It’s certainly no doubt that travelers and revelers headed to Atlantic City are most often going for any one of three things: entertainment, gambling, and food. The east coast version of Sin City offers a plentiful array and assortment of all three, and anyone is sure to find just the place that prescribes perfectly to their delights and tastes. Games, shows, clubs, bars, and casinos are all pretty abundant, but when it comes to dining, there’s no messing around.
To help visitors sort through the plethora of dining options available in Atlantic City, we’ve gone ahead and compiled the perfect list of breakfast, lunch, and dinner choices to serve every palate! With everything from quick bites, casual dining, and fine dining experiences, visitors will commonly find excellent seafood, oyster bars, American cuisine, Asian fusion, and Latin-inspired restaurants. All these restaurants are located in some of the best casinos in Atlantic City, so guests don’t even need to stray too far from the fun and games.
Council Oak Fish
The Hard Rock Hotel and Casino
Some of the freshest and most divine assortment of seafood available in Atlantic City, and that’s saying something. Council Oak Fish, located in the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, boasts a hearty and filling seafood menu with expertly crafted dishes. Freshly caught salmon or halibut, rib eye, crab cakes, and a seafood pot all sit among some of the most popular menu items. Fresh, clean, ocean-inspired décor brings about a welcoming environment. Council Oak even has a stage with ambient lighting for live music performances. Depending on how long you’re planning to stay, they also have a full dinner menu as well as bar and lounge offerings, and an extensive drink and wine list.
Chelsea Five Gastropub
The Tropicana- Chelsea Tower
Chelsea Five is a perfect place for anyone who loves burgers and excellent views. The restaurant sits in Chelsea Tower, connected to the Tropicana Hotel and Casino, and perfectly overlooks the oceanside. Guests can enjoy full-window views of the sandy-white shores and blue rolling waves, while enjoying the current “Burger of the Month”. Although the restaurant has quite a few burger offerings, their menu doesn’t stop there. Seafood entrees are also to be enjoyed oceanside, here. It’s a great location for an extended meal, watching the sun go down, and leisurely enjoying appetizers and an extensive and eclectic drink menu.
Izakaya
The Borgata Hotel, Casino, and Spa
A bit on the pricier side, but well worth the fine-dining experience, Izakaya is the perfect place for lovers of Japanese and Asian fusion dishes. A great location for date night, this isn’t the type of establishment you can casually walk in to. Appropriate attire is required to maintain the sensual, modern, and classy ambiance of the restaurant, with its dark wood interiors and mood lighting. They offer a tasting menu option, to allow guests to partake in some of the finest dishes. It’s also known for the Spicy Tuna Cracker, as well as a full menu of small portions, sushi, and sashimi pieces, crafted rolls and sides, whole fish dishes, and unique Asian fusion cocktails.
Nero’s Italian Steakhouse
Caesars Atlantic City
If you’re not up for some of the fish and seafood locations mentioned so far, Nero’s might be your spot. Nero’s is known for the steak and filets, which are not only cooked to order, they drive to sustainability as well by working where they can with local growers and producers. A higher-end location, it also offers sea-side views of the ocean to pair perfectly with your steak or lobster. It’s an Italian-inspired restaurant, which means they’ve also mastered the pastas and gnocchi’s on their menu as well. The best time to enjoy Nero’s might just be for brunch, where their buffet-style offerings of both traditional and non-traditional breakfast dishes, including a carving station, an omelet bar, a crepe bar, a waffle station, a French toast station, an Asian bar with dumplings, and all for a decent price. If you can only hit it once, go for breakfast!
Distrito
Ocean Casino and Resort
As we veer a bit further from the fine dining and more into the realm of casual dining, it’s important to not sacrifice taste and quality for cost. Distrito is a Mexican cuisine restaurant located in the Ocean Casino and Resort with a menu that only offers tacos and quesadillas and traditional chips and toppings. It’s perfect for a quicker, more casual meal, but they have perfectly crafted the tacos and quesadillas on their menu. The menu isn’t big, but it packs a punch. They offer pork, fish, chicken, short rib, and shrimp tacos come three-a-piece, along with potential sides and entrées, as well. They also have traditional Mexican beers and cocktails, and are more known for the margaritas! Bar-side seating and food truck vibes make this place perfect for a quick but filling drop-in.
The Deck Bayfront Bar and Restaurant
Golden Nugget Atlantic City
This is a seasonal location, because as the name suggests, The Deck Bayfront Bar is located on a deck on the bay. When the weather is perfect, guests can enjoy the sun and sea air while sipping on delightful cocktails and other beverages, while enjoying some casual appetizers like chips and salsa, shrimp cocktail, pretzels, and fries, keeping it light and healthy with a salad, or digging in with a pizza or sandwich platter. This is a great location for groups of friends, because a good portion of the menu can be enjoyed by parties. They also bring out live music and have some blackjack tables for guests to enjoy as well. This is a great social scene, but not really ideal for a family with young kids.
