Ocean City, New Jersey. Home to all, even the shoobs. This island holds a special place in everyone’s heart. Maybe it was the place where you took your first ferris wheel ride, had your first kiss, surfed your first wave, or even had your wedding. Everyone’s experiences all differ here in the beautiful oasis, but there is something we can all agree on and it’s how amazing the food is!
Whether you’re a year rounder or a shoobie, there is delicious food for everyone. The eateries listed below are amazing places to go to if you are ever in need of a recommendation. Don’t just take my word on it! Dozens of people messaged and commented through my Instagram page @ocnj.photography, saying their favorite places to go! Disclaimer 1: These are NOT the only places to go to, almost every place in Ocean City is amazing. Disclaimer 2: Unfortunately not all of the photos associated with the eateries are described in the bios, just wanted to show some delicious visuals! Disclaimer 3: If you're viewing this on a mobile device, you can scroll down to see some amazing pictures of the grub! Listed below are just wonderful suggestions made by lovers of OCNJ food.
If you like this post, like and comment your favorite places to eat and what you get below!
New to OCNJ…
There is nothing better than supporting local businesses, woo! These are a few making their way to the island this season! *SO EXCITED*
Playa Bowls Ocean City
Welcome to Pineapple Land! Coming soon to 854 Asbury Avenue, Playa Bowls offers acai bowls, pitaya bowls, coconut bowls, green bowls, smoothies and juices. THERE ARE NEW BOWLS ON THE WAY, so make sure to be on the look out for these big surprises! I know I can't wait to try them out! Who's with me?
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Heart Beet Kitchen:
An amazing plant based restaurant is now in Ocean City! They have a current location in Westmont, but customers couldn’t be more excited for them here in Ocean City! Located on 801 8th Street, you can get plant based, organic, gluten and dairy free dishes! They serve kombucha on draft by inspired brews and their buffalo cauliflower is their most popular menu item! Their heart beet burger (pictured) looks amazing! Make sure to stop by and try out their delicious menu items!
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Bungalow Bowls:
Bungalow Bowls has been doing an amazing job throughout their social media accounts, and customers are getting more and more excited each day to try their bowls! They recommend their Outta Control Bowl and Blue Ocean Bowl, but all of their menu items are delicious! The Outta Control Bowl’s base is blended with banana, peanut butter, and almond milk. It’s topped with banana, strawberries and drizzled with peanut butter and Nutella. The Blue Ocean Bowl is blended with banana, pineapple, almond milk, and Blue Majik. What is Blue Majik? It’s a superfood that provides natural energy and helps muscle & joint recovery after a workout! I’ll definitely be coming here a lot….who else?! Coming soon to 1054 Asbury Avenue.
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Soma Cafe
Opened by an OCHS alum, Samantha Freda opened up SOMA cafe. Standing for Simple Organic Mindful Alignment, they offer small "simple" menu items with local ingredients and products. Almost all of the produce will be sourced from local New Jersey farms. Their beverages are from NJ companies as well! (From the Booch kombucha from Northfield and Joe Tea from Montclair) They're invested in eco-friendly practices. They hope to host community events in their space. Some menu items to get excited about are the gluten-free options like Collard Green Wraps and Bell Pepper Tacos. Coming soon to 825 Asbury Avenue, make sure to show them support when they open!
Coffee:
Coffee fuels you up for the day, but with so many places to choose from how will you decide?
Barefoot Market:
Located on 214 West Ave, this cute cafe serves amazing local & organic food and drinks. I personally love to go there after my morning runs and get an iced mocha! Make sure to grab a cookie or muffin to go along with your morning coffee, because they are amazing!
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Ocean City Coffee Company:
With three amazing locations, you can’t go wrong with OC Coffee Company. Customers love all of their menu items, but my personal favorites include the frozen hot chocolate and their smoothies! Located on 9th and Asbury and on 916 & 1066 on Boardwalk.
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LOCALS:
Located 650 Boardwalk (In the 7th Street Beach Arcade), Locals serves a variety of delicious coffees, smoothies, and bowls! Some favorites are the Paradise Pina Colada smoothie made with fresh pineapple and banana chunks and a touch of coconut. Their iced coffees are KILLER! Their expresso is made with an authentic syensso machine and it is a MUST try. Grab a drink, relax, and watch the best view of the surfing beach in all of Ocean City!
Breakfast:
Where to go to for the most important meal of the day?!
Starfish Cafe:
Starfish Cafe is a full service cafe serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner! Some favorites include; the homemade pancakes, fresh salads, juices, smoothies, and bowls! Make sure to try their amazing menu items! Located on 822 E. 9th Street.
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Arlene’s:
This super cute restaurant is located on 624 Asbury Avenue, serving breakfast & lunch. I’ve been going here for years now and I have loved it every time! This was the first place I have ever had an Arnold Palmer and I have been obsessed ever since! Some customer favorites are their pancakes and crepes!
