New Restaurants in The Wildwoods for the 2025 Season

The Wildwoods are heating up for the 2025 season with a wave of exciting new restaurant openings, brand expansions, and hometown comebacks.

From Tex-Mex makeovers to sleek new cafés, here’s a look at what’s new around the island:

You can watch the full video on these places at the bottom of this article

Cavu BYOB

📍 5901 Ocean Avenue, Wildwood Crest, NJ

Now open in the former Alosi’s Bistro inside the Pan American Hotel, Cavu BYOB brings elevated American fare to Wildwood Crest with a relaxed coastal twist. The all-day eatery serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and its BYOB policy makes it ideal for date nights or laid-back group dinners. With cozy, beachy decor and a focus on fresh ingredients, Cavu is already winning hearts as a new local favorite.

CrestWood Diner

📍 5308 New Jersey Avenue, Wildwood, NJ

Say goodbye to Surfside West Diner and hello to CrestWood Diner — a reimagined take on the classic Jersey diner. Still locally owned and now operated by the team behind Sun’z Up Café, the new spot blends nostalgic comfort food with a few fun twists, including signature pancakes and inventive omelets. A hit with locals and tourists alike, it’s quickly becoming a go-to breakfast destination.

La Cantina Wildwood

📍 218 East Schellenger Avenue, Wildwood, NJ

The former Hurricane Club is getting a major makeover as it transforms into La Cantina, Wildwood’s newest Tex-Mex hotspot. Helmed by the owners of Santorini, this vibrant new venue will feature garage-style doors, tropical-inspired decor, and a menu filled with crowd-pleasers like fajitas, tacos, and margaritas. The goal? To whisk diners away to a tropical paradise — without leaving the island.

Hassles on New Jersey

📍 21st Street & New Jersey Avenue, Wildwood, NJ

Beloved for its original location, Hassles Ice Cream is expanding with a second shop called Hassles on New Jersey. Taking over a former golf cart rental building, the new spot will serve all your favorite frozen treats just in time for summer.

The Rook Wildwood

📍 2708 Pacific Avenue, Wildwood, NJ

Replacing the former Goodnight Irene’s, The Rook is bringing Manayunk’s trendy café-bar vibe to the Jersey Shore. The venue is currently undergoing renovations with plans for a soft opening this summer. Expect craft cocktails, live music, and a sleek, modern-industrial design aimed at revitalizing Wildwood’s nightlife scene.

Also See: The Beach Football League Is Coming to Wildwood – Open Tryouts Details

Sabbia D’oro Italiano

📍 3401 Pacific Avenue, Wildwood, NJ

Coming soon to a beautifully renovated two-story space, Sabbia D’oro (Italian for “Golden Sand”) will offer upscale takes on classic Italian fare. Brought to you by the team behind Sapore in Cape May, the menu promises fresh seafood pastas, curated wine pairings, and warm European ambiance — perfect for long, leisurely dinners.

Crest Coffee Company

📍 6101 New Jersey Avenue, Wildwood Crest, NJ

Wildwood Crest is getting a major coffee upgrade with Crest Coffee Company. This new café will spotlight ethically sourced beans, pour-over brews, and house-made pastries — all served with a side of modern design and community spirit. It’s poised to become the neighborhood’s go-to coffee spot.

Taqueria El Azteca – Second Location

📍 4020 Ocean Avenue, Wildwood, NJ

Following the success of their Pacific Avenue location, Taqueria El Azteca is opening a second outpost at the former Wild Burrito site on Ocean Avenue. Fans can expect the same beloved menu, now even closer to the boardwalk. (And yes, we still miss Wild Burrito after its 13-year run.)

Sandy Boots Saloon

📍 219 East Lincoln Avenue, Wildwood, NJ

Sandy Boots Saloon is currently under construction, taking over the old Harbor Inn. The concept blends a modern-rustic aesthetic with a sprawling beer garden perfect for line dancing and live country music under the stars. This indoor/outdoor venue promises to be a lively addition to Wildwood’s entertainment scene.

Carlo’s Pizza & The Little Giant Market

📍 1700 Surf Avenue, North Wildwood, NJ

A blast from the past is making a delicious return. The family behind Johnny’s Pizza — once a neighborhood favorite — is bringing their famous recipe back to the island with Carlo’s Pizza, opening inside the newly revived Little Giant Market. In addition to pizza, the market will feature fresh produce, grab-and-go meals, and ready-to-eat dishes — a convenient one-stop shop for beachgoers.

Down the Shore Steamers

📍 2501 New Jersey Avenue, Wildwood, NJ

Taking over the former Shore Eat location, Down the Shore Steamers is a fresh take on family-friendly shore dining. Inspired by a mom’s mission to avoid long waits and overpriced meals, the concept offers take-home steam pots, sandwiches, and salads that are easy, tasty, and affordable. It’s your new go-to for low-key seafood feasts at the beach.

Whether you’re a local looking for new spots or a vacationer planning your summer eats, Wildwood’s 2025 season is shaping up to be one of the most exciting yet. Be sure to explore, support local, and come hungry!