Egg Harbor City is good for a lot of things. It’s a solid pretext for exploring South Jersey’s hidden gems, and it’s also a convenient way to eat exceptional food after you’ve spent a reckless amount of time debating where to go. Whatever your reason for venturing beyond the usual spots, make sure you’re hitting these 11 restaurants first.
All That Batters
$$ | (609) 457-5801 | WEBSITE
This bakery run by Ellen is like a sweet dream you’d skip your morning coffee to keep on savoring. She makes phenomenal custom cakes and cookies here, with creations that become the hit of any party, like the vanilla cake with cannoli cream and cream cheese icing. From disastrous cakes to adorable and delicious cookies, Ellen’s treats are a must-try for any special occasion. Working with her is easy—she’s very communicative and responsive.
A reliable and talented baker for all your celebration needs.
La Enchilada Mexican Restaurant
$ | (609) 593-3039 | WEBSITE
La Enchilada’s pork and pineapple tacos are one of the very few things guaranteed to get us out of the house on a Tuesday. They’re packed with enough slow-cooked pork and sweet pineapple to make a meal for two, then topped with fresh cilantro and onions, and enough house-made salsa to get you interrogated by your doctor if you were getting your annual checkup. Order takeout, because you’ll want seconds.
Taste 1864
$$ | WEBSITE
Taste 1864 is Egg Harbor City dining royalty. This welcoming restaurant has a separate dining room for special events, which sets it apart from a lot of other local spots. It’s also got a fun atmosphere with great decor. Taste 1864—or T64, as we like to call it—offers exceptional service, and you should ask for Jackie or Darlene unless you’re ready for anyone else. Bring your appetite, and get some garlic shrimp, a smash burger, onion soup, and Caesar salad.
Tak Shing Chinese Restaurant
$ | (609) 965-6858 | WEBSITE
This Egg Harbor City restaurant is comfort dining disguised as a standard American-Chinese spot, and weekday lunch is no exception. At Tak Shing, menu items that sound familiar, like teriyaki chicken sticks, or steamed dumplings, tend to have straightforward but satisfying execution. Those dumplings, for example, are served with a classic soy-based dipping sauce. There are about 15 tables, so arrive early or try for a takeout order.
Kizbee’s Kitchen
$$ | (609) 553-3383 | WEBSITE
Gluten-free treats might be our favorite find at this Egg Harbor City bakery from the team behind Kizbee’s Kitchen. People stop by for premade cupcakes and make their way through colorful lemon honey cupcakes and cinnamon buns. The bakery selection comes with lemon bars, peanut butter cookies, crumb donuts, and your choice of vegan or traditional options (the moist crumb donuts are fantastic), plus a friendly, professional staff.
It’s hard to choose between lemon honey cupcakes and cinnamon buns, but make sure to get a cupcake decorating session for the kids.
Eastern Phoenix Restaurant
$ | (609) 965-8789 | WEBSITE
For dinner with a taste of Egg Harbor City comfort, head to Eastern Phoenix Restaurant. The spot with the convenient parking has been serving up delicious fried rice and sushi to happy families since it opened. Come with the kids and share some crispy chicken wings at a spacious, accessible table, or pull up a wheelchair-friendly seat. Either way, make sure there’s friendly staff around—it’s one of our favorites.
Pepes
$ | (609) 965-2087 | WEBSITE
With no reservations needed and a welcoming atmosphere, this Egg Harbor City spot is a reliable dinner option for families and groups—especially if you want authentic flavors. Their $12 chicken empanadas have enough seasoning to make your taste buds dance, and everything on the straightforward Puerto Rican menu is really well prepared.
Make sure their crisp, succulent whole fried mojarro is on your table, and get either the exceptional fried chicken with Spanish rice, or the baked chicken that evokes nostalgic memories. The friendly owner greets everyone, and the staff offers generous samples while engaging in conversation, ensuring you leave with a full stomach and a smile.
Crossroads Bar & Grill
$ | (609) 445-5211 | WEBSITE
If you’re not really a steakhouse person, the ribeye at Crossroads Bar & Grill in Egg Harbor City might change that. Tender, juicy beef is served alongside sweet potato fries so crispy they could double as a snack for your pre-game watch. Sip a craft beer on tap, and spend a few hours relaxing in the welcoming, locals-centric dining room with big TVs showing the game.
Two Brothers From Italy , Italian Restaurant & Gourmet Pizza
$ | (609) 965-1422 | WEBSITE
We love the enormous single slices at this unassuming Italian spot, where the strip mall location might surprise you. But Two Brothers From Italy’s most essential lunch dish is the incredible meatball sub special. Served on fresh bread with delicious sauce and excellent meatballs, it’s a standout that keeps us coming back. No matter the day, you should order it.
Kustard Korner
$ | (609) 965-1116 | WEBSITE
There’s so much we love to eat at this beloved Egg Harbor City spot, but for dessert, our #1 must-order is the classic soft serve twist. Every spoonful delivers the perfect balance of creamy vanilla, rich chocolate, and that signature smooth texture that melts just right. The fresh strawberry sundae with whipped cream is a close second.
Al’s Luncheonette
$ | (609) 965-2037 | WEBSITE
There are few things more comforting than sliding into a booth at Al’s Luncheonette on a Saturday morning. As you glance around the Philadelphia Avenue storefront, you’ll see regulars digging into crispy scrapple and hearty pizza steak sandwiches, and think to yourself, ‘That should be me.’ And it will be, if you grab one of the red vinyl stools at the counter and settle in. Go for it—breakfast at this nostalgic diner with its friendly waiters is an Egg Harbor City tradition.
