Nestled in the heart of Ocean View, NJ, the Clermont neighborhood might look unassuming at first glance—but locals know it’s a haven for food lovers. From roadside family eateries to tucked-away bakeries, Clermont offers a memorable mix of classic Jersey comfort, flavorful surprises, and neighborly hospitality. Whether you’re plotting a food crawl along Route 9 or seeking a sweet treat by the shore, these are the must-visit spots defining the Clermont food scene.
Clermont’s Quintessential Eats on Route 9
Clermont’s culinary heart pulses along Route 9, where landmark staples draw generations of locals and in-the-know visitors. This bustling strip is where you’ll find breakfast classics, legendary Italian dinners, and inventive bites—often all within a few blocks’ stroll.
- Clermont Country Deli & Grill (1446 NJ-83 & Route 9)
- *Cuisine:* American, Diner-Style
- *Price Range:* $
- A true neighborhood institution, this family-owned deli is beloved for its hearty breakfast sandwiches, generous subs, and unbeatable coffee. If you roll in before noon, insiders recommend the pork roll, egg, and cheese on a Kaiser. The laid-back vibe welcomes all, from early-morning workers to beach-bound travelers.
- Don’t Miss: The fresh, hand-carved turkey club and homemade chicken salad.
- Ristorante Luigi’s (1262 Route 9 South)
- *Cuisine:* Italian
- *Price Range:* $$-$$$
- Ask anyone in Clermont about family dinners, and they’ll likely point you to Luigi’s—a warm, inviting Italian kitchen known for its brick-oven pizza and classic baked pasta. The garlic knots are legendary, and the house-made lasagna tastes like a secret passed down for generations.
- Don’t Miss: The Nonna’s Sunday Gravy special (if you spot it on the menu).
Bakeries and Sweet Spots Worth the Detour
Cravings for fresh-baked breads and classic Jersey sweets are easily satisfied here. Clermont’s talented bakers keep age-old traditions alive, making the neighborhood a go-to for everything from crusty loaves to decadent crumb cake.
- Clermont Bakery (1406 Route 9)
- *Cuisine:* Bakery, Pastries
- *Price Range:* $
- Pull open the door to Clermont Bakery, and you’re greeted by the aroma of buttery croissants and rich cinnamon buns. Every local grows up with memories of their fresh-baked rye bread and sticky, pecan-laced buns. Special occasion cakes are an art form here—just ask about the cannoli cake!
- Hidden Gem Alert: Try the seasonal fruit pies or the irresistible apple fritters just out of the fryer.
- Main Street Donuts Food Truck (Route 9 & NJ-83 Intersection, rotates)
- *Cuisine:* Sweet Food Truck
- *Price Range:* $
- For a grab-and-go treat, locals watch for the cheerful Main Street Donuts truck. Their made-to-order mini donuts—dusted with powdered sugar or warm cinnamon—are the ultimate post-beach bite. Check their social media for locations, but Route 9 is their favorite morning haunt.
Top-Rated Local Favorites
Clermont has its share of cozy, independently run gems. Each one brings its own flavor, from creative comfort food to seafood classics.
- The Deauville Inn’s Clermont Tavern (Route 9 near Woodbine Ave)
- *Cuisine:* Pub, Seafood, American
- *Price Range:* $$-$$$
- Not to be confused with its waterfront cousin, this Clermont Tavern blends casual tavern classics with the freshest local seafood. Fans rave about the juicy burgers and massive baskets of fried clams. The crab cake sandwich—made daily from local catch—is a summer tradition for many.
- Don’t Miss: Friday night seafood specials and the surprisingly good cheesesteak eggrolls.
- Osteria Dijon’s Café (Route 9 near Wiltsey’s Mill Road)
- *Cuisine:* Contemporary American, Café
- *Price Range:* $$
- This café punches above its weight with scratch-made quiches and artfully plated brunches. The coffee is direct-sourced and their signature lemon ricotta pancakes are weekend favorites. The sun-filled patio is perfect for relaxing with friends.
- Hidden Gem: The rotating pastry menu—don’t shy away from the unusual (like lavender scones).
Clermont’s Food Traditions and Local Flavor
Part of Clermont’s charm is its blend of old meeting new. Here, food isn’t just what’s served—you feel the local pride in each recipe. Generations of families host backyard BBQs serving “Jersey tomatoes,” juicy sweet corn from nearby farms, and clam bakes featuring local shellfish. In late August, watch for “Peach Week,” when bakeries and even diners whip up everything from peach cobbler to shortcakes.
- *Note on Price Ranges:* Most Clermont spots are casual and wallet-friendly, with a welcome-you-in spirit, though Italian dinners and seafood taverns trend a few dollars higher for quality ingredients.
The Clermont Food Experience: A Few Tips
- *Plan for breakfast:* Many of Clermont’s best bakeries and delis open early, and popular items can sell out by noon.
- *Bring cash:* While most eateries accept cards, some beloved old-timers still prefer cash—especially food trucks or pop-up farm stands.
- *Explore off-peak:* Weekends bring crowds, so try a weekday lunch for quick service and the chance to chat with proud owners who’ll happily share stories behind their food.
Hidden Gems Locals Whisper About
- Mama Dee’s Roadside Grill (seasonal, Route 9 northbound pull-off)
- *Cuisine:* Grilled Fare
- *Price Range:* $
- Only open in the sunny months, “Mama Dee” serves up the juiciest barbecue chicken and buttered corn on the cob. Their grilled peach salad—dressed in local honey—is pure summer on a plate.
- Old School Soft Serve Stand (behind Clermont Mini-Mart, Route 9 & Railroad Ave)
- *Cuisine:* Ice Cream
- *Price Range:* $
- Nothing says childhood in Clermont like a swirl of vanilla-chocolate soft serve, dipped in rainbow sprinkles. It’s the ultimate nostalgic treat.
Dining in Clermont: More than Just a Meal
What makes the Clermont dining scene unique isn’t only the quality—though that shines. It’s the feel of old Jersey hospitality, recipes handed across generations, and the sense every meal brings friends and families together. Next time you’re in Ocean View, carve out time for breakfast, lunch, and dessert in Clermont—you just might find your new food tradition.