon
Cross street
23rd St.
Parking Details
Limited parking is available in our lot on the 23rd street side of the building.
Additional
BYO Liquor, BYO Wine, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining

Not bookable

This restaurant is open seasonally. Unfortunately, it is currently closed.

Cafe Loren

About this restaurant

Not bookable

There’s more to explore

Additional information

Concierge
AI Beta

Menu

1st Course

Seafood BisqueUSD 15.00

Coconut Curry MusselsUSD 19.00

Chili Lime ShrimpUSD 19.00

Grilled OctopusUSD 20.00

Steamed Littleneck ClamsUSD 21.00

Pan Seared Sea ScallopsUSD 29.00

2nd Course

Caesar SaladUSD 16.00

Cafe Loren HouseUSD 16.00

Goat Cheese and BeetsUSD 18.00

3rd Course

Pan Seared HalibutUSD 47.00

Apple Butter Glazed Grilled SalmonUSD 42.00

Grilled 12oz Gorgonzola Crusted Pork ChopUSD 45.00

Pan Seared ScallopsUSD 58.00

Lobster and Shrimp “BLT” ScampiUSD 46.00

Blueberry BBQ Braised Short RibUSD 45.00

Veal LorenUSD 51.00

Grilled 8oz Filet MignonUSD 58.00

Reviews

Loved For

Review summary

Additional information

Not bookable