If you’ve ever endured a sushi experience involving showy knife work, gushy omakase menus, and gazing at toro like it’s a sunset – we’re guessing you’re ready for something different. Maybe you’re just not ‘ceremonial sushi’ people. For those who’d be fine with legislation banning all pretentiousness in Atlantic City dining, here are 13 spots where the fish speaks louder than the fanfare.
Yama Japanese Restaurant
$$ | (609) 822-8007 | WEBSITE
You’ll remember a meal at Yama Japanese Restaurant for the food, but it won’t be traditionally polished. Unless, of course, you have a hidden gem fantasy and nothing gets you going quite like discovering solid sushi in an unassuming spot. This is a cozy restaurant where you can enjoy a wide selection of Japanese dishes, from bento boxes to cooked entrees, and then appreciate the friendly service that accommodates special dietary needs.
Between the attractive plating of ahi tuna appetizers and the casual atmosphere, an experience here will be reliably satisfying – just know that the sushi quality can be inconsistent lately, with some smaller portions and lower-grade fish.
Tomatoes
$$$ | (609) 822-7535 | WEBSITE
Maybe you want to celebrate a summer evening with friends on the bay front. Or maybe you’ve been waiting for the perfect spot to enjoy live music with a great cocktail in hand. Either way, Tomatoes in Margate City is a vibrant destination where you can have a fun-but-not-overwhelming dining experience right on the water. The standout Euro Chicken at this bayside spot costs around $32, and it comes with truffle mac n cheese and broccolini, using Mary’s Organic chicken.
The sushi menu offers excellent options, and the Ginger Cosmo or Lycheetini from the separate bar area make for perfect accompaniments. Whether you’re with a party of six or an intimate couple, the energetic atmosphere and quick, attentive service create a delightful experience—just be sure to reserve ahead during peak season.
Yuki Hana Restaurant
$ | (609) 266-7608 | WEBSITE
Your only consistent sushi craving involves one of you turning to the other and saying “we should probably get some decent fish right?” This year, consider this answer, “Yes honey, let’s go eat some brown rice rolls.” Yuki Hana is good for a relaxed craving because it’s a little simpler than the other spots blasting pop music on Atlantic Avenue. It’s also pretty do-able to come here with just two people (as opposed to a massive group).
Miyako Japanese Sushi & Steakhouse
$$ | (609) 822-4759 | WEBSITE
If you’ve been coming to Atlantic City for years, it’s likely you’ve celebrated a special occasion at Miyako Japanese Sushi & Steakhouse at some point. Of the sushi and hibachi spots along the boardwalk, this one is perhaps the most entertaining (it’s also where families come for birthday parties). So you should expect lively groups gathered around hibachi stations, and plenty of sake and plates of the signature Godzilla roll.
Just be prepared for some wait during peak hours – it gets busy in here (even on off-season weeknights).
Zhen Bang Noodle & Sushi
$$ | (609) 783-8000 | WEBSITE
You can think of Zhen Bang Noodle & Sushi at Ocean Resort as a cozy Asian feast with a $35 average tab. While you’re here, it’s likely that the staff will offer tea recommendations as soft instrumental music plays in the background. If you want things to feel even more comforting, add the $12 pork chop special at the end of your sushi selection. It involves tender pork, savory congee, and fresh sushi all coming together in a generous portion.
Nobu
$$$$ | (609) 317-2115 | WEBSITE
You two have been together since the Obama years. And while you spent the first few anniversaries making gestures grand enough to intimidate a party planner, you’re both in the mood for something a little more intimate this year. Nobu is more relaxed and arguably more special than any of those fancy places where you spent the first few anniversaries. It’s a renowned restaurant in Atlantic City that’s one of our all-time Greatest Hits in the city.
Get whatever the Black Cod with Miso special is that night, and let the ocean-facing views do the rest.
