Cafe 2825

Italian restaurant · Atlantic City

Cafe 2825

Italian restaurant · Atlantic City

3

2825 Atlantic Ave, Atlantic City, NJ 08401

Photos

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Cafe 2825 by Emily Schindler
Cafe 2825 by Emily Schindler
Cafe 2825 by null
Cafe 2825 by null
Cafe 2825 by null
Cafe 2825 by null
Cafe 2825 by null
Cafe 2825 by null
Cafe 2825 by null
Cafe 2825 by null
Cafe 2825 by null
Cafe 2825 by null
Cafe 2825 by null
Cafe 2825 by null
Cafe 2825 by null
Cafe 2825 by null
Cafe 2825 by null
Cafe 2825 by null
Cafe 2825 by null
Cafe 2825 by null
Cafe 2825 by null
Cafe 2825 by null
Cafe 2825 by null
Cafe 2825 by null
Cafe 2825 by null
Cafe 2825 by null
Cafe 2825 by null
Cafe 2825 by null
Cafe 2825 by null
Cafe 2825 by null
Cafe 2825 by null
Cafe 2825 by null
Cafe 2825 by null
Cafe 2825 by null
Cafe 2825 by null
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Cafe 2825 by null
Cafe 2825 by null
Cafe 2825 by null
Cafe 2825 by null
Cafe 2825 by null

Highlights

Nestled away from the boardwalk chaos, Cafe 2825 serves tableside-prepared Italian classics in a cozy spot with a vibrant ambiance that's perfect for families.  

Featured in The Infatuation
Featured in Eater

2825 Atlantic Ave, Atlantic City, NJ 08401 Get directions

cafe2825.com
@cafe2825

$$$$ · Menu

Information

Static Map

2825 Atlantic Ave, Atlantic City, NJ 08401 Get directions

+1 609 344 6913
cafe2825.com
@cafe2825

$$$$ · Menu

Features

dine in
takeout
delivery
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reservations
reservations required

Last updated

Jul 10, 2025

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@infatuation

"Atlantic City is a place inexplicably known for bachelor parties that result in unspoken oaths of secrecy and wholesome family vacations. Even still, there aren’t that many places where you can take the whole family for a good time and a pleasant meal. Enter Cafe 2825. The Italian spot is off the chaos of the boardwalk, but still close enough to the hotels that it’s not a total trek to get there. The space is decked out with cozy string lights and hanging plants, creating the perfect ambiance for your family to “ooh” and “aah” at table-side preparations of cacio e pepe, finished off in a giant cheese wheel. " - anne cruz

The 10 Best Restaurants In Atlantic City 2024
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@infatuation

"Atlantic City is a place inexplicably known for bachelor parties that result in unspoken oaths of secrecy and wholesome family vacations. Even still, there aren’t that many places where you can take the whole family for a good time and a pleasant meal. Enter Cafe 2825. The Italian spot is off the chaos of the boardwalk, but still close enough to the hotels that it’s not a total trek to get there. The space is decked out with cozy string lights and hanging plants, creating the perfect ambiance for your family to “ooh” and “aah” at table-side preparations of cacio e pepe, finished off in a giant cheese wheel. photo credit: Emily Schindler" - Team Infatuation

Cafe 2825 - Review - Atlantic City - The Infatuation
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@eater

"It’s a red-sauce joint taken to the next level here, where fresh mozzarella and Caesar salad are made tableside and Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese appears on the table the moment diners are seated, as well as olive and prosciutto breads. Reservation are hard to come by at this enormously popular spot, but are easier to snag at off times and during the week." - Stefanie Tuder

The Jersey Shore’s Top Restaurants - Eater NY
View Postcard for Cafe 2825

Mike Bottaro

Google
My wife and I’s favorite Italian restaurant in the entire country. Closest dish you will get to dining in Italy. 🇮🇹 Food is so authentic ! We go every year for our anniversary. Atmosphere is amazing and staff so accommodating with their table side made dishes. I recommend any of the bone in veal dishes. Make sure you make reservations but once you eat here you will understand why as it’s a one of a kind experience ! Five stars all around !

Wascar Mercado (Makaruchi)

Google
A Cozy Culinary Adventure While the intimate setting can sometimes lead to a lively atmosphere, it's precisely this cozy ambiance that sets Cafe 2829 apart. The exclusive feel, coupled with the impeccable service, creates a truly memorable dining experience. The highlight is undoubtedly the table-side preparation. It's a captivating performance that adds a theatrical element to your meal. The attention to detail is evident in every dish, from the presentation to the taste. If you're planning a visit, be sure to make a reservation well in advance, as this popular spot fills up quickly. Highly Recommended!