Capriccio Italian Restaurant
Resorts Casino and Hotel
True traditional Italian dishes, crafted and designed to perfection, as well as a fantastic Sunday brunch and wine bar can all be enjoyed at Capriccio’s. This fine-dining Italian restaurant is a bit on the pricier side, but because the quality of the dishes is that incredible. The Lobster Ravioli and the Lamb Chops are two particularly popular items to be found on the menu, as well as other traditional Italian dishes, like veal or chicken, that guests can tailor to their preference, whether parmigiana, francese, picatta, or marsala (don’t hesitate to ask your waiter the differences- well worth it!). The wine bar, Cielo, is more drink-oriented, offering only a few bits and appetizers to allow guests to savor the wines and cocktails a bit more. On Sundays, the breakfast buffet not only offers a Bloody Mary and Mimosa bar, but also offers fresh omelets and waffles, oysters, clams, and crab, sushi rolls, chilled pasta, delicious pastries, so guests can enjoy both traditional and non-traditional breakfast items.
AC Burger Co.
Harrah’s Resort Atlantic City
An ideal restaurant for lovers of burgers, fries, and beer, AC Burger Co. is a casual American dining style restaurant with Jalapeño Burgers for those who enjoy a kick, as well as a Mushroom Swiss Burgers, California Turkey Burgers, Black Bean Burgers, just to name a few. Their menu is extensive, and while it features burgers, they also offer sandwiches, starters, and munchies, for those who are looking for a very filling meal. Their craft beer menu is enviable, offering over 35 different types of beers from lagers to wheats. Specialty shots and cocktails are also available, but the milkshakes are divinely crafted desserts. Modest prices, this is a great casual spot for couples, groups, and families alike.
ACE- Atlantic City Eatery
Showboat Hotel and Casino
Casual, low-key, filling, and ideal for families with young ones, Atlantic City Eatery has a traditional diner-style vibe and atmosphere for a reasonable price range and no-fuss menu. With just burgers, sandwiches, wraps, subs, and pizza, they offer different toppings and fillers for each, so you can pop in, grab an easy bite, and get back to the local entertainment. Probably not the best place for a date, the Ace is more ideal for a group or family looking for some hearty foods to fill their bellies.
KWI Noodle House
Caesars Atlantic City
This casual yet trendy and delicious Asian-inspired cuisine is a great dinner spot for those with a variety of tastes. They offer vegan options, like the Vegan Lettuce Wraps, a fan-favorite, as well as stir-fry dishes, an assortment of ramen dishes, soups, dumplings, rice and noodle dishes, and house specialties. The menu offers more exotic and experimental dishes as well as more traditional and recognizable ones for those with a less-adventuresome palate. Filling dishes, trendy décor, friendly ambiance, KWI is perfect for a stop in or a long, social meal. The prices are all modest and fair as well.
Kuro
Hard Rock Hotel and Casino
Kuro is the perfect place for a couple or a group of friends looking for an extravagant and exquisite Japanese inspired dinner. Only open on the weekends, Kuro imports it’s key ingredients from Japan and utilizes locally sourced fish. This type of once in a life-time dining experience costs a pretty penny, but its five-star rating shows it’s definitely worth it. Each dishes is uniquely displayed for serving, and they pride themselves on presentation just as much as taste and flavor, which are also exceptional. Signature dishes include the Tuna Crispy Rice, the Salmon Sashimi with White Fish Tempura, and the Wagyu tacos. The menu also offers an exquisite array of cocktails and beverages to compliment the dishes being served.
Cuba Libre Restaurant and Rum Bar
Tropicana Hotel and Casino
Cuba Libre is a unique Cuban and Latin American inspired cuisine-style restaurant located in the Tropicana Hotel. It blends together more traditional Cuban dishes, like arroz con pollo, vaca fritta, and seafood paella, while also offering more contemporary dishes like pineapple guacamole and ravioles de calabaza. Loaded with flavor, each dish on their menu has a Latin-inspired flair that tastes authentic and filling. Casual attire, modest prices, and an authentic Cuban interior immerse guests in a taste of Cuban culture and cuisine. Let’s not forget the second half of the name- Rum Bar. Cuba Libre has over 90 different types and varieties of quality rum to be enjoyed in any one of a number of ways. Once the clock hits eleven, the restaurant transitions into a salsa dance floor, so you can continue the fun after you’ve finished the meal.
The Metropolitan
Borgata Hotel, Casino, and Spa
When it comes to the Metropolitan, it feels as though guests are transported from the Borgata Hotel, directly into a city-scape interior of a classy and stunning train station. The ambiance is more casual, and the menu offers more traditional American fares as well as an oyster bar. The raw oyster bar is a favorite among guests, as well as the Turkey Club, the Crab Cakes, and the Chicken Quesadilla. A more casual dining experience offers a very thorough arrangement of dishes for breakfast through dinner, as well as plentiful cocktails and drinks for the social hours. Their Oyster Bar Happy Hour is a particularly great time to go, with $2 oysters and $5 drinks.
