OC locals/regulars: What are the ACTUAL best restaurants in Ocean City right now?
I know this question has probably been beaten to death in here, but I haven’t seen a recent thread and I’m looking for some fresh recommendations as of mid 2026.
My girlfriend (28f) and I (29m) are heading to Ocean City for a week in June for her birthday. I’ve been going to OC my whole life and she’s been a bunch too. Honestly though… maybe this is a hot take, but I feel like a lot of the food in OC is just kinda mediocre. Not bad necessarily, but rarely “wow this is incredible.”
We’re looking for the absolute best spots. Hidden gems, local favorites, expensive places, cheap hole-in-the-wall spots, doesn’t matter. We’ll eat pretty much anything as long as it’s good. Bonus points if there are specific dishes we NEED to order. Even if it’s a little outside OC and worth the drive, that’s totally fine too.
Also worth mentioning, neither of us drink alcohol, so we’re mainly looking for places with amazing food, not places that are mostly known for cocktails or nightlife.
One of the best things I’ve ever had in OC was the beef short rib pot pie at Liquid Assets up around 94th street. Still think about that thing regularly and I’ll definitely be going back for it if they still have it.
What are your “don’t leave OC without trying this” spots/meals?