The infusion of top-name restaurants coming to casinos including the Old Homestead Steak House at Borgata, Red Square, Carmine's, The Palm and P.F. Chang's at The Quarter at the Tropicana, and the upcoming steakhouses, Gallagher's at Resorts and Morton's at Caesars, can easily make diners forget that there are some awesome casino-run restaurants that are as good, if not better. We're here to remind you of those restaurants to help you make a decision the next time you stay in town for dinner after work. [Bacchanal at Caesars] The most interesting dining experience in Atlantic City, Bacchanal offers a five-course, prix-fixe Roman feast for just $59.95, including all the wine you can drink. It's an amazing deal. But that's not all. You will be treated to strolling musicians, tableside massages, magic and much more. If it sounds cheesy, it's not. The great food combined with an exquisitely decorated room make this a dining experience that will impress any date. GOTTA HAVE IT: The first course features a wonderful antipasto to share, followed by a creamy lobster bisque. The third course gives you a choice of salads, but pick the Gladiator salad with Roquefort dressing. Entrée choices include filet mignon, rack of lamb, sea bass, crab cakes and more. But save room for the desserts, including Bananas Foster and cherries jubilee, flambéed right before your eyes. FUN FACT: Bacchanal will undergo some changes this summer that will introduce a-la-carte dining to the room. But don't fear: The music, massages and magic will remain. VITALS: Hours are 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. Wednesday to Saturday. Call (800) 223-7277. [Brighton Steakhouse at the Sands] The finest steakhouse in the city as far as food quality also happens to boast one of the most hip décors of any restaurant in town. With an art-deco style of warm oranges and browns combined with striking modern shapes, the Brighton is a place where you can equally enjoy a quiet dinner with your date or sit around a table with some friends after playing poker all day. GOTTA HAVE IT: Of all the appetizers in town, the Brighton's signature Lobster Popcorn ($25) is perched at the very top. There is also plenty of fresh seafood, and the Lobster Bisque ($5.50) is also one of the town's finest. The entrees are simple and flavorful like a steakhouse should be. "We fancy things up, but at the end of the day we're a steakhouse," says Gourmet Chef Brian Scheufele. The hefty 16-ounce Stockyard Prime Sirloin ($41) is highly recommended, but if you like your steak lean, this is the best Filet Mignon ($28-$36) money can buy. Ask for a sampling of their different steak sauces. FUN FACT: The Brighton was ranked among the Top Five Atlantic City restaurants in the 2005 Zagat survey, which said the Brighton is "one of the best A.C. Steakhouses," elaborating on its "upscale, classy" décor and "pampering service" while serving "fabulous" cuts of meat "cooked to perfection." "The Zagat rating is hard to come by," says Scheufele. "A lot of people were amazed to see a ranking so high for a casino restaurant." VITALS: Open 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. Thursday, Friday, Sunday and Monday; 5:30 to 11 p.m. Saturday. Call (800) AC-SANDS. [Capriccio at Resorts] Resorts' gourmet jewel excels in southern and northern Italian cuisine, but it makes this list not just for its food but because of its incredibly romantic atmosphere. With tall ceilings accented by handsome pillars, the colors are rich and bright, the chandeliers are glorious and the room has an Old World feel. Ask for a table in the front of the room and you'll be treated to one of the best ocean views in the city. GOTTA HAVE IT: The appetizers are mostly seafood, and the Cozze Di Santa Margherita ($9), mussels lightly steamed with a light Pinot Grigio and pesto oil, stand out above the others. With great pasta in abundance, try the Ravioli Di Mare ($15), stuffed with lobster, shrimp, crab and Mascarpone cheese in a smoked tomato coulis, as a half portion for an appetizer, and then dig into either the Dentice Con Gamberi ($32), filet of red snapper with shrimp and asparagus over a delicate herb crepe with rosemary butter, or Ossobuco Alla Milanese ($40), braised veal shanks in red wine and tomato sauce served with risotto. FUN FACT: Capriccio once again fared well in the 2005 Zagat Survey, which said the Italian restaurant is "so great, you'll forget you're in a casino" because of its "lovingly prepared" dishes. VITALS: Open 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, 6p.