By Marci Lutsky
Maybe you are from out of town, visiting the Shore, and picked up a copy of Shore Local to find out where the locals like to go. Or maybe you are a local and you rely on Shore Local for all the latest news. Either way, you have come to the right place if you want to know where to eat at the Shore. Here I will be highlighting some of my favorites that opened in the last year or so. They are all locally owned (eat local!) by hard working and talented individuals. Make sure to check out some of these great spots before the summer ends or in the fall after the crowds quiet down.
I always get asked a lot of foodie related questions, but one of the most popular is, where can I get a great lunch in Ocean City. The answer is Dockside Kitchen. Set on the water on Bay Avenue in Ocean City, Dockside Kitchen is such a relaxing spot for breakfast or lunch. Their specialty is anything with crab and while I don’t eat shellfish, I always find something deeply satisfying on the menu like the avocado toast topped with bruschetta or the veggie filled omelet. My kids swear by the French toast which is made using heavenly brioche bread. They recently started dinner service which I have not yet tried.
Saltwater in Margate stole my heart after just one visit and I’ve since been back numerous times. They make ricotta gnocchi that will change your life (no, I’m not being dramatic). In a town filled with pizza restaurants you probably wouldn’t think to get the pizza at Saltwater but think again. It’s out of this world good made with the most perfect dough and a fresh tomato basil sauce. They offer outdoor seating so if you are lucky enough to snag a table outside, you can do some great people watching while enjoying a great meal.
If smoothies and plant-based fare is your thing, check out Goji in Somers Point. Not only do they offer delicious smoothies, smoothie bowls, nut mylks and coffee, the owners are committed to sustainability which is so refreshing in a business. You can bring your juice bottles back for refills and get a discount. They also offer a drive through!
Josie Kelly’s was exactly what Somers Point needed when it opened last year. A beautifully crafted interior space paired with authentic Irish fare and drinks makes for the perfect restaurant. The menu is always changing and I love seeing creative vegetarian options like the vegan garden pie and veggie burger. The atmosphere is fun and whether you want to grab a drink at the bar, check out live music, or enjoy a meal with the kids, you can do it all at Josie Kelly’s.
These are just some of recent favorites at the Shore. Feel free to visit my blog, Vegging at the Shore to stay up to date on all the latest foodie happenings. What I look for in restaurants is freshly made authentic fare and locally owned businesses. If you have a new favorite, I would love to hear about it! Happy eating and happy end of summer!
Marci Lutsky is a food blogger at Vegging at the Shore, www.veggingattheshore.com and can be reached at veggingattheshore@gmail.com.
