You've made it to Atlantic City, the unparalleled eastern showstopper. After settling into your lavish vacation rental and donning some of your finest attire, you're ready for a night out unlike any other! Of course, a trip to the casino is in the cards and maybe a round at one of the world-class golf courses , but where to eat?

Despite your rental’s fully equipped kitchen, you don’t feel like cooking or doing dishes, especially on your first night. That’s why you must make a reservation at one of Atlantic City’s best restaurants. But, hold up, is Atlantic City a place for foodies ?

The city isn’t just for blackjack enthusiasts — it’s a cornucopia of delectably curated food experiences for every palate. Atlantic City has quickly become a culinary destination with a dynamic and diverse fine dining scene.

Whether you're craving fresh seafood, authentic Italian dishes, or modern cuisine with a twist, you'll find it all here. The choices of eateries are endless. We’ll ease your decision fatigue with our roundup of the ten best restaurants in Atlantic City!

1. Dock’s Oyster House

• Address: 2405 Atlantic Ave, Atlantic City, NJ
• Price point:$$$
• Notable menu items: Shrimp and Grits, Lobster, Clam Chowder, Crab Cakes, Potato Crusted Flounder, Chocolate Mousse

Established well over a century ago, Dock’s Oyster House is a legendary seafood restaurant in Atlantic City. It’s been active through the country’s economic highs and lows, consistently providing patrons with impeccable specialties like fresh oysters and seafood samplers.

In 2015, this upscale restaurant underwent a massive renovation. Some vintage elements in the decor were replaced by their modern counterparts, but the owner’s taste still shines through. The food quality, homely ambiance, and friendly service remained unchanged.

Put on a sharp outfit and make your way to Dock’s Oyster House for dinner to eat a luxury meal while enjoying live piano music. Billy Joel, anyone?

2. Knife and Fork Inn

• Address: 3600 Atlantic Ave, Atlantic City, NJ
• Price point:$$$
• Notable menu items: Lobster Thermidor, Flounder, Ribeye, Duck Confit, White Chocolate Cheesecake, Crème Brûlée

Take a break from the restaurants on the boardwalk for the more inland Knife and Fork Inn. What started as a men’s club back in 1912, this iconic white building brimming with elegance and chandeliers stands today as a busy steakhouse.

Along with juicy meats, Knife and Fork Inn serves delicious seafood, classic American fare, and flavorful small plates. Our advice? Make sure you open with the lobster spring rolls; they’re simply divine.

And if you’re only feeling a little nibbly? Skip the steak and share a pumpkin ravioli while relishing the restaurant’s exhaustive list of wines. Sonoma Coast Blanc de Noir, anyone?

Don’t slack on a reservation here — this hotspot is often booked up, especially on the weekends. A nice bonus? Happy hour is from 4-6 pm with 50% off on all appetizers; yes, please.

3. Pancho's Mexican Taqueria

• Address: 2303 Arctic Ave, Atlantic City, NJ
• Price point:$
• Notable menu item: Al Pastor, Enchiladas Supreme, Huaraches, Carnitas Burritos

Missing the cumbia beats and spicy flavors of Mexico? Who knew you could relive them on your Atlantic City casino trip?

Pancho’s Mexican Taqueria makes a Central American dining experience possible. This thriving little joint serves authentic Mexican food, like handmade tortillas, with an array of meat options like chivo or carnitas.

The pineapple-speckled, succulent pork al pastor is a best seller. But vegetarians, don’t fret! Pancho’s serves meat-free options like guacamole and vegetable tacos, too.

Don't be fooled by the unassuming, hole-in-the-wall decor. The food here is divine and won the restaurant New Jersey Mexcian food awards three years in a row. Wash everything down with a cheeky beer or cinnamon-soaked Horchata.

4. Angeline

• Address: 3108 Pacific Ave, Atlantic City, NJ
• Price point:$$$
• Notable menu items: Pizza, Salmon, Carpaccios, Veal Chop Parmigiana, Espresso Chocolate Martini

Visiting in the summer? You’ll love Girasole ’s garden patio for even more Italian deliciousness. The establishment serves carefully prepared Italian meals created with high-quality ingredients sourced from the area.

It takes its name from the Italian word for sunflower, and the vibe of this elegant restaurant, awash with sunny, warm shades, lives up to it. The airy interiors decorated with colorful accent furniture and details compliment your al fresco dinners of napoli-pizza dishes and versatile carpaccios.

