The second most active part of Atlantic City, the Marina District is a strip where Harrah’s, the Golden Nugget and The Belagio hotels are located. The lively environment also features restaurants in and around its central areas. Read ahead for our guide to the best restaurants in the Marina District of Atlantic City.
Chef Vola’s
The basement BYO, located in a row home, might always be crowded but it’s worth it to try and get a reservation here. The friendly, but secluded atmosphere and home-style Italian dishes make it unmissable. Try the shrimp fettuccine and the cheesy, mouth-watering veal Parmigiana is raved about here. The banana cream pie with Oreo crust is a favorite for dessert, but the almond gelato is heavenly as well. It’s cash only. Address & phone number: 111 S Albion Pl Atlantic City, NJ 08401 609-345-2022
Cafe 2825
Cafe, Restaurant, Bar, Italian
Located on Atlantic Avenue, Cafe 2825 serves some of the best Italian around. The family-owned restaurant is accommodating and intimate. Dishes range from old school classics to newly conceived plates. Some items, such as the Caesar Salad and mozzarella appetizers are prepared tableside. The owner will give a detailed explanation of the history of the cheese while pulling and stretching the mozzarella. Plates here are large, and favorites include the Sunday gravy with homemade meatball bracciole with rigatoni and old world red gravy. The romantic atmosphere and service make this one of the best restaurants in Atlantic City.
Dock’s Oyster House
While in this beach front party town, visitors must stop at Dock’s Oyster House for freshly shucked East Coast oysters topped with house made cocktail sauce or cider mignonette. Inside, you’ll find dark wood and white tablecloths. Look through their chop house options for the 26oz ribeye and the rack of lamb. From their seafood menu, try their flounder topped with crab or their filet-style lobster tail with ‘beef and reef’ combo that’s been served since 1897.
Capriccio
Restaurant, Italian, Seafood, Vietnamese
Capriccio should not be underestimated. The restaurant offers stunning views of the boardwalk and a Venetian menu of seafood zuppetta with a mix of lobster, scallops, shrimp and crab. Also look out for their lasagna and waygu beef plates. Come here for the Sunday brunch buffet for bottomless champagne, freshly-prepared waffles and omelets and fancy trimmings like sushi and caviar. If you get William & Mary as servers, you’ll be treated like royalty. This restaurant is a must-try.
The Latin American and Caribbean style bistro, La Finca, adds some diversity to the restaurant options of Atlantic City. The mom and pop shop offers tasty and sweet island-inspired meals like large plates of Mofongo with fried plantains and chicken. Their beef tripe soup, Mondongo, is a favorite of their customers, and lemon chicken and salmon are staples that are familiar and tender. It’s the best Dominican cuisine in town, and they even deliver to the local hotels.
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Buddakan
Restaurant, Chinese, Asian, Vegetarian
Stephen Starr’s restaurant also has venues located in NYC and Philadelphia, but the Atlantic City version is the most decadent and largest. Sitting inside a pier, it boasts the largest Buddha statue of all the restaurants. Recommended options are the sea bass, calamari salad and wasabi mashed potatoes for a side. Try to reserve a lounge cabana for a handful of people, the plush sofas and canopies make for an intimate experience.
Vic & Anthony’s Steakhouse
Located inside The Golden Nugget Hotel, Vic & Anthony’s Steakhouse is a branch of the famous NY steakhouse. The same modern, red-lit interior is found inside, but it’s made even better knowing you’re eating in a playground of excess. Choose from their 32oz prime bone-in Porterhouse or Szechuan pepper-crusted tuna, or you could go with the prix-fixe menu. There’s also always a slew of specials on hand.
Wingcraft Kitchen & Beer Bar
Bar, Gastropub, Sandwich Shop, American, Beer
The rustic, modern gastropub gets it right with its short rib grilled cheese and burger options. The bar is a great addition to the city, with its creative and fun American cuisine and large selection of craft beer. A must-have is the short rib tater tots topped with the meat plus cheddar, bacon and sour cream. They also have a few brick oven pizza options, like the fun ratatouille pizza with plentiful veggies. It’s perfect comfort food for the middle of the day.
Gilchrist Restaurant & Marina
Restaurant, American
Gilchrist Restaurant
The budget-friendly brunch joint is great for breakfast after a rowdy evening. Gilchrist offers expertly-cooked, home style brunch plates. Sides include the classics, but you could order the fried codfish for something completely different. The blueberry pancakes are a highlight with their fluffy centers, as are the filling sandwiches. Plus, with outdoor seating you get stunning views of the boats in the marina. Service is friendly and accommodating as well.
Robert’s Steakhouse
The Trump Taj Mahal offers plenty of dining options, but one sure to take the cake is Robert’s Steakhouse. The menu boasts the traditional beef fare with sumptuous rib eye steaks. along with classic sauces like the borderlaise and classic bearnaise. They offer live music on Saturday evenings. The refinement is a nice juxtaposition to when you’re trashy and drunk at the casino later. Address & phone number: 1000 Virginia Ave Atlantic City, NJ 08401 609-428-6505
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