Atlantic City is famously brash, a fascinating mix of old-school glamour-meets-modern grit: you’ll find slot machines near historic boardwalks, neon lights alongside Victorian architecture, and a casino buffet steps from a fine-dining temple. The dining scene here reflects this same tangle of classic and contemporary—nowhere more deliciously than in its Italian offerings.
Girasole
$$$ | (609) 345-5554 | WEBSITE
Girasole sets the benchmark for Italian dining in Atlantic City. It strikes that perfect balance of innovative, fresh flavors with classic, comforting dishes. Our go-to is the salmon carpaccio with its delicate texture and bright, citrusy notes, paired with a crisp white from their impressive wine list. Their casarecce pasta with wild mushrooms, earthy and rich with a hint of truffle oil, also hits the spot.
Girasole also happens to serve some of the best (and most attentive) service of any restaurant in the area, even in their bustling, warmly lit dining room. While seating near Main Street can get noisy, we like the central tables for watching the lively atmosphere unfold.
Jerry Longo’s Meatballs and Martinis
$$ | (609) 340-2000 | WEBSITE
Jerry Longo’s Meatballs and Martinis is Atlantic City’s Italian-American classic at its best. It captures both the generous, family-style spirit of old-school Jersey and the polished, martini-sipping vibe of a modern casino restaurant. The servers are as attentive as the white-clothed tables are well-set, and the food is just as hearty. The meatballs here are legendary—hand-rolled daily and simmered in a rich tomato sauce.
While the name might suggest ordering the martinis, we’d go for the superb penne with vodka sauce or the seasonal crab gravy pasta when it’s available. The crowd is mostly regulars: casino guests, celebratory dinners, and groups enjoying the Sunday Bread dinner. And since it’s tucked inside Bally’s with a beautiful view, it’s the perfect spot before or after the shows.
The Twenties Italian Bistro
$$ | (609) 487-4373 | WEBSITE
The Twenties Italian Bistro is the place to visit for a classic Italian breakfast or brunch. Elegant white tablecloths are set with polished silverware, and vintage black-and-white photos adorn the warm cream and burgundy walls. Their menu features morning favorites like bacon and eggs, Western omelettes, and Cajun shrimp omelettes, alongside more unique offerings like the standout Pomodori Verdi Fritti and refreshing grapefruit mimosas.
Be sure to try their decadent Tiramisu or the crisp Canollis—some of the most satisfying desserts around. The breakfast specials may be simple, but they’re packed with flavor and incredible value.
Cafe 2825
$$$$ | (609) 344-6913 | WEBSITE
Cafe 2825 is the standout Italian restaurant in Atlantic City’s dining scene. This is not a coincidence: their cavatelli pasta is the best I’ve ever tasted. Their second greatest item is their halibut with seafood risotto—a perfectly cooked fish over creamy, flavorful rice.
Settle into the welcoming atmosphere (which feels more like a family home than a restaurant), place your order with the attentive front of house manager who oversees the dining room, and don’t be surprised if your meal comes with the head chef personally greeting your table—that’s all part of the experience. The fresh mozzarella and Caesars salad prepared tableside are absolute musts, while desserts like the blueberry cheesecake and Tartufo provide the perfect sweet finish.
At around $40-60 for main courses, the quality justifies every penny. Reservations are essential at this place where guests return year after year for authentic Italian gourmet dishes that shine through in every bite of the cacio e pepe pasta or Veal Chop Bolognese Fra D’Avolo.
Angelo’s Fairmount Tavern
$$ | (609) 344-2439 | WEBSITE
You may finish your dinner at Angelo’s Fairmount Tavern and walk out wondering “What decade is this?” Or more importantly, “When can I come back?” You’ll be at this Atlantic City spot for a long time, not only because their authentic Italian charm feels like a warm embrace, but because they serve classics so delicious, you simply won’t want to leave.
It’s one of the best places to try some of Italy’s greatest hits, like Steak Maryland topped with a lobster tail, tender Veal Pizzeola, and stuffed rigatoni with blush sauce, recommended by the attentive staff. On any night, though, their spacious multi-level dining room with its welcoming atmosphere is a must-experience. And save room for whatever the dessert special is, especially if it’s the perfectly rich and creamy tiramisu.
