If you go

BLACKFISH AVALON

2109 Dune Dr., Avalon, 609-967-9100; www.blackfishrestaurant.com. Oysters topped with carbonated Meyer lemon foam and zaatar- dusted swordfish steaks over spicy merguez sausage are just two of the highlights at the new Avalon branch of the popular Conshohocken BYOB. It's already one of the Shore's finest kitchens.

Dinner every day, 5:30 to 10:30 p.m.

Entrees $28 to $39.

BYOB.

GERTRUDE'S

7309 Ventnor Ave., Ventnor, 609-823-3003; www.gertrudesventnor.com. For his third restaurant, local veteran Neil Elsohn has downsized into an intimate 24-seat BYO, where eclectic hits from his Cape May glory days - blackened scallops with ginger glaze, cashew-crusted grouper, crab-strewn gazpacho - still satisfy.

Dinner every day, 5 to 10 p.m.

Cash only.

Entrees $22-$38.

BYOB.

JAY'S

ON THIRD

9836 Third Ave., Stone Harbor, 609-368-1000; www.jaysonthird.com. This promising new fine-dining spot has an Asian-fusion edge from a former cook at Morimoto and Atlantic City's Buddakan, but it could use more consistency in the food and service.

Dinner every day, 5 to 10 p.m.

Entrees $19 to $32.

BYOB.

QUAHOG'S SEAFOOD SHACK

206 97th St., Stone Harbor, 609-368-6300; www.quahogsshack.com. The New England seafood shack gets a welcome update with organic local ingredients, serious cooking, and a covered back patio that has the perfect casual Shore vibe to indulge in perfect fish and chips, deluxe lobster rolls, and chimichurri-rubbed fish.

Dinner every day, 5 to 10 p.m. Take-out daily, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Entrees $19 to $45.

BYOB.

WHO'S ON 1ST

100 Asbury Ave., Ocean City, 609-399-0764. A quiet new location for the old 4th Street Cafe crew is a laid-back corner spot, where the funky butterscotch-scone-and-coffee scene makes way for ambitious New American meals in the evening. It features organic local ingredients and homespun desserts.

Open every day from 6 a.m.; dinner served 5 to 9 p.m.

Cash only.

Entrees, $18 to $27.

No alcohol allowed in Ocean City.