From its humble beginnings as a Christian seashore resort in 1870 to “America's Greatest Family Resort" today, Ocean City, New Jersey (OCNJ) strives to give every visitor a fantastic experience. This sentiment applies to everything in this picturesque city, even its one-of-a-kind dining options.
So, if you’re looking for famous chain restaurants, fine dining, or family-owned diners, Ocean City has something for you. This town offers a unique take on tastes from across the globe, with local flavors bursting through. Keep scrolling to discover what food there is and where to find them.
There’s no shortage of dining options for tourists visiting Ocean City or the locals who live here. Whether you favor finely seared scallops, a classic beef burger, or a crispy waffle drenched in chocolate sauce, this town has it all.
Here’s a breakdown of the types of food you can find in Ocean City and some restaurants, diners, and cafes that offer them:
Are you craving a tasty sweet and sour chicken, fresh sushi, or chewy boba? Then you’re in luck because Ocean City has a stunning selection of Asian restaurants to choose from.
You can get your sushi fix at the aptly named Seapark Sushi Restaurant. Pick from a variety of classic rolls and special rolls, or switch it up with a delectable poke bowl. Dining with friends? Then dig into a party-tray.
Visit Szechwan Garden for your daily dose of stir-fries. Choose from classic noodle and fried rice dishes, or get adventurous with thin or wide rice noodle meals. You can’t leave without trying their traditional Szechuan pepper sauce meals, either.
Boba Works has a comprehensive menu featuring over a dozen types of teas accompanied by various toppings. Choose from fruity flavors with bursting boba or the classic chewy tapioca. You can even indulge in some Asian desserts, like matcha tiramisu or mochi brownies.
No American city would be complete without classic American food. Ocean City is no exception—it offers a wide selection of restaurants and diners dedicated to providing its patrons with authentic dishes and delights.
One of Ocean City’s most popular restaurants, Jon & Patty's Coffee Bar & Bistro, offers classic, healthy dishes with a touch of creative flair. Their menu offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner, featuring salads, sandwiches, entrees, and omelets. Whether you want to get some work done, enjoy a round of crypto football betting, or just scroll through TikTok while you wait for your food, you can even take advantage of their free Wi-Fi.
If you’re after a more classic diner experience, Harley Dawn Diner features a massive menu of diner staples. They offer classic burgers and sandwiches, various steak cuts, and even a selection of Gone Green salads to highlight their environmentally friendly attitude.
For any lovers of American-styled seafood, Ocean City has the goods. Island Grill Seafood & Steakhouse and Del’s Grill are delightful stops. They offer everything from crab cake grilled cheese sandwiches and fried shrimp platters to fish and chips.
For anyone after a more refined dining experience, Ocean City also features extravagant fine-dining restaurants. The Betz Room stands out among them, offering a five-course meal including seared scallops, wagyu beef tataki and shrimp cocktail, and deconstructed tiramisu.
If you’re looking for authentic European classics, Ocean City offers a selection of Italian and Greek restaurants to satisfy your tastebuds. You can find a variety of authentic European meals, whether you’re after a wood-fired pizza pie, cheesy stuffed ravioli, or delicious grilled souvlaki or gyro.
Luigi's Italian Restaurant, Piccini Wood Fired Brick Oven Pizza, Patronis, and CapoStrada are all excellent picks if you want authentic Italian food. Each one offers a slice of Italy, from expertly made pizza and chicken parmigiana to classics like lasagna and spaghetti and meatballs.
If you’re looking to eat on the healthier side and reap the rewards of a Mediterranean diet, then you may enjoy some of Ocean City’s Greek restaurants.
Opa Gyros and Crepes offer a relaxed, on-the-go approach with takeaway-styled meals. They stand out for their various crepes, ranging from the world’s biggest crepe to delicious dessert crepes.
Yianni’s Cafe offers a more sophisticated dining approach. They present their plated dishes with care and deliver a range of delicious and classic Greek meals. You can find gyro omelets, tzatziki and pita, and even pikilia and hummus.
You don’t have to take a trip south of the border to get your hands on some authentic Mexican meals. Not only does OCNJ house a variety of Mexican restaurants, but it also offers Caribbean, Cajun, and Creole food.
If you’re craving some spicy quesadillas, cheesy nachos, or savory bistec encebollado, then you’re in luck. Head over to Cinco De Mayo, La Autentica Mexican Grill, or El Guacamole for some of the best Mexican bites in OCNJ.
For those of you wanting a taste of the Caribbean islands, pay D'Caribbean Bistro Subs a visit. This unassuming sandwich place blends Latin and Caribbean food masterfully. You can even find mofungo, tostones, and jerk shrimp.
Are you looking for a dining experience to create memories with your loved ones? Then try out Outer Banks Boil Company’s seafood boils. Get an authentic cajun and creole pot on the beach ranging from jumbo shrimp to andouille sausage and Alaskan snow crab.
OCNJ is full of beautiful sights, people, and foods. Whether you’re visiting from overseas and want to experience American dining or traveling within the US and looking for some foreign flavors, Ocean City has you covered. There’s a little bit of everything for everyone!
