A guide to top dining experiences in the area
No matter what you’re craving — comfort food, steak and sushi, or a fun night out on the town — Atlantic City serves up something for everyone. From local eats to elegant fine dining, these top restaurants deliver delicious meals and memorable experiences.
Breakfast Delights
Whether you’re in the mood for a hearty breakfast or a breezy brunch spot, there’s a lot to choose from here in Atlantic City. Gilchrist is a local favorite for traditional American breakfast classics like hotcakes, lox platters, and fluffy omelets. Early risers, take note. Gilchrist opens at 6:30 a.m., making it perfect for fueling up before a day of exploring.
The brunch crowd can enjoy hitting up Harper’s at Ocean Casino Resort for classic plates like Ocean Benedict and Chicken & Waffles. But the real showstopper is their famous Bourbon Sticky Buns — sticky, sweet, and unforgettable.
Lunch Eats
Lunch is the perfect time to explore the best restaurants in Atlantic City and sample the diverse food scene. For comfort food with a kick, Tennessee Avenue Beer Hall dishes out juicy burgers and offers more than 100 craft beers on draft.
For something a bit more laid-back, Cardinal delivers inventive lunch plates and craft cocktails in an outdoor setting with picnic tables and umbrella-covered seating, ideal for relaxing with friends in the sunshine.
Dinner Destinations
When evening rolls around, Atlantic City shines with standout dinner options. Sushi lovers and steak aficionados will feel right at home at Kuro. Located at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City, this spot is known for its premium A5 Japanese Wagyu and beautifully crafted sushi dishes.
If Italian comfort food is what you’re after, Cafe 2825 delivers generous portions of Southern Italian favorites in an upscale setting that includes unique tableside experiences. For Italian fare with a view, Capriccio at Resorts Casino Hotel offers refined classics in an elegant dining room overlooking the ocean. No wonder it was named the #1 U.S. Casino Restaurant by USA Today’s 10Best.com.
Seafood lovers can’t go wrong with Atlantic City’s oldest restaurant, Dock’s Oyster House, thanks to its ample raw bar offerings, chowders, lobster tails, and fish entrees.
If you’re in the mood for Spanish flavors, Amada at Ocean Casino Resort is a tapas-style spot featuring whole roasted suckling pig, flavorful paella, and an intimate atmosphere that’s perfect for date night.
Elegant Fine Dining
For a night to remember, some of the best restaurants in Atlantic City offer high-end experiences that do not disappoint. Inside the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Council Oak Steaks & Seafood impresses with dry-aged prime beef, fresh seafood, and a sophisticated open-kitchen design that lets guests watch the chefs in action. Their award-winning wine list doesn’t hurt either.
Park Place Prime at Bally’s Atlantic City is fine dining at its best, starting with its swanky steakhouse charm and custom crystal chandelier all the way down to its extraordinary gourmet offerings of wood-fired chops, surf & turf, and raw bar offerings.
Il Verdi at Tropicana Atlantic City is all about elevated Italian cuisine, including its handmade pasta and an antipasti bar, presented in a sleek modern setting with ocean views. Weekly live music and an “Aperitivo” happy hour with upscale offerings are also offered.
Local & Popular Restaurants
Looking for a relaxed meal without sacrificing flavor? Atlantic City has plenty of comfy, casual spots. Mexico Restaurant & Bar serves up authentic, homemade Mexican dishes in a friendly space that’s great for families. For live music and a grown-up night out, check out Villain and Saint, where great food meets a fun, laid-back vibe.
For pizza lovers, no trip is complete without a stop at Tony’s Baltimore Grill — Atlantic City’s oldest pizza joint, known for its classic pies and welcoming, old-school atmosphere.
Trendy Hot Spots
Chasing the next big thing is easy in Atlantic City, thanks to the many trendy restaurants around town. Savor rich Italian flavors at Martina’s Trattoria, where the daily specials — crafted from locally sourced ingredients and time-honored recipes — transport you straight to the Amalfi Coast.
Craving cool retro vibes? Step into Angeloni’s Club Madrid, a buzzy lounge serving signature cocktails, global wines, and upscale Italian bites in a hip, throwback atmosphere.
For something truly unique, Setaara offers an elegant fusion of Afghan and French cuisine. This family-run spot features beautifully plated dishes served in a refined space with a charming Eiffel Garden and heated courtyard.
Whether you’re here for a weekend escape or a night on the town, the best restaurants in Atlantic City are ready to welcome you with open arms and unforgettable flavors. Get ready for a creative culinary adventure, where every bite is part of the experience.
