The Best Dining Spots in Ocean City, NJ
Ocean City, New Jersey has earned its reputation as a favorite for food lovers, thanks to its incredible mix of flavors and atmospheres.
From open-air seafood shacks with salty breezes to bustling Boardwalk pizzerias and cozy breakfast spots tucked downtown, there’s something for every craving and mood. You’ll find everything from classic comfort food to inventive dishes inspired by fresh, local ingredients.
Whether you want a laid-back lunch by the water, a family dinner on Asbury Avenue, or the kind of coffee and pastry that locals swear by, you’ll have plenty of top-rated options.
This insider’s guide highlights only the best restaurants in Ocean City—places trusted by both visitors and locals, packed with flavor and personality. Here, you’ll discover where to find the city’s most satisfying meals, stunning views, and genuine hospitality, making your next dining experience unforgettable.
For the best experience, visit a spot from every category. Savor ocean views with local seafood, grab a boardwalk classic, sample global flavors, pick up a healthy bowl, and save room for a sweet treat. These local favorites let you taste the real Ocean City, from sunrise to sunset.
Seafood Standouts: Fresh Catches and Classic Shore Dishes
No trip to Ocean City, NJ is complete without savoring the coastal treasures that have kept generations coming back for more. Sun-soaked patios, briny breezes, and the aroma of sizzling crab cakes set the stage at the city’s most loved seafood kitchens. With a commitment to fresh, local seafood and classic shore recipes, these restaurants reel in both locals and visitors night after night.
Island Grill Seafood & Steakhouse
The Island Grill is a local legend for a reason. This spot is home to what many call the best crab cakes in Ocean City, packed with hand-picked lump crab and seasoned just right so every bite lets the fresh seafood shine. Their lobster dishes strike a perfect balance: enough butter and herbs to accent the sweet meat, but never overpower it.
What keeps people loyal? Consistent quality, friendly service, and an inviting atmosphere where the buzz of conversation blends with the clink of plates. If there’s a wait, it’s because nobody wants to rush through their meal. The casual-yet-refined vibe makes it an easy pick for celebrations or family get-togethers.
Mike's Seafood & Dock Restaurant
Mike’s defines the spirit of a true shore seafood shack, brimming with energy and local charm. Their seafood boil takeout packages are a hot ticket for families and groups, filled with fresh-caught crab legs, shrimp, clams, and corn. Every order is seasoned to your liking, steamed, and packed up so you can host your own feast wherever you like
Mike’s shines as a crowd-pleaser because the portions are hearty and the atmosphere is extra friendly. There’s plenty of seating on the dock with views of the bay, picnic tables, and a no-fuss, come-as-you-are feel. Staff make kids and big groups feel right at home, and regulars call out the consistency with rave reviews, summer after summer.
16th Street Seafood
If you’re craving the freshest catch without the frills, 16th Street Seafood is a sure bet. This locally owned favorite puts all its energy into sourcing and serving pristine seafood straight from nearby waters. The blackboard menu changes daily to showcase what’s just been brought in, whether it’s blue claw crabs, wild flounder, or hand-shucked oysters.
16th Street Seafood nails the casual-dining vibe with counter service, airy seating, and no need for reservations. You can order to go for a seaside picnic, or grab a spot outside to soak up the easygoing scene. The focus is always on flavor, value, and letting the true taste of New Jersey seafood take center stage.
Classic American and Boardwalk Favorites
Ocean City’s boardwalk and its side streets are filled with restaurants that serve up slices of nostalgia and meals just like you remember from family vacations. Whether you’re after a sunrise breakfast, easygoing lunch, or family dinner with ocean views, these spots deliver the classic flavors and old-fashioned friendliness that define the shore town experience. Here’s a closer look at two favorites where comfort food, friendly faces, and the beach spirit meet.
Clancy's By The Sea: Family Comfort with a View
Clancy’s By The Sea is everything you want from a boardwalk restaurant—laid-back, lively, and packed with classic American dishes. Located right on the Boardwalk, Clancy’s makes mealtimes feel like you’re on vacation, even if you’re just grabbing lunch with the kids.
What sets Clancy’s apart?
When you want a place where kids can squirm, adults can relax, and no one feels rushed, Clancy’s By The Sea nails it. It’s classic boardwalk dining, done right.
Jon & Patty's Coffee Bar & Bistro: Where Breakfast Feels Special
If breakfast is the most important meal of the day, Jon & Patty’s makes it feel like a celebration. Tucked downtown off the main drag, this coffee bar and bistro is where locals and hungry travelers start their day—and often linger for lunch or an afternoon pick-me-up.
