This place was recommended by a local and it was actually ver good. We both had pasta dishes topped…read morewith very fresh sauce and homemade meatballs. The dinners came with fresh bread from a local bakery. Service was good but very slow. Our server was friendly and efficient. Great value as well!

We were going home from Atlantic City and stopped by for a quick brunch. It was snowing outside but…read morethey were still open! For appetizer, we ordered the chips and guac. They were heated (nice) but not as salty as I hoped they would be. The guac was just ok. My boyfriend enjoyed them though. The Nova Lox sandwich was nice, the onions added a nice touch. But nothing I haven't had before. I couldn't even finish because it was more food than I expected. Parking is conveniently located in the back. It's seemingly a family run business, comfortable and cozy.

I arrived for dinner last evening around 6 pm. I was greeted by the bar staff as soon as I entered…read more Followed by a welcome from the Executive Chef and Owner Michael Brennan. I opted to sit near the bar at a low table. In seconds my table was surrounded by the team, my server, the bartender and the owner, making me feel welcome and insuring I was comfortable. I was presented with multiple menus, all updated for the season, I selected the That Dill Though, it was there in two minutes, a tall glass with ice, vodka, dill syrup, lemon, Granny Smith apple, and prosecco, garnished with fresh dill. It was cool, refreshing and delicious. I discovered a lot of new items with creative flair and sounding amazing. I selected from the Prix Fixe menu. This is a new feature that includes an appetizer, main and dessert at a great cost saving price with various options. My appetizer was a Caesar salad, it included a generous portion of fresh crisp hearts of romaine, preserved lemon, parmesan, onion jam, croutons and just the right amount of house made creamy Caesar dressing. Together the flavors are an outstanding, the preserved lemon pieces offer a fresh pop and contrast with the onion jam. This is absolutely a must have, just writing about it is making me crave it again. My main was the Jail Island Salmon. It was beautiful and delicious. The Salmon is delectable the skin is perfectly seasoned and crispy, look at the photo how moist flaky and executed perfectly, It is perched atop wonderful butternut squash and chilled farro with apple and fresh parsley. This was without a doubt the best salmon I ever had. For dessert I enjoyed the house made cheesecake, it was so creamy, served with fresh strawberry slices blueberries and a fresh whipped cream a light dusting of powdered sugar and a mint leaf this was decadent, a very rich soufflé style, simply spectacular. My server was Manuel, very friendly professional and attentive. The entire staff checked on me, frequently including the Chef Michael who stopped at my table after every course was delivered. The restaurant is decorated nicely for the holiday with a great sound system playing excellent music. This was such a wonderful dinner that when I was leaving I opted to walk the beautiful grounds even though is was raining, just to prolong this exquisite culinary journey! This place is worthy of a visit when in Atlantic City. It's steps off the world famous Atlantic City boardwalk between Ballys and Resorts casinos on New York Avenue.

Good, good, good, good, good…read more I would give it 4.5 stars but that's not a thing so I gave it 4 stars and 5 goods. The girls picked this place, I just wanted to eat but I'm glad they did. It was a bit tricky getting into this place because maps told us to go to the backside of the restaurant and there was no entrance there but there were signs saying go here for this and go there for that but we figured it out, obviously. Soon as we walk in they seat us. There are a few others dining but it's not packed. There's a lively group sitting behind us and that's fine because it's daytime and it's meant to be lively. The setup was such that there was a constant draft. I don't really like drafts where I eat because too much can blow through and the food cools down faster but it wasn't that bad but it is why I didn't give it 5 stars. It was a little chilly that day also so that didn't help. It wasn't cool enough that we needed a jacket on but with the draft, maybe we should've put them on but who wants to eat with a jacket on? I ordered the chicken and waffle but substituted for french toast. The french toast was so good that there was no reason for syrup at all. The french toast was cooked perfectly and wasn't dry and already sweet so you didn't need syrup to make it sweet or to soften it up. It was perfect as it was and the eggs were light and fluffy. What does that even mean? Light and fluffy eggs? I heard that somewhere so I repeated it, lol but if I knew what that meant, I'm sure I would say these were that. Regardless, they were good. I love eggs! Please try this place. You will not be disappointed.

We met my in laws in Smithville because my mother in law said it was such a cute town…read more We all decided to try The Smithville Inn because they said it was the best restaurant there. So glad that we did because it was excellent with great staff. We all really enjoyed the food. I loved my crab cake sandwich. It was so moist and flavorful. My husband loved his turkey platter. The gravy was delicious and the turkey was moist. My father in law enjoyed his burger. It was a good menu and tight in the middle of the cute little town. Would love to go back and try other things.

