Many cities are well known for their restaurants and even for specific types of foods. The obvious examples include New York City, with scores of Five Star restaurants and supper clubs, Los Angeles, with it’s collection of elite establishments often owned by celebrities, Chicago, known for the world’s largest annual food festival, The Taste of Chicago. No doubt, each major metropolitan area features some great stand out chefs as well as restaurants. One such small corner of the world that I happen to be familiar with is the Atlantic City New Jersey area.  
When it comes to food and a dining experience, I put my stamp of approval in terms of total value. That is, the best in my opinion aren’t necessarily the most exclusive or highest priced menus. Restaurants that top my list are ones that exhibit a consistency over time, have wowed me with a few signature dishes that have never lost their luster, offer an ambiance in one form or another and where I feel like I’m getting what I paid for and more. Even if that price tag may be high, as long as I sense the value it works for me. So with no further ado here are my Top Five Restaurants in the Atlantic City NJ area. Might I add, before I go further, the order is not listed from best to worst. Each restaurant is equal to the others. 
1- Angelos’ Fairmount Tavern - Located in what was known as Duck Town in Atlantic City, at 2300 Fairmount Avenue, Angelo’s is a home run, and I literally mean that. The restaurant’s patriarch Angelo Mancuso dedicated a room in the restaurant to historic baseball memorabilia. Angelo’s is ambiance, coziness, quality and good food all rolled into one. One of my favorite dishes is the Veal Parmesan, but one can’t go wrong with any number of great authentic Italian dishes. What’s more is Angelo’s has their own homemade Italian Red wine. A perfect compliment to any dish with a red sauce or gravy. The restaurant also offers facilities to cater any size function. Call for more information at 609-344-2439.
2- The Knife and Fork Inn - This restaurant is world famous and has even appeared in motion pictures. The Knife and Fork Inn is literally a city landmark. Located literally where Atlantic, Pacific and Albany Avenues all converge, this restaurant greets visitors as they come over the Albany Avenue bridge. The restaurant and the property have stood for over 93 years, but there were some down times. Several years ago, the Dougherty family took over ownership of this landmark, and have definitely restored it to it’s glory days. For those of you that may not know, the Dougherty family also owns and runs another great classic in Atlantic City, Dock’s Oyster House. We’ll be talking about them in a bit. Anyway, the Dougherty’s transformed the Knife and Fork to greatness by giving it an upgrade, but also maintaining it’s historic charm. There’s no way around it, the prices and the menu are a little on the “high” side, but as I stated, where there’s value this can be justified. The menu selections of steaks, seafood and chops are just incredible. One dish I just salivate right now thinking of is their Rack of Lamb. Totally incredible. Beyond that, the service is great and the experience is incredible. Call for reservations or other information at 609-344-1133. 
3- Dock’s Oyster House - Well as promised above, here’s my thoughts on Dock’s Oyster House. This restaurant is as much a landmark to the city as is the Knife and Fork Inn and also, owned and operated by the legendary restaurant family in the area, the Dougherty’s. Located on Atlantic Avenue in Atlantic City, Dock’s Oyster House is just a great elegant place to eat. From the piano to the excellent food and service, this restaurant is as much Five Star as any fancy establishment in New York City or Los Angeles. Dock’s offers a complete wine list of some of the best labels you could find, and the menu is incredible. Obviously, they are known for their signature seafood dishes, such as Lobster Tail, Pan Sauteed Crab Cakes and one favorite I just loved, the Crab Meat Au Gratin. Yes, the name says it all, and it’s probably not something you should eat if you’re on a diet, but boy is it incredible. For Reservations and other information call 609-345-0092. 
4- Library III Steak House - This place fits right in to my definition where value meets excellence. You may not find the Library III Steak House on many other Top Restaurant lists for the Atlantic City area, but I’m here to tell you, this place is awesome. Pound for pound and dollar for dollar, I’ve said it often, the best Steak I ever had came from the Library III. Located outside of Atlantic City in Egg Harbor Township NJ on the Black Horse Pike, the Library III is completely unassuming. It definitely doesn’t have the glitz, glamour or elegance of the other restaurants named here, but one thing it does have is good food. The menu is very simple, but the offering is right on the mark. The Library III is a pure steak house. You get taken to your table and then head to a window to select the piece of steak you want and tell the chef directly how you want it. Then you head to the salad bar. It’s all you can eat. The restaurant is decorated with shelves of books, which obviously is the reason for the name, and the environment is very laid back. Many nights they offer live music, and the staff are just fantastic. For more information call 609-645-7655. 
5- Buddakan Atlantic City - Last on my list is a restaurant that is a chain across several cities, Buddakan. Buddakan is one of those restaurants that really is all about upper class and experience. You can’t expect to visit this place without having lot’s in the wallet or a high limit on your credit card. For the restaurant enthusiast that wants the image factor Buddakan is your place. Located in the dining area of the now famous Pier in Atlantic City, a night out to Buddakan is the perfect place to impress that new girl, or just to take a walk on the side of elegance. Buddakan offers both lunch and dinner menus, and any selection you choose will most likely not disappoint as the kitchen is run by industry veteran and Executive Chef Darryl Raymond. For reservations or to schedule a special event call 609-674-0100. 
I’m sure many other people might have a completely different list in mind when it comes to dining options in the Atlantic City area. I’m very confident that the restaurants mentioned above will please the palate of just about anyone. To all of you good eating !!!