Jon & Patty’s stands out by turning everyday meals into something special. When you want a big, satisfying brunch before a day at the beach, or just need a strong cup of coffee to jumpstart your morning, this bistro never disappoints.
Classic American favorites and Boardwalk staples like these help make Ocean City, NJ a place where every meal feels like a memory in the making.
International Flavors: Italian, Greek
Ocean City’s dining scene reaches far beyond classic shore food and comfort favorites. If you’re in the mood for something with a little more global flair, the town serves up dishes straight from the heart of Italy and the sun-kissed kitchens of Greece. Whether you crave a wood-fired pizza, a Greek salad piled high with feta, or vibrant flavors from even farther afield, there’s a table waiting for you.
Let’s take a look at two must-visit spots that bring the world’s flavors to the Jersey Shore and hint at the growing global mosaic in town.
Piccini Wood Fired Brick Oven Pizza
A trip to Ocean City wouldn’t be complete without sinking your teeth into a slice from Piccini. This hotspot on West Avenue has mastered the art of wood-fired pizza, building flavor with every crackling log in their brick oven. Each pie comes out crisp, blistered, and bubbling, with a touch of smokiness you just won’t find from a regular oven.
Beyond pies, Piccini’s menu features pasta, salads, and sandwiches, but the wood-fired pizza is the star. It’s a gathering spot for families, couples fresh off the beach, and anyone who craves that perfect blend of crisp crust, bubbling cheese, and soulful Italian tradition.
Yianni's Cafe
Bringing authentic Greek flavors to Ocean City for over 25 years, Yianni’s Cafe charms guests from breakfast through dinner. This family-owned gem draws from the culinary heritage of Crete, serving up Mediterranean staples in a relaxed, inviting space on Asbury Avenue.
Dining at Yianni’s feels like eating with family, thanks to recipes passed down through generations and a steady commitment to fresh, wholesome meals.
Trendy and Health-Conscious Eateries
Ocean City’s food scene is changing fast, with more restaurants focusing on wellness, fresh ingredients, and bold flavors that fit a healthy lifestyle. These spots set the standard for plant-based dining, bowls loaded with superfoods, and menus that work for every dietary need. If you care about eating clean, local, and allergy-friendly, this standout eatery leads the way.
Bungalow Bowls: Superfood Bowls and Beach-Friendly Vibes
Bungalow Bowls fits right into Ocean City’s active, sun-soaked energy. Here, flavor-packed bowls shine as the main attraction, loaded with fruits, seeds, and nutrient-rich add-ons that fuel a healthy day at the shore.
Bungalow Bowls is more than just a spot for a quick bite—it’s a local favorite for people who want delicious, beautiful food that fits an active, healthy lifestyle. Whether you live plant-based every day or just want to eat fresh on vacation, you’ll find something to love.
Dessert and Snack Destinations
Dessert isn’t just a sweet finish in Ocean City, it’s a tradition—woven into the city’s boardwalk culture and family memories. Locals and vacationers line up for donuts fried fresh right in front of them, savor rolled and scooped ice cream after a day at the beach, and fill bags with sweets for late-night Boardwalk strolls. These treats are more than food; they’re a nod to Ocean City’s history as a wholesome, family-centered getaway. The energy on Asbury Avenue and the iconic Boardwalk comes alive every evening, with shops serving desserts that keep both kids and adults smiling.
A La Mode Ice Cream Parlor
Stepping into A La Mode feels like stepping back in time. With checkered floors, colorful booths, and retro tunes, it's everything you want from an old-school ice cream shop. Their menu lives up to the nostalgia, offering hand-dipped classics such as butter pecan and mint chocolate chip—but fans know to ask about inventive specials like s’mores, cookie dough overload, and vegan scoops. Portions are generous, and service comes with a smile, whether you’re six or sixty.
Hobby Horse Ice Cream Parlor
Just a stroll away, Hobby Horse has built a loyal following with homemade flavors that stand out. They rotate in fresh picks like blueberry cheesecake, fudge brownie, and peanut butter swirl, all made with top-quality ingredients. It's a spot where generations gather after sunset for cones, sundaes, and banana splits. The lively atmosphere—buzzing with families, games, and laughter—brings out a sense of celebration with every visit.
These parlors don’t just serve ice cream, they serve memories. The blend of classic flavors and fun, new options means everyone can find something to love. The steady crowds every evening prove: for many, the night isn’t complete without a scoop (or two).
In Ocean City, dessert comes with a sense of joy and nostalgia that's as much a part of the town as sand and sun. Whether you crave donuts at sunrise or ice cream after dark, these snack spots make every day a little sweeter.
