Mike Fitzick of Bakeria 1010 fame has taken over the kitchen at the newly reopened Express Pizza in the Gardens neighborhood. The popular Spicy Roni, a fiery pepperoni and jalapeno concoction, makes the pizza list in addition to the Island Square, a square pie with your choice of toppings. And pizzas aren’t all that this north Ocean City establishment is serving up. Sandwiches like the crispy chicken Caesar wrap, buffalo chicken cheesesteak, and pork roll and black angus beef cheeseburger make the dining roster as well.

Asbury Kitchen in downtown Ocean City caters to the breakfast and lunch crowd with a robust menu filled with brunch-theme favorites, including the avocado toast served with a refreshing arugula greens side salad, Greek salad topped with a generous serving of feta cheese and kalamata olives, and an eclectic array of crepes, such as the apple crumb, butter and lavender sugar, and nutella varieties. Bold Lavazza coffee and flavored latte beverages make the ideal accompaniment no matter what meal you enjoy at this Asbury Avenue restaurant.

Since 2008, Jon and Patty’s has been providing the Ocean City community with an exceptional dining menu at its Asbury Avenue location in the downtown section. Unique latte selections, such as the Johnson’s Popcorn latte, a caramel and butter pecan creation, and the Wonder Bear latte, a robust espresso drink with cinnamon and brown sugar flavors, provide a welcome start to your day. Bacon and cheddar omelets and buttermilk pancakes provide you with the necessary food fuel for breakfast while the coconut chicken salad and cheesy quesadilla offer excellent lunch options. This downtown OC restaurant also offers an extensive dinner menu, ranging from eggplant parmesan to blackened ahi tuna.

Having recently celebrated its third anniversary, Hooked on Breakfast continues to be a fan favorite with the Ocean City community. This centrally located breakfast and lunch spot offers a welcome dining solution for downtown shoppers and individuals craving a midday culinary recharge. Some of the must-try items include the cannoli pancakes, biscuits and sausage gravy, and pulled pork sandwich. Be sure to check out the monthly specials to see what limited-time offerings reel you in.

Capo Strada is one of the newer restaurants to open its doors in Ocean City and has been receiving rave reviews ever since. This 9th Street dining destination serves up a wide array of Italian delicacies, made in-house, including the spicy salsiccia pizza, chicken parmigiana, and veal saltimbocca. The muffuletta sandwich featuring housemade bread filled with Italian meats, cheeses, and olive tapenade, is so big, you’ll have to share it with a friend or two.

Italian comfort food, ranging from saucy manicotti to baked penne, is yours to enjoy at Mario’s. Order from the regular menu or opt for the specials of the day, which includes two or three entree options served with fresh bread, soup or salad, and homemade rice pudding for dessert. An extensive vegan menu, with delicious culinary dishes such as a mushroom entree, classic stromboli with non-dairy cheese, and grilled veggie sub, ensures there’s something for all diners at this Ocean City cafe.

The historic Flanders Hotel is home to year-round dining establishment Emily’s Ocean Room. Weave your way through the elegant interior of the hotel filled with antiques from the early days of Ocean City and grab a seat at a table in the coastal chic dining room. Breakfast and lunch is available throughout the year, featuring filling dishes such as stuffed French toast, homemade quiche Lorraine, and the French onion patty melt burger. Dinner is served during the summer, with all-you-can-eat crab nights and prime rib dinners being a popular draw with tourists and residents alike. 

New York-style pizza, hoagies stacked high with cold cuts on Liscio’s rolls, and shrimp-filled pasta dishes are some of the popular items at Randazzo’s. Looking for some appetizers to start your meal off right? Randazzo’s garlic knots are laden with an impressive amount of garlic for a truly flavorful experience. This family restaurant is centrally located near the 34th Street bridge and offers free delivery throughout the island year-round ($15 minimum purchase). If you’re seeking out gluten-free choices, Randazzo’s has you covered, too.