Veracruz
Harrah’s Resort and Casino
The vibrant red, orange, and yellows that decorate the interior of Veracruz are stunningly reminiscent of the Mexican and Spanish regions that inspire the foods and dishes offered on the menu. Drawing from Veracruz, Mexico, and Madrid Spain, Veracruz brings a Latin-blending of tacos and ceviche, as well as traditional Spanish plates, like enchiladas and fajitas. Particularly unique and delicious is the Blue Crab guacamole, the Mexican Street corn, and the Snapper Veracruz, all highlights on a menu offering a blend of flavors to entice. A more casual experience with modest prices to match, Veracruz offers dishes that serve vegetarians and vegans, as well as fish, pork, and chicken dishes. The Happy Hour menu is also a great choice for those looking to enjoy sangria and margaritas alongside some tapas or calamari.
Vüe Rooftop Bar and Lounge
The Claridge Hotel
The Vüe is a perfect spot for a more social gathering amongst friends or lovers looking to share plates and enjoy a wide array of drinks. Their unique and handcrafted specialty cocktails are the highlight of their menu, though they also offer wines, and bottle service liquors. The Tomato Bruschetta, Fried Zucchii and Squash Sticks, Nachoes, and Spring Rolls are all perfect bites to share with others, as well as the Vüe Sampler, a blend of pitas and sauces to share. The Fish Tacos and Burger Sliders are freshly made and filling, as well, if you’re looking to have your own food. Guests can also enjoy their special of a bottle of wine and three select appetizers, a great deal from the menu. Just as good as the food is the view, as one might guess from any rooftop establishment. With stunning panoramic views of the city as well as the oceanside, guests can sit back and enjoy the Vüe.
The Blue Water Grille
Atlantic Palace
A more contemporary establishment serving up traditional American cuisine, The Blue Water Grille is a great choice for any meal of the day. It’s more social and casual, but a good choice for both groups and families alike, coupled with moderate pricing. With a view of the ocean, they also offer TV’s to catch up on sports. The Pan Seared Salmon, Lobster Bisque, and Surf and Turf are just a few of the options here for lunch or dinner, with traditional dishes offered for breakfast, daily. They have a daily Happy Hour, as well, although it is only offered a bar seating. Grab a bite then head back out to the beaches.
Buddakan
Caesar’s Atlantic City
Buddakan is a higher-end establishment, a bit on the pricey side, but equally delicious. If you’re looking for Asian-inspired fine-dining, Buddakan has a delicious Chef’s Tasting Menu for two, a convenient sampling of $5 Happy Hour items, as well as an extensive lunch and dinner menu. All the menu’s have both traditional and more contemporary dishes, from Chicken and Ginger Dumplings, to Edamame Ravioli. Romantic lighting, Asian-inspired décor including a rock garden and golden Buddha adorn the restaurant to produce an authentic and interesting energy. A better choice for a special evening with close friends or date night, children and casual groups likely won’t enjoy the ambiance or the dishes. The special chef’s tasting menu, offered for only $60, offers an appetizer, two courses, and a dessert, and makes it even easier to make a decision on the order.
Grotto Italian Ristorante
Golden Nugget Hotel and Casino
The Grotto is a great spot for lovers of Italian food looking for something a bit more casual and less pricey than a place like Capriccio’s. With excellent and hearty traditional Italian plates like Shrimp Fettuccine, made with fresh seafood, and Chicken Parmesean, or Margherita Pizza, guests can enjoy filling and delicious meals for a moderate price. The Grotto also has a great Happy Hour menu, offered all day Monday and the early evenings Tuesday to Sunday, with both easy bites and drinks available at great prices. Beer, wine, cocktails, and sangria, as well as the Grotto’s famous Bellini (a must-try for Happy Hour) are available from $4-$8 a drink, as well as shared bites and sliders to order.
Amada
Ocean Casino and Resort Atlantic City
Amada is a higher-end restaurant trendy and chic, with a menu that offers a blending of Spanish and Mediterranean inspired plates. The trendy interior with floor-to-ceiling windows paired with comfortable seating, make this a great place for an enjoyable date night or evening out as a group. Specialty paellas, delicious flatbreads, unique vegetable dishes, charcuterie plates, and traditional tapas can all be found on the menu. Amada also offers a chef’s tasting menu, that can even be coupled with a wine pairing for an exquisite dining experience for two. Amada also has live music on select evenings, as well as a Sunset Happy Hour from 5-7 pm, with specials starting at $6.
Chickie’s and Pete’s Crab House and Sports Bar
Tropicana Hotel and Casino
Chickie’s and Pete’s Crab House and Sports Bar is a perfect atmosphere to catch the next game or celebrate an event with a group of friends. Fun, friendly energy with excellent bar food, like buffalo wings, fries, and nachos, this place is equally known for it’s cheesesteaks as well as it’s seafood. The large menu means that even if you arrive with a whole bunch of different food preferences in your group, everyone can find a dish, whether more traditional bar food, like pizza and burgers, or delicious and messy grab legs served hot and seasoned. This two-story restaurant is fitted with over 50 television sets so you can find just the game and seating area you’re hoping for. Do not leave without trying their famous Crab Fries.
Whether you’re hoping to catch a unique, fine-dining experience with an exquisite Chef’s Tasting Menu or simply some hearty and filling traditional American fare, or some fresh and delicious east coast seafood, make sure you find the right places for the right dishes.
