Wow! What a great dining experience. Our party of 5 was looking for a place to eat on a busy Memorial Day weekend in Ocean City. While many of the trendy spots had waits of an hour or more, we were able to get a table almost immediately. We noted while scanning the menu prior to arrival that the prices were a bit on the high side, but "beggars can't be choosers". Another party came in right after us and left after seeing the menu prices. (Big Mistake!) The food was worth every cent! Our party started with a few appetizers. Fried Mozzarella, Fried Calamari, and Roasted Peppers with provolone. The Roasted Peppers with provolone is a starter not to missed. The sharp provolone on a crostini when topped with the warm roasted peppers were a great start to the meal. I could'a skipped an entree and ordered more of that starter. We also shared the Fried Calamari, I am usually not a huge fan of Calamari, however, I couldn't stop eating this version. Very well done and the marinara for dipping was also above average. The Fried Mozzarella was also enhanced by their version of marinara. The House Salad and with house dressing was also enjoyed by everyone in the party, and served family style. A good Italian bread was also provided to the table. As far as Entrees, one member of our party ordered the Pasta & Crabmeat. This dish came with so much lump crab, that any concern about the price of the dish was blown away. The pasta was outstanding and I was jealous that I did not order it as my main. I highly recommend. Another entree was the Cousin's special witch was a combination of seafood over pasta. It looked very much like the Pasta and Crabmeat in presentation and volume of seafood. The dish was also very much worth the price. My teenage daughter raved about the chicken tortellini entree. It looked very good and she said it was the best dish of the weekend.(We ate out every meal). My wife and I both had the Ribeye, which was on special for the evening. The dish was well prepared with garlic mashed potatoes and mixed vegetables. Overall, if you like good food and expect the quality to match the price. Please try Cousins! I can't wait to go back so I can order the Pasta and Crabmeat! read more

Listen, I really did think about not reviewing this place, because I don't want other people to find it. Got there, and was seated right away. The atmosphere was friendly and the servers were all working hard. The food..... Outstanding! Family style salad with plenty of bread to start off with. Great bread, great salad! The servers were very attentive through the whole meal. The entrees were huge! I mean, I'm Italian, and if I'm saying this is a big plate of food...trust me. And the flavors...everything was on point!! I had the Crispy Eggplant Ricotta...it's 8am the next day, and I'm still talking about it! Everyone was very satisfied with their meals, it's a winner!! Check this place out, you won't be sorry, but don't tell your friends! read more

3.5 stars for Cousin's... First off...the portions are ridiculously large...my Veal Parm was just too much to eat in one sitting without sleeping afterward...we could have ordered half the entrees and split them, as everyone took something home, but note: there is a 5 dollar sharing fee... I wasn't overly impressed with my veal parm...It was standard fare and didnt stick out the way you would hope it did...the french onion was OK, but nothing special...The service was good and everyone was quite full when we left, but no one seemed to be in too much of a hurry to get back, probably becase we were stuffed full! The pasta was good, and they were quick to refill our bread and butter dish which is always a plus... Indoor\outdoor seating...we ate in the "sun room" and it was nice...it does seem a bit cramped, but show me someplace near the boardwalk that isn't?? read more

Wowzers. This place has a slogan on their shirts that says "shhhhh Ocean City's best kept secret", let me say...they are not lying! Great family style salad, yummy warm bread, and all of our dinners were really amazing. I had the Chicken and Crab Marsala it was . Wowzers. Chicken parm was great! We did have a very picky eater with us and even he LOVED his shrimp and broccoli over linguine My daughter has a dairy allergy and the chef made something special for her as well. If you're here. Come to this place. It is a-okay and shhhhh...don't tell anyone...it's a secret. read more

We dined there on a Thursday night. Our waitress Ebony was so attentive anticipating our every need before we even thought about asking. Our two entrées were delicious. The bowl of salad was fresh and the house dressing that we got on the side was super delicious. I include photos of the cousins special that includes shrimp scallops and crab in a white garlic wine sauce. The second dinner was fettuccine with crab. Highly recommend each. They are currently open Thursday Friday Saturday and Sunday through the end of October. Beginning in November they are open to the general public on Thursday and are starting a supper club on Friday, Saturday and Sunday that will allow you to dine with BYOB. This is a membership club so you would need to contact the restaurant to join. Bottom line are still staying open on Thursdays for the general public after November 1. Check their website for verification. read more

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I can only urge any person who is even considering visiting this restaurant to give serious consideration to other options. I assure you that the chances of you and your guests having a positive experience is nearly impossible and don't feel as though any of your prior experiences will come close to matching the manner in which this restaurant is managed today. Arrogant and rude spirited people are awaiting your arrival. read more