Kimberly Hertell

Google
The overall experience and food at 2825 are excellent. However, given how difficult it is to get a reservation, everything should be perfect. Clean silverware, glasses, chairs, and linens are essential, and the lettuce should not be brown. Despite this, I still give 2825 a high rating. They just need to focus more on these details to enhance the experience further.

Melissa Kienzlen

Google
What an amazing experience. The food is top notch along with the service. Everyone from the hostess to the waitress to the table side side chefs to the bus boys were 5 star quality. Sometimes restaurants have a high reputation but you get let down because of that high expectation but Cafe 2825 blew me away. The food quality was amazing and their prices for what you get quality wise is worth every penny. I am hoping to go back with a group next month! This will definitely be a place I will try and go every time I am in Atlantic City!

Pete

Google
Feels like what a restaurant should be but unfortunately is not common any longer. Genuine hospitality and wonderful food. Appreciate them very much. Just go eat there.

AJ Jain

Google
Wanted to believe the hype, but it fell short of expectations. Table side Mozzarella was great, but the entrees were pretty typical Italian fare. Blueberry cheesecake was probably the best part of the meal. We didn’t order any alcohol and it seemed because of that the service wasn’t as attentive as other tables. $5 per glass of soda with no free refills so $20 for 2 people to have 2 glasses each. Paper over the table clothes at a place with minimum $200 spend is just lazy to me. I get wanting to turn them over quick, but an extra minute to switch out fresh linens is worth the time at that price point . It was LOUD to the point we had to raise our voices right across the 2 person table to hear each other. No restaurant parking. Overall for $207 with 20% tip for table side mozzarella with peppers, 4 sodas (2 of which were refills), 2 entrees, and 1 piece of blueberry cheesecake I would say not worth it.

Kate D

Google
This italian restaurant is an experience. As I walked in someone was making fresh pasta. They have so many things they make tableside like fresh mozzarella and caesar salad. I only got the caesar salad but enjoyed watching everyone else’s delivery. It was way too fishy for me. I also got vodka pasta and added breaded chicken. They served that on the side so i thought that was odd.

Roy Gordon

Google
This is not only one of the best Italian restaurants, but is one of the best restaurants overall that I have ever visited. Every single bite is incredibly delicious, fresh, and flavorful. The table side dishes are impressive and absolutely to die for. Definitely get at least one of the table side prepared dishes when you’re there. Service was attentive but not overwhelming. Cocktails are excellent and wine selection pairs perfectly with the food. Also, don’t skip dessert. Possibly the best cheesecake I’ve ever had. This is a must-try restaurant!

Gina Marie S.

Yelp
Headed to AC NJ? Make reservations. They open two weeks in advance. Listen to the phone recording and follow directions. No valet on a Wednesday night. Use their parking lot in the middle of the block, not the adjacent one. We "won the dining lottery" by snagging 2 of the 4 seats at the bar. Arrive early to replicate that feat. Immediately struck up a conversation with the other bar diners, and then the couple to follow. Great vibes. Very smooth cocktails and service by (Mr.) Winsome. He offered recommendations and they did not disappoint. Tableside mozzarella with roasted peppers. Tasty. Then we enjoyed the tableside Caesar salad. Loved the old school flair and flavor. THE entree to order, from all accounts, was the chicken parmigiana - said reviewers, our server, and patrons at the bar. The suggestion was right on. It is delicious. Two large and juicy chicken breasts served with Bolognese. We split it and ordered it "not spicy". In the future, I'd add a side of pasta. While we didn't have room for dessert, our nearby bar companions offered us a taste of their carrot cake. Yum. Strawberry shortcake looked beautiful, also. Hell, yes! I'll be back. I sincerely cannot wait! Café 2825 is the best Italian restaurant down the shore. Tell them Gina sent you.

Nathaliah S.

