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.

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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
Patio/Outdoor Dining

Concierge
AI Beta

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

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

2nd Course

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

3rd Course

Pan Seared HalibutUS$47.00
sweet pea and pancetta risotto, grape tomato chutney, ginger carrot emulsion
Apple Butter Glazed Grilled SalmonUS$42.00
butternut squash, pork roll and spinach hash, balsamic reduction
Grilled 12oz Gorgonzola Crusted Pork ChopUS$45.00
roasted brussels sprouts and sweet potato, craisin, maple pear sauce
Pan Seared ScallopsUS$58.00
pumpkin risotto, cranberry marmalade, pumpkin brittle, apple cider gastrique
Lobster and Shrimp “BLT” ScampiUS$46.00
bacon, lobster, tomato, linguini, charred corn, parmigiano reggiano
Blueberry BBQ Braised Short RibUS$45.00
vanilla roasted peaches, granola, ginger peach emulsion
Veal LorenUS$51.00
veal medallions, shrimp, crab, garlic cream sauce, herb roasted yukon potato, asparagus, port reduction
Grilled 8oz Filet MignonUS$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

Diners' Choice Awards

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
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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.
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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
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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,
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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.
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B
Brian Gold
Philadelphia County61 reviews
5.0
Dined on 20 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.
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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!
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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!
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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!
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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
Patio/Outdoor Dining

FAQs

Yes, Cafe Loren is a popular choice for anniversaries and special evenings, with multiple guests praising its polished, inviting atmosphere and attentive service.

Smart casual is the guide, think polished but relaxed, and many guests do dress up a touch for anniversaries and celebrations.

Cafe Loren serves casual seashore elegance, a warm, polished dining room with attentive service and an intimate feel that many guests choose for special evenings.

Portions at Cafe Loren are generous, several guests say entrees are large and left them comfortably sated (some even needed to-go boxes).

How FAQ content is generated

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 BisqueUS$15.00

Coconut Curry MusselsUS$19.00

Chili Lime ShrimpUS$19.00

Grilled OctopusUS$20.00

Steamed Littleneck ClamsUS$21.00

Pan Seared Sea ScallopsUS$29.00

2nd Course

Caesar SaladUS$16.00

Cafe Loren HouseUS$16.00

Goat Cheese and BeetsUS$18.00

3rd Course

Pan Seared HalibutUS$47.00

Apple Butter Glazed Grilled SalmonUS$42.00

Grilled 12oz Gorgonzola Crusted Pork ChopUS$45.00

Pan Seared ScallopsUS$58.00

Lobster and Shrimp “BLT” ScampiUS$46.00

Blueberry BBQ Braised Short RibUS$45.00

Veal LorenUS$51.00

Grilled 8oz Filet MignonUS$58.00

Reviews

Diners' Choice Awards

Review summary

Additional information

FAQs

Is this a good pick for date night?

What is the dress code for Cafe Loren?

What's the ambience/atmosphere like in this restaurant?

What are the portion sizes like at this restaurant?

Not bookable