Very good food and service. Their soups were delish. Their salad dressing on their salad was very tasty. I had the cousins seafood platter and hubby had the chicken parm we were not disappointed. The portions are huge so you won't leave hungry. read more

Great little place. Suggest reservations on a Friday night. We were lucky and got in. Very busy and of course still suffering the COVID staffing shortages but you really couldn't tell. Well run restaurant. Kenzie the Waitress was excellent. Bus boys were working hard and the kitchen did a great job. Appetizer was mushroom & clams. Very good. I had linguine w shrimp, scallops, and a boatload of crabmeat. No leftovers there.Excellent. Wife had the Broccoli rabe, mushroom penne. Loved it. Desert was bread pudding w a glass of milk. Fantastic! Nice ambiance and very little wait for a table. Best meal we had in Ocean City! read more

The food here was amazing. Large portions, delicious flavor! Staff was accommodating and friendly!

In a town where there aren't a lot of great restaurants, this one was pretty good. I used to go here as a child thirty years ago and honestly they haven't updated the decor since. It's long overdue. Here's the breakdown. Pros: Food was good. We did the Twilight Specials. Our son got the kids chicken parmigiana. He's seven and he liked it but it was chicken strips topped with sauce and cheese. It came with pasta. I got the stuffed shells which tasted good but was over baked in the oven. My husband got the crispy eggplant and enjoyed it. The house salad was yummy but the cucumber was bitter on it. The mozzarella stick appetizer was good and the dipping marinara was great. Dessert came with the adult meals and it was apple pie and bread pudding. Both were good. Son got the cheesecake which was delicious. Another pro is they accept reservations! Cons: It's a bit warm in there even though there's air conditioning. The decor and the place is a bit run down. Ceilings are very low. Tables are ridiculously tiny/narrow and you can't fit all the food on it without it all almost falling off. Bathroom is one unisex stall. Twilight meals were a decent price $75 for two adults and a child w tip but it definitely isn't worth it for outside the Twilight meal prices. Service was decent. Our server came off as a snotty kid with an attitude and we weren't thrilled but the bus boys were very pleasant and willing to assist. We will go back again during the twilight meal period for sure. read more

Well...we've found our alternative to the Crab Trap. This was our first time and we will definitely be back. The restaurant itself is very nice (we sat outside under the awning). The hostess was very accommodating and our server was very personable and attentive. Now to the food.......DELICIOUS!!!! I had the pasta, clams in white sauce, my wife the eggplant, my daughter the Caesar salad with shrimp and my mother in law the penne with vegetables. Every meal was right on point. It's so nice to know that we have a little gem right down the street. read more

The reviews from fellow Yelpers really got me excited but all in all, just average. Please be prepared that it's a dining establishment down the shore so the cost will be more than usual. The bread that came first was pretty good however the salad was drenched in salad dressing, not a fan. For dinner my wife got the cousin's special and she liked it. I got the chicken marlenena and it tasted more Asian than Italian. It was just OK. read more

Overall, while it is marketed as an Italian restaurant, I've really only been here for seafood. Really nice selection of fish and crabcakes, and just seafood in general. Prices are a bit on the high side. Service is pretty good; haven't been for a while, so really just going off of memory. read more

Something went wrong with my lasagna meal. Imagine forgetting the ricotta, a couple layers of pasta, tripling the spice level and under cooking it to a soupy consistency. Though the meal was hot and beautifully baked on the outside. If I ever imagined an Italian/Mexican version of Sheppards pie I think I found it! So strange. Actually that sounds pretty good but it wasn't what I went in for. The owner may want to check what recipe the cook is using. I really tried so hard to like it. Even took a break and Tried a small second amount to see if it was me. A Family member said the same when I asked for a candid opinion. In fact their comment was 'where is the pasta?' Then I knew I wasn't off. Disappointing given it was our first time there and were doing a test run for a larger future order. read more

My family and I dined here while in town, partly influenced by the restaurant week options. The restaurant is pretty easy to get to and there is on-street parking available. The inside of the restaurant leaves a lot to be desired. The tables are cramped and the ceilings are way low. If you're over 6'6" and in the dining room, your best bet is to dine on the porch because your neck will be so stiff if you have to walk around the dining room. And I won't even mention how loud it can get in there, either. My parents each had scallops in vodka sauce over pasta that looked and smelled good. Because of my food issues, I stuck with a shrimp Caesar salad ($17!!!) . My parents' entrees were served with a house salad that the three of us split, but it was totally drenched in Italian dressing. Or maybe we were served Italian dressing soup with lettuce in it? Regardless, how it left the kitchen without any quality control should be somewhat suspect. At any rate, my salad was just okay. The shrimp had no flavor and there were only 6 ones served! Nor were they large shrimp at all. For $17, it was a rip-off. My parents each enjoyed the scallops which is what's saving this review from 2-stars. My last note is this: if you're going to charge $17 for an entree salad, please don't use cups from Walmart. The neon assorted plastic cups don't match the price point for the salads. Our server was nice and efficient. However, since it wasn't busy while we were there, we could overhear the other servers whining about how it wasn't busy and how they wanted to be cut and how much they had made in tips so far. After working my way through the restaurant industry, that conversation remains in the back of the house. There is a wide assortment of seafood and pasta on the menu, but the restaurant decor needs to be updated to match their price points. read more

