Plantation Restaurant Review

This is for a series of posts including Tucker's Tavern, Daddy O Rooftop Bar, and
Plantation Restaurant.

For our final night in LBI, we stopped by Plantation Restaurant in the borough of Harvey Cedars. Spacious, elegant, and of course, with a classic centerpiece bar, it was clearly the spot to be on a Saturday night on the Island. All the tables were packed with plenty of folks enjoying the live music by the bar. 

Chef Jeff Alberti executes a New American menu, with the flavors of the Island clearly shining through. There really is something for everyone, but with the polish and finesse you'd expect from a larger city. 

Goombay Smash [$13]
Pyrat XO Rum, Amaretto, Cruzan Coconut Rum, Island juice

When in Rome ... so I started off with the Goombay Smash. Easy drink with the smoothness of the Pyrat and the caramel flavors from the amaretto marrying well with the coconut rum and citrus. 

Tikitini [$10]
Cruzan Coconut & Pineapple Rums, pineapple juice, toasted coconut rim

The GF's cocktail was a lot of fun, with a toasted coconut rim and the tikitini itself being served tableside. This will also go down incredibly easy, with the undertone of the coconut providing a nice base for the sweet rum and citrus from the pineapple. 

Bread Service

Your meal with start off with warm, house-baked rolls, served with pats of butter. 

Spicy Tuna Nachos [$13]
Taro chips, avocado, sweet soy

Spicy tuna nachos were really nice. I appreciated that the fresh tuna wasn't too finely diced, allowing for plenty of texture. Well-seasoned with the sweet soy reduction and some citrus, these came atop taro chips which imparted a subtle sweetness I enjoyed.

Viking Village Scallops & Bacon [$14]
Horseradish crema, pepper jam

Sweet, tender Viking Village scallops were wrapped with crisp, salty bacon. There was a subtle kick from the horseradish crema and the sweet pepper jam for some balance. 

Lump Crabcakes [$33]
Local spinach-cherry tomato salad, NJ corn, dill aioli, matchstick potatoes

The GF's main featured three (count it, three!) crabcakes. The jumbo lump crab was clearly discernible, with its sweet salinity coming through. There was nice texture from the matchstick potatoes, with the dill aioli providing a nice creamy herbaceousness. The Plantation is not letting you go home hungry - this dish was easily enjoyed by two! 

Faroe Islands Salmon [$29]
Tarragon ravioli, tomatoes, wild arugula-basil insalata

You're on the Island so you know the seafood game is going to be on point. The salmon was perfectly cooked with nice texture on the exterior and perfectly tender and flaky within. I enjoyed the peppery arugula-basil salad, with a sweet acidity from the fresh Jersey tomatoes. But the tarragon ravioli? Unreal! It was slightly bittersweet, with a nice anise flavor that complemented the heft of the fish. Highly recommend this dish!  

Bacon Sweet Pea Risotto [$7]

As a side, we had to try the bacon sweet pea risotto. Creamy and sweet, with nice texture from the rice and the crisp bacon, this ate like a main in itself. 

Key Lime Pie [$8]
Whipped cream, raspberry sauce

I'm a sucker for key lime pie and the Plantation Restaurant's iteration was top notch. The buttery crust encased the light and subtly tart custard. Definitely the perfect palate cleanser to end our meal.

So if you're on LBI and looking to enjoy a proper dinner out, head north to Plantation Restaurant. And if you're simply looking for a proper drink in a sleek, yet warm atmosphere with relaxed Island vibes, they've got you covered as well!  

FTC Disclaimer: Thanks to the Fearless Restaurants team and Plantation for hosting us. Regardless, my opinions are mine alone and, therefore, unbiased.