It’s no secret that I love Atlantic City, and defending it is a hill I will die on. Often, people assume Atlantic City is just another New Jersey beach town with frozen drinks, lemonade, and boardwalk pizza. While you can certainly find all of these classics in Atlantic City (and more), many people don’t realize that this NJ town also has some of the best upscale dining spots you can find in South Jersey.
From globally recognized names like Nobu inside Caesar’s Atlantic City and Gordon Ramsay Steak in Harrah’s Casino Resort to new classics like Amada in Ocean Casino Resort and Sitar in Hard Rock Atlantic City, there’s a little something for every foodie to explore while in Atlantic City. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or looking to explore something new on your next visit, these four top-tier dining spots are a few of my favorites to consider.
Sitar, Hard Rock Atlantic City
Indian food is by far my favorite cuisine. I’ve been quoted many times as saying that I would like Indian food to be my last meal on earth. When I heard that Hard Rock Atlantic City was opening a new restaurant with a modern twist on Indian food, I was super excited. Not only does this give Indian food the well-deserved recognition it deserves, but I love that there’s finally a different type of cuisine available on the boardwalk. Sitar faces the boardwalk, honoring India’s rich culinary heritage with classic dishes reimagined for a modern palate.
What I liked most about dining at Sitar was the great mix of classics for those of us familiar with Indian food, plus mild dishes for those trying Indian cuisine for the first time. From the staples like Garlic cheese naan bread and East India Tikka Masala to specialty appetizers like the Guntur Chicken 65 and Mutton Ghee Roast, there’s no question that I’ll be returning to this upscale Indian restaurant next time I visit Atlantic City.
Nobu, Caesars Atlantic City
Nobu’s restaurants are globally recognized for exceptional Japanese-Peruvian cuisine — and the Atlantic City location lives up to the hype. Many people assume the Atlantic City boardwalk is just basic “Jersey Shore” food like boardwalk fries and funnel cakes, but AC also has upscale classic restaurants like Nobu. On the menu, you can find all the Nobu-renowned favorites like Black Miso Cod, Rock Shrimp Tempura, and Beef Toban Yaki. Or, if you’re feeling daring like I was, try the chef’s tasting menu, a “surprise” tasting menu based on your flavor preferences.
If you’re looking for a truly unique and unforgettable dining experience, don’t skip out on the Japanese A5 Wagyu while dining at Nobu Atlantic City. It truly melts in your mouth. This is the type of steak that has you devouring every bite so fast and then finding yourself left with only one bite left to savor. The unique marbling and coarse salt pair perfectly for a truly delectable experience. If you can, try to snag a seat by the window for great boardwalk and beach views. Some of my other menu favorites are the Creamy Spicy Crab and, of course, the Wagyu beef tacos.
Amada, Ocean Casino Resort
While Indian food may be my all-time favorite, I have to admit that tapas culture is another one of my true “foodie” loves. After visiting Barcelona last year, I fell in love with the idea of sharing small plates and trying lots of little flavors rather than committing to one big main meal. I love that tapas come out as they’re ready, extending the meal experience over a longer period of time. Ocean Casino Resort’s Amada restaurant brings this unique experience right to Atlantic City, led by Chef Garces.
The tapas menu at Amada is quite extensive, with many Spanish classics like empanadas, chorizo, and pan con tomate. During my visit, I chose to focus on a selection of tapas—each of which was equally delicious. While I recommend the tapas experience, the menu also includes many classic mains if you prefer to go that route. I think Ocean Casino Resort really made a smart choice adding this unique dining experience to their dining line-up, setting themselves apart from other casino resorts on the boardwalk that do not offer Spanish cuisine.
Gordon Ramsay Steak, Harrah’s Atlantic City
I have to admit that I’m generally skeptical of mainstream celebrity chef restaurants, which can sometimes be overhyped based on a name. However, Gordon Ramsay Steak at Harrah’s Casino Resort proved me wrong. If you love a true, classic steakhouse experience, you won’t be disappointed with a dinner reservation here. Since Harrah’s is located off the Atlantic City boardwalk, you get a bit more of a calmer, laid-back atmosphere when dining here — paired with exceptional food, of course.
From the starters like Japanese A5 Beef Carpaccio and Ahi Tuna Tartare to steakhouse mains like my delectable prime rib, everything here was truly cooked to perfection. Even if you’re not a meat eater, classic salads like here like the Market Wedge are carefully put together with top-tier ingredients. Atlantic City has many upscale steakhouses to choose from (and I’ve had the chance to try most, but not all). For me, the overall experience and quality at Gordon Ramsay Steak make it a top choice when I’m in the mood for a classic steakhouse meal.