Maybe it's me, but I feel like Cousin's is a restaurant in decline. I used to love their special (pasta with crab, clams, scallops, shrimp in red or white). Had it a few days ago, and it was just plain bland. Other dishes, like the roasted pepper and cheese appetizer, seemed to use canned peppers instead of fresh. Still, it's significantly better than most of the swill that's served as "food" in Ocean City, and that's why I give them 3 stars. Anywhere else, and this place would be history. read more

We had a wonderful dinner, and the Seafood Riviera was out of this world. The shrimp scampi and crab meat dish was also good. The portions are sooo big I recommend sharing some of the dishes. I also recommand not doing appetizers for the same reason. Prices were also reasonable for the amount of food. The server, Brooke? , was one of the most knowledgeable, nicest, down to earth person that we were lucky enough to get. Parking was easy to find within a block. read more

Expensive , tasteless food Just got back from a quick, over- priced meal. Waitress took back the same amount of food as she served and wasn't concerned that it was uneaten. Therefore, had to tell her the fish tasted old and the sauce had no flavor. My partner did not enjoy his $25.00 dry dinner either. This isn't the same cousins I remember. Should have sent a manager to the table if someone was unhappy with the food. Paid my $66.00 and left 20%, but will not go back. read more

The food was very disappointing. The bruschetta probably the worst I ever had. The tomato and mozzarella salad needed salt and was tasteless and the shrimp and broccoli dish's sauce didn't taste good. The pasta shells were the only tasty thing. Our server was super friendly but I had to get up a bunch of times to ask for things. We left pretty unsatisfied and won't be back. read more

Just a horrible experience - environment, service and atmosphere isn't good Go somewhere else read more

My husband and I enjoyed a meal here this evening. The place could use some updating and perhaps an additional bathroom. The service was great and our food was also very good. I had the Cousins seafood and it was delicious. We sat in a booth and they were oddly designed. Your rear just fits on the bench and it leaves you feeling like you're about to slip off. The A/C is on the wall and was blowing on the back of my head. I had to move my seat. All in all you get a good meal for a decent price. Don't expect ambiance. read more

We made reservations here, and when we arrived the waitstaff was nice. The service was fine, although they brought out our entrees at different times instead of all together. The food itself was decent, and the atmosphere was cozy especially outside. read more

This is a shore staple for us! At least once we get the complete family dinner. It is satisfying and old school Italian! Only recommendation is to get sides of the sauce as the pasta is a little dry. Also, get the clams casino...so good! read more

Every visit to Ocean City, a trip to Cousin's restaurant is a must do! From the moment you walk in, the bread and salad is a great start. There are so many good things to choose from on their menu, it's difficult to make up your mind. The service is excellent, and the food taste homemade every time. I personally think this is the best restaurant on the island. A trip to Ocean City is not complete unless you've tried Cousins!!! read more

We tried it based on a recommendation from family, it did not disappoint! First of all, the bread and salad are absolutely delicious. The bread is chewy on the outside and soft on the inside, perfect for dipping. The salad is crisp, cold and served with their house dressing (which is so good I could drink it!) We tried a number of appetizers: fried mozzarella sticks (standard), the appetizer sampler and the bruschetta. The appetizer sampler was a great way to try the clams casino, clams las vegas and stuffed mushrooms. All were yummy and I would order them separately to get larger orders of each item. The bruschetta was loaded with tomato and balsamic on crustini, very fresh. For entrees, we tried the stuffed shells, chicken Napoli, cousins special and grilled seafood platter. The stuffed shells were served in a baked casserole dish, covered in melted cheese and sauce. More than enough in the serving. The Chicken Napoli was a maxed out version of Chicken Parmesan, with 4 cheeses, including a layer of ricotta cheese hidden under the layers of cheese on top of the chicken. The Cousins Special was shrimp, scallops, clams and crab in a white sauce (red sauce optional) over linguine. Chock full of seafood in a light white sauce, it was absolutely delicious (my favorite dish). Finally, the grilled seafood platter was awesome. Shrimp, scallops, coconut crusted tilapia (nicely crisped), a crab cake, a deviled clam, plus a clam casino and clam las vegas. Lots of variety, all very well cooked. I look forward to going back and sampling more of the menu! read more

