For generations, Atlantic City’s culinary scene has been celebrated for its world-class dining, rich traditions and unforgettable flavors. Beyond the city’s newest restaurants and dining destinations, Atlantic City is home to historic establishments that have stood the test of time, many of which have been family-owned and locally loved for decades. Whether you are a local or first-time visitor, dining at one of these historic spots offers more than a great meal, but a chance to experience the stories and flavors that helped shape Atlantic City’s history.
Angelo’s Fairmount Tavern
Located in Atlantic City’s historic Ducktown neighborhood, Angelo’s Fairmount Tavern has been serving up Italian favorites since 1935. For three generations, the family-owned restaurant has built a reputation around homemade pasta, fresh seafood and the kind of warm hospitality that makes every meal feel like a family gathering.
Serving the Atlantic City community since 1919, Barbera Fish Market has been a beloved Ducktown establishment for more than a century. What began as a neighborhood seafood shop has grown into a local landmark, earning a loyal following with fresh seafood, honest prices and friendly service. Reflecting the strong Italian-American heritage of Ducktown, the market continues to serve longtime favorites like fried flounder sandwiches and seafood platters, offering visitors a delicious taste of the food traditions that have helped shape Atlantic City and the Ducktown neighborhood.
Known as the longest-running restaurant of Atlantic City’s legal casino era, Capriccio pairs its rich history with classic Italian cuisine, serving dishes inspired by the flavors and traditions of Italy in an elegant oceanfront setting. Over the years, the restaurant has welcomed generations of diners and famous guests, including Frank Sinatra, who was a frequent visitor with a favorite table he would request during his visits. Today, his photo hangs above the spot, adding a memorable piece of Atlantic City history to a dining experience that continues to celebrate timeless Italian flavors.
Tucked away in the heart of Atlantic City, Chef Vola’s is one of the city’s most legendary restaurants. This family-owned Italian restaurant is known for its intimate, speakeasy-style atmosphere and hearty Italian-American dishes that have kept generations of diners coming back. The restaurant’s history is filled with memorable stories and famous guests. Reservations are highly recommended at this beloved hidden gem, where guests can enjoy favorites such as veal parmigiana and homemade desserts. Chef Vola’s is also BYOB, making it easy to bring along your favorite bottle to enjoy with dinner.
A true Atlantic City institution, Dock’s Oyster House has been owned and operated by the Dougherty family since 1897, making it one of the oldest continuously operating restaurants in the city. Over the years, its menu and décor have evolved, but Dock’s has never lost the charm and hospitality that have made it a local favorite for generations.
Seafood is at the heart of the menu, with an extensive raw bar featuring fresh oysters, shellfish and other favorites. Diners can also enjoy seafood specialties, steaks and creative dishes that showcase high-quality ingredients. They also have one of the top-rated daily happy hours in the city. Pro tip: Arrive prior to opening, because guests are already waiting in line for a seat at the bar!
For more than a century, Formica Freitag Bakery has been crafting the bread synonymous with Atlantic City’s famous subs. Founded in 1919 by Francesco Formica and his wife, Rosa, the bakery brought handcrafted Italian breads to Atlantic City. In 1928, it moved to its current Arctic Avenue location, where its original brick oven operated continuously until 1988. Today, Formica Freitag continues to use its authentic recipe, with its signature bread served at iconic restaurants and eateries throughout New Jersey and across the country.
Known as a beloved Atlantic City tradition since 1946, Gilchrist Restaurant has earned a devoted following for its classic breakfast and lunch favorites. With multiple locations throughout Atlantic County, including Gardner’s Basin, Tropicana Atlantic City, Margate, and Galloway, Gilchrist is best known for its fluffy Blueberry Hotcakes, freshly made omelets, breakfast sandwiches, and savory lunch specials. Open daily from 6:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., it is a longtime favorite for starting the day in Atlantic City.
The Knife & Fork Inn has lived a long and vibrant life, making it one of Atlantic City’s oldest and most historically significant dining establishments. Located where Atlantic, Pacific and Albany Avenues converge, the iconic building was established in 1912 by Atlantic City Mayor William Riddle, Commodore Louis Kuehnle and their associates as an exclusive men’s drinking and dining club.
Today, the restaurant’s Prohibition-era glamour provides an elegant setting for classic steaks and seafood. The menu is complemented by an award-winning wine list, while the beautiful mahogany bar remains a popular gathering spot.
Known as Atlantic City’s oldest pizza joint, Tony’s Baltimore Grill has been serving locals and visitors since 1927. This iconic restaurant has built its reputation on thin-crust pizza, classic Italian dishes and a nostalgic atmosphere. Open 24/7, Tony’s is a favorite late-night destination for post celebrations and evening eats.
On your next visit, ask to be seated in one of the booths with a tabletop jukebox and play your favorite tunes while enjoying one of Tony’s famous 12-inch pizza pies.
Have you ever heard of a sandwich shop being an iconic establishment? We certainly have! Since 1946, White House Sub Shop has earned worldwide recognition for its legendary submarine sandwiches, stacked with fresh ingredients and plenty of local flavor. Over the years, White House Sub Shop has attracted plenty of famous fans, including The Beatles, Frank Sinatra, Elvis Presley, Whitney Houston, and so many more.
Visitors can experience the original location on Arctic Avenue or enjoy its famous sandwiches at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City. Fun fact: Anyone can try a White House Sub as the establishment ships nationwide!
Atlantic City’s most historic dining establishments tell the story of the city one plate and bite at a time. The next time you visit Atlantic City, go beyond the newest dining destinations and make time to taste the city’s iconic past. Pull up a seat, order a local favorite and experience the history that continues to make Atlantic City’s food scene one-of-a-kind. Plan your getaway today!
Author
Visit Atlantic City Team
Atlantic City is a premier travel destination on the East Coast with the first Boardwalk to open in the United States. Attracting visitors with its diverse array of tourism offerings, Atlantic City is home to nine casino resorts, an eclectic culinary scene, vibrant history, thrilling entertainment and family-friendly adventures, making it the ultimate destination where celebrations live on and inspire visitors to create memory making moments.