Diners also rave about Girasole’s loaded pizzas, slow-baked octopus, pasta, seafood, and prime cuts of meat. Located close to the boardwalk, leaving Atlantic City without trying out the pizzas and tiramisu would be a sin.

Take a trip to Mediterranean lands with a meal here, and after a memorable dinner in this upscale restaurant, kick back with a cocktail from the bar to end your day in Atlantic City.

6. Chef Vola's

• Address: 111 S Albion Pl, Atlantic City, NJ
• Price point:$$$
• Notable menu items: Chicken Parmigiana, Pasta Trio, Veal Parmigiana, Cream Pie

Are you selective with your wine? Enjoy your personal tastes and save a few bucks with this BYOB Italian eatery in Atlantic City.

Teleport to a bygone era with a meal at Chef Vola's , a family-style Italian restaurant in the Boardwalk area. Back in the day, the restaurant functioned as a speakeasy, and you can still see remnants of those times in the interiors of this petite, dimly lit restaurant.

Chef Vola's has become one of the most sought-after dining destinations in Atlantic City. The space is small and intimate, creating a dining experience that is both cozy and exclusive. If you're lucky enough to snag a reservation, you're in for a treat. Most people need to call at least a month in advance to secure a spot.

After snacking on the flavourful bread basket, devour their Signature Veal Chop or crabcake. And the finale? End your meal with a creamy banana pie. You’ll make a reservation for a future date even before you leave the restaurant — we promise!

7. Cafe 2825

• Address: 2825 Atlantic Ave, Atlantic City, NJ
• Price point:$$
• Notable menu item: Homemade Mozzarella, Chicken Parmigiana, Lamb Chops, Cacio e Pepe

Cafe 2825 is a white-cloth tabled restaurant inside Tropicana Casino, Atlantic City. They’ve been serving up classic Italian cuisine infused with contemporary flair for nearly four decades. Talk about landmarks. You'll be immersed in a chic, upscale atmosphere as soon as you step inside. This exclusive spot has only 14 tables, so prepare to wait a bit to be seated.

The chefs at this family-run restaurant use only the freshest, highest-quality ingredients to create bold and refined dishes focusing on seafood and handmade pasta.

The menu at Cafe 2825 features an exquisite range of dishes that will delight even the most discerning of palates. But, the restaurant stands out for its tableside experiences, where patrons can witness chefs create culinary magic in front of their eyes. Cheese lovers cannot miss the cacio e pepe , pasta made in a giant cheese wheel, freshly ground pepper, and served piping hot.

The burrata and lobster ravioli also deserve a spotlight, a decadent pleasure for every seafood lover. And don't miss the extensive wine list, which features a plentiful variety of domestic and imported wines curated to complement each dish.

8. Gordon Ramsay Pub & Grill

• Address: 2100 Pacific Ave, Atlantic City, NJ
• Price point:$$$
• Notable menu items: Beef Wellington, Sticky Toffee Pudding, Shepherd’s Pie

Would a list of Atlantic City restaurants even be complete without mentioning The Gordon Ramsay Pub and Grill ? Celebrated Michelin chef of "Hell's Kitchen" and "MasterChef" Gordan Ramsay brings an upscale British pub experience to the coastal resort city.

The menu is designed around English favorites like fish and chips, ale-battered chicken, and shepherd's pie. You’ll also enjoy some innovative twists, like the pineapple-poblano hummus and salmon-corn risotto.

Unlike the usually screaming chef, the staff here is kind and armed with a friendly, service-oriented demeanor and plentiful recommendations. Overwhelmed with options from the list of cocktails and 25 beers on tap? Just ask your waiter and prepare to be blown away.

9. Amada

• Address: Amada Restaurant, 500 Boardwalk, Atlantic City, NJ
• Price point:$$$
• Notable menu items: Stuffed Peppers, Lobster, Clams with Chorizo, Gambas Al Ajillo Garlic Shrimp

OK, enough Italian for now. You’re probably craving more variety — we won’t stray too far from the Mediterranean with Ocean Resort's Amada Restaurant. Chef Jose Garces's mouthwatering tapas, delectable cheeses, and charcuterie perfectly match his airy, spacious restaurant and open ambiance. Dazzle your palate with clams and chorizo and a passion fruit margarita.

A nice plus? This chic eatery has breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean. So you can savor a hearty paella and the sight of gentle, rolling waves.

No meal in Atlantic City is complete without a cold one — and we don’t just mean beer. At Amada's, opt for their chilled sangria with generously juicy fruits. And if you’re traveling with wine connoisseurs, they’ll be impressed by the long list of bottles available.

10. Izakaya