Beautiful restaurant and always decorated so elegantly for all seasons. We saw a wedding catered…read morehere once and it was exquisite. The service was excellent but the prefix menu for the holiday was ok. The soups were fabulous! My short rib was amazing but the saffron risotto was overwhelmingly floral and I didn't eat it. The beat root veggies were yummy. The short rib fell off the bone and was tender! Hubby and friend ordered the stuffed chicken breast. He said considering the chicken was brined, it was a bit dry and the brussel sprouts were overdone. The sauce was "gloppy" (quote from my husband) The chicken rolatini was excellent as the pasta was cooked to perfection. Specialty cocktails were fun and delish. We will be back, but maybe not for a holiday menu. Chicken pot pie is always a favorite!

Outstanding! And I have a very high bar regarding restaurants. The service was great - observation,…read morethey all work together as a team. The bread was amazing. I believe from their own bakery. The oysters were some of the best local oysters I've ever had. Perfectly chucked as well. And we were 2 for 2 on entrees. Very crowded because it's just that good. I'll be back when I'm in AC again.

Am I the only one who didn't realize Steve and Cookie's By the Bay has a whole other (hidden)…read moresection called the Oyster Bar? It appears I am because this place was packed on a March Wednesday evening at 6:00 PM! I love this space because it's all bar seating or high-top tables. Something about a high-top feels more festive. They have a great happy hour menu (all night long on Wednesdays in the winter) with select cocktails, wine, and appetizers at a nice discount. All 4 of us ordered the Crab Cake Sandwich, and wow, this was tasty. I especially enjoyed the sweet potato fries that accompanied it. Margate in the winter makes me even more nostalgic for the summer. We're almost there!

What a great place right on the water. If you are looking for a casual and warm atmosphere, this…read moreis the place!!!! If you are looking to have an event indoors or outside, this is the place!! Chris and Stacie are the best!!!! Staff are so nice and accommodating !!!!!! Support your local community. Food is great, music every day. Drive up in your boat or your car!! Had a celebration of life party and I could not ask for anything better!! Highly recommend

The food!!!!!! Pork sandwich was all fat!!! Burgers were dry, overcooked. ....................read more

I was sold on either the lemon ricotta pancakes or banana foster French toast but saw a creative…read more special " From the Sea" and I was sold . Omelette-ting the good times roll one shrimp at a time ! Yes , I think I could be a pescatarian. The omelette was filled with shrimp, cheddar cheese and cilantro with toppings of crab meat, avocado, and hollandaise drizzle. The sides were hash browns and toast ! The diner style hash browns were shredded and crispy. Best breakfast on the Island . Enough food for two days ! Holy shrimp ! The omelette is amazing .

A pregnant woman's nightmare, Beware!!! Cold sweats and throwing up for days…read more.... The Curse of Pirates Den, Brigantine At Pirates Den in Brigantine, we dared to dine, And what we found should never meet a spine. A turkey foul, a raw chicken snare, A pregnant girl trapped in culinary despair. Her brother and I, the diarrhea twins, Cursed by the kitchen's unholy sins. They served her raw meat, eyes wide with fear, She heaved in the bushes, a rock her veneer. The walls would shiver, the boardwalk weep, If only these horrors weren't ours to keep. Brigantine's Pirates Den, a legend of shame, Where every meal's a grotesque game. Oh, Pirates Den, take note--this tale we tell, Of nausea, disgust, and a rock-bound farewell. No plate, no dish, no chef survives, Your food's a terror that haunts our lives.

Unassuming from the outside, Stella immediately transports you into an intimate and romantic…read moreambience. More refined dining for the shore and the food hits the mark. Meatballs with polenta and burrata with the caponata were appetizer standouts, for entrees the Cacio e Pepe and the Ciopinno broth left memorable impressions.

The service was incredible, the ambiance was beautiful, and the food was exceptional.read more

Came here for my birthday week even though it was yesterday on December 30th Ordered Gordon…read moreRamsay's famous beef Wellington with a Caesar salad and sticky toffee pudding my boyfriend got the brick chicken my cousin she got beef short rib with lobster risotto and sticky toffee pudding for dessert as well my aunt got some salad off the menu. I forgot the name but everything came to over $600 and let me just say the food was so not worth the money! The beef Wellington was bland not much flavour although the Caesar salad was extremely good, especially with the Parmesan church in it but it's just so hyped up this place and way overpriced definitely not gonna come back here!

