Cafe Loren is an establishment that could flourish anywhere in NJ. The service and food are easily some of the best examples of dining in Cape May County. We've had roughly everything on the menu and nothing disappoints. Scallop appetizer is a standout while the Veal Loren has been consistently great year in and year out (and the chef has changed the recipe slightly from years past). Fish specials are fresh while even your basic boring filet mignon is equivalent to those served at upscale steakhouses. BYOB and bring something nice, the food here will not be upstaged by anything from a white Burgundy to a To Kalon cabernet. read more

We walked into an old dining scene listening to muzak so despite good word of mouth reviews we were skeptical. But Cafe Loren exceeded our expectations. From the friendly and attentive staff to creative and large menu of what turned out to be excellent food (some of the best scallops I've ever had) plus it being byo makes it a great Avalon option worth the money. read more

I'm stingy with 5-star reviews. Most places that I find pretty good get a 4, reserving a 5 for places that make my tongue slap my face happy. This is one of them. My husband and I tend not to eat out as often as we used to, mainly because I love to cook and often make dinners healthier (and sometimes better tasting) than most typical restaurants. Why pay for a plain steak with a baked potato when I can make a strip steak with tomato basil quinoa and grilled corn and avocado salad for cheaper? However, on vacation in Stone Harbor, our family goes out more nights than not. Our night at Cafe Loren fell on my birthday, and I was glad it did. As a fan of fall flavors, we were lucky enough to eat there just after they changed to the fall menu. I had the scallops which were on top of Israeli couscous with a pumpkin flavored sauce. Sadly, I can't remember the exact description of the meal to tell you what other seasonings were in the couscous, but I assure you it was devine. I also had a bowl of the coconut curry carrot soup. Also delicious! It's hard for me to describe it any other way. I just enjoy going to restaurants that not only change the menu seasonally, but that also use more unique flavors in their meals. Our server also brought me out a blueberry cobbler (with a birthday candle) for dessert. More blueberry than cobbler, it was fabulous. My husband had the most tender roasted rack of lamb with tomato basil orzo. The rest of our group also enjoyed their meals. The portions were perfectly sized, and I left feeling sufficiently full (but not stuffed), still craving the flavors of the food I just ate. It was byfar the best meal of the trip (and all were good to begin with). Prices are a little higher, but it was worth it. Also note that this is a BYOB. read more

After more than 30 years of coming to Avalon, we finally went to dinner at Cafe Loren. It was a great experience. The waiter was knowledgeable and attentive, offering a great description of the menu and suggestions on pairings between courses. We ordered between the regular menu and the daily specials. Both my wife and found all of our courses to be delicious. In particular, her scallops and my short rib special were outstanding. We will certainly be going back soon. read more

After spending one weekend a year for the last three years in Avalon, I was still struggling to find good food. I tried Café Loren on the recommendation of a coworker and was so very glad I did. The food was VERY good, service was friendly, and the décor was comfortable. Not surprisingly, given its location, the menu is seafood focused. Each dish we ordered was well executed - we had the lobster tail appetizer with a decadent risotto, the scallops which were perfectly prepared (possibly the best I've had), and the crab cakes which were the only item we ordered that did not particularly impress (they were fine, perfectly serviceable, but not quite up to the same standard as our other dishes). I would highly recommend Café Lauren if you're looking for a very satisfying slightly higher end meal in Stone Harbor or Avalon. read more