Yelp
I'd heard it was nearly impossible to snag a reservation at Cafe 2825 or Chef Vola's, but while in Atlantic City, my fiancé and I thought we'd try our luck. Calls to both restaurants mostly led to voicemails. Chef Vola's told us they couldn't accommodate us last-minute, which was understandable. So we decided to show up at Cafe 2825 anyway, since we heard a lot of positive reviews about Cafe 2825. Thankfully, they seated us within ten minutes, even though we were walk ins! The restaurant is on the smaller side, and we were seated in the rear room, which had three or four wall air conditioners blasting, definitely too cold for a comfortable meal in June. I actually had to step outside to warm up after finishing my meal! Despite the chill, the food more than made up for it. I had the Chicken Parmigiana Bolognese ala Vodka Fra Diavolo, and substituted marinara sauce for the bolognese, and I still dream about it! The chicken was perfectly crispy and seasoned, and the flavors were heavenly. I wish that it came with an accompanying side. Or they had sides of pasta, instead of whole pasta dishes. I ordered the spinach garlic & oil as my side, which was perfectly infused with garlic in every bite. We also ordered the Hot Honey Crispy Fried Calamari & Shrimp as an appetizer, which was another standout. The hot honey and peppers were the perfect addition to the average calamari that I am used to. While Cafe 2825 is a bit on the pricey side, it's absolutely worth it for a special night out. Even with a few minor issues, I'd highly recommend it and would love to return!

Kristina B.

Yelp
Cafe 2825 is a true hidden gem in Atlantic City! Hands down, it's the best Italian food we've ever had, with dishes that are incredibly flavorful and authentically prepared. The service is equally impressive--warm, attentive, and makes you feel like family. Every detail, from the homemade mozzarella to the tableside presentations, adds to the experience. This place is a must-visit if you're looking for exceptional Italian food and memorable service. Highly recommend!

Susan E.

Yelp
Went a few years ago. Planning on going soon and will update review. Had steak and fresh pasta whenI went in 2022. Was absolutely delicious.

Bill F.

Yelp
Had a wonderful front window seat on a Wednesday night. Service was fantastic! The eggroll meatball is almost a meal in itself. The halibut, lasagna, and 9th Street Chicken were all amazing. The blueberry cheesecake was out of this world.

Rob D.

Yelp
I'm afraid to leave a review because this spot already is so acclaimed. I've been trying to get a reservation for some time and was finally able to get one so here we were. This restaurant is always listed as the best in AC and a top restaurant in the state. I usually worry that places don't live up to the hype. We hear they truly delivered and everything was better than my expectations. If you eat hear you have to do the tableside experience other wise why are you here??? Every dish was fantastic. The tableside mozzarella was a table favorite The Caesars salad was tableside and great. My personal favorite was the Cavatelli. I can't stop raving about it. Was truly the best I have ever had and this is a must get in my book of you go here. The chicken parm was great and so was the halibut We will return I know this review will add to making it more difficult to get in here but it's well deserved Truly one of my favorite places to eat now

April K.

Yelp
In all of the years I've been visiting AC as a Philly Suburb resident it never even occurred to me to patronize restaurants outside of the resort I'm staying in while visiting. My wife makes it her mission to find the best places to dine wherever we travel to & she never disappoints. She didn't miss the mark here! When I tell you this place is to die for, that's an understatement! Maybe I'm biased because Italian food is my all time favorite cuisine, but this place is worth it! Its worth driving to when they first open to secure a reservation. Its worth calling their # back to back until you reach someone on the other end of the line to make a reservation! It is worth all of the Yelps because, it is very rare, nowadays, that one finds an eatery with; deliciously extraordinary food, old school ambiance & top tier customer service! This place was the jackpot for me during our quick visit to AC. Café 2825, true MVPs! I can't wait to experience this place again & try other delectable menu items!

Sal V.

Yelp
Always, every time, awesome! Had a Group of 11 and ordered all of the table sides- mozzarella, Caesar and pasta in the cheese wheel I had the Brooklyn Pork Chop and it was perfect. All of the table had great meals and we shared a couple of desserts. Great night, see you next year.

Devin J.

Yelp
I pride myself in seeking out mom and pop hidden gems with true authentic gourmet Italian dishes, and this establishment is undoubtedly the best both within and outside of AC. Superior quality compared to the rest! From the tableside fresh mozzarella paired with your choice of accompaniments such as melt in your mouth prosciutto and roasted red peppers, to the simple fresh ingredients highlighted in the cacio e pepe + truffle cheese pasta- DIVINE. The array of entrees we indulged in included a Veal Chop Bolognese Fra D'Avolo with the perfect balance of savory and heat, a table side prepared rack of lamb with crispy roasted potatoes, among many others. Greeted by the head chef and very well taken care of by front of house manager, the service was impeccable.