I been here a few times it's not a bad restaurant it's a higher end version of the Gordon Ramsay's…read morepub with a hells kitchen theme to it and it shows in the prices for the food. The service is much better and the waiters are more attentive. I started off my dinner with wagyu meatballs and loved it the meatballs and the sauce were pretty good. My main course was the brick pressed chicken it was cooked perfectly the meat was juicy and delicious. My dessert was the peanut butter decadence. The ice cream complimented the peanut butter cake perfectly. I left full which is always a good thing. I definitely recommend this place if you are a fan of the Gordon Ramsay's it's miles away better than his pub and grill in the same casino

My husband and I were in Margate visiting my in-laws back in July when we noticed Lucy the…read moreElephant, so we ended up arriving at Bella Luna on a fluke. An adorable blonde waited on us who was extremely conversational and attentive throughout dinner. (Being a University of Michigan alum, my husband was especially appreciative of the service). In terms of the appetizers, we ordered watermelon salads, and were satisfied with what we were given. Unfortunately, we couldn't say the same about our entrees. The swordfish that I ordered was overcooked and chewy, and the soft-shell crabs that my husband ordered were undercooked. When paying $30 for a single entree, you might expect the cook to pay a bit more attention to detail. In addition to the previous comment, I also found the dining arrangement to be strange. One would assume, for the high prices of the entrees, that clientele would be seated on something other than picnic benches or plastic chairs. I understand that it is an outdoor restaurant so any type of cushioned chair is likely out of the question, but I really expected something a bit more inviting. Also, we were being bitten by bugs throughout our dinner. Although the presence of bugs may come with the territory of an outdoor restaurant, when the they spend an hour and a half flying in and out of your $30 dollar entree, you begin to wonder if it beach ambiance is worth the sanitary issue. Will we be returning this summer? Most likely not. In terms of the service and appetizers, both my husband and I were very pleased. But in terms of the quality of the entrees and the dining arrangement, we were less than impressed to say the least.

This is a great concept (and wonderful cause) that is just poorly executed…read more You gotta know, love and visit Lucy: she's a 65-foot wooden elephant built in the 1880s as a land development promotional gimmick. After nearly being left in ruins, she's now a landmark and is lovingly maintained by tourism and donors. You can literally climb into the structure, all the way to the top, and there's a cute little gift shop for souvenirs. Recently, on the Lucy property (which extends from Atlantic Avenue to the beach), the staff opened a breakfast, lunch and snack place - Lucy's Grill - during the day. At night, it becomes Bella Luna, a more expensive BYOB dinner spot. And what makes it even more special is that it's the only restaurant literally on the sand in the Downbeach (Ventnor/Margate/Longport) area and a fairly intimate setting. I desperately wanted this to be a wonderful experience especially since I was taking someone for a significant birthday (I told the person on the phone what it was when I made the reservations). It has every reason to be great. It wasn't. Here's why: --Seating's downright odd. The 20 or so tables were primarily for parties of 2 or more than 6. For those coming as a party of 4, you have slim pickings, mainly a handful of picnic tables with attached benches. Not that you're dressing up for BL but when entrees cost $20-30, you expect a chair. I'm guessing that the seating options were donated but it would be nice if a local event/party rental place lent BL a few real tables and chairs for the short season in exchange for credit on the menu. --While the staff were nice and enthusiastic, they were very young and not terribly experienced - lots of college students with no adult manager in sight. Once we sat down, we had 4 staff come by our table and ask if we wanted our wine bottle opened (I can't imagine why they'd think we wanted to keep it closed) and if we wanted glasses (ditto), yet none of them actually brought a corkscrew or the glasses until I caught someone. Also, when I tried to ask why we were being forced to sit at a picnic table when there was a regular table open next to us - which remained vacant for 1/2 our meal - none of the staff could give me an answer; instead, they stood there frozen when I challenged the table. But there was no adult manager within my line of sight. I would've additionally expected that since we'd made a point of saying it was a celebration meal with the reservation, they would've treated our reservation a little better. But we weren't. --The food is a mixed bag. What's great is that lots of delicious local Jersey summer produce - corn, tomatoes, eggplant, etc. - are incorporated into selections. Menu's bigger than you'd expect with lots of appetizers and entrees (chicken, seafood, beef); nothing light. And our server was happy to swap out the veggie sides that came with the entrees for other options. But all of our entrees came to the table lukewarm at best and the desserts came still frozen. Am I heading back in 2 weeks for a reunion dinner with lifelong friends coming back to the shore, as I'd planned? No. I will, however, give Bella Luna another chance next season if the Lucy management decides to bring it back, assuming they'll do a post-game evaluation. I would've given this experience 2 stars but since all profits from Bella Luna go to the most excellent cause - to maintain Lucy (and buy her a new tail since the old one got blown off during a storm) - it gets 3. And one last note: bring a jacket or sweater! Even on the hottest summer nights, dinner on the beach with an ocean breeze is downright chilly.