Dining guide: from family-run restaurants to casino-hotel eateries, Atlantic City has the ambiance and cuisine to suit just about any taste

Pool & Spa News, Jan 10, 2003 by Anne Brooks

Each year, Pool & Spa News helps you reach out and taste the best food that Atlantic City has to offer. Some of the restaurants here are back by popular demand; others are new to the list, to help expand your dining horizons. All have received great reviews, so regardless of your taste or budget, something is sure to work for you.

KEY

$   = Inexpensive
     (entrees $10 or less)
$$  = Moderate
     ($10-$20)
$$$ = Expensive
     ($20 or more)

Atlantic City Bar & Grill

With its eclectic menu, this spot's a longtime favorite. Look for the crab pie and baby back ribs. Also look for Sugar Ray Leonard and George Clooney because when they're in town, this is where they go. The lobster bisque is an award-winner, according to Atlantic City and Philadelphia magazines. Open Monday-Friday, 4 p.m.-6 a.m.; Saturday-Sunday, noon-7 a.m. 1217 Pacific Avenue; (609) 348-8080. $$

Brittany's Cafe

Home-style favorites such as the pork-and-spinach sandwich bring the regulars to this eclectic eatery, which offers standard and unique breakfasts and lunch plates. Open daily, 7 a.m.-3 p.m. 4313 Ventnor Avenue. (609) 348-8741. $$

Camelot

This whole medieval thing is just such a crowd-pleaser. TravelApe.com says Camelot at Resorts features generous portions of steaks, veal chops or fresh lobster in the setting of a medieval banquet hall. Open Wednesday-Saturday, 6 p.m.; closed Sunday-Tuesday. Reservations accepted. Resorts Casino Hotel, 1133 Boardwalk, (609) 340-7836. $$

Caruso's

For "fine traditional and contemporary Italian specialties" such as chicken Francese with shrimp or langoustines in lemon, this is the place, according to Altanticcitynj.com. This eatery at the Hilton is open for dinner only, Wednesday-Saturday, 6-11 p.m. Note: Caruso's also offers the high-end "Sterling Brunch" ($50/person) Sundays, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Atlantic City Hilton Casino Resort, Boston & Pacific Avenues, (609) 347-7111. $$$

Champagne Charlie

Dubbed "Best Gourmet Restaurant" in 2002 by Casino Player magazine, this place at the Showboat was called "a unique dining experience" by Atlantic City Casino Guide. Diners will find prime beef, salmon, swordfish, homemade soup, a huge salad bar and more. Reservations recommended. Open Monday-Friday and Sunday, 6-10 p.m.; Saturday, 5-11 p.m. Showboat Casino Hotel, 801 Boardwalk, (800) 621-0200. $$$

Florentino's

Harrah's eatery "swept the competition with the `Best Italian Restaurant' award in Casino Player magazine's readers poll. Editors called it "awesome" and "a stellar new entry." The city's first open-air kitchen lets you see the love going into your meal. Reservations required. Open Wednesday-Sunday, 5:30-10 p.m. Harrah's Atlantic City Casino Hotel, 777 Harrah's Blvd., (609) 441-5000. $$$

Grabel's

Been around 30 years and it ain't goin' nowhere--thanks to fine-dining fare such as roasted duck, crab cakes, pasta, steaks and seafood. Desserts include tiramisu and Mississippi mud pie. For entertainment, there's a DJ playing dance tunes, plus karoake and piano music. Dinner is served Wednesday-Sunday, 5:30-10:30 p.m.; bar food 10 p.m.-4 a.m. 3901 Atlantic Avenue. (609) 344-9263. $$

Los Amigos Mexican Restaurant

The specials change daily, but the prices stay the same: really low for the fresh seafood entrees, not so for items on the expensive tequila menu. Beware the margaritas--they're mighty powerful, but they're what makes this place mighty popular. Open Tuesday-Thursday, 11:30 a.m.-2 a.m.; Friday, 11:30 a.m.-6 a.m.; Saturday, 4 p.m.-6 a.m.; Sunday, 4 p.m.-2 a.m. 1926 Atlantic Avenue. (609) 344-2293. $

Mama Motts

Located a half block from the Boardwalk, this family-owned restaurant feels "as though you were instantly transported to a quaint Italian cafe," says Christy Barr of Digitalcity.com. Chalk it up to the large windows' gorgeous nighttime views, the "warm and elegant" atmosphere and the "innovative and traditional Italian dishes, all made with the freshest of ingredients." Open Tuesday-Friday and Sunday, 4-11 pm.; Saturday, 4 p.m.-midnight; closed Monday. 151 South New York Avenue. (609) 345-8218. $

Peregrine's

It's the gold standard for gourmet restaurants and it's at the Hilton. Be sure to sample the Belon oysters from France or the truffles from Belgium, urges Pressofatlantic city.com. Dinner is served Thursday, 6-10 p.m.; Friday and Sunday, 6-11 p.m.; and Saturday, 6 p.m.-midnight. There are two prix fixe menus: $100, five courses with four glasses of wine; $70, five-course meal. Atlantic City Hilton Casino Resort, Boston Avenue and Boardwalk. (609) 340-7400. $$$

Scheherazade

This Trump Taj Mahal eatery is described by Casino Player as "exquisite. It's like being inside the dining room of an ancient palace." The international menu at award-winning Scheherazade consists of many gourmet dishes, including the house special sauteed lamb chops. Trump Taj Mahal Casino Resort, 1000 Boardwalk at Virginia Avenue; (609) 449-6417. $$$

Tony's Baltimore Grill

Said to have the "best pizza in town"--by a competitor, no less--this landmark has a steadfast clientele that can't get enough of the pizza (it's the sausage and pepperoni pies that move) or the meatballs. Open daily, 11 a.m.-3 a.m. 2800 Atlantic Avenue. (609) 345-5766. $