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Sunday brunch served 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Call (800) 932-0734. [Harborview at Trump Marina] There are many restaurants that give you views of the ocean. But only Trump Marina offers spectacular views of the bay and the Atlantic City skyline, a sight to see at night. But the Harborview offers much more than just eye candy; it offers fresh seafood and mouth-watering steaks in a classy atmosphere. GOTTA HAVE IT: There's so much seafood on this menu, you could visit 20 times and not sample it all. Must-try appetizers include anything from the raw bar, the Lobster Dumplings ($12.95) and the Seared Ahi ($12.50), coated in sesame, sliced and served rare. For entrees, fresh fish from swordfish to Chilean sea bass are all game, but it's hard to pass on the Stuffed Lobster Tail ($48.95) or the Seafood Medley ($44.95) with french fried lobster tail, stuffed shrimp, scallops, a crab cake and more. If you must deviate from the sea, try the Grilled Rack of Lamb ($48) with a walnut Dijon crust; or the trustworthy Filet Mignon ($37.95). FUN FACT: One of Donald Trump's favorite restaurants when he comes to town, Harborview remains one of only two seafood restaurants in the casinos, a pretty strange fact considering we're talking about the shore here. VITALS: Open 6 p.m. as demand warrants Thursday to Saturday. Additional hours offered in summer. A fabulous Sunday brunch is served 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Call (609) 441-2000 for reservations. [mixx at Borgata] With all of the high-profile restaurants at Borgata, it's easy to forget about mixx… until you dine there. Once that happens, you'll be hooked on this Asian-Latin fusion restaurant, which transforms into a hot dance club after dining hours. It is, by far, the most chic and hip restaurant in Atlantic City. GOTTA HAVE IT: Good luck making a decision here; everything is actually better than it sounds, and it sounds great. Separated into "Small Plates" and "Big Plates," the "Small Plates" are big enough to share, especially the Chopped Chicken Salad ($12) with Chinese mustard dressing and crispy wontons; and the mixx Popcorn ($9), crispy shrimp with a creamy chipolte. By the way, the sushi bar offers the best sushi in town. If you still have room, "Big Plates" include Macho Steak ($36), trimmed sirloin with chimichurri; fall-off-the-bone Baby Back Ribs ($23); and Seared Duck ($27) with Asian pear salad and green tomato jam. FUN FACT: If the menu sounds creative, that's because it comes from the minds of Edwyn Ferrari, a graduate of the distinguished Culinary Institute of America who has cooked around the world, and Aaron Sanchez, son of celebrated Mexican cooking authority Zarela Martinez and star of the Food Network's Melting Pot. VITALS: Open 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday, Monday and Thursday, to 10:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Nightclub hours are to 5 a.m. Friday and Saturday. [Ombra at Borgata] Walk through the opulent Specchio entrance to get to Chef Luke Palladino's other restaurant, Ombra, and you'll descend stairs in a faux atmosphere that makes you think you're surrounded by stone and entering a real wine cellar. Once you arrive, your visit to his wine bar/restaurant may be the most relaxed dining experience you'll have in Atlantic City. Either sit at the bar, sample some wines and cheeses cut fresh at its extensive cheese bar or have a seat in a dining room framed by rich woods and a wine closet that stretches the length of the room. GOTTA HAVE IT: Although entrees like Standing Baby Back Rib Roast ($24) stuffed with sage and garlic sausage, the fresh fish of the day roasted whole ($33) or any pf the pasta dishes are winners, the appetizers are the main attraction here. Check out the Frittele ($5), a crisp square of spaghetti, salami and pecorino; or the Arancini ($9), crisp risotto fritters filled with black truffles and scallions. But you must—must—have a sampling of imported cheeses. FUN FACT: There are more appetizers on the menu than main entrees, creating the fun vibe that Ombra is the place to bring friends, hang out, put a bunch of appetizers in the