Guide To The Shore: Top Shore Restaurants
The Jersey Shore is home to some of the most highly regarded restaurants in the region. Sampling the exquisite tastes of the areas fabulous dining establishments is a must while visiting Atlantic and Cape May counties. Offering savory flavor, extraordinary presentation and unforgettable service; restaurateurs take pride in every component of the dining experience for your enjoyment at the shore.
- Veronica Dudo
Tomatoes
9300 Amherst Avenue
Margate City, NJ 08402
(609) 822-7535
www.tomatoesmargate.com
Tomatoes in Margate is a bayside restaurant that offers California-style cuisine with a Pan-Asia, Latin and Mediterranean flare. Presenting flavorful fare, delicious drinks and a lively crowd; Tomatoes is a popular destination at the Jersey Shore.
When guests walk in, they're met by the restaurant's four-sided, oak-and-copper main bar which seats 30 and is surrounded by cozy booths. Known for its sexy and sophisticated scene, there are dozens of specialty cocktails and martinis to select from as well as 60 different wines by the glass. A full-service sushi bar is also located near the main bar and nightly entertainment featuring live music and DJ's keep the party vibe going and clientele coming back for more.
The décor is urban chic with a casual yet trendy atmosphere and stunning views of the bay. Tomatoes offers three distinctive menus including a tavern menu with light fare available only at the bar, a full sushi menu and a main menu. While the restaurant can seat 300 people, the layout still offers a very intimate feel.
Start off selecting from salt and pepper calamari, lollipop chicken, mussels, shrimp gyoza or flat breads. Next, try a refreshing salad like the North Country Caesar, the wedge, or the rocket salad. For an entrée, some popular dishes include lobster Bolognese, crab pasta, Chilean sea bass, Long Island duckling, stuffed chicken breast, Cuban pork chop, euro chicken and filet mignon.
Top off your evening with a succulent homemade dessert like the chocolate cake layered with creamy chocolate mousse, sweat whipped cream and encased in chocolate ganache or the spice banana layer cake with cream cheese icing and fresh banana filling.
In search of a marvelous meal, light fare, sushi or a hot and happening bar scene; Tomatoes in Margate is a must stop on your trip to the Jersey Shore.
Chelsea Prime
111 South Chelsea Avenue 5th floor
Atlantic City, NJ 08401
(609) 428-4545
www.thechelsea-ac.com/restaurants.php
Chelsea Prime at the Chelsea Hotel in Atlantic City will transport diners back to the Golden Age. Adorned with photographs of Atlantic City in the 1940's, this vintage yet trendy super club embodies the classy elegance of days gone by accented with modern day embellishments.
Located on the fifth floor—the hotels nightlife destination—Chelsea Prime offers beautiful views of the beach and Atlantic Ocean through ceiling to floor glass windows. Patrons can sit at cozy tables or elevated Hollywood style booths while enjoying the nostalgic atmosphere in this boutique steakhouse.
A lounge right outside the restaurant is a great area to gather with friends before dinner to sip on a cocktail or after to enjoy a night cap.
The Chelsea Prime is known for their prime steaks, fresh seafood, creative side dishes and classic martini's. The curvilinear bar is waiting to serve up dirty martini's; The Rita Hayworth consisting of elderflower, liqueur, martini and Rossi and club soda; the Cable Car with spiced rum, cointreau, lime and lemon; and French 75 made of cognac, lemon and prosecco.
Reminiscent of a 1940s supper club and a cocktail lounge, a timeless, white grand piano is the focus during featured live entertainment which adds to the elegant and romantic setting. Popular diner dishes include 24 hour braised short ribs, Muscovy duck breast, filet, big eye tuna, roasted organic chicken, Alaskan halibut and Maine lobster. Chelsea Prime also offers innovative side dishes such as whipped potatoes with truffle, creamed corn and leeks, tater tots, butternut squash home fries, truffle mac and cheese, asparagus and lyonnaise potatoes.
With decadent menu offerings, a charming ambiance, and sweeping seaside views; Chelsea Prime
"adds a touch of grandeur to every meal" truly delighting diners.
The Washington Inn
801 Washington Street
Cape May, NJ 08204
(609) 884-5697
www.washingtoninn.com
The Washington Inn located in Historic Cape May was built in 1840 as a Plantation House. Now, with its Victorian décor and luscious landscape, visitors are transported back to an era of whimsical elegance.
As a private residence in the 1800s and an Inn in the 1940s, the Washington Inn is now owned and operated by the Craig family who are committed to making their guest's visit exceptional.
Serving decadent new American cuisine with a continental flare, the Washington Inn has an upscale atmosphere throughout its five dining areas. Patrons can enjoy dinning in a variety of settings including The Garden, The Porch, The Wine Cellar, The Patio, and The Lounge.
Entrée selections include guest favorites such as local swordfish provencale, crab cakes, filet, mustard crumb crusted pork, duck cassoulet, pepper crusted prime sirloin steak, shrimp and fettuccini and chicken scaloppini.
A unique feature in the restaurant is its award winning wine cellar, which houses over 10,000 selections ranging from the finest French and American producers to tasty summer selections.
After dinner drinks are also available made with Kahlua, Godiva Chocolate, cognacs and armagnacs; along with several dessert wines and martinis.