Dona F.

Yelp
If I was able to give this place more stars I would. This small establishment gives any NYC a run for its $. Got in here by chance otherwise I hear it's almost impossible. The chef/owner/server is so sweet and humble. Prosciutto bread on table was like cake. Italian bread served warm with a super dark olive oil Apps-Meatball Egg Roll -stuffed with chopped meat,peas, onions, mozz cheese with a red sauce Zucchini flowers - egg battered with lemon. Ricotta on the side. Table side prep of pasta in cheese wheel - such a treat. I've never tasted such perfect pasta and the topping of mushrooms was just beyond amazing Entrees - chick parm and a special of angry drunkin stuffed pork chop with a side of port wine apples. Desert - blueberry crumb cheesecake which was probably the best desert I've ever tasted. Most of the entrees were packed to go because we were beyond busting and wanted to have desert. Even the decaf coffee was smooth and delicious The entire dinner was an experience from start to end. The service was impeccable as well as the flavor and texture of every morsel. If it wasn't a two hour drive for me I'd become a regular even if I had to sit at the bar to dine.

Q M.

Yelp
First of all, the food is flavorful, period. So satisfying. Anything you order is great. We came 6 years ago and the owners were so kind, we came back this year for our anniversary. My husband is mesmerized by the fresh pasta in the cheese wheel with truffel goodness. This is an appetizer. The cheesecake is so good you forget the toppping is even there. It is silky smooth. The outside patio/greenhouse like area is adorably quaint, intimate, for date night or family time. I could see the pitter patter of gulls feet on the tarp above us. Entertainment for me with a full belly. You have to make reservations 2 weeks in advance by phone. I understand why, the place is awesome all around. It is small but a gem. We love this place.

K L.

Yelp
Excellent service... Excellent food and drinks...great atmosphere ....I only wish they would answer their phone and not make getting a reservation so darn HARD...

Jennifer S.

Yelp
Let me start off by saying, this place is amazing. However, I am going to be fully transparent and start with the cons ( you'll notice there are 5 stars so stay for the pros): 1. Reservations are nearly impossible to get if you aren't one of the people in the Cafe 2825 in crowd. If you plan to come here for a birthday or anniversary, you will have to just celebrate it when Cafe 2825 wants you to celebrate it, like at 4 pm on a random Tuesday. 2. The place is SMALL. So if you DO get lucky enough to get in, you're going to feel like you can't have an intimate conversation and you'll be seated right up against people. They are expanding, so this could improve the situations above, so let's talk about what gives Cafe 2825 five stars: Tableside experiences: The tableside burrata and tableside cacio e pepe are phenomenal. If you come here and don't do at least one of these, you are missing out completely and wasted your whole trip. They also have a ton of amazing appetizers, like a meatball egg roll, but we always get the tableside experiences because these are few and far between these days. Unique Entrees The chicken clemente is easily one of the top 5 best chicken dishes I have ever had. I dream about it. It's rare I eat something in a restaurant that I don't feel I could recreate myself easily. I am unsure if I could do this dish justice. It's basically chicken franchaise with a ricotta based béchamel sauce over garlicky spinach and its incredible. They have a dish that combines parmigiana, fra diavolo, and ala vodka all in one and it's my husbands favorite. I wish I could speak on more of the entrees, but since I only get reservations about once a year, I always go with my favorites. Desserts You may THINK you're too full. Do NOT skip on dessert. They have incredible cheesecake that you NEED in your life. If you're a foodie, you MUST make it your lifes work to get in here at least once.

Alexis B.