middle of the table and dig in. The place may be casual, but everything about the food is upscale Italian. VITALS: Open 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. daily; closed Monday. Call (609) 317-1000 for reservations. [Roberto's at Trump Plaza] Trump Plaza's New York theme comes full circle with Roberto's gourmet fare, which could please the most finicky New York Italian. Serving northern and southern Italian, Roberto's is another beautiful restaurant with a bird's eye view of the ocean. GOTTA HAVE IT: You can't go wrong with any of the seafood appetizers, but it's hard to resist Torta Di Melanzane ($11), baked eggplant with fresh tomato and caprino cheese in a white wine sauce; or the Carpaccio Scottato ($16), thin seared raw filet with anchovy aioli arugula and parmigiano. For the main course, you can be safe and have traditional dishes like Gnocchi Bolognese ($18) or Lasagnette ($19), but be daring and be awarded with the best Zuppa Di Pesci ($40) in town with lobster, shrimp, scallops, calamari, fresh fish, clams and mussels, or the Mialae Ripieno ($28), stuffed pork tenderloin with fresh figs, gorgonzola, broccoli rabe and potato crochetta. FUN FACT: Executive Pastry Chef Tom Vaccaro is possibly the best pastry chef in town. So make sure you have dessert. In fact, Roberto's is one of the few restaurants left that offers made-to-order soufflés. You have a choice between Chocolate, Apple Tatin or Grand Marnier. VITALS: Open 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Wednesday to Friday; to 11 p.m. Saturday. Sunday brunch served from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Call (609) 441-6224. [Peregrine's at Hilton] Perhaps the most romantic restaurant in Atlantic City also boasts some of the most spectacular dishes you'll eat anywhere in the country. A longtime Zagat and critics' favorite, Peregrine's deserves all of the accolades for its intimate atmosphere and inventive cuisine. Some argue that Peregrine's may be the only true five-star restaurant in Atlantic City. GOTTA HAVE IT: Specializing in contemporary cuisine and seafood, start with the Lobster Quesadillas ($21) with vegetable salsa or the Chopped Tuna Burger ($21) with a crisp potato "bun," truffle vinaigrette and wild mushroom fries. Peregrine's really stands out with its eclectic, inventive creations, including Hawaiian Monchong ($39) baked in banana leaf with coconut-lime sauce and a chili paste crust; Brioche Crusted Sautéed Maine Lobster ($68) with roasted pineapple and cilantro sauce; and the White Peach Glazed Duck Breast ($37) with duck confit and roasted peaches, almond white rice and a Muscatei vinegar sauce. Don't forget the Grande Finale for some of the finest desserts in town. FUN FACT: The New York Daily News recently reviewed Peregrine's, awarding the restaurant four stars. The name Peregrine's comes from the Peregrine Falcons that make their summer home on the penthouse ledge. VITALS: Open 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday and Thursday, 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Call (609) 236-7870. [The Steakhouse at Harrah's] Simply named, The Steakhouse at Harrah's lets the food do the talking, but the casino did not skimp when they opened this fabulous eatery four years ago, spending nearly $6 million. Copper ceilings, hardwood floors, fine tile and marble, leather and more make this place a top destination for any foodie. GOTTA HAVE IT: Treat yourself to some seafood at the Bluepoint Rawbar or try the fresh-made sushi, but don't skip over the Lollipop Lamb Chops or the Pancetta Wrapped Shrimp, both $18. With all of the steaks and chops on the menu, including the gargantuan 22-ounce Angus Roast Prime Rib of Beef ($38), it's hard to go astray, but if you do, delve into the Ahi Tuna ($36) brushed with wasabi. Your best bet: The 20-ounce Grilled Cowboy Steak ($42); it's a man's meal. FUN FACT: The Steakhouse is located adjacent to Florentino's, another amazing investment by Harrah's opened in 2000 that cost nearly $4.5 million. It's also worth a visit. VITALS: Open 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. Monday, Tuesday and Thursday, 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Sunday, 4:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday. Call (609) 441-5575. [Brunch at Prime Place at Bally's] Sure, Prime Place offers some great steaks at night, but we're