Quick answer
Wildwood Crest is small, with a modest number of restaurants and many more a short drive away in Wildwood and North Wildwood. Here is a shortlist organized by meal, with the town for each spot so you know what is walkable and what is a quick drive.
One thing to know: Wildwood Crest is a dry town, so restaurants there do not sell alcohol. Some let you bring your own, so call ahead and ask. You can buy wine and beer in Wildwood.
Breakfast
The Jellyfish Cafe (Wildwood Crest)
At 5911 New Jersey Ave. Breakfast and lunch with a big menu of classic American and Italian dishes. Casual and kid-friendly. Expect a wait on summer weekend mornings.
Sun'z Up Cafe (Wildwood Crest)
At 6708 New Jersey Ave. Another easy breakfast option close to most Crest rentals. Check current hours.
Marvis Diner and Uncle Bill's Pancake House (Wildwood)
A short drive north. Marvis Diner (4900 Pacific Ave) is a classic diner with big portions. Uncle Bill's (Burk and Pacific Aves) is a well-known pancake house.
Lunch
Primo Hoagies (Wildwood Crest)
At 6105 New Jersey Ave. Philly-style hoagies that are easy to take to the beach or back to the rental. The Italian is the classic order.
Owen's Pub (North Wildwood)
At 119 E 17th Ave in North Wildwood. A casual pub with an outdoor area. Listings say it is cash only, so bring cash.
The Inlet (North Wildwood)
At 101 E Walnut Ave in North Wildwood, near the inlet. This is the spot many people still remember as Westy's; it was renamed The Inlet after a 2017 sale.
Pizza
The best-known pizza is a short drive from the Crest on the Wildwood Boardwalk:
- Sam's Pizza Palace (Wildwood Boardwalk at 26th Ave). A longtime local favorite.
- Mack's Pizza (Wildwood Boardwalk). On the Boardwalk since 1953, and the slice many visitors know.
- Carini Ristorante and Pizzeria (9854 Pacific Ave, Wildwood Crest). The closest option if you want to stay in the Crest.
Dinner
Beach Creek Oyster Bar & Grille (Wildwood)
At 500 W Hand Ave in Wildwood, with marina views and a seafood focus. A good choice for a nicer night out. Call ahead about reservations in summer.
The Boathouse Restaurant (Wildwood)
At 506 W Rio Grande Ave in Wildwood, on the bay by a marina. Casual, with water views that are nice around sunset.
Cavu BYOB (Wildwood Crest)
At 5901 Ocean Ave in Wildwood Crest. A BYOB restaurant right in the Crest. Call ahead for hours and reservations.
The Lobster House (Cape May)
At 904 Schellengers Landing Rd in Cape May, about 15 to 20 minutes south. A long-established dockside seafood restaurant and worth the drive.
Treats and ice cream
Duffer's (Wildwood)
At 5210 Pacific Ave in Wildwood. Homemade ice cream plus a mini-golf course, which makes it an easy after-dinner family stop.
Curley's Fries (Wildwood Boardwalk)
Not ice cream, but a Boardwalk classic with several locations along the boards.
Frequently asked questions
What’s the best restaurant near Wildwood Crest?+
For a nicer dinner, Beach Creek Oyster Bar & Grille in Wildwood is a popular pick for its marina views and seafood. In the Crest itself, Cavu BYOB on Ocean Ave is an option. For a casual breakfast or lunch, The Jellyfish Cafe in Wildwood Crest is a local favorite.
Where’s the best breakfast in Wildwood Crest?+
The Jellyfish Cafe and Sun’z Up Cafe, both on New Jersey Ave in Wildwood Crest. A short drive away in Wildwood, Marvis Diner and Uncle Bill’s Pancake House are popular.
What’s the best pizza in the Wildwoods?+
Sam’s Pizza Palace and Mack’s Pizza on the Wildwood Boardwalk are the best known, and people have strong opinions about which is better. Both are a short drive from most Wildwood Crest rentals.
Can I drink alcohol at restaurants in Wildwood Crest?+
Wildwood Crest is a dry town, so restaurants there do not sell alcohol. Some allow you to bring your own, so call ahead and ask. You can buy wine and beer in Wildwood.
Where should I get ice cream near Wildwood Crest?+
Duffer’s on Pacific Ave in Wildwood has homemade ice cream and mini golf, which makes it an easy family stop.
Where can I eat on the water near Wildwood Crest?+
Beach Creek Oyster Bar & Grille and The Boathouse Restaurant are both on the bay side in Wildwood with marina views. They are nice around sunset.