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Sunrise Cafe:
Everything here is delicious! Located on 1200 Asbury Avenue, customers can get a variety of meals from their amazing french toast to their great breakfast sandwiches!
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Brunch:
It’s not breakfast time, but not lunch time yet, so where should you go?
Ready’s Coffee Shop & Restaurant:
Located on 415 E 8th St., you can get amazing food with even better service! Some recommendations are: the omelettes, chicken salad sandwich, and make sure to try their delicious fries!
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Varsity Inn:
Varsity Inn is the perfect place for breakfast or lunch, that’s why it’s one of our favorite brunch restaurants. For breakfast try the delicious Varsity Original or any of their pancakes! For lunch, you have to try their baked Jersey tomato soup, and trust us, you will become obsessed! All of their burgers are AMAZING and must trys! This is the perfect place to eat if you have a dog with you, just sit on one of the outside stools and enjoy your meal while your pup enjoys some water! Located on 605 E 8th St.
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Oves
Located on 4th Street and the boardwalk, Oves is the perfect place to go for amazing views with even BETTER food! They’re famous apple cider donuts will make you mouth water just looking at them! Besides their donuts, customers love their homemade crab cakes and pancakes!
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Lunch:
Time to start your way up to the beach or taking a break from work, these restaurants are PERFECT for your lunches!
The Hula Restaurant:
Amazing Hawaiian flavors brought to you in Ocean City, New Jersey! Located on 9th and Boardwalk, you can have a taste of Hawaii locally. A local favorite is the Hawaiian Chicken Platter and the Ahi Platter! In the summer they have tons of specials including Mahi Mango and BBQ scallops. I know these all sound amazing, but it gets better! All plates are served with rice and salad. Yum!
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OC Surf Cafe
This cafe has surf boards lining the exterior and even more surf memorabilia within. Located on 715 E 8th St, customers have tons of options to amazing food! My personal favorite is the OC Local breakfast combo and their mahi mahi tacos!
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DINNER:
Many people that I talk to complain that there aren’t any places to go to for dinner, but maybe they just don’t know about them yet...
Randazzo's:
Randazzo's is the PERFECT place for dinner! Located on the corner of 34th and Asbury, they offer a variety of amazing Italian cuisine. Some favorites include the chicken parm dinner and their cheesesteaks, but you can not go wrong with their pizza!
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Yianni's
Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, this Greek restaurant is sure to fulfill your every need! Besides their amazing bagels, customers love their warm pita bread & hummus, moussaka, and burgers! I always get the oriental chicken salad, and I am OBSESSED with it! The portions are very generous, so make sure to bring your appetite to 841 Asbury Avenue.
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Piccini
Piccini has amazing brick oven pizza and excellent vodka sauce. The perfect place to eat dinner, you can’t go wrong with any menu item! Don’t believe your fellow Ocean City residents on how amazing it is? Trust food expert Guy Fieri who visited Piccini back in 2015. Located on 1258 West Ave, try out their menu items for yourself!
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Cinco De Mayo
Amazing and authentic Mexican cuisine here in Ocean City! Located on 1039 West Avenue, Cinco De Mayo offers a variety of amazing Mexican delights with impeccable service! Some customer favorites are the burritos and carnitas tacos! I have been getting the chicken burrito for years and I can honestly say it’s the best I have ever had.
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Voltaco's
This carry out only Italian restaurant is perfect for larger parties and huge appetites. Some customer favorites are the lasagna, baked ziti, and their amazing meatballs. DO NOT forget to get the garlic bread because it is delicious. (Craving it as I write this). Located on 957 West Avenue.
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PIZZA:
Boardwalk and pizza go hand in hand, but with so many places up and down the boardwalk...how can someone decide?
Preps:
Located on 10th and Boardwalk, get amazing pizza and an ice cream at Preps Pizza & Dairy Bar. My personal favorite type of pizza here is white (I'm obsessed), but other customer favorites are buffalo chicken and their plain cheese pizzas. For desert make sure to get the waffles and ice cream!
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Three Brothers:
Nothing says authentic pizza like this place. Right when you step in you feel a part of the family. You’re greeted with hellos from everyone and they always make sure you’re happy with your meal. Their slices are very large, so make sure you know that before ordering your usual three or four. My favorite is white, but customers love their plain cheese and their broccoli & tomato pizza! Located on 1030 Boardwalk, you can’t go wrong coming here.
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Manco & Manco:
Manco and Manco lines the Ocean City boardwalk, but last year they opened up their mega location on 9th street! Their NEW pizzas at 9th street are the bacon chicken ranch and the buffalo chicken pizza. Make sure to try out their new flavors, or grab a slice of their classic cheese….everything is great!
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The YUM Category:
Who doesn’t LOVE sweets? Here are some favorites for ice cream, donuts, and more!