recognizing the Prime Place for its fabulous Sunday brunch. Set in an elegant atmosphere with accompanying harpist and ocean view, Prime Place's brunch is a real bargain at $30 a head. Featuring everything from breakfast staples to gourmet dinner fare, do yourself a favor and have brunch at Bally's. GOTTA HAVE IT: Order made-to-order Eggs Benedict and homemade waffles from the kitchen or go the omelet station and pick your ingredients for breakfast. Or try the various cold fishes on a bagel. After you warm up with breakfast, have some jumbo shrimp cocktail, shucked oyster or fresh sushi, or head to the action station where a chef will make the pasta of your choice. The chef's special entrees change weekly and include herb-crusted salmon with sun-dried tomato pesto, seafood Newburg casserole and beef tenderloin with spicy maple pecan kasha and Barolo demi. FUN FACT: The Prime Place staff loves indulging its customers. The kitchen staff treats diners to creamy fruit smoothies, and the wait staff will pamper you and even get items from the buffet for you if you don't feel like getting up. VITALS: Brunch served 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday. Prime Place serves dinner with its signature salad bar 6 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. Saturday through Tuesday. Call (609) 340-2350. Safari Steakhouse at Trump Taj Mahal The most improved steakhouse in town thanks to the addition of Chef Robert Camerota, the Safari's rustic jungle theme, complete with hunting trophies, animal print carpets and furniture, a fireplace and a full-sized tree in the center of the room makes your mouth water for a juicy hunk of meat, which the Safari chefs oblige wholeheartedly. GOTTA HAVE IT: This killer menu—no pun intended—will blow you away with its Coconut Shrimp ($20), Tier of Chilled Shellfish ($35 for two) and creamy Lobster Bisque for appetizers ($8), but it's the steaks that make the trip worthwhile, particularly the hearty New York Sirloin ($39) or the belt-busting 3-Pound Porterhouse for a whopping 75 bucks. Not a beef eater? Feast on the Soy Basted Filet of Chilean Sea Bass ($28) or the Crabmeat and Cheddar Crusted Filet of Halibut ($29). But do not—do not—leave without sampling the warm Deep Dish Apple Pie, S'more (both $8.50) or the Mile High Chocolate Cake ($10), which definitely lives up to its name. FUN FACT: Camerota has cooked for President Bush, worked alongside Wolfgang Puck, catered Clint Eastwood's wedding, and worked in Las Vegas for Steve Wynn. Why? Because he's inventive, creates great sauces and knows what people want. VITALS: Open 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday to Tuesday. Call (609) 449-1000. [Wellington's at the Tropicana] Wellington's debuts its new seafood-themed menu this month, and it's so good, it immediately deserves to be on this list. Only one of two pure seafood restaurants in town, Wellington's enormous menu is only outdone by its creativity from Executive Chef Joe La Porte. GOTTA HAVE IT: Aside from fresh raw items, interesting appetizers include the Warm Crab Pouch ($16), jumbo lump crabmeat and wild mushrooms in an herb and garlic cheese sauce and stuffed in a phylo pouch, and the Chili Barbecued Jumbo Shrimp ($18). For the main course, check out the Seafood Au Gratin ($30) with shrimp, scallops and crabmeat with penne in a parmesan cream sauce; Jumbo Shrimp and Scallop Inferno ($30) broiled in a Mexican cilantro sauce; or the Southwest Tortilla Crusted Chilean Sea Bass ($30) in a spicy Ratatouille cream sauce. Not a seafood eater? No worries: Have a steak or the organic chicken stuffed with cheese and spinach ($24). Executive Pastry Chef Cliff Butler's beautiful creations include Mid Atlantic Butter Rum Cream Pie and Banana Amaretto Torte, each $10, are worth the trip alone, and stood out over all other casino restaurants' desserts. FUN FACT: For some reason, this gorgeous location, which gives you a spectacular view of the ocean, never seemed to find its groove. In previous incarnations, it has been a buffet, a prime rib joint, a steakhouse and an Asian fusion steakhouse. VITALS: Open 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. Wednesday to Saturday for dinner; Sunday brunch served from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Call (609) 340-4000.

By Casino Connection Staff

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