Dine at "Cape May's Destination Restaurant" and enjoy a delicious meal in an unforgettable setting. A visit to the Washington Inn is a truly memorable dining experience at the Jersey Shore.
The Knife & Fork Inn
3600 Atlantic Avenue
Atlantic City, NJ 08401
(609) 344-1133
www.knifeandforkinn.com
The Knife & Fork Inn is a historical restaurant in Atlantic City that evokes a special feeling from the past. For over a century, the establishment has served countless patrons, endured many milestones, and has watched the evolution of the Jersey Shore.
Originally established in 1912, the building was an exclusive men's drinking and dining club with the second floor offering a separate "ladies lounge" where women could wait. During Prohibition, federal agents decided to crack down so they entered the bar and destroyed all of its contents. Shortly after, the Knife & Fork Inn was sold to the Latz family who converted the downstairs into a public restaurant and lived upstairs. In the 1940s and 1950s, it became a popular hangout for local politicians, wealthy vacationers, and Hollywood celebrities including Frank Sinatra, Bob Hope and Vic Damone.
Frank Dougherty bought the Knife and Fork Inn and restored it in 2005, bringing it back to its original beauty and prominence. Now, when guests walk through the doors, they feel as though they've gone back in time. Recapturing the look and feel of the Knife & Fork's Prohibition era roots, the renovation included rich mahogany millwork, hand-painted ceilings, sweeping staircase, and beautiful dining rooms.
Situated where Atlantic, Pacific and Albany Avenues meet, this legendary Atlantic City steak and seafood restaurant serves lunch and dinner. Popular fare items include sirloin, filet mignon, pan sautéed flounder, spice-rubbed salmon, herb-crusted rack of lamb, chicken Milanese, and Brazilian lobster tail. Choose from an extensive wine list or enjoy a specialty cocktail
With a nostalgic and classy ambience paired with delicious food and drinks, the Knife & Fork Inn has truly stood the test of time and is sure to continue to delight patrons for years to come.
Steve & Cookies By the Bay
9700 Amherst Avenue
Margate City, NJ 08402
(609) 823-1163
www.steveandcookies.com
Steve & Cookies By the Bay in Margate City has been a Jersey Shore favorite for over a decade. Originally built in 1936 as a members-only German club called Strotbecks, this beautiful and historic establishment now welcomes all patrons in an elegant yet comfortable setting.
The charming and classic décor includes two wood-burning fireplaces and contemporary artwork. There are five distinct dining areas in the restaurant giving diners the opportunity to choose according to their mood and style. Altogether the restaurant seats 220 patrons and has a lovely ambience throughout. In the 100 seat Verandah, there are 11 foot tall windows overlooking the island waterway, so guests can gaze out and enjoy the views. There is also an Oyster Bar which has its own entrance offering a casual "no-reservations" policy.
The menu is designed to complement the décor with a philosophy of keeping it simple and savory by using only the freshest seafood and produce and the best cuts of meat. The menu changes seasonally. In the summer guest can enjoy whole steamed Main lobster, soft-shell crabs and Jersey blueberry pie. In the winter, some items include Osso Bucco with truffle smashed potatoes, crispy roast duck with bourbon sweet potatoes, risotto and stick-to-you-rib stews.
Open for dinner every night year round, the restaurant features an extensive wine list and specialty cocktails. There is also live entertainment featuring jazz musicians in the piano room.
Whether you're looking for a quick bite to eat at the bar, an extravagant meal or jut meeting a group of friends for a good time, Steve and Cookie's By the Bay has a warm and inviting atmosphere full of fun down at the Jersey Shore.
Los Amigos
1926 Atlantic Avenue
Atlantic City, NJ 08401
(609) 344-2293
www.losamigosrest.com
Los Amigos in Atlantic City has been serving up hot and spicy creations for over 30 years. Nestled in the resort town, the restaurant is a standing tribute to authentic Mexican cuisine.
The 100-year old building has become a fixture in the area with its signature façade. The uniquely shaped building is painted with a bright yellow, purple, lime green and mauve. This quaint and cozy establishment opened in 1978. Over the years, Los Amigos has evolved from offering nachos, tacos and enchiladas to creative and complex dishes. But rest assured the original light fare options are still available and are as popular as ever.
This southwestern and Mexican-style restaurant and bar offers wonderful cuisine and drinks. Los Amigos serves lunch and dinner Sunday through Saturday. Your dining experience can begin with delicious drinks like their notable Marquisette, pitchers of Margaritas or choose from their extensive list of tequilas. Next, indulge in specialty appetizers that include nachos, guacamole dip, wings of fire, Mexican pizza, calamari empanizado, crab quesadilla and Tabasco Tequila shrimp. Chef's entrees are served on a daily basis and guest favorites include open faced Ahi Tuna enchilada, chipotle pork tenderloin, oven roasted salmon with crab, Chile bronzed salmon filet cuervo and fish tacos. A gluten free menu is also available.
The culinary experience is enhanced by the Mexican decor inside, consisting of artwork and vibrant paintings on the walls. Los Amigos spices things up at the Jersey Shore and provides a fun atmosphere with delicious authentic food.
Veronica Dudo is an award-winning journalist who has covered everything from breaking news to red carpet celebrity interviews. For more information on her work, click here.