Ice Cream and Ice Cream-ish:
A La Mode Ice Cream Parlor:
A La Mode ice cream parlor is located on the southern side of the island. It’s on 55th street and West avenue. Everything there is DELICIOUS, but some customer favorites are the F.B.I. (hot fudge, homemade brownies, and ice cream) , the Cookie Heaven Sundae, and the Superbowl! They will reopen for the season in early May, so make sure you try them out!
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Hobby Horse Ice Cream Parlor:
I have been going here for years and I can personally vouch that it is some of my favorite ice cream! Located on 800 Ocean Avenue, step into a super cute ice cream parlor with a variety of flavors! My personal favorite is the peanut butter chocolate ice cream. Some other customer favorites are moose tracks and blueberry, but everything is amazing!
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Paradise Shave Ice:
This isn’t just any shaved ice, it’s Paradise Shave Ice. Located on 12th and Boardwalk (on the edge of the surf mall), make sure you try some! A customer favorite is the rainbow, a combination of blue raspberry, lemon, and cherry.
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Bashful Banana
Serving amazing and healthy meals and treats, this place definitely won’t disappoint! I’ve been coming here for years and I love their famous banana whip. (When I was younger my Mom bought a machine that whipped fruit during the winters when we weren’t in Ocean City, but it never compared...sorry Mom) Some customer favorites are the waffle n whip and their rice bowl special! Located on 946 Boardwalk, make sure you try out the whip for yourself!
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Do-nut miss out on these delicious donut places!
Drip N’ Scoop:
Located on 960 Asbury Avenue, customers can get AMAZING donuts with great coffee! Some customer favorites are chocolate raspberry, peanut butter with Oreos and cookies & cream. With such a dedicated fan base, it is no surprise how delicious these donuts truly are! Not only does this place serve delicious treats, every donut is picture perfect just waiting to be Instagrammed.
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DOTS
Customers LOVE Dots Donuts! Located 3148 Asbury Avenue, you can’t go wrong with any flavor here! Customers love their cinnamon twist pretzel shaped and powder cream filled. Make sure you try their cream donuts because multiple followers of @ocnj.photography on Instagram claim that it’s “the best cream donut ever.”
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Fractured Prune
Get amazing donuts at the Fractured Prune! Located on 1225 Asbury Avenue, customers can get these delicious treats! Some favorite toppings are bacon, graham crackers, and cinnamon & sugar! Make sure to try all the flavors out for yourself!
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Brown’s
The lines down the boardwalk for Brown’s should tell you enough that this place is amazing. Customers love their flavors (plain, honey, chocolate, vanilla, cinnamon and powdered), you can’t go wrong with any of them! Want to try the donuts without waiting in that long line? Go in and eat breakfast! Their breakfast is delicious (especially their pancakes) and make sure to order a donut on the side! Located 110 Boardwalk.
Photography Credit: @jessejosephh (Instagram)
Donut Credit: Oves Restaurant
Photography Credit: @czap_photography (Instagram)
Photo sent in from Playabowls
Photo sent in from Heart Beet Kitchen
Photo sent in from Bungalow Bowls
Photography Credit: @therealkatiewaldow (Instagram)
Photography Credit: @elizzaard (Instagram) *OC Coffee Company*
Photography Credit: @jennifertini (Instagram) *Locals*
Photo sent in from Starfish Cafe
Photography Credit: @breakfastadventurers (Instagram) *Arlene's*
Photography Credit: @kenzcharlize (Instagram) *Sunrise Cafe*
Photography Credit: @sarahcin3m4club (Instagram)
Photo sent in from Varsity Inn
Photography Credit: @czap_photography (Instagram) *Oves*
Photography Credit: @alexis_ross (Instagram) *Hula Restaurant*
Photography Credit:@rebecca_chews_nyc (Instagram) *OC Surf Cafe*
Photography Credit: @randazzosocnj (Instagram) *Randazzo's*
Photography Credit: @arscollins (Instagram) *Yianni's*
Photography Credit: @oliviaraye (Instagram) *Piccini*
My own photo...the amazing chicken burrito! *Cinco De Mayo*
Photography Credit: @voltacosocnj (Instagram) *Voltaco's*
Photography Credit: @preps_pizza (Instagram) *Preps*
Photography Credit: @jconnorgalloway (Instagram) *Three Brothers*
Photography Credit: @mancoandmanco (Instagram) *Manco and Manco
Photography Credit: @jerseyshoreicecream (Instagram) *A La Mode*
Photography Credit: @hobbyhorseiceceam (Instagram) *Hobby Horse*
Photography Credit: @paradise_ocnj (Instagram) *Paradise Shave Ice*
Photography Credit: @vanessa_ferraiolo (Instagram) *Bashful Banana*
Photography Credit: @dripnscoop (Instagram) *Drip N Scoop*
Photography Credit: @karlikemme (Instagram) *Dots*
Photography Credit: @serenadipit.y (Instagram) *Fractured Prune*
Photography Credit: @gab.shannon (Instagram) *Browns*