The Jersey Shore dining scene has continued to improve year over year, and 2025 is no exception. By our count, nearly a dozen new restaurants will grace the region this season, and countless more renovations, seaside shacks and dives make this summer one to remember for foodies down the shore.
Don’t miss the hottest new restaurants by the beach amid sun and surf this summer at the Jersey Shore.
P.S. Did we miss a spot? Email us here so we can add it.
Atlantic City
Stephen Starr “The Americans” Concepts
Ocean Casino Resort, Atlantic City
Opening: Summer 2025
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Announced last month, Atlantic City will be home to not one but two new Stephen Starr restaurants at Ocean Casino Resort. As a Philadelphia local, Starr spent much of his youth strolling the AC beach and boardwalk. Now, as a vaunted restaurateur, he’ll return soon with two eateries. The first of which, called “The Americans” concept, will feature nostalgic comfort food like pigs in a blanket, tuna tacos, pierogies, homestyle meatloaf and Thanksgiving dinner year-round.
Stephen Starr French Concept
Ocean Casino Resort, Atlantic City
Opening: Summer 2025
The second Starr concept is a Parisian-style steakhouse based upon the iconic Le Relais de Venise L’Entrecot. The prix-fixe menu will lean on classics like steak, salmon and lobster with frites doused in butter sauce. It will have a few a la carte options, too.
As with the names of both restaurants, there’s currently no available timetable for the grand opening more specific than “this summer.”
Cape May
Fish House
502 Sunset Blvd., Cape May
Opened: August 2024
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Nestled at perhaps the best overlook anywhere along the Jersey Shore, Fish House finally opened last August to replace The Grille at the famed Sunset Beach. If you didn’t catch a bite here at the end of last summer, make a point this season to visit the space, which pays homage to seafood shacks and soulful beach bars in a slightly higher-end setting, featuring a bevvy of tasty handhelds and craft cocktails. Plus, there are few restaurants anywhere along the East Coast, let alone the Jersey Shore, that offer a better view of sunset.
Margate
Betty’s BBQ and Fried Chicken
9315 Amherst Ave., Margate
Opened: May 2, 2025
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Run by the former proprietor of Ventnor’s Water Dog, who sold his shop to the Philly-based owners of Kismet Bagels, Betty’s BBQ brings authentic southern flavors to the Shore. You’ll find everything from pastrami brisket to Memphis hot chicken served up with healthy helpings of ‘slaw, mac ‘n’ cheese, fries, Texas beans, creamed corn and more. Don’t miss family-style platters, too, with ribs, pulled pork and burnt ends for a classic American meal.
Sea Isle City
Casa Taco
4101 Landis Ave., Sea Isle City
Opened: April 26, 2025
After a devastating fire ripped through the old Casa Taco in August 2024, it seemed for a short time like this local favorite might not return. But as a phoenix rising from the ashes, Casa Taco announced in February that it’s set to take over the space occupied for 40 years by the now-shuttered Angelo’s Ristorante and Pizzeria. The new space is a significant upgrade from the old eatery, with more square footage and located near more small businesses.
Ventnor
Doma Cafe
7309 Ventnor Ave., Ventnor City
Opened: April 25, 2025
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This family-owned, intimate cafe serves upscale Mediterranean cuisine for brunch, lunch and dinner. Think elevated croissant Benedicts, lamb chops and octopus. The signature dish is lightly seared octopus paired with ajvar spread and cherry tomatoes in oil.
Kismet Bagels Luncheonette
7319 Ventnor Ave., Ventnor
Opening: Late-May 2025
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As mentioned above, Kismet Bagels is taking over the former Water Dog Smokehouse location in Ventnor. We covered its expansion onto the Main Line extensively last winter, but in the 15 months since, it has begun shipping on Goldbelly and opened yet another brick-and-mortar location in Collingswood, NJ, in addition to the planned Ventnor luncheonette. Expect tasty breakfast sandwiches, top-notch bagels, savory schmears and perhaps even donuts.
Wildwood
Crest Coffee Co.
104 E Cardinal Rd., Wildwood Crest
Opening: Early summer 2025
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Announced as recently as March, this father-daughter-run coffee shop promises year-round, sustainably sourced drinks starting this summer. Just a few blocks off the beach in Wildwood Crest, the store is already planning community markets and yoga events beginning in June. Get excited for a relaxing atmosphere in which the scent of roasting beans mixes with salty sea breezes.
The Rook
2708 Pacific Ave., Wildwood
Opening: May 2025
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Fans of The Rook in Manayunk can continue to visit this top-notch sports bar down the Shore in Wildwood this summer. Expanding into the former Goodnight Irene’s space, which was officially put to bed in November, this concept plans to bring a “Philly-inspired menu with a seafood shore twist,” according to co-owner Rich Ennis in PhillyVoice. It’s currently targeting an opening in May.
Sandy Boots Saloon
219 E Lincoln Ave., Wildwood
Opening: Spring 2025
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Opening just off the beachfront in Wildwood, Sandy Boots Saloon will sit on the site of the former Harbor Inn, a decades-old landmark that was demolished back in 2021. Construction started from the ground up on an undeveloped site, so new guests will get a chance to see a brand-new building that blends both indoor and outdoor dining spaces, at least according to renderings.
Taqueria El Azteca
4020 Ocean Ave., Wildwood
Opening: TBD
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Taqueria El Azteca’s second Wildwood location will take over the former home of the now-defunct Wild Burrito at the corner of Ocean and E Youngs Avenues. After becoming a favorite during the past several years for big portions and a varied menu on Pacific Avenue, El Azteca is ready to introduce the concept to a broader community. The second El Azteca location doesn’t yet have an opening date, with the news of the expansion announced as recently as April 25.
Tim’s Ale House
3620 Boardwalk, Wildwood
Opening: Summer 2025
Though there’s very little public information currently available for Wildwood’s latest dive bar, it seems like it plans to open sometime this summer behind Snow White on Boardwalk. Look forward to stopping in after stepping off the beach for a beer and a burger to watch the Phillies games on summer afternoons.
Related: Where to Find the Tastiest Breakfast at the Jersey Shore
