Homemade Ice Cream

or a special evening out. Chef Schatz’s “globally inspired” cuisine features fresh and locally grown ingredients served in a casual, but elegant atmosphere.

To begin, try the Crab Cake with charred corn relish, and lemon crema, in a smoked pepper remoulade. Second-course offerings range from Sea Bass accompanied by Spanish crawfish, celeriac slaw, and basil oil to a roasted garlic Short Rib, topped with a gremolata sauce. To properly finish the meal, try the Basque Burnt Cheesecake, caramelized with a blueberry bourbon compote.

Viggiano’s — Cape May, NJ

Inspired by memories of sharing food around their large kitchen table, the Viggiano family invites you to dine with them at their Pennsylvania and New Jersey restaurants. The shore location, in historic Cape May, offers family-style dining just like its sister restaurant in Conshohocken, Pennsylvania.

Entrées come in two sizes: piccolo, an individual portion, and grande, a meal for two. Side items are al a carte so that you may choose your sides like capellini with homemade gravy or broccoli rabe with garlic. Whether you select the generous Antipasto Plate or Spaghetti with Oversized Meatballs, the Viggiano family lives and cooks by their Italian grandmother’s “golden kitchen rules” — like the tomato sauces are to be made fresh daily; slow simmered.

The Lookout — North Cape May

Located by the Cape May-Lewes ferry terminal in North Cape May, Ferry Park is transforming the waterfront into a dining and shopping destination. With ocean views all around, The Lookout makes for a scenic place for brunch, dinner, or just a place to have a special cocktail like the spicey Lookout Mary.

Brunch offers options like Stuffed French Toast with homemade filling to Croque Madame — egg, ham, and gruyere on an open grilled sandwich.

Dinner choices range from seasonal clams on the half shell to Prosecco mussels. Main courses please all sorts of palettes including seafood options like Thai Fish Curry Steak Frites or Roast Chicken for land lovers.

Yozu — North Cape May, NJ

In the mood for sushi or hibachi? Search no more! Yozu offers a wide array of Japanese cuisine ranging from sushi to hibachi — lunch or dinner.

Popular items include a wide selection of sushi rolls like the North Cape May Roll — spicy tuna topped with salmon, seaweed salad, and caviar. Noodle dinners like Udon and Soba range from beef and chicken to shrimp and vegetarian. If you prefer Hibachi, Japanese-style barb-q, Yozu serves combo platters with steak, chicken, shrimp, and vegetables. All hibachi options come with soup, salad, fried rice, and noodles.

Ebbitt Room — Cape May, NJ

Offering exceptional service and award-winning cuisine, the Ebbitt Room continues to exude old-world charm. Located in the historic Virginia Hotel and overlooking the beach, the restaurant has been pleasing discerning palettes for decades. Under the culinary guidance of award-winning Chef Jason Hanin, the Ebbitt Room is committed to a farm-to-table philosophy featuring fresh, seasonal ingredients from Ebbitt Room’s own Beach Plum Farm.

To begin your meal, share a Charcuterie Board or the Pan Parker Rolls — freshly baked. Main courses, for traditional or contemporary palettes, offer something for everyone. For example, the Cape May Scallops with haricot vert, chanterelle mushrooms, red grapes, almonds, and pomegranate is a favorite. Regardless of your entrée choice, pair your meal with a glass of wine selected to compliment the seasonal menu and, of course, homemade desserts featuring fresh eggs from Beach Plum Farm.

One Fish Two Fish — Wildwood, NJ

Located in the heart of Wildwood, this intimate restaurant prides itself on serving meals “full of flavors made from local produce.” At the helm, owner and Chef Ryan Allenbach ensures that meals use only fresh ingredients and are cooked on-site.

The restaurant takes South Jersey classics and then gives them a new culinary twist. For example, the Pan Seared Scallops, prepared with a Jersey Corn Risotto, spinach, and a Truffle Vinaigrette. Another example is Spicy Tomato Crab Chowder — a perfect starter that works well in winter and summer. For dessert, try a bowl of the creamy Panna Cotta complete with aromas of cardamon and lemon. n

For more suggestions see our Recommended Restaurants on page 62.

New Jerfsey LifeStyle Recommended Restaurants

Chef Vola’s

111 S. Albion Place, Atlantic City

609-345-2022 chefvola.com

Reservations are a must! This James Beard Foundation-awarded restaurant offers huge portions of delicious food your grandmother would be proud of. Your hosts, the Esposito Family, serve traditional Italian food like bone-in Veal Parmesan, Crab Cakes, and Flounder Francaise, along with a plethora of desserts you must save room for.

Cordivari’s Restaurant

3004 W. Brigantine Ave., Brigantine

609-264-5909 cordivarisrestaurant.com

Cordivari’s Restaurant and Chef Jim Cordivari take pride in presenting many original family recipes that have been handed down throughout the years and originated in Italy. Their pasta is all homemade on the premises daily, and they strive to blend old-school traditions and future trends in the rediscovery of traditional Italian Cuisine.