Il Mulino New York – Atlantic City
$$$ | (609) 449-6006 | WEBSITE
Il Mulino New York serves arguably the best Italian food in all of Atlantic City, but that’s just one of the reasons you should have dinner here. On paper, it seems like it might be formal: the upscale restaurant is located in a casino resort, one of Atlantic City’s most elegant settings. But the atmosphere is more lively, like attending a dinner party hosted by your fun aunt who owns a vineyard (but doesn’t tell anyone).
You’ll find starters like the famous baked clams, alongside complimentary platters of Parmesan cheese wheel, salami, crispy zucchini, and bread. There are equally delicious entrees, like the rich Lobster Ravioli, served by your waiter who may or may not have just perfected the presentation. Come with a big group so you can devour as much of the $54 prix fixe menu as possible.
Fiesta Pizza
$ | (609) 347-1222 | WEBSITE
Fiesta Pizza is located in Atlantic City, where quick, affordable Italian-American dining was practically perfected—hence the abundance of pizza and cheesesteak options on the menu. Start with one of their standout dishes like the unique, buttery biscuit-like pizza dough and pair it with the fresh cheese and sauce. They also serve a good-sized portion of fried pork chops (though they could benefit from enhanced Dominican flavors).
Opt for the cheesesteak option for a satisfying meal, and wash it down with a soft drink from their beverage selection. It’s best for a friendly, enjoyable lunch or a quicker dinner with their attentive Dominican staff member.
The Food Hall Eatery
$ | (609) 317-8084 | WEBSITE
Atlantic City has plenty of dining options, but our favorite spot is the one at the Borgata Hotel. Many of the counters have been serving classics for years, offering everything from cheesesteaks and Chinese food to pizza and ice cream. Head to the pizza station for thin-crust pies with mushroom, onion, sausage, and basil that are surprisingly good for a food court, or to the sandwich counter for Philly steaks, cheesesteak hoagies, and Italian hoagies that rival the best in South Philly.
You should also try to grab one of the tables near the pasta station for really good cheese ravioli and other pasta meals. Just know that if you go during peak hours, you might have to wait for certain items.
Angeline by Michael Symon
$$$ | (609) 317-8222 | WEBSITE
Angeline by Michael Symon is a quintessential Italian-American trattoria, with dim, intimate lighting and sturdy wooden tables, but it feels more approachable than many other spots near the casino. You might find a group of friends celebrating or a family enjoying a Sunday supper nearby, but that’s because this is their go-to comfort spot. The menu features excellent pastas and daily specials, all described with warmth by servers who know their stuff.
A standout is their cavatelli pasta, perfectly tender and rich with bold, authentic flavors. Angeline does a bustling dinner service and strikes the perfect balance between a satisfying meal out and a relaxed weeknight bite—ideal for that craving you’ve been saving to indulge.
Angeloni’s Club Madrid
$$ | (609) 344-7875 | WEBSITE
Angeloni’s Club Madrid feels like one of Atlantic City’s classic supper clubs, without all of the neon and slot machines. There are art deco patterns and polished wood lining the walls, while deep reds and dim lighting set a cozy mood in the bar area. Definitely get the spicy meatball app in addition to the highly-recommended veal chop and tender osso bucco, before diving into whatever their fresh halibut special is.
Even if you’re convinced there’s no room left in your stomach post-dinner-feast, think twice: the grappa selection that’s served neat or in cool cocktails is one of the most impressive ways to end an evening in Atlantic City.
Joe’s Famous Hoagies And Steaks
$ | (609) 350-6408 | WEBSITE
There are plenty of pizza joints around Atlantic City, but when nothing but a classic Philly cheese steak will do, Joe’s Famous Hoagies And Steaks is your best bet. It’s one of the rare casual spots where you’ll want to order fewer items, since the portions are so huge and satisfying. One standout is the amazing Philly cheese steak, piled high with tender meat and melted cheese, served with a side of crispy fries.
The atmosphere is exceptionally friendly, and the staff has a knack for bringing food directly to your table right when you need it. Their lunch specials offer impressive deals—the last time we were there, we tried the pepperoni pizza with its great flavor and cheese topping that shockingly paired perfectly with a day of walking around (yes, even after that huge cheese steak).
