Our favorite places to eat in margate, ventnor and longport new jersey
Here are some standout dining spots across Margate City, Ventnor City and Longport — each offering its own vibe & flavor. Whether you’re after a special-occasion sit-down dinner or a relaxed brunch by the beach, there’s something here for you.
Margate City
1. Steve & Cookie’s By The Bay
4.7•American restaurant
Located at 9700 Amherst Ave, Margate City.
Housed in a former 1930s supper club, the setting is warm and inviting—with bay-views and a refined, yet relaxed, atmosphere. steve-and-cookies+1
Offers classic & evolving American fare with an emphasis on fresh, local ingredients. A great pick for a memorable dinner.
Tip: Reserve ahead if you’re going for sunset or a weekend night—they fill up, especially during peak season.
2. Tomatoes
4.4•Californian restaurant
Address: 9300 Amherst Ave, Margate City.
A bayfront spot offering eclectic fare—combining sushi, cocktails, wine list, and an elevated but fun environment. Tomatoes Margate
Ideal if you want a lively yet stylish dinner with options for both seafood and sushi.
Tip: For prime bay view seating, ask for a table “on the bay-side”. Later in the evening, it tends to get livelier at the bar.
3. Sofia Restaurant
4.4•Mediterranean restaurant
Location: 9314 Amherst Ave, Margate City.
Described as “South Jersey’s most stylish non-casino restaurant” with mixed stone, wood, iron décor and a warm ambiance. Sofia Restaurant
Menu blends traditional and modern; good choice for something a bit upscale but not over the top.
Ventnor City
4. Stella Restaurant
4.7•Restaurant
Address: 7303 Ventnor Ave, Ventnor City. STELLA
A contemporary American spot, BYOB, and consistently rated highly (for example appearing in best-of lists).
Good for special occasions or a more refined dinner.
Tip: Because it’s BYOB, bring a nice bottle if you enjoy wine—this adds to the evening.
5. Velo Cafe
4.7•Restaurant
Located at 6525 Ventnor Ave, Ventnor City.
Excellent for brunch or dinner—fresh, locally-sourced ingredients, stylish but relaxed setting.
Great option if you’re looking for something a little less formal but still top quality.
6. The Queen Bean Bistro
4.9•Restaurant
Location: 4800 Boardwalk, Ventnor City.
Unique for offering panoramic seaside dining on the boardwalk. Brunch, lunch, and dinner with ocean views. The Queen Bean Bistro
Ideal for a relaxed morning/afternoon meal overlooking the waves.
Tip: For best seats, go early in the day to secure a boardwalk-facing table.
Longport
7. Catch Restaurant & Bar
4.0•Seafood restaurant
Address: 2401 Atlantic Ave, Longport, NJ 08403. Catch Restaurant & Bar
A seafood/Italian fusion place in Longport with a beach-town vibe. Good choice for dinner near the shore.
If you’re staying in the Longport/Absecon-Inlet area, this is one of the top picks.
8. Ozzie’s Luncheonette
4.1•Breakfast restaurant
Located in Longport, serves breakfast & lunch (7 am–3 pm) in a relaxed setting. Ozzie's Luncheonette
Perfect for a casual start to your day with beach plans ahead.
9. Doma Cafe
4.9•Restaurant
A café option in or near Longport where you can grab brunch, pastries & good coffee.
Great for a lighter meal or mid-day stop.
Final Thoughts
Timing matters: On weekends or in summer, things fill up early—reservations are wise for dinner spots.
Vibe difference: Margate tends to offer more upscale and bayfront dinner options. Ventnor gives you a mix of brunch & dinner spots, some right on the boardwalk. Longport is a bit quieter, more beach-town relaxed.
Cuisine variety: You’ll find everything from fine dining to relaxed brunches to seafood shacks.
Seasonal & views: If views (bay/ocean) matter to you, ask for them when booking. Outside seating or boardwalk views in Ventnor & Longport can make a difference.