Browse the top restaurants in Margate with pricing, features, and local tips to help you choose.
Local Insight: Restaurant in Margate
Margate's dining scene is quietly excellent for a town of 6,000. Steve & Cookie's By the Bay is the special-occasion anchor — BYOB, waterfront, $35-55 entrées, reserve ahead. Tomatoes handles the reliable Italian-American weeknight, Bocca Coalfire Bistro does the best artisan pizza in town, and Ventura's Greenhouse is how locals get their fresh seafood without sitting down. Almost every spot is BYOB — the wine shop is on Amherst Ave.
Top 10 Restaurants
Steve & Cookie's By the Bay
$$$BYOB waterfront fine dining that locals treat as the special-occasion standard on Absecon Island. The bayview terrace is Margate at its most elegant — seafood-forward menu, $35–55 entrées, bring a good bottle of white Burgundy.
Bocca Coalfire Bistro
$$Coal-fired Neapolitan-style pizza with charred crust and creative topping combinations. The margherita and white clam pies are standouts. Casual BYOB — bring a light red or sparkling wine to round out the meal.
Down Beach
$$Casual waterfront bar and grill on Lagoon Drive serving burgers, wraps, and seafood dishes with bay views. A laid-back happy hour spot after a beach day.
Jonuzi Chelsea Pizza
$$Family-run pizza shop serving New York-style slices and whole pies. Cash-friendly, quick service, and solid quality for a grab-and-go beach meal.
Magpie Pizza
$$Artisan pizza with creative toppings and fresh ingredients. A step above the average shore pizza shop — wood-roasted flavors in a relaxed setting.
Margate Dairy Bar & Burger
$$Classic burger and soft-serve spot that has fueled Margate beach days for generations. Order a double cheeseburger and a twist cone — the combination that keeps people coming back.
Maynard's Cafe
$$Neighborhood breakfast and lunch café that doubles as a BYOB dinner spot on weekends. Known for hearty egg dishes, French toast, and creative salads. The kind of place locals are reluctant to put in print.
Mikado Japanese Cuisine
$$Japanese restaurant serving sushi, maki rolls, and teriyaki entrées. BYOB-friendly, with a calm atmosphere good for date nights or family dinners.
Miyako Japanese Sushi-Steak Hs
$$Japanese hibachi and sushi restaurant in Margate. Good for groups who want a change of pace from seafood and Italian. Hibachi tables require advance booking on summer weekends.
Pierre's Pizza
$$Local pizza shop serving hand-tossed pies and subs. A dependable option for families grabbing dinner after a day at the beach.
Our Top Picks Reviewed
Best Overall: Steve & Cookie's By the Bay
Steve & Cookie's By the Bay stands out as our top pick for restaurants in Margate.BYOB waterfront fine dining that locals treat as the special-occasion standard on Absecon Island. The bayview terrace is Margate at its most elegant — seafood-forward menu, $35–55 entrées, bring a good bottle of white Burgundy. At $$$ pricing, it delivers excellent value for the quality. Notable features include BYOB, waterfront, special occasions. Specializing in american and fine-dining, this spot is perfect for both locals and visitors.
Best Value: Down Beach
Down Beach delivers solid quality at $$ pricing.Casual waterfront bar and grill on Lagoon Drive serving burgers, wraps, and seafood dishes with bay views. A laid-back happy hour spot after a beach day. A reliable pick for families and groups on a set budget.
Best for Special Occasions: Bocca Coalfire Bistro
For a nicer night out in Margate, Bocca Coalfire Bistro is a strong choice.Coal-fired Neapolitan-style pizza with charred crust and creative topping combinations. The margherita and white clam pies are standouts. Casual BYOB — bring a light red or sparkling wine to round out the meal. The quality and atmosphere hold up well at this price level.
What to Know Before You Go
The restaurants scene in Margate varies by season. During peak summer months (June through August), wait times at popular spots can exceed an hour, especially on weekend evenings. We recommend making reservations at least a week in advance for weekend dining. Off-season visitors (September through May) will find it much easier to secure tables, and many establishments offer seasonal specials and promotions.
Price-wise, expect to spend between $15-30 per person at $ spots, $30-50 at $$ establishments, $50-80 at $$$ venues, and $80+ at $$$$ fine dining locations. Most Margate restaurants are BYOB-friendly, which can significantly reduce your total bill if you bring your own wine or beer.
Quick Comparison
| Name | Price | Best For | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Steve & Cookie's By the Bay | $$$ | Date Night | BYOB, waterfront |
| Bocca Coalfire Bistro | $$ | Families & Groups | coal-fired pizza, artisan |
| Down Beach | $$ | Families & Groups | waterfront, casual |
| Jonuzi Chelsea Pizza | $$ | Families & Groups | pizza, NY-style |
| Magpie Pizza | $$ | Families & Groups | artisan pizza, creative toppings |
More Restaurants in Margate
We've found 9 additional restaurants in Margate. Browse the complete list in our directory.
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View Margate Guide →Margate is a family friendly, upscale Atlantic County beach town about 2hr 15min from New York City. Parking, beach badges, events, and the full picture beyond restaurants are in the complete Margate guide.