Atlantic City, New Jersey’s Best Seafood Restaurants Everyone Is Talking About
Atlantic City isn’t just about casinos and boardwalks, it’s a seafood lover’s paradise where the ocean delivers fresh catches daily.
From historic oyster houses to upscale dining rooms with ocean views, this coastal city knows how to serve up unforgettable meals.
Whether you’re craving buttery lobster tails, perfectly shucked oysters, or innovative seafood creations, Atlantic City’s restaurant scene has something for everyone who appreciates quality food straight from the sea.
1. Dock’s Oyster House
I’ll never forget my first visit here—walking through those doors felt like stepping back in time to when seafood dining was an art form. Dock’s has been serving Atlantic City since 1897, making it one of the oldest family-owned restaurants in America.
Their oysters are legendary, shucked to perfection and served ice-cold on platters that could feed a small army. The menu reads like a love letter to the ocean, with everything from classic clam chowder to innovative seafood pasta.
What really sets this place apart is their commitment to freshness—they source locally whenever possible. Every dish comes with a story and a smile from servers who genuinely care about your experience.
2. Knife & Fork Inn
Picture this: a grand Tudor-style mansion that’s been feeding Atlantic City’s elite since 1912. Knife & Fork Inn oozes old-school glamour with crystal chandeliers and white tablecloths that practically demand you sit up straight. But don’t let the fancy atmosphere intimidate you—the seafood here is worth dressing up for.
Their lobster thermidor is practically famous, rich and decadent in all the right ways. I once ordered their crab cakes and nearly cried tears of joy—no filler, just pure lump crab meat held together with magic. The drinks list is impressive, and the servers know their stuff when it comes to pairing suggestions.
3. Chart House
Perched right on the water, Chart House offers views so stunning you might forget to look at your plate (but please do—the food deserves attention too). Floor-to-ceiling windows showcase the marina, where boats bob gently while you crack into Alaskan king crab legs. Sunset reservations book up fast for good reason.
Their seafood tower is Instagram-worthy and appetite-satisfying, stacked high with shrimp, oysters, clams, and mussels. I’m particularly fond of their macadamia nut-crusted mahi-mahi, which sounds fancy but tastes like vacation on a plate.
The atmosphere strikes a perfect balance between upscale and relaxed—you can wear nice jeans and still feel appropriately dressed.
4. Il Mulino New York
When Italian cuisine meets Atlantic Ocean bounty, magical things happen in the kitchen. Il Mulino brings New York sophistication to Atlantic City’s Tropicana Casino, serving seafood with an Italian accent that’ll make you want to kiss your fingers. Their branzino, flown in fresh and grilled whole, is a masterpiece of simplicity.
Start with the frutti di mare—a seafood extravaganza swimming in sauce and garlic that’s perfect for soaking up with crusty bread. The portions are generous (very Italian of them), and the service is attentive without being stuffy.
Yes, it’s pricey, but quality Italian seafood never comes cheap, and this place delivers every single time.
5. Chelsea Five
Tucked inside the Tropicana, Chelsea Five is where contemporary meets coastal in the most delicious way possible. The vibe is trendy without trying too hard, and the seafood menu changes with the seasons to showcase whatever’s swimming at its peak. I’m a sucker for their raw bar—everything tastes like it was pulled from the ocean five minutes ago.
Their Chilean sea bass practically melts on your tongue, and the accompanying vegetables are treated with the same respect as the star protein. The menu is creative, featuring drinks that complement seafood beautifully.
Service is polished and knowledgeable, making recommendations that actually match your preferences instead of just pushing expensive items.
6. Il Verdi
Another Italian stunner, Il Verdi specializes in seafood preparations that would make any Venetian fisherman proud.
Located in the Tropicana Atlantic City, this spot knows that Italians have been perfecting seafood for centuries, and they’re not about to mess with tradition. Their linguine alle vongole uses fresh clams that still taste like the sea.
I once had their grilled octopus appetizer and immediately understood why people travel for good food. Tender, charred perfectly, and seasoned with Mediterranean herbs that transported me straight to the Amalfi Coast.