Yelp
Cafe 2825 was probably one of the most frustrating reservations to get but oh so worth it. Just a heads up if you are looking to make reservations you need to do so 14 days in advanced and make sure to call. We just kept calling until someone finally picked up.. it may of took a few days but determination is key. Also there are designated parking lots for this specific restaurant as well as valet parking. Food: The food was absolutely out of this world delicious. We got 3 of the table side experiences including the mozzarella (literally still dreaming about this and would come here solely for this lol), polenta and the cacio e Pepe. We also got the meatball appetizer. Out of all the table side experiences and appetizers I would rank Mozzarella at the top, cacio, meatball appetizer and then the polenta. Everything was delicious but some things more so then others. For dinner we split the Chicken Vodka Bolognese which was sooo tender and delicious. All of the food was PACKED with flavor and I would say decent size portion sizes. Prices are comparable to high end NYC so be prepared to spend a pretty penny when you come. We ended with 2 desserts. The special crueler which was Devine and the Italian cheesecake which we weren't a fan of. We usually love Italian cheesecake and flavor was good however it was served warm and it just threw off the entirety of it. Overall everything was exceptional. Service: We thought service was 5 stars. We never needed anything. Our waitresses and waiters were on top of everything refilling drinks, cleaning off tables, making sure we were good. They continuously checked in with us at all points of the dinner. Ambiance: They look like they are renovating and added on a section in the back which is where we sat. There is in an indoor and outdoor heated room. The outdoor space was very nice and trendy however those chairs they have for outdoor are extremely uncomfortable and it does get chilly outside even with the heaters. We would of easily requested the indoor room and had no problem with spending the minimum as we had already done that without knowledge. They also do not mention no cash until you get the check. So if you are a cash person make sure to bring a credit card. Overall I do believe this place is worth the hype. It's a really great place and the food, service and ambiance deserve 5 stars. I do recommend that they alter the reservation system to not be so chaotic and give more info regarding seating when booking so we have some say with indoor/ outdoor etc. We will definitely be coming back!

Cathy G.

Yelp
My husband and I enjoyed our dinner here last night. We had zucchini flowers, stuffed artichoke,stuffed calamari, tripe and tableside mozzerella. I didn't believe the zucchini flowers would be fresh in March but they absolutely were. They were the star of the night. They were so light but the filling was super flavorful in a delicate way. The artichoke was my least favorite because it tasted marinated in lemon or vinegar. I'm sure it's because I am used to the way my family makes them and no other reason. We asked for the calamari to be spicy and they were so good! The tripe was very tender. The mozzarella was made table side from curds. It was a show! We loved everything and our server, Ivan, was terrific. I recommend!!

Rebecca M.

Yelp
As longtime summer residents of the area we have been well aware of Cafe 2825 for some time but had never been -- so we were excited to finally get a reservation (hard still even in the total off season). We are Chef Vola regulars and as these two spots are often mentioned in the same breath -- in terms of very high end, storied Italian spots -- we expected a very similar experience, in terms of service, ambience and food quality level. We dined in the "casual" dining room (the other room requires at least $100 spent per person) which was packed with tables so close it was hard not to walk into someone on the way to ours. Up front, we were surprised by some basics of service that just weren't there -- our server couldn't even recommend a wine to my husband; bread repeatedly came without any butter. Nonetheless the bread IS very good, and we remained open minded before food came. The meatball appetizer had two generously sized meatballs that were more like patties, flavorful though wish they'd been served with a little more than the approximately one tablespoon of sauce that was under them. Chilean sea bass was tasty and great quality fish, though not a very big portion and not particularly enhanced by the bed of flavorless cabbage it's on top of. Linguini w clams was the standout, with a delicious broth-like sauce, many clams both in the shell and chopped, and homemade-tasting pasta (one clam on the plate was totally closed, which again just feels like an oversight a place like 2825 could easily avoid...but of course did not ruin the dish). While we didn't order them because they seemed better suited to large groups, the table side homemade mozzarella and Caesar salad looked really good. Overall, a better than average experience that I'd say felt somewhere in the 3.5 to 4 star range, whereas I'd put Chef Vola more firmly as 5 stars where level of service, atmosphere and the consistency of the dishes (again, for this particular kind of restaurant) is concerned.

Peter M.

Yelp
Outstanding food and service. All the staff are professional and courteous. It's without a doubt the best Itialian food.

Glenn A.

Yelp
I was in a bit of shock when calling in for reservations two weeks ago, they answered! Reservations were made after many unsuccessful prior attempts. Well let me tell you the meal was worth the efforts! Our experience cemented Cafe 2825 as THE Italian restaurant to eat an incredible meal at! From the table side fresh mutz and pasta out of the cheese wheel to the amazing tender Brooklyn Pork Chop, veal parm fra diavolo, and the Alaskan Halibut with the buttery, flaky crust everything was o so delicious. A new entry to my favorite restaurants ever! 10/10 recommend if your lucky enough to get a reservation that is!

Charles W.

