Atlantic City's Top Non-Casino Restaurants Picked by Locals

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

We asked our listeners to share their favorite non-casino restaurants in Atlantic City, and they delivered a diverse list spanning Italian classics, upscale dining, comfort food, steak, Mexican, Vietnamese, French, Afghan, and some of the best pizza and subs around. Many of the selected restaurants have been local institutions for decades, with some dating back to the early 1900s.

Why it matters

Atlantic City is known for its iconic casinos, but the city also boasts a vibrant local dining scene beyond the gaming floors. This listener-curated list showcases the rich culinary diversity and historic roots of Atlantic City's independent restaurant community, providing an alternative to the typical casino fare and highlighting the city's appeal as a destination for food lovers.

The details

The 15 restaurants selected by listeners include a mix of long-standing local favorites and newer additions to the dining landscape. Standouts range from the 90-year-old Angelo's Fairmount Tavern and the century-old Chef Vola's, which was named an 'America's Classic' by the James Beard Foundation, to contemporary global eateries like the Afghan restaurant Ariana and the Vietnamese spot Saigon. The list also features beloved pizza joints, classic Italian spots, upscale steakhouses, and comfort food purveyors, reflecting the depth and breadth of Atlantic City's thriving non-casino culinary scene.

• Angelo's Fairmount Tavern opened in 1935.
• Chef Vola's has been around since 1921 and was named one of 'America's classics' by the James Beard Foundation in 2011.
• Dock's Oyster House was opened by 'Dock' Dougherty in 1897.