The best restaurants in Atlantic City

“When cooking feels like a side quest, Carmine's - Atlantic City comes through with giant, family-style Southern Italian platters built for sharing. Think classics you actually crave, plus easy takeout, delivery, and catering so your weeknight, game night, or birthday suddenly looks very well fed.”

From the Atlantic City newsletter, September 10, 2026

“Margaritaville - Atlantic City is your built-in tropical timeout, serving seafood, stacked burgers, and of course big margaritas in a feel-good beachy setting. Check the featured menu this week for hand-picked flavors, catch up with friends, and let your to-do list chill for a minute.”

From the Atlantic City newsletter, August 3, 2026

“AC Island Pizza keeps it classic with mozzarella cheese slices and gets playful with Oaxaena pies loaded with black beans, Mexican sausage, and jalapeños, plus a Philly Style pie with steak, onions, peppers, cheddar, and mozzarella. They also do legit breakfast and loaded fries... clutch for any AC day.”

From the Atlantic City newsletter, September 11, 2026

“Shrimp and grits, chicken and waffles, smoked BBQ ribs and fried catfish with collards, mac and cheese, and candied yams... Kelsey & Kim's Southern Restaurant nails that hug-on-a-plate vibe, plus chicken gumbo that tastes like someone’s aunt has been stirring it all day. Treat yourself this week.”

From the Atlantic City newsletter, September 12, 2026

“Tony's Baltimore Grill has been feeding locals since 1927 with crisp-edged pies, saucy Italian comfort plates, and that gloriously old-school dining room vibe that hits the spot after a long day. When you want familiar, unfussy, and reliably delicious, this is the move.”

From the Atlantic City newsletter, September 21, 2026

“Whether you're overdue for a proper steak night or want seafood that feels like a reward, Knife and Fork Inn delivers with a century of Atlantic City history and a menu that keeps it classic. Treat yourself to a grown-up evening, the kind locals save for the good stuff.”

From the Atlantic City newsletter, September 19, 2026

“Casual joint serving burgers, plus chicken sandwiches and milkshakes in a family-friendly environment.”

“Skip the boardwalk chaos and slide into Sugar Factory for an upmarket spin on comfort favorites, from fluffy pancakes and crisp salads to shareable pizzas, then cap it with towering milkshakes or sundaes that feel like a small celebration, even if it's just Tuesday.”

From the Atlantic City newsletter, September 22, 2026

“Rock ’n’ roll-themed chain with a high-energy vibe serving burgers & American classics.”

“Burgers, shakes & fries arrive in a retro setting at this outpost of the international chain.”

“Made-in-house dough and sauce give Chelsea Pizza’s red or white pies an honest, old-school vibe, and the menu is stacked with wings, cheesesteaks, stromboli, and big fat calzones. Easy online ordering when you don’t feel like cooking, yet still want something that tastes like someone did.”

From the Atlantic City newsletter, September 2, 2026

“Since 1935, Angelo's Fairmount Tavern has been the Ducktown standby for heaping plates of Italian homestyle classics and a wine list that makes saying “just one more glass” a little too easy. When you want a real-deal family recipe night, this is your move.”

From the Atlantic City newsletter, September 19, 2026

“Wild Honey Smokehouse and Tavern is that unpretentious, slow-and-low haven for locals who want legit BBQ with cold beer, smooth bourbon, and a soundtrack that actually slaps. Roll in with friends this week for smoky meats, strong drinks, and the kind of laid-back vibe that turns dinner into a hang.”

From the Atlantic City newsletter, September 20, 2026

“Over in Ventnor, Megu Sushi nails the weeknight craving with inventive rolls, clean sashimi, and teriyaki plates that feel like a tiny reset. Grab a favorite bottle, settle into the casual vibe, and make it your dependable sushi standby when cooking sounds exhausting.”

From the Atlantic City newsletter, September 15, 2026

“When only legit comfort will do, Com Ga Ninh Kieu nails it with its house-special Ga Ninh Kieu chicken, garlicky with basil and bright nuoc cham. Round it out with broken rice combos or a steaming bowl of noodle soup, then call it a weeknight win.”

From the Atlantic City newsletter, September 17, 2026

“Cuba Libre Restaurant & Rum Bar brings Havana energy to Atlantic City with Chef Guillermo Pernot’s modern Cuban plates, a deep bench of rums, and an open-air, tropical set that flips into a DJ-fueled Latin dance party after dinner. Perfect for locals craving big flavor and a little late-night swagger.”

From the Atlantic City newsletter, September 20, 2026

“When you need a break from boardwalk buzz, Mukashi Sushi Bar inside Resorts Casino Hotel serves pristine sushi and sashimi, a serious raw bar with oysters, clams, and shellfish platters, plus Japanese beer, plum wine, and sake. Voted Best Sushi 2026 by Casino Player Magazine... the Resorts Roll seals the deal.”

From the Atlantic City newsletter, September 2, 2026

“Whether you're craving homestyle Italian classics or just the vibe of a family-style supper in a private home, Chef Vola's delivers the real-deal comfort. It’s BYOB, seats are limited, reservations are a must, and the waitlist is practically a local rite of passage.”

