Ocean City Restaurants: A Food Lover’s Guide

Ocean City restaurants offer a vibrant dining scene to suit every palate. From casual bayside bars to elegant oceanfront eateries, local Ocean City restaurants serve up a variety of flavors. Looking for great Ocean City eats? For every taste and budget, Ocean City restaurants won’t disappoint. This guide highlights popular categories of restaurants, casual dining, fine dining, seafood specialties, and Mexican cuisine, so you can find the best options.

Ocean City Restaurants: Casual Dining

For relaxed, family-friendly meals, Ocean City offers plenty of casual spots. Here are a couple of must-try places:

• Coral Reef Restaurant, A laid-back island-style restaurant at 17th Street Holiday Inn, Coral Reef boasts an innovative menu of local favorites. Signature dishes include house-smoked sticky ribs and Southwest-seasoned shrimp or fish tacos Address: 1701 Atlantic Ave, Ocean City, MD 21842 (Holiday Inn Lobby) Phone: 410-289-2612.
• Fish Tales, A bayside classic on 22nd Street, Fish Tales provides a casual family atmosphere overlooking the bay. Since 1983 it has offered a wide selection of lite fare, full entrees and kids’ meals, along with daily specials that keep guests coming back Address: 22nd St Bayside, Ocean City, MD (Bahia Marina) Phone: 410-289-0990.

Fine Dining in Ocean City

image provided by Hyatt Place Ocean City/Oceanfront

Ocean City’s fine dining restaurants combine exquisite cuisine with elegant settings. Notable options include:

• The Hobbit Restaurant -Located on 81st Street Bayfront, The Hobbit is known for its elegant atmosphere, floor-to-ceiling bay views, and upscale menu featuring dishes like seared duck breast, filet mignon, and seafood risotto. It’s one of the most refined dining experiences in Ocean City. Address: 121 81st St, Ocean City, MD 21842 Phone: 410-524-8100
• 32 Palm, Situated in the Hilton Oceanfront (3200 N Baltimore Ave), 32 Palm offers a sophisticated Eastern Shore-inspired menu. The restaurant features fresh seafood like lump crab and Atlantic salmon, hand-cut steaks, and creative daily specials, all served in a stylish yet relaxed atmosphere​ Address: 3200 N Baltimore Ave, Ocean City, MD 21842 Phone: 410-289-2525.

Ocean City Seafood Restaurants

image provided by Harrison’s Harbor Watch

Seafood is a highlight of Ocean City dining, with restaurants specializing in fresh, local catches:

• Harrison’s Harbor Watch, A coastal landmark on the 71st Street Inlet, Harbor Watch has ocean views and a celebrated raw bar. It serves “Mr. Harrison’s Rockfish, Atlantic Salmon, and Ahi Tuna,” among other locally-caught dishes, all complemented by unlimited sides Address: 806 S Atlantic Ave, Ocean City, MD 21842 Phone: 410-289-5121
• Captain’s Table, Locates in the Courtyard Marriott on 15th Street, Captain’s Table is a longtime local favorite. It offers some of the “freshest fish, seafood, and steak,” including exotic lobsters and Certified Angus beef steaks​ Address: 2 15th St, Ocean City, MD 21842 Phone: 410-289-7192

Mexican Cuisine in Ocean City

image provided by Papi’s Tacos

Ocean City Maryland restaurants also include flavorful Mexican options:

• Papi’s Tacos, This popular taco joint at 1500 Philadelphia Ave is a must-stop for street-style Mexican fare. Papi’s menu features a variety of fillings (adobo, chorizo, al pastor, chicken tinga, carnitas, shrimp, and lengua) in soft tacos bursting with fresh ingredients​ Address: 1500 Philadelphia Ave, Ocean City, MD 21842 Phone: 443-664-8611.
• Mother’s Cantina, Located in the 28th Street Plaza (2810 Philadelphia Ave), Mother’s Cantina is known for its hearty Tex-Mex classics. Try the overstuffed double-decker taco or build-your-own tacos, and don’t miss their plant-based fillings and vegan cheese options on the menu​ Address: 2810 Philadelphia Ave, Ocean City, MD 21842 Phone: 410-289-1330.

No matter which Ocean City restaurants you choose, you’ll enjoy fresh ingredients and friendly service. To find the perfect place to stay near your favorite restaurants, check out these Ocean City vacation rentals.