The Original. Since 1981.
In the 1970s, Bob spent his days clamming the bountiful waters of Barnegat Bay, harvesting the freshest clams Long Beach Island had to offer. It was on these shores that he met Ginna, whose father was a commercial fisherman working out of Viking Village in Barnegat Light.
Their shared love of the sea and fresh seafood sparked a dream. In 1981, they opened Ship Bottom Shellfish Kitchen & Market—a small seafood market and restaurant where locals and visitors alike could enjoy the freshest catch straight from the bay.
Local to the Core
From day one, we've been committed to sourcing our seafood locally. Our clams come from the Shoemaker and Parsons families who work the waters of Great Bay, carrying on a tradition that's been passed down through generations.
When you order our steamed little necks or clams casino, you're tasting clams that were pulled from the bay that very morning. That's the Ship Bottom Shellfish difference—freshness you simply can't find anywhere else.
A Family Tradition
Over four decades later, we're honored to serve multigenerational customers who have made Ship Bottom Shellfish a part of their family traditions. Grandparents who came here as newlyweds now bring their grandchildren to experience the same incredible seafood.
That legacy of quality, community, and fresh-from-the-bay seafood is what drives us every single day. We're not just a restaurant—we're a part of Long Beach Island's story.
Part of the Tide Table Group
Ship Bottom Shellfish is proud to be part of the Tide Table Group—five restaurants, one island, one family. Each restaurant brings its own unique character while sharing our commitment to quality and community.