Yelp
What an experience! Ginny and Zach are the best! Restaurant was packed but they had 1 seat at the bar that I snagged. Ginny is the bartender. Mixologist extraordinaire!! The food was next level. True Italian fare. Tableside mozzarella! The halibut was define! And the risotto was a sin! Whewwwww! A must go!

Mim S.

Yelp
I visited Cafe 2825 for the first time last Saturday night. The food was Excellant. The burrata and Caesar salad were done tableside and were enough to share with the table. All of the entrees were superb. I will definately return!

Marsha S.

Yelp
Excellent tasting food, excellent service with Matthew, the best tiramisu and Cesar salad I've ever had. Seating is tight and quite noisy as there was an obnoxious, loud woman right next to us which was very annoying. Hard to get a reservation but glad we did. Very expensive but worth it.

Michael E.

Yelp
Don't you think that a restaurant as expensive as 2825 could afford to have yelp online menus that were in focus and exposed correctly?

Melissa D.

Yelp
Don't understand how this place has such high reviews when the customer service is terrible. Zach has the worst attitude problem.

Joanna D.

Yelp
I've heard A LOT of hype about this restaurant over the years and was so happy to finally go! Call one week in advance for reservations, they do not accept walk ins. We sat in the outdoor/enclosed area in the back and it was set up beautifully. The food and drinks did not disappoint. It was everything I was hoping it would be! Our service was a little on the slow side but it was a beautiful, busy Friday night so I'll let it slide. We had multiple servers helping us out so I just think it was a busy night. We started off with the table side Caesar salad which was incredible, along with the table side cacio e Pepe. Best of the best! After seeing some other pictures on Yelp, I think we were gypped a little on the cheese wheel - it wasn't as creamy as other cheese wheels I've had, but definitely an experience! We also ordered the calamari which was cooked perfectly. Now, onto the meals... my friends and I each got the chicken parm..... this is a must!!!! It's on the spicy side but it was by far, the best chicken parm I've had. The cutlet was thin and perfectly cooked and the sauce was to die for! Each bite was better than the next. We couldn't stop eating it even though we were full! My other friend had the sunday gravy which he said was great as well and my last friend had the lemon chicken which was light and delicious. We couldn't understand why it took us so long to finally go here! The dessert.... Unlike anything I've ever had. We saw on their Instagram that they had homemade cheesecake and that they were known for their blueberry crumb. Now, I don't even like blueberry but I gave it a try. Unbelievable! It was ridicous honestly. We also got a tiramisu which was definitely the best I've ever had. Please check this place out! I cannot wait to go again!!!!!

Lisa B.

Yelp
The food was good, not great. The woman at the front barely greeted us, didn't say thank you or goodbye when we left. For the price, I expected better food and service. I wouldn't go back.

Angela A.

Yelp
Amazing food & beautiful ambiance. The service doted on our table and was delightful. Cant wait to return!

Andi S.

Yelp
We were so excited to get in here again!! Still did not disappoint- amazing food & experience!! This time we got the zucchini flowers, pasta in the cheese wheel, Halibut Francese, and my bf for Salomon oreganatto, which was a special. We love it here - cannot wait to go back and try more! Delicious!

Vincent G.

Yelp
This restaurant is a real treat, and a gem amongst all of the dining options in Atlantic City. There are a lot of ways to judge the legitimacy of an establishment, but one in particular for me is a difficulty in which it is to make reservations (albeit frustrating at times.) And it is hard to get reservations here, but if you get them and have a chance to dine at café, then you understand why they are in such high demand. The inside space of the restaurant is tight, which can make it hard at times to have a more intimate meal, but it also lends to both a really cozy and energetic space. As you sit there, you can't help but eavesdrop on other conversations as people talk about how good their food is or watch as the wait staff run back-and-forth providing high-quality service to each guest. Sitting there, I found myself continuing to compare and feel like it was stepping into a scene in Goodfellas. It is a darker space from a lighting standpoint, which gives it this very relaxed and moody vibe. Tables with white tablecloth's and a lot of rich wood fixtures. You also can get lost looking at the pictures that hang on the wall which must be showing the owners and original guests of the restaurant itself. The service here is high-quality, as you can quickly see they go through training and really care about their guess. Honestly, a huge stand out for me in the service overall was their teamwork. While we had one main waiter, we were seen by three additional as well for different dishes & orders. I don't even know where to begin with the food. If you have to get one thing, then it must be the table side Cacio e Pepe pasta appetizer that is prepared for you tableside inside of a cheese wheel. It hit all the right notes of creamy and cheesy, and it was a perfect kick off to the meal. I personally ordered their chicken parmesan entrée, but this was no ordinary chicken parm. It was two layers of thinly pound chicken breast, fried perfectly, covered in Bolognese sauce, and hot peppers. I love the unique aspect of this classic dish, and the portion size was unreal. I still went ahead and ordered broccoli rabe as a side, which provided a nice pairing of bitterness. There were no complaints with the rest of the dishes that were ordered at our table. They included a swordfish special, a mushroom pasta, and stuffed calamari. The other thing that I would insist you get is their cheesecake dessert. One slice can easily serve two people, maybe even three. They top this mountain of a slice with a blueberry compote which is to die for (and having a little bit of fruit, in any way possible, makes you feel a little bit better as you finish your meal.) To me, this is an experience worth trying even if you're coming from Philadelphia. If you were looking for an upscale and delicious dinner this summer, you need to get this on your list.