From the Atlantic City newsletter, September 3, 2026

“When you want a low stress night with actual energy, The Yard at Bally's Atlantic City comes through with cold beer, easy cocktails, and live bands that keep the vibe up without shouting over your friends. Casual enough for weeknights, lively enough for post-shift hangs.”

From the Atlantic City newsletter, September 2, 2026

“When you want real-deal Southern Italian without leaving town, Cafe 2825 leans into from-scratch cooking and lively tableside preparations that turn dinner into a little show. It’s a cozy, family-hosted spot locals keep in their rotation when pasta, good wine, and a night that actually feels special are nonnegotiable.”

From the Atlantic City newsletter, August 31, 2026

“Chef Michael Brennan’s Cardinal keeps the Orange Loop eating well with a New American menu that twists the familiar in all the right ways, plus craft cocktails that actually taste like someone cared. Book it this week when you want laid-back vibes and food that feels special without trying too hard.”

From the Atlantic City newsletter, September 22, 2026

“Upscale steak & seafood chain known for its clubby environs & happy hour.”

“Rainforest-themed chain for updated classic fare amid jungle flora & animatronic animals.”

“When you need a midweek morale boost, Kelsey's Atlantic City brings elevated soul-food favorites, legit cocktails, and a lively supper-club scene with live music that actually swings. Pull up this week for crispy, buttery, saucy everything and the kind of vibes that turn dinner into a story.”

From the Atlantic City newsletter, September 5, 2026

“Give your week a glow-up at Kuro, the Japanese craft kitchen at Hard Rock where sushi, charcoal-grilled plates, and thoughtful tasting menus take center stage. The vibe is lively, the flavors precise, and it’s an easy go-to when you want dinner to feel like an occasion.”

From the Atlantic City newsletter, September 15, 2026

“When you need a midweek upgrade, Dock's Oyster House brings the full raw bar with up to ten oyster varieties, pristine seafood, steaks that rival any steakhouse, and an award-winning wine list. Run by the Dougherty family since 1897, it’s the kind of spot that makes Tuesday feel like a celebration.”

From the Atlantic City newsletter, September 18, 2026

“Sports bar & grill chain famous for hot wings served by scantily clad waitresses.”

“Craving something beyond the usual? At Broadway Burger Bar in The Quarter at Tropicana Atlantic City, 8oz patties on Formica Bakery buns meet creative comfort-food riffs, vegan-friendly picks, and those over-the-top monster milkshakes, plus solid cocktails...”

From the Atlantic City newsletter, September 20, 2026

“Since 1946, Gilchrist at Tropicana Atlantic City has been delivering the no-nonsense breakfast and lunch comfort you crave... famous hotcakes, legit omelets with home fries or grits, and lunch staples like a proper Reuben or fish & chips. Treat yourself this week, AC.”

From the Atlantic City newsletter, September 22, 2026

“Capriccio nails that old-world, white-tablecloth mood overlooking the Atlantic, serving classics like Seafood Zuppetta and Veal Romero with serious finesse. just great Italian you’ll talk about on the group chat.”

From the Atlantic City newsletter, September 1, 2026

“Yama Japanese Restaurant is a reliable weeknight upgrade for locals, with clean-tasting nigiri, hefty sashimi combos, deep-cut special rolls like the Yama Dynamite, plus comfort picks from teriyaki to bento and even a little Thai-leaning fusion. When you crave quality without the boardwalk chaos, this is it.”

From the Atlantic City newsletter, September 16, 2026

“High-end chain eatery serving seafood & steakhouse fare in a classy setting with views.”

“Whether you want homemade pastas like Bucatini Cacio e Pepe or Spicy Vodka Rigatoni, or house favorites like the Club Madrid Chicken Cutlet and tiramisu, Angeloni's Club Madrid brings that classic Atlantic City lounge energy with a proper bar so you can make a night of it.”

From the Atlantic City newsletter, September 6, 2026

“Forno Roman Pizza brings a legit slice of Rome to AC with crispy edged Roman square pies and fun toppings like Prosciutto & Fig, Spicy Soppressata, and Prosciutto & Peach, plus crowd pleasing antipasti and pastas from arancini and calamari to rigatoni vodka and lobster ravioli.”

From the Atlantic City newsletter, September 1, 2026

“When you want a no-fuss spot that nails the classics, Bill's Bar & Burger delivers juicy, ground-fresh-daily patties, Buffalo wings, proper fries, and thick shakes. Go for the Fat Cat (a CNN Top 10 Burger Award fave) or keep it simple with Bill’s Burger and a cold craft beer.”

From the Atlantic City newsletter, September 1, 2026

“Whether you're craving calamari, veal parmigiana, or even escargot, Moments at Scannicchio’s keeps it classic on one side with timeless recipes and live music on select nights, while the other side flips into a lively bar with DJs and old school nights. Solid pick for a weeknight here in AC or catching up with friends.”

From the Atlantic City newsletter, September 4, 2026