Cafe 2825

Let me start with saying, you’re welcome. This place is an absolute hidden gem. I have to say, Mike and I are BIG supporters of Atlantic City. There is so much rich history and so much potential. The casinos, the restaurants. I wish it would come back, it deserves it. But our favorite parent night out, date night, is a room in AC. A delicious dinner, some gambling, and a quiet room baby-free with a king sized bed.

Mike had been here before, I had not. I’ve been begging but this place is HARD to get a reso. Like, luck of the draw hard. But we got it and I was ready for my review. Entering the building it looks like nothing special on the outside. In the heart of AC, away from the casino bustle is this little discreet building. You go in and it’s tiny with about a dozen tables. We were put in the corner by the kitchen. Immediately I became engulfed in the menu, falling into a frenzy of obsessions and needing to recollect myself. Amongst our table we started with the Spicy stuffed calamari, Table side burratta, Cacio E Pepe cheese wheel, and I went with the special ‘lobster & shrimp in a lemon butter sauce.’ Pro-tip, always go for the table side offerings. They taste amazing and its beautiful to watch. Everything was out of this world good. The owner Joe came over to the table to talk to us and make us feel at home. Joe and his family have been creating an Italian-American cuisine since coming form Brooklyn in 1986. They emphasize the importance of fresh seasonal ingredients. They still travel every week to their local Brooklyn neighborhood to source authentic ingredients. Joe is so personal and friendly. He took the time to talk to us and even let me bring an engraved Cafe 2825 wine glass home for my collection. Oh and don’t let me forget they have the BEST cheesecake ever. I hate to share this, I really do. Because this place is a TRUE NJ gem. But i’ll say you’re welcome again and don’t forget to tag me if you try out AC’s best kept secret.