Alan N.

Yelp
The food might be very good. The service might be very good. But the "we are too good the make reservations easy" sketch is a turn off and, for me, not worth the trouble. I called and left my info for a reservation. Two days later I got a voice message (was busy in a meeting) from them saying they would call back the next day. I suppose you need to keep your phone handy just in case they call. You can't reach them on the phone, only wait for a call bacK. Was trying to make reservation for Friday for a special occasion. Never heard from them, so on Thursday I had to scramble for someplace else so I would not be stuck with no place to go. If they really expect for people to hang on and pray they call, it's treating people like dirt. I am a full time resident and could probably go whenever I want off season.But now I have no desire to dance to their tune.

Louis T.

Yelp
My wife and I celebrated our 31st anniversary at Cafe 2825 on 8/27/24. We sat at the bar and had an outstanding dinner. The food, service and atmosphere are amazing. I didn't want my entree to end. I had the MichaelAngelo. It was absolutely delicious. My wife had the Rigatoni and loved it also. Highly recommend

Lori B.

Yelp
My husband and I celebrated our anniversary at Cafe 2825. The service was outstanding and the food delicious. We would definitely return. We especially loved the chef coming to the tables welcoming the patrons.

M A.

Yelp
Excellent Italian restaurant hidden away in Atlantic City near the Tropicana Casino. On par with some of the best we have had in New York City and all of New Jersey. We started off with the table side mozzarella and the seafood salad which were both phenomenal. Make sure the add the prosciutto which is thinly sliced to perfection and homemade roasted red peppers. My fiancé said they were the best he ever had as he could tell they were homemade. Next we had a mid course of the cheese pinwheel pasta table side which was the perfect portion and added truffle which made for some of the best pasta we have ever had. Finally finished with the bone-in veal chop which also was excellent. Overall, the experience and service was great and the food stood out as some of the best Italian we have had. MUST TRY!

Steve M.

Yelp
Extremely delicious food, great atmosphere and generous drinks! the waiter seemed a little disinterested and wasn't particularly personable, but I don't care. What's important is the quality of the food, and let me tell you it's some of the best in Atlantic City

Virginia C.

Yelp
Right behind the Tropicana - it's actually where a lot of the locals still come. Things to Note: 1) Parking lot 1 Block away and Valet Parking 2) Small restaurant and reservations are a must. There are no online reservations and you must call them. 3) No open hangout bar area but there are 2 seats for patrons 4) Lots of table-side service options 5) My service was outstanding, but I do expect that for the price point. The Food: 1) In-house made pastas 2) Must get the table side homemade mozzarella 3) I loved the Sicilian fish salad special 4) lots of wine options 5) we usually don't do desserts but oh my... tiramisu please..: For 2 - we spent well over $250 but it was a wonderful experience and many were here for special occasions.

Rose D.

Yelp
Can't go wrong here! Only been here a few times, but excellent food and service every time! The atmosphere is nice inside and out back area. On Sat night we were there for our annv and the chef came out and talked to us and a few other tables. That was nice of him. Table side Caesar salad, chicken parm fra Diavolo and scallop special. Scallops with maple bacon glaze over risotto. Also had blueberries in it which I would of never thought would pair up perfectly. Reservations needed most of the time, but check it out!

Debora A.

Yelp
Food absolutely fresh; presentation divine; taste Mama Mia!!! Service-sweet and so accomodating! Ambiance-old school I-talian! Desert-sweet and deserving! Ricky, don't lose that #!!!