When you go to a fine dining restaurant, expectations should be set high. Service should be exceptional. Food should be exceptional. The ambience and the temperature should be exceptional. The entire restaurant and the employees and the aisles should be exceptionally clean. Service should be polite and humble. The menu should be short and well-practiced. Find dining was created so that high class individuals could enjoy luxurious dining experiences. Yesterday I was looking for a pleasant experience with a well practiced menu. Yelp's 49 reviews indicated a 4.5 rating and Open Table reviews indicated a 4.9 rating based off of almost 600 reviews. Of course I'm going to go to this restaurant. I don't care if the check is $150 for two people. I am paying for the experience advertised. Maybe my expectations are set too high. Now, before I get into the nitty-gritty, I want to comment that the service was awesome. I forget our server's name. I can only remember that she was blonde and very well-dressed with a kind, polite attitude. She was very descriptive with all the menu items, and could answer any questions I had about anything including the newly obtained specials of the night. She was not my problem. That is why this is not a one star review. I will first address the items that I had ordered: -First Course: Steamed Clams -Second Course: Char Grilled Octopus -Special: Foie Gras -Third Course: Lamp Chop Loin & Belly My intention is not to insult the restaurant. My intention is to provide a review that will guide paying patrons looking for a restaurant that provides a clear and consistent image of Quality Ambience, Food, and Service. YOU cannot trust the palate of ordinary "high-class" Americans. But the chef and the staff are expected to provide service that the reviews support, otherwise, I apologize, but please get off the internet. There were about 10 clams in the bowl. This was the only item that was hot in temperature, everything else was room-temperature at best. Along with peeled, sliced onions, slivers of bell pepper, a white wine sauce, and charred ciabatta-like bread. The sauce was plain, tasted kind of like onions, and at least 2 of the clams were closed. The bread was over-charred, but the inside of the bread had the quality desired. The clams were bland and I was hungry so I wrenched open the final 2 clams and ate them anyway. They provided a small clam fork and a "soup spoon" that was the size of a coffee stirrer. I am not 300 pounds. It was that small. Sorry for the slurping, Christie. The octopus was okay. But barely any octopus. The flesh was delicate and properly cooked, but insipid. Not even a lime was included to accentuate flavor. Although we all know that arugula is peppery and should not be over-dressed, the arugula salad was simply bland and under-dressed, as if the chef transferred a small handful of arugula out of his shopping bag onto the plate with a flick of lemon-water. The Foie Gras was centered on the plate next to a small 1" cube of over-buttered pastry-like bread. Garnished with bland, halved cherries, a water-diluted peach marmalade sauce. There may have been a thickening agent like cornstarch added. 'Welcome to America". The liver was too small and raw inside. By "raw", I mean bloody and gooey. I was excited for "nothing", which pertains to size, as well as quality. Raw Liver? C'mon. All was room-temperature with a slightly cold internal temperature. The lamb. I ordered mine rare and my colleague ordered his medium-rare. Both were charred to high heaven and over-cooked. The couscous were cooked perfectly with a delicious pesto that carries rank. These were room-temperature as well. Lastly, our glasses and silverware had so many fingerprints and smudges, a forensic officer would have taken our place with rolled out police tape. The service was excellent. Polite, humble, and generous but seriously could have taken the liver off of our bill. I am happy I didn't finish the dish but I'm pretty sure that's why I feel like I have the flu. I haven't been sick since last summer. The only item I really liked was the couscous, but sadly that will not suffice for a return visit. read more

Disappointing. Very pretentious prices. I ordered the scallops and I swear they were Mako shark. Service was inattentive at best.

One of the best restaurants at the south jersey shore! The service was 5 stars, the restaurant was beautiful, "shore elegant", and fresh. The lobster toast is a must try . We had the "fresh jersey tomato" special appetizer which was also wonderful. For entrees, we had the halibut and also the scallops which were both cooked to perfection. Excellent and would recommend to friends. read more

Went here during restaurant week, and everything was amazing. The food was delicious and the portions were extremely generous. My scallops were perfect. It's also a BYOB, which is awesome, and I appreciated the ice bucket provided for our wine. Will definitely go here again. read more

A must when in Avalon, the Cafe Loren is simply the Best in town

Ate here with a party of seven on a Sunday night in August. The restaurant has a nice atmosphere and a simple menu. I ordered a special which was lamb chops with summer vegetables. My meal was good but not great. Everyone in my party was pleased with their meal but No one thought that their meal was amazing. It is a nice place to go for a special occasion but at 30$+ per entre cafe Loren will not be a staple. read more

I am happy to say that my family has been loyal customers to Cafe Loren for over 30+ years since their opening. While they are only open seasonally, and therefore a BYOB the staff is extremely friendly, and Patty (owner) is always accommodating. Even as a little girl I always felt welcome and enjoyed my experience when dining with them. To this day I still love their blueberry and peach cobbler dessert - however my favorite part is that you can also get Avalon Freeze (right next door), as both have the same owners! read more

Your food is wonderful, but it's time to upgrade. I'm tired of eating the same since 1999.