Dougherty’s Steakhouse & Raw Bar

1122 Boardwalk, Atlantic City

609-340-6555 doughertysteak.com

After years of emphasis on quality seafood, Dougherty’s Steakhouse allows steaks and chops to share the spotlight. Paired with an expansive raw bar and a carefully curated wine list, the new steakhouse resides in the historic Resorts Hotel & Casino, a building that mirrors the Dougherty’s roots in the community and strong local ties.

The Ebbitt Room

25 Jackson Street, Cape May 609-884-5700 caperesorts.com

From the relaxing front porch, to the classically-comfortable bar and lounge with live piano music on weekends, the Ebbitt Room is strongly rooted in a farmto-table, farm-to-glass dining philosophy featuring the freshest ingredients from their very own Beach Plum Farm located in Cape May. Offers include a variety of vegetarian and gluten-free options.

Knife & Fork Inn

3600 Atlantic Ave, Atlantic City

609-344-1133 knifeandforkinn.com

Over the past century, the Knife & Fork Inn has led a long and colorful life, making it one of the oldest and most historically charged establishments in Atlantic City. In January 2005, Frank Dougherty and his family purchased the historic restaurant and embarked upon an extensive renovation project to wow a whole new generation of guests.

The Pier House at La Mer

1317 Beach Ave, Cape May 609-770-4810 capemaylamer.com

The culinary experts at the Pier House create flavorful cuisine, locally sourced from the Jersey Shore’s waters and local farms, creating a unique dining experience based on classic shore cuisine. Try all-time favorites like Crispy Calamari and the Pier House Fresh Catch. Or kick back with a cocktail while taking in the spectacular ocean views.

Dock’s Oyster House

2405 Atlantic Ave., Atlantic City

609-345-0092 docksoysterhouse.com

The restaurant continues to blend the classic oyster bar feel with the upscale dining and maritime touches that Dock’s fans have enjoyed over the years. From Crab Au Gratin and Seafood Fry to perennial favorites Pecan Crusted Salmon and Crispy Wasabi Tuna, as well as, naturally, a large selection of oysters and lobster in all sizes!

Girasole

3108 Pacific Ave., Atlantic City 609-345-5554 mygirasole.com

Girasole is a true, family-owned restaurant. All of their food is cooked to order from scratch (not pre-made). Their delicious menu items are handcrafted with unhurried care to ensure authentic cuisine — which is what keeps guests coming back. Visit Girasole and enjoy the quality of their food and the simplicity of its preparation.

Linwood Country Club

500 Shore Road, Linwood, NJ 609-927-6134 linwoodcountryclub.com

Now open to the public! Linwood Country Club’s newly ronovated Dining Room offers breathtaking views of the golf course and an upscale dinner menu with an emphasis on steak and seafood. Reservations are strongly recommended, especially on weekends. Also open for lunch. Dining hours are Wednesday thru Sunday from 12:00pm to 8:00pm.

No Reservations

626 S. New York Road, Galloway 609-380-4853 noreservationsnj.com

A concept influenced by the late great Anthony Bourdain. Bourdain, with the show of the same name, inspired Chef Eric McCauley to travel, experience, and gain understanding of world cultures and their unique cuisine. This pursuit landed him in Galloway, where he continues to explore, create and expand on his expertise of the culinary arts.

Smithville Inn

1 N. New York Road, Smithville 609-652-7777 historicsmithville.com

A sophisiticated dining experience combined with the atmosphere of warm hospitality, since 1787. Their scenic view dining areas looking out on Lake Meone, private dining rooms with fireplace and formal banquet and wedding facilities coupled with their attention to detail services will make your dining, banquet or wedding event a night to remember.

Chaîne des Rôtisseurs

Steve & Cookies

25 Jackson Street, Cape May

609-884-5700 caperesorts.com

From the relaxing front porch, to the classically-comfortable bar and lounge with live piano music on weekends, the Ebbitt Room is strongly rooted in a farmto-table, farm-to-glass dining philosophy featuring the freshest ingredients from their very own Beach Plum Farm located in Cape May. The Ebbitt Room offers vegetarian and gluten-free options.

Tomatoes

9300 Amherst Avenue, Margate

609-822-7535 tomatoesofmargate.com

Long a fixture of the vibrant dining scene, and situated along the downbeach Margate Bayfront, Tomatoe’s eclectic menu and lively bar scene are only eclipsed by the beautiful sunsets. An extensive wine list, hand-crafted cocktails and renowned sushi bar compliment the wide array of offerings on the dining menu. There is truly something for every appetite.

Atlantic City Bailliage

The Chaîne des Rôtisseurs invites all lovers of gastronomy, good food and fine wines to share its values of excellence and camaraderie, uniting us in the continuation of great culinary traditions. Join the Atlantic City Bailliage!