The Gazebo at Schooner's Wharf in Beach Haven is the definition of a family business. Just check out the large, wooden family tree that hangs above the order window behind the counter and you'll see three generations of the D'Eletto family that have worked there in the past as well as the present.

Walk in to The Gazebo and you'll find owner Emil D'Eletto working in the kitchen, his wife Jackie managing the staff, their 14-year-old son Emil Christian taking orders and their 12-year-old daughter Karina helping where she can.

But whether it's the current generation of the D'Elettos running The Gazebo or retired patriarch Jack D'Eletto, one thing is always consistent: great seafood with a breathtaking bay view.

The casual restaurant is an institution on Long Beach Island, known as much for its huge menu that includes breakfast, lunch and dinner as for its unobstructed view of the bay from its covered outdoor deck.

Emil D'Eletto's menu is all about simplicity at the shore, offering fresh seafood, some of which is caught locally. Popular dishes include: seafood scampi ($18.95); blackened salmon ($17.95); coconut shrimp ($15.95); surf and turf ($21.95); pulled pork sandwiches ($10.95) served with sweet potato fries when offered on the specials menu; and grilled reuben ($8.95).

"I grew up on bologna and cheese," says D'Eletto, referring to his son's love seafood.

"And he grew up on blackened salmon and coconut shrimp. I still eat bologna and cheese."

The Gazebo also offers vegetarian options that include garden burgers, grilled or cold vegetarian wraps, portobello focaccia and a vegetarian pasta dinner.

When the D'Eletto family opened The Gazebo in 1987, they chose the location largely because one of the D'Eletto girls was dating the manager of Schooner's Wharf, a retail village. That relationship led to a restaurant that is far more than just a business; it's a family tradition where relatives and friends work together.

"In 23 years, we never had to put an ad out for employees," says Emil D'Eletto. "You gotta know someone to get in here. It's very casual, no waiters, no tips. We're very family friendly. You can come here and the dad can get a steak, the mom can get pasta and the kids can have grilled cheese."

Guests order at the counter and sit down at faux marble tables inside or white plastic tables outside.

It's a simple business model that clearly works by the crowds that flock there in the summer.

"Everyone wants a value and to be satisfied," Emil D'Eletto says. "We feel we've achieved that."

The Gazebo Restaurant at Schooner's Wharf

WHERE: 325 9th St., Beach Haven

WHEN: Open 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily. The restaurant is open year round, but hours vary.

HOW MUCH: Breakfast ranges from $5 to $9. Appetizers and soups range from $4.25 to $8.95, salads $3.95 to $10.95, sandwiches, wraps, hot dogs and burgers $3.95 to $14.95, seafood platters and dinner entrees $7.95 to $21.95, pizza $7.95, kids meals $6.95. Sushi and sashimi range from $1.50 to $13.99, and specialty platters are $14.50 to $59.99 for a three-person platter.

SERVICES: Major credit cards accepted. No liquor license. BYOB. Disabled access via ramp. Breakfast, lunch and dinner. Eat in. Takeout. Kids' menu.

MORE INFO: Call (609) 492-5811.

BETWEEN YOU AND ME: Try the New England or Manhattan clam chowder or lobster bisque. Served piping hot in a crispy fresh bread bowl, they are amazing.