My Favorite Places To Eat In Ocean City New Jersey
From the bustling boardwalk to the smiling faces, there are plenty of things I enjoy about Ocean City, though I must admit my favorite part of visiting this pleasant beach town is the food. Ocean City has a broad range of fresh, unique savory options that make my mouth water just remembering them. I'm excited to share some of my favorites with you.
Best in Brunch: OC Surf Café
This little café might be known for their beachy décor, but I know them for their sweet potato burrito. Each burrito at OC Surf Café comes with the perfect combination of black beans, guacamole, grilled sweet potatoes and cheese all wrapped together in a whole wheat tortilla for less than $10. Make sure to roll out of bed before two in the afternoon, or you'll miss the deliciousness. The café is open Thursday through Sunday from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Sweet Treats: Hobby Horse Ice Cream Parlor
I never make a trip to the beach without stopping by the local ice cream parlor for a sweet treat. Located on Ocean Ave, this family-owned shop is hard to miss with the carousel horse out front. I have a tough time deciding between the 47 different flavor offerings, which range from maple walnut to rum raisin to traditional vanilla bean. The owners use real ingredients for all of their ice cream – it's easy to taste the difference. Hobby Horse is open seasonally from May to October.
Peaceful Surfing: Positively 4th Street Café
Going wrong with art, coffee, and free Wi-Fi is hard. I like to stop in Positively 4th Street Café before heading down to the beach to soak up some sun. The cafe offers free Wi-Fi for guests and a frequently changing assortment of food and artwork available at affordable prices. I find it impossible to get bored with the selections here. Although hours vary in the winter and summer, the café is open year-round.
Fresh Seafood: Spadafora's Restaurant and Clam Bar
When dining alone, I prefer to head to casual, low-key restaurants with the best food I can find. Spadafora's Restaurant and Clam Bar doesn't disappoint. My favorite selections here are the Cape May Sea Scallops and the Blackened Tuna Taco. It's no surprise Spadafora's is known as one of the best restaurants on the Jersey Shore. Make sure to stop by during the summer months as they are only open seasonally.
Guilty Pleasure: Cathy's 14th Street Bakery
After a morning workout, I savor nothing more than biting into one of Cathy's 14th Street Bakery's famous white cream donuts sans guilt. Located on the corner of Asbury Avenue and 14th Street close to downtown, Cathy's is easily accessible. While it's hard to pick a favorite bakery in Ocean City – there are at least three others throughout town – the fresh ingredients and warm service are, to me, what set Cathy's apart. Before visiting, call ahead or check their Facebook page, as hours can vary.
Traditional Fare: Manco & Manco Pizza
More times than I like to admit, I don't have a chance to sit down for a meal. Other times I prefer to grab a quick bite on the go rather than take a break from what I'm doing. Regardless, Manco & Manco Pizza
offers the perfect solution with their single slice options. The price tag is a bit higher compared to some of the other local fare, but it is well worth it for the quality. My personal favorites are the spinach or the plain pizza. Manco & Manco is open year-round from 11:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Change of Pace: Yianni's Cafe
Yes, it is possible to continue eating healthily while visiting the Jersey Shore even though I don't always like to. Yianni's Café makes it easy to stick to any diet. Stop in and try the Greek Island Ahi Tuna with lentils and grilled zucchini, it's divine. Not a fan of fish or seafood? The portabella mushroom sandwich, topped with sautéed spinach and red peppers is packed with flavor. Yianni's is open year-round.
Ocean City, New Jersey has many eating options that will please the palates of even the pickiest eaters. Excuse me while I order a pizza; I worked up an appetite recalling all those mouth-watering choices!