The Gables Historic Inn & Restaurant — Restaurant in Beach Haven

As always, the best restaurant on LBI.

So many of these negative reviews just crack me up. “Someone had to move so I can go to the bathroom” God forbid you had to say “excuse me” to someone. “Small portions” Come on, I need a damn diet and we still had leftovers for 3 plates of lunch the next day. “It’s hit or miss” Well, we’ve hit it about 30 times since 2010, and we’ve never once been disappointed or hungry. So incredibly good, we had to get married there! Get over yourselves. Please.

On to the food. Yes, it’s prix fixe. Yes, it’s expensive. As a civil servant, I can’t afford to go there twice a week. That’s why it’s a special occasion. Start of summer, end of summer, and our anniversary dinner. Maybe an Easter or Valentine’s Day thrown into the mix. It’s a spectacular restaurant, with amazing food made by the best chef and the best ambiance of any place, possibly in NJ.

We started out with a perfect bottle of Bellview Traminette, the most perfect summer wine.

First course: The ricotta gnocchi and the lobster Caesar salad. The gnocchi is in some sort of biblical lamb bolognese with some eggplant and something that gave it just the slightest crunch. The best gnocchi I’ve ever tasted, and it’s not even an Italian restaurant. The Caesar was good. Plentiful lobster, perfectly cooked and chilled, only observation would maybe be that the dressing be a little more “Caesary,” if that makes any sense. Still delicious. Accompanied by fresh, out of the oven (super hot) bread that was perfectly soft and crunchy at the same time.

Main course: we had the halibut and the pork chops. Everything was perfectly cooked and delicious, but after eating every last morsel of the first course, we were getting full. Both the fish and pork chop reheated perfectly for an amazing lunch the next day.

Desserts: we had the coffee crème brûlée at the table, it was the most amazing I’ve ever had. Should’ve ordered two. The cheesecake we took to go. Also delicious.

Save up for the special occasion. Whatever you do, don’t pass up this gem. Wonderful owners, chef, staff, hostess…...

I have always wanted to come here based reviews and walking past its inviting, charming exterior. We made a reservation for our first wedding anniversary ( we got married in LBi) so thought this appropriate.

THe good: as mentioned the place is adorable. Ambience is good and not too loud, dimly lit. It turns out it is BYOB ( wish i had known!) and they also partner with a winery so they have well priced good of wines. The could be better: The hostess greeted us curtly and hesitated quite a bit as if it was a large request when we requested a seat on the patio. We were there mid september; it was NOT busy. we were seated at an awkward table that sits by a window to the house and is a thoroughfare for guests and staff. There were 2 tables on the perimeter, closer to the flowers, for 2 that lay unoccupied during our visit.

The food: i had the duck pate and before i ordered i asked about the strength of the liver aftertaste. i was told it was very mild. I am a lover of pates, terrines, and fois gras....i could not eat it; texture was gritty not smooth and the liver taste was overwhelming. My polish husband who grew up on pates even commented at how strong the liver taste was.

I ordered the duck breast- the endives were delicious and the root vegetable were delicious. THe duck came out cold and with soggy, un- seared skin.

For dessert I had the creme brulee and my husband wanted ice cream- plain vanilla ( not on the menu). We were charged $13 for his 2 small scoops of icecream!!!!!! the same as my cremebrulee.

Last, i wonder why an establishment such as this would ask what occasion it was if they weren't going to comment or ask about it.

For a $200 meal, i believe that the warmth in service was lacking; the waitress did not care to ask how the pate was despite it sitting untouched, the icecream incident is laughable, and my duck was disappointing.

I would not recommend this...

Nestled within the picturesque environs of Long Beach Island, NJ, one discovers an establishment that is the very epitome of culinary artistry. From the moment one is greeted with a bag of impeccably baked bread and the creamiest of butters, it's evident that a transcendent dining experience awaits. The curated selection of olives and Nana's White Sangria sets a mood reminiscent of a balmy Mediterranean soirée.

The appetizer, however, was where the evening took flight. The Jumbo Lump Crab Cake was a celestial dance of flavors, made ethereal with the Fresh Mango Puree and Avocado Mousse. But, dare I say, it was the Spicy Baby Heirloom Carrots that stole the scene, with their delicate kick, hinting at adventures yet to come.

The pièce de résistance was The Gables Signature Sixteen Ounce Bone-In Filet Mignon. Cooked to unparalleled perfection, its tender succulence was further elevated by the Truffled Mashed Potatoes and the Grilled Jumbo Asparagus. The Hotel de Paris Butter? A silken whisper of indulgence that made the dish transcend earthly confines.

Yet, the evening's curtain call was the Tropical Coconut Custard Panna Cotta. The Passion Fruit Sorbet was like a sonnet, and the mélange of Fresh Kiwi, Mango, and Lychee Pineapple sang in harmonious unity.

But what truly amplified the whole experience was the ambiance. As classical piano notes danced in the air, the glow from chandeliers and candlelight cast a gentle luminescence. The generous foliage and vibrant flowers, coupled with the open windows, made one feel they were dining in an opulent greenhouse, where nature and luxury coexisted.

In sum, if epicurean nirvana had an address, it would undeniably be this exquisite establishment on Long...