Ramen Wakana Ramen Noodle and Sushi日式拉面寿司
$$ | (609) 677-8888 | WEBSITE
Between the new car payment, student loans, and the fact that one of you just started grad school, you two don’t have a ton of extra money right now. If you’re looking to eat somewhere other than the folding table in your living room, head to Ramen Wakana in Pleasantville for ramen and sushi in one of the most reliable and satisfying spots around. To get here, look for the welcoming storefront with warm lighting and simple wooden tables.
And if you want some fantastic sushi rolls like the Shrimp Tempura or California, they’re right here on the menu alongside the ramen.
Mukashi Sushi Bar
$$$ | (609) 340-6110 | WEBSITE
The ultimate gesture of generosity would be to treat your friends to dinner at Mukashi Sushi Bar and then casually mention you’re covering the 18% gratuity on their take-out orders. Once you watch Chef Yoshi hand-roll your salmon nigiri with that focused precision, you’ll have likely decided this is your new go-to sushi spot. But you should alternate who has to navigate the Resorts Casino every time.
Megu Sushi
$$ | (609) 289-8693 | WEBSITE
Megu Sushi is like a perfectly rolled maki. It’s precise, but in a generous, treat-yourself sort of way. This Atlantic City spot has a sushi counter that they use to slice fresh fish, but also to showcase the chef’s consistent artistry. Technically, Megu Sushi is a sushi bar – but you could have an incredible meal from the straightforward menu of (mostly traditional) nigiri and rolls – all of which is fresher than what you’ll find at 95% of spots.
Just know that you’ll have to lean into the clean lighting to admire the plating – it’s bright in here.
Lillie’s Asian Cuisine
$$ | (609) 441-2000 | WEBSITE
If your idea of a perfect night involves sharing plates of seafood while escaping the casino chaos, make Lillie’s Asian Cuisine your destination. This is a reliable Asian spot in Atlantic City where you can enjoy everything from decent sushi rolls to piled-high seafood dishes. We’d suggest starting with an order of the crispy egg rolls, and diving into the seafood udon or Singapore noodles for your main event.
By this point, you’ll understand why people request those private tables away from the noise.
Oyster Creek Restaurant And Boat Bar
$$ | (609) 652-8565 | WEBSITE
Oyster Creek is one of our favorite seafood spots near Atlantic City, but it’s a little too charming for a quick bite. There’s no raw-bar theatrics or grandiose shtick involving hard-to-find oysters, but you can expect a welcoming throwback vibe and beautiful canal views. The straightforward seafood and American fare is delicious, like mussels in red sauce or a blackened chicken that someone will steal a bite of while you’re at the gift shop.
We prefer Oyster Creek’s slightly-spacious deck overlooking the marsh to the indoor bars, because it’s breezy and looks like a mid-century postcard during golden hour.
AC Umi Sushi & Seafood Buffet
$$ | (609) 380-7592 | WEBSITE
AC Umi Sushi & Seafood Buffet is a popular dining destination for sushi and seafood lovers in Atlantic City. At the buffet, you’ll see people loading up plates with shrimp, crab, and lobster, along with various meat dishes like leg of lamb. Although it’s a bit overwhelming, the seafood restaurant still feels welcoming, and it’s easy to get a table here on weekends.
So whether you’ve been craving fresh squid sashimi, mackerel sashimi, ikura sashimi, scallop sashimi, and king crab legs, or you just want unlimited drinks including bubble teas, you can rely on AC Umi like you rely on a good appetite. Just choose wisely from the wide variety, as some items like the seafood boil and lobster tails can be overcooked, and service can be slow with drink orders.
Poke Bowl Tropical Cafe
$ | (609) 541-2297 | WEBSITE
Poke Bowl Tropical Cafe is the opposite of a sprawling sushi palace. Instead, it’s more like what you’d find tucked away in a cozy corner of Honolulu. So come here if you like the idea of fresh poke bowls, chicken katsu, and customizable ramen, but don’t want to navigate a massive dining room. This Atlantic City spot has approximately 15 seats, and it gets pretty busy during lunch hours. So either prepare for a short wait on a Saturday afternoon or make it a weekday visit.
Quick bite or not, something about the fresh ingredients and friendly service will predetermine a very satisfying meal.
