Our History

The Story of Mike's Seafood started in 1889 when his grandparents (Rose and LoDovico Monichetti) came from a little island town off the coast of Naples called Ischia. With not a lot of money in their pockets they set off for the train station and went as far as the train clerk would let them go! Sea Isle City was the place chosen by the clerk and when they got there they lived a life of work and perseverance. This was the reason why Europeans came to America to live the life of freedom and to start fresh!

Dewey Monichetti would fish and then sell his catch in a little shack which still stands today across the street from the current market! The only reason why it has not been demolished yet is because "That would be knocking down my roots. That would be taking away my history" said Mike Jr. The market stayed at the ocean side of the street for about 45 years when it moved to the bay side of the street and was run by Dewey's Son, Micheal Dewey Monichetti Sr. til 1989 when he passed away. The current owner is Micheal Dewey Monichetti Jr. and runs it the way he was taught by his father!

His family is a great support for him and keeps him in line from time to time. His wife Jeannie Monichetti and his mother Mary Monichetti run the books and helps with the business. Mike Jr. has a great staff of experienced and courteous employees which he instructs much the way his dad instructed him. The Family boat which is undoubtidly called the "Dewey" is still used to this day down in Wildwood by Mike's friends down at Dock St. Seafood. Mike chooses nothing but the freshest and best seafood around. Since the Family has been around for so long they have many fishing buddies and knows when, where, what and how much they are catching.

The Dock where the Dewey brought all the fresh fish into the market is actually still in use today. It sits at the Head of the Harbour. Also the original cooler, is now turned into the kitchen which is used to cook for all 41 tables. Which looks over the canal that once brought the Dewey back home! This relaxed atmospheric restaurant is a first come first serve BYOB establishment. It is a great place to come and bring your family to sit and enjoy the scenery and locally caught fresh fish!!!

The dock is run by as long time family friend and worker Anthony Edwardi which started when he was 9 and has been there for about 21 years now. There is also Joe Larosa which started the dock kitchen with all the food and teaches the cooks there consistency and the flavor of ages. Then there is the sweet and adorable little old lady Nancy Conte which started at the famous Mama Leone's in New York City making her Famous Marinara. She has made that sauce since the start of the restaurant and still has people time and time again come to her prep kitchen to ask for the sauce. Everyone who comes in the summer and passes by always stops and says hello and smells the delicious aroma of her sauce. Other long time crew members at Mike's include, Brian Emery, Michael Scanlan, Jason Steelman, Josh Vreeland, Christian Maher, Bobby Forte and many more, are the backbone of the operation and support the Monichetti family. If you ask Mike Jr., "What do you think about the staff you have?" he will say most of his guys are like family to him! So when you are around and want to take a break from current day hassles or just want great food, just stop by the time honored tradition which is Mike's Seafood and Dock Raw Bar!