5 New Food Spots Opening up in the Wildwoods
Every year, the Wildwoods continue to evolve—not just with new rides, boardwalk attractions, and family events, but also with a fresh lineup of restaurants that bring bold flavors, unique concepts, and exciting energy to the island.
From classic boardwalk bites with a twist to gourmet sit-down spots and Instagram-worthy dessert shops, this beach town is becoming just as much a foodie’s paradise as it is a summer vacation destination.
5 New Food Spots Opening up in the Wildwoods
This season is no exception.
As crowds prepare to descend on the island for another unforgettable summer, and with the unofficial start of the summer in just in a few short weeks, we wanted to go over a handful of new food spots that are generating buzz among locals and early visitors.
Many of these new eateries are setting up shop in familiar locations—reviving former restaurants or reimagining long-standing buildings with modern flair.
So grab your fork (or your funnel cake-sticky fingers), and let’s dive into five of the most talked-about new food spots opening in the Wildwoods this year.
You may want to add these to your go-to list the next time you are down.
The Rook Wildwood – 2708 Pacific Avenue
The Rook Wildwood is an exciting new addition to the Jersey Shore’s culinary scene, set to open in the former location of Goodnight Irene’s at 2708 Pacific Avenue.
This expansion marks the third venture for the Philadelphia-based team behind The Rook, who have successfully established their brand with locations in Manayunk and Olde Kensington.
Known for its Philly-inspired menu, The Rook plans to bring its signature offerings to Wildwood, including award-winning cheesesteaks, burgers, cutlet sandwiches, and a selection of seafood dishes tailored for the shore crowd.
The establishment will also feature signature cocktails and an inviting atmosphere designed to resonate with both locals and visitors.
The building is still under construction but the Wildwood Video Archive was able to stop by just this week to bring you a tour. (that video will be on our Youtube Channel on Saturday).
La Cantina – 218 East Schellenger Avenue
La Cantina is an exciting new Tex-Mex restaurant bringing vibrant flavors and a lively atmosphere to the island’s dining scene. Located at 218 East Schellenger Avenue, the restaurant is transforming the former Hurricane Night Club into a tropical-inspired cantina.
The owners of La Cantina are the same team behind the popular Santorini and Venezia restaurants in Wildwood. Their vision for La Cantina includes a casual cantina-style experience where delicious food and crafted cocktails.
The Hurricane Becoming La Cantina
The menu at La Cantina will feature Mexican classics with a modern twist, including favorites like fajitas, tacos, and quesadillas. Complementing the food offerings, the bar will serve a variety of cocktails, with margaritas being a highlight.
Beyond dining, La Cantina aims to be a go-to nightlife destination. Plans include live music, DJ sets, and Latin-themed nights, making it a new hotspot for both locals and visitors looking to enjoy a night out.
Crews are still working on getting this one ready. No opening date has been announced as of yet.
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Sabbia D’oro italiano – 3401 Pacific Avenue
Sabbia D’oro italiano, or sometimes known as Sabbia D’oro, will be located at 3401 Pacific Avenue, which is the old home for The Cove.
There isn’t too much known about this restaurant as they do not have an active website and their own physical sign hadn’t been installed until May 8th.
What we do know is that crews have been working around the clock for the past few months converting the Cove into Sabbia D’oro.
That upstairs deck, that used to be a fully open deck, is now fully inclosed.
Taqueria El Azteca (2nd location) – 4020 Ocean Avenue
Taqueria El Azteca, which currently has a location at 3111 Pacific Ave in wildwood, is expanding its presence with a second location set to open at 4020 Ocean Avenue.
This new venue occupies the former site of The Wild Burrito. (yes we still do miss the Wild Burrito since it was there for 13 years)
The expansion brings Taqueria El Azteca’s renowned flavors closer to the beach and boardwalk, offering greater convenience for both locals and visitors. (Their menu will be the same as the other location)
Over the winter, crews had gutted the entire building and renovated it completely including a new mural which features an Aztec God and Temple.
There is no official date on when this new location will be open.
Johnnie’s By The Sea – 3001 Pacific Avenue
Johnnie’s By The Sea brings a slice of South Philadelphia to the Jersey Shore, offering classic Italian-American dishes at 3001 Pacific Avenue in Wildwood.
This restaurant did make a brief opening at the end of last summer, but they are officially going to be open this year.
A legacy of the Franco family, Johnnie’s By The Sea continues the tradition of its predecessor, Johnnie’s Italian Specialties in Philadelphia.
The menu features favorites like spaghetti marinara, eggplant parmesan, veal marsala, and seafood specialties such as flounder francaise and shrimp scampi.
As a BYOB establishment, guests are welcome to bring their favorite beverages to complement their meal.
While these are just some of the exciting new spots opening up in the Wildwoods, they’re certainly the ones making the most noise this season.
There are plenty more hidden gems and fresh eateries still on the horizon, and we’ll be sure to bring you all the delicious details in our next installment.
Stay tuned, and get ready to treat your taste buds to even more of what the Wildwoods have to offer!