Halibut searing is best ever. Don't know how he does it. Seafood bisque was intensely flavorful and rich. The atmosphere was a little too cottagy and dated, but pleasant. read more

Awesome coconut curry and carrot soup. Amazing scallop appetizer. For dinner we had the Veal Loren and Penne Bolognese which was very tasty and well prepared. The women who greeted us when we got there seemed to be the owner and was very nice. Our waitress was extremely friendly and gave us a great recommendation for dessert. We went with a chocolate banana mousse cake. I would definitely recommend this place and would go back again. read more

Perfect experience with delicious amazing meals served with timeliness and attention to detail. The Haibut was great with creative accents that blended well. The Tuna special was unique and also accented perfectly. The mussels!!! read more

My Fav special occasion place in Avalon! Everything was delicious for my party of four here tonight .....from the Scallop appetizer, to the Beet & Goat cheese salad to the Ahi Tuna, Halibut & Veal Loren! Everyone's dinner was perfectly prepared!! read more

Excellent. This is a special place for a peaceful meal and good company. The place is top notch. Just make a reservation or you might not get in. read more

This was the best meal we've had in quite some time. Everything was beautifully presented and perfectly prepared. Staff was inviting and friendly, and service was spot on... Perfectly paced, not rushed. The seafood bisque was rich and tasty, and the perfect temperature. The poached lobster appetizer was outstanding. Rack of lamb, filet mignon, duck breast, all perfectly prepared and seasoned. Will definitely return each season. Perfect special occasion venue. Don't miss this one. read more

Hands down, the best dining experience in South Jersey! The lobster appetizer, halibut entrée, and blueberry cobbler are my personal favorites, but you really can't go wrong at Cafe Loren... The hostess and owner, Patty Rutledge, is eager to make the ambiance relaxing for her guests; our server, Sally, was friendly and knowledgeable on all the dishes, and she delivered our food with perfect timing. What a fantastic staff and a great night out in Avalon! read more

We have eaten here every time we've vacationed in Stone Harbor next door. The food is exquisite, and could best be described as "Expensive, Yes; Extravagant,, No." This is a classic case of you get what you pay for. The regular menu is excellent, and the chef's specials just keep us coming back. The waitstaff just couldn't be better, and they make you feel at home. They also serve Barramundi, which is such a great fish dish, sustainable and beautifully prepared. We are from Maryland and know something about seafood! They are the best on Seven Mile Island, and the most consistent in quality. read more

Save your money. While the food is good, the staff is rude and unpleasant. There are plenty of other quality restaurants in Avalon and Stone Harbor that appreciate your business. read more

All I can say is WOW! Outstanding food and service in a very comfortable setting. First time here since the remodel after Sandy. Beautifully redone in quiet elegance. Had the Seafood bisque for starters - wonderful! Then a NY Strip cooked to perfection with diced potatoes, pork roll and onions. Delicious. My wife had Scallops with sweet potatoes and candies bacon. She loved it. We both tried each others' dishes with delight. Knowledgeable, friendly and efficient serving staff made for a most enjoyable meal. Greetings at the door by the owner was another nice touch. Well worth the cost. Go there soon. read more

Unbelievable food. Had the shrimp & grits and the swordfish. So delicious and great for a special occasion.