Really good dishes to choose from. I got the chicken marsalena to bring back, .3 miles and it was great even after the walk. Friendly and couteous staff. read more

Portion size was huge but when you combine the price with the flavor, it was a disappointing experience. Again, for $20-30 entrees, the salad should be something other than iceberg. read more

My husband and I make a point of eating here at least once during our yearly OC vacation. It's a small, casual place, with tables both inside and outside on the patio. On the weekends, I recommend making a reservation. They do have daily twilight specials, which end at 5:30pm. The service is always wonderful, with friendly, helpful staff. My favorite dish here is the Cousin's Special (white option, though red is available) -- it's pasta with crabmeat (big chunks!), clams, shrimp, and scallops. It's pricy at $25.99, but absolutely worth it. My husband's favorite dish is the pasta with crabmeat -- simple, but loaded with crabmeat. All of the desserts are delicious, but our favorites are the bread pudding and cheesecake. If you're looking for a place to have a special dinner, Cousin's is your best option. You won't be disappointed. read more

What a great restaurant! This is truly home cooked Italian food at its finest. We started with bottomless fresh salad with cucumbers and tomatoes and topped with their homemade dressing; so delicious we got another bowl. They also serve fresh bread that was crispy on the outside and warm and fluffy on the inside. My entree, the shrimp and broccoli over linguine, was one of the best dishes I've had in a long time and everyone in our party of 6 was raving (chicken parm, chicken Marsala, etc). This will be my first stop next time in town! read more

Food is very good, fast service, reasonable price, nice setting... i will definitely come back here if in town again!!! The do serve you salad & soft bread before your food come out!!! read more

Never ever ever again will we go here. We've been going here for 20+ years. After the experience we just had with our deceitful and disrespectful waitress Donna, will never go back. Donna single Handedly ruined 20+ years of solid experiences here. Never again. read more

DEFINITELY EAT HERE! Very very amazingly good Italian food! The portions are big and the ceiling is low but who cares when the food is that good. The service was great too! read more

Cousin's has become our go to restaurant for our first night of annual summer vacation in OCNJ. Even though our rental house is at the extreme southern end of Ocean City, it's worth the drive to Cousin's at the opposite, northern end. Entrees are a little on the pricey side but well worth it, given the large portions. You'll go home with a Doggy bag to savor your meal a second time. Seafood dishes are excellent, especially the Cousin's Special which has clams, crab, shrimp and scallops over linguini. read more

Fantastic restaurant and great service. The salad was out of this world. Secret dressing! I had the cousins specialty ~ seafood pasta and it was incredible. read more

We did takeout on Sunday. To avoid clogging up a restaurant, we opted for take out of 13 meals. You would think the restaurant would be happy to have a nice size order like this. Instead we got attitude from the owner from the time we went to pick up the order. We arrived 10 minutes before the promised time. Why......incase it was done early. We understand it is hard to coordinate an order of this size. Instead, we got snapped at because we arrived early and were made to feel very unwelcome. (mission accomplished!!) Upon getting home, for 13 orders, we receive an aluminum tin of salad to feed 6 and bread for 4. It's a shame, we liked our meals!!! With the regular multiple family meals we do each weekend, it's a shame, it off the list for the summer. Next time, tell your customers you can't handle a take out order of this size. Very disappointing in the attitude the most! read more

Great food and the outdoor seating is really nice. The cream of crab soup is seriously the best I've ever had. I can't get enough so we bought 2 quarts for the week! I get it without the artichokes mushrooms and spinach and it's so delicious! The wait staff is very nice, and professional. read more

I have heard so much about this restaurant that I just had to try it. It didn't disappoint! I'm a Culinary Arts student, so I think I know a little about food. My meal tonight was one of the best meals I've had in a looong time. Coconut mango Tilapia was out of this world! My wife had chicken tortellini and LOVED it. A wonderful salad came with and excellent bread. Dessert was homemade bread pudding that was the best bread pudding I've ever had. People have commented that they feel this restaurant is pricy. I feel the opposite. Dinner for 2 with salad, coffee and dessert under $60. I challenge anyone to beat that for what you get. This has become my new favorite restaurant! read more

Great find! The adult portions are pricey but kids meals reasonable and plenty for a young teen. The food is served hot and delicious! Great family friendly atmosphere. Not the same old same beach food. We will certainly be back! read more

Very good traditional Italian menu plus some seafood and fish additions. Nice dining atmosphere in an out of the way location. Great service and food was delicious. Definitely will return. read more

Typical shore dinning. We had a party of ten and they accommodated us with no problem. We made reservations ahead and the place was very crowded when we arrived. I think we tried a lot of items on the menu and they were all good. Large portions definitely took a lot of containers home. I recommend for family shore dinning. It is a little pricy but most people will be happy with the selection and the meal. read more