7. Council Oak Steaks & Seafood
Don’t let the steakhouse name fool you—Council Oak takes its seafood as seriously as its beef. Located inside the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, this restaurant sources sustainable seafood and prepares it with precision that borders on obsessive.
What I love most is their flexibility—you can build your own surf-and-turf combo or go all-in on seafood. The Alaskan halibut is a personal favorite, flaky and mild with just enough char from the grill. Portions are substantial (this is America, after all), and the sides are creative enough to deserve their own spotlight moment on your table.
8. McCormick & Schmick’s
This national chain proves that consistency can be a beautiful thing when executed properly. McCormick & Schmick’s in Atlantic City maintains the brand’s reputation for fresh seafood at reasonable prices without sacrificing quality. Their menu changes daily based on fresh catches, which I find refreshingly honest in a world of frozen-then-thawed disappointments.
The happy hour is legendary among locals—discounted oysters and shrimp that make it dangerously easy to overorder. I’m particularly fond of their cedar-plank salmon, which arrives smoky and moist with a caramelized glaze.
The atmosphere is casual-professional, making it perfect for business dinners or date nights when you want good food without excessive formality weighing down the conversation.
9. Gordon Ramsay Steak
Yes, Gordon Ramsay is famous for beef, but the man knows his way around seafood too—and he’s not shy about showcasing it at his Harrah’s Resort restaurant. The seafood appetizers alone could constitute a full meal, with options like lobster risotto that’s creamy without being heavy. His standards are famously high, and you can taste that commitment in every dish.
I tried the pan-seared scallops once and understood why this man yells at people who undercook them—when done right, they’re transformative. The presentation is Instagram-ready, but more importantly, the flavors are bold and memorable.
Expect to pay celebrity prices, but the experience includes impeccable service and food that lives up to the Ramsay reputation for excellence.
10. Vic & Anthony’s Steakhouse
Another steakhouse that secretly excels at seafood, Vic & Anthony’s inside the Tropicana knows that surf deserves as much respect as turf. Their Australian cold-water lobster tails are enormous—I’m talking cartoon-sized—and cooked with a precision that suggests someone’s grandmother is back there supervising.
The raw bar selection rotates based on availability, ensuring peak freshness. What sets this place apart is the attention to detail in preparation and presentation. Their jumbo lump crab cakes contain so much meat they barely hold together, which is exactly how they should be.
The service is white-glove professional, and the drinks list could keep you reading for hours if you’re into that sort of thing.
11. The Palm Atlantic City
If you’re craving classic East Coast seafood with a side of old-school charm, The Palm delivers in a big way. Tucked inside the Tropicana, this iconic restaurant treats seafood with the same respect it gives its famous steaks, which is saying something. The moment you sit down, the white tablecloths, polished service, and buzzing dining room let you know you’re in for something special.
Their jumbo Nova Scotia lobsters are the stuff of legend, massive, sweet, and cooked so perfectly you’ll wonder why anyone eats lobster anywhere else.
What I love most about The Palm is its balance of upscale dining and genuine warmth. It’s a place where celebrations feel bigger, seafood tastes fresher, and every dish arrives with the confidence of a restaurant that knows exactly who it is: a timeless classic that continues to earn its reputation one lobster tail at a time.
12. Breadsticks Cafe & Grill
Sometimes you want phenomenal seafood without the white tablecloths and formal atmosphere—that’s where Breadsticks comes in clutch. This local favorite serves up generous portions of well-prepared seafood at prices that won’t require a second mortgage.
Their fish and chips are legitimately some of the best I’ve had, with perfectly crispy batter protecting tender, flaky fish inside. The menu is extensive, offering everything from simple grilled fish to elaborate seafood platters that could feed your entire extended family.
I appreciate their no-nonsense approach—good food, friendly service, and an atmosphere where you can relax in jeans and sneakers. It’s proof that you don’t need fancy surroundings to enjoy fresh, delicious seafood prepared with care and served with genuine hospitality.