We gave this restaurant a very scant three stars and upon reflection, it probably deserved only two. While the atmosphere is inviting and the servers quite pleasant, the foot was most disappointing. Caesar salad was half a huge head of romaine with globs of a thick, bland mayonnaise-y dressing. The beet and goat cheese salad was the best part of the meal. Entrees at almost $40 were most disappointing. The Veal Loren was prepared with fresh ingredients but had a very bland thick cream sauce. Veal medallions were supposedly "pan seared" but were unevely cooked and some had a thick hard fried crust. Potato slices were over-cooked. Glad we tried it, but won't go back. read more

Beautiful atmosphere and beautiful food. Care Loren is a gem in the lovely, seaside town of Avalon. The food is creative, fresh and seasonal with a focus on local ingredients. Complex, yet subtle and unassuming, this restaurant and its delicious fare are a must for tourists and locals alike. There is surely a reason why everyone walking through the door is greeted by name. read more

Ate here last night. Not our first time, always a mainstay when we are in Avalon. Food was amazing and the service was spot on. Sean was our waiter and he was great. The filet was perfect and the halibut was also incredible. If you are heading to this incredible beach destination, definitely don't miss Cafe Loren. FYI. We are from NYC so we kinda know good food and service. Not to be missed. read more

Went here on a recommendation, I was a bit surprised when we pulled up as the entrance is non-descript. I understand the decor was just done due to Hurricane Sandy and it was very pleasant. Our waiter immediately put our wine in a bucket and explained the specials. My wife and I both had the sweet potato and corn soup, which was outstanding. I had the scallops that several people wrote about in earlier reviews and they along with the cous cous that was underneath were very, very good. My wife had the short ribs which she said were also very good. Will definitely go back the next time we are down the shore. We both highly recommend this restaurant read more

We have been coming to Avalon for 20 years and have never missed an opportunity to go to Café Loren at least twice a week while visiting. Food is of high quality and prepared with innovation. Costs are comparable to most better restaurants in the area. The service is superb and it is bring your own booze. A wine shop with above average selection is nearby. Parking is easy. Ice cream next door is an advantage for the older children. Desserts at the Cafe are above average. Reservations are prime and need to make them in advance. read more

I highly recommend Cafe Loren for anyone staying in Stone Harbor or Avalon. It is convenient and the food and service were outstanding. Its been about 20 years since I have been to this area so I was not familiar with the restaurants in the area and the rating for this place on Yelp were near perfect so I chose it for an anniversary dinner for my wife and I. They definitely lived up to my expectations. They do not take advantage of their customers since they are not making money on alcohol so prices are fair and the BYOB is actually quite nice. Have the duck, its amazing! read more

Had a wonderful time. Service was, as usual fantastic, and the food was terrific. Would dine here again

Was very disappointed. Ordered the short ribs. Sent it back due to excessive fat. Second arrived with the same problem. By that time my husband was through with his dinner. Ordered two desserts and coffee. You would have thought that they could have given us at least a complimentary coffee for the inconvenience. Have frequented Cafe Loren for twenty years. Looks like they have become "greedy" and not caring about their customers. read more

One of my favorite places in Avalon. The dishes are amazing and very unique. Great ambience and the staff is fantastic. 5 stars!

One word. SCALLOPS. I love seafood, and i have had scallops many different ways, prepared by a variety of Chefs. I now refuse to eat any scallop unless I order it at Cafe Loren. The Entree I ordered came with 5 (count 'em, 5!) very large scallops, I was Amazed. Most places give you 4, average sized scallops, but these were beautiful. I almost couldn't finish them. They were SO GOOD! Like nuggets of love freshly prepared just for me. They sear that the Chef put on these scallops, WOW is all I can say. They were golden brown on the top and bottom which gave a very satisfying crispiness to the dish which is not usually found with scallops. The middle and inside were nice, white, and delicious! I will definitely be back to Cafe Loren as soon as i can! read more

If you want a consistently great meal in Avalon, then this is your place. Don't expect a fun and loud atmosphere but the food is great. The scallop appetizer is awesome and so are the clams. I am not a huge fan of the calamari but most people really like it. For entrees, would definitely recommend the scallops or halibut. Service is always great. Carol really made it a great night for us. Probably not the best place for kids and it is pricey. read more

Cafe Loren is by far the best and most consistent restaurant my family and I have ever enjoyed. Our party of seven is still raving about the wonderful meal and the renovations. Two people in our party ordered the scallops for both an appetizer and entree. They couldn't get enough. The shrimp and mango salsa special was delicious. Service was outstanding, as always. Kudos to the chef and staff. read more