Margie S.

Yelp
The food is so consistently, good, the ambience and the service. Love the table side dishes I get them every time I go one of the best in Atlantic City.

Sam T.

Yelp
Slightly overpriced Italian-American food in a semi upscale environment is Cafe 2825. The meatballs were excellent as was the branzino. The chicken toscana alla jacquelina was just alright. It was a bunch of ingredients thrown together without any cohesiveness: egg battered chicken topped with breaded eggplant stuffed with prosciutto + mushrooms + mozz sitting in a marsala sauce. Lots going on with minimal flavor. Blueberry cheesecake and cheese wheel pasta were pretty good.

Jef K.

Yelp
Wonderful restaurant. Always a treat if you can get in. Fantastic food, great place.

Tabitha L.

Yelp
The fresh mozzarella table side is to die for! The food is so fresh and delicious at Cafe 2825. Main dining room and back dining room are equally nice and great options for your dining preferences.

Michelle D.

Yelp
Reservations were hard to secure. Watching the servers do table side cooking was fun! The fresh mozzarella was a quicker experience than expected but it was soo delicious!! I got the halibut franchise and really wasn't a fan of the dish to be honest. Next time I'll definitely try out more of a traditional Italian Sunday meal, like a pasta with red sauce. Pricey but the servers provided great hospitality. Love the natural wooden walls everywhere , it felt like we were in an authentic Little Italy joint!

John R.

Yelp
Stopped here in January. It was my first time. The food is excellent and the service is too. They get very crowded and it's very difficult to make a reservation since they are always full, but should you be lucky to obtain one, you will be very satisfied. It's a small place, but very cozy.

Abigail g.

Yelp
Yes, absolutely lives up to the hype around it. The table-side mozzarella and Sunday gravy is an absolute must. I was so pleased with my experience. 10/10 and already dreaming of returning. I chose to be seated in the "casual" dining (aka like an enclosed patio setting). I was glad I did that; it was more comfortable. Dirty Martinis were delicious.

Patti G.

Yelp
We got lucky! There are only 4 seats at the bar and we got 2 of them. Small space, traditional Italian menu. Sicilian seafood salad was a great way to start. The chicken parmigiana bolognese was a very large portion. My husband and I split it and only ate half. Pasta is a la Carte, does not come with the meal. Chicken parm bolognese was Fra diavolo, and it was extremely spicy. Not A good choice for those that are sensitive to spicy food. The Sfogliatelle needed to be ordered at the beginning of your dinner because it takes 30 minutes to prepare and they were excellent! It was very loud in the front dining room so be prepared if you have auditory issues. A definite "must try" in AC.

Cory K.

Yelp
I saw Cafe 2825 on a a list of the top 7 Italian restaurants and wondered why I have never been here. I will give you a heads up that reservations are only accepted one week in advance, between 11am-2:30pm. It took me 277 times to get finally get through for a Friday night reservation, and it was well worth it. The food and service here are spot on. They offer a few specials that are prepared table side, we opted for the cheese wheel spaghetti which was delicious. The food and setting are very nice, we thoroughly enjoyed each dish. Please see photos of each item. My only complaint was, I felt the veal chop parmigiana (priced at $62) should have included a side of pasta, this was $14 for about 4 Oz. I'll definitely be back in the fall, go and enjoy...mangia!

John C.

Yelp
Love this restaurant. Great vibe, fantastic service and the food was extraordinary. We sat inside, comfy feel, not loud and lighting was perfect. Service was prompt, fine dining style and we felt pampered. Food...I've never had better Osso Bucco. It was sheer perfection on a plate. Veal chop Milanese was divine. The entire meal was perfectly seasoned and served rustically. The absolute best cheesecake I've ever eaten out. I make an extremely good cheesecake and this was on par if not better. Difficult to get reservations but DEFINITELY return worthy.

John W.

Yelp
the best! Joe and family are second to none! I have almost everything there over the years and I am never disappointed Wish I could go every night JW

Mitch S.

Yelp
This is the only hands down 5 star review I've ever given. This is the best restaurant in New Jersey hands down

Misty L.

Yelp
This place is a hard reservation to get but it NEVER disappoints. We love the table side preparations of the burrata, polenta with slow roasted pork gravy, and the cacio e Pepe made in the Locatelli wheel. Plus there are so many more mouth watering options and specials that it's always hard to choose!!