Klein’s Fish Market has been a shore staple since 1929, and they are still cutting fish on the same slab of concrete and stone that they used from the beginning. The fish market eventually added the adjoining restaurant in the Spring of 1990. Ollie Klein Sr. started this gem and his third generation and namesake, Ollie Klein lll, runs it today.
First off, give me a sparkling rosé on any drink menu and you’ve got me hooked as far as the drinks are concerned. Their sparkling rosé was absolutely delicious and a perfect accompaniment to their super fresh, amazing sushi.
The soaring scallop sushi appetizer was one of the best rolls I’ve had in years. Made with seared fresh scallops and wrapped in fresh yellowtail and filled with spicy crab with a dollop of cilantro sauce, it was incredibly tasty. Now the waitress told me it was real crab, but I found out later It was imitation crab, but that doesn’t change my opinion oddly, because normally it would, but this roll was absolutely delicious. I want one right now writing this!
We tried a variety of sushi rolls and they were all fresh and tasty. I love sushi chef rolls that pack big flavors and these did not disappoint! The shrimp tempura was light and crispy, the tuna was flavorful, and the spicy tuna was a perfect mixture of spicy sauce and fresh tuna.
We ordered the Crazy Tuna roll, Seven roll, Belmar Beach roll and Sweetheart roll. I would absolutely 100% recommend Klein’s for its sushi and ice-cold drinks. It also has a nice view and vibe, the perfect lunch or dinner spot, and during local summer September weather, it was divine.
Klein’s is open all year round, in the winter they close on Mondays and Tuesdays. Check out their happy hour, M-F 3-6 pm,  offered all year long with variations in their menu offerings. The happy hour deals are incredible and you get to try some of their delicious sushi at great prices.
I will have to give this long-running restaurant a 4.5 for its sushi. Clearly, they have stood the test of time for a reason. Next time I’m going to have to try the regular menu, but there’s no doubt I’ll be adding that scallop roll again regardless!
Maria O’Donnell is a food and wine writer at the Jersey Shore and you can follow her @foodwritergirl on Instagram and @CookingwithMaria on Facebook
