Atlantic City to score Nobu on top of other new eateries that just opened at Borgata and Hard Rock hotels

It’s a safe bet you won’t run out of new dining options on your next trip to Atlantic City.

Both the Borgata and Hard Rock hotels have recently unveiled new eateries, while Caesars Atlantic City just announced that trendy sushi chain Nobu will open a location there next summer.

Caesars, located on the boardwalk of the casino-saturated Jersey Shore town, will also house a Nobu Hotel inside the larger property as part of its $400 million improvement project that’ll see new updates through 2023.

Over at the Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa, American Bar & Grille opened at the start of the summer in the space formerly occupied by Wolfgang Puck.

Just as Wolfgang Puck did, the space still offers a variety of seating options, from an indoor patio-like section that looks out onto other common areas in the hotel, to a more intimate experience further back in the eatery.

The newbie aims for a “sophisticated yet casual dining experience in a warm and welcoming environment,” according to the Borgata. The warmness comes from the wood furniture and gold and red hues meant to mimic fall on the East Coast. And while the word “American” is in its name, expect globally influenced flavors as well.

“Over the last 25 years, American grilling has seen an evolution in its classic style with preparation and worldly flavor profiles influenced by Japan, Italy, Germany, and a melting pot of other cultures,” Aram Mardigian, executive chef at American Bar & Grille, said in a statement. “We seek to incorporate these intricate flavors into our menu, always inspired to play with unique combinations that create memorable dishes.”

Four different wood-fired pizza pies, ranging from $17 to $21, make for either a tasty starter to share or a main dish. Current options include the Wild Mushroom Pizza (basil pesto, roasted garlic, and three cheeses) and the Butcher’s Pizza (sausage, pepperoni, pulled pork, peppers and broccoli rabe).

The menu will also highlight Northeast seasonal flavors and ingredients, especially those from New Jersey, like Garden State-grown veggies and fresh local seafood. You’ll find seafood dishes like Local NJ Fluke served with wild mushrooms and truffle leek sauce for $38; and Wild Atlantic Cod served with lobster butter sauce and fennel salad for $36.

Starters include Pumpkin Soup with marshmallow cream for $12; and Bigeye Tuna Crudo ($19), served with cucumbers, radish, green apple and garlic chili ponzu.

Main dishes include a 16-ounce NY Strip Steak, served with Argentinean chimichurri, for $58; and Roasted Chicken Breast ($31), served with smoked goat cheese and garlic-rosemary sauce. And on top of the beer and wine list, you can find cocktails like the Jersey Blueberry Mule ($16), made with Grey Goose vodka, Jersey blueberries, fresh lime and ginger beer.

American Bar & Grille is just the latest restaurant at Borgata to open, joining a lineup that already includes Old Homestead Steak House, Italian spot Angeline by Michael Symon and Japanese eatery Izakaya by Michael Schulson.

The casino is also continuing to bounce back from COVID-19 closures with a live event line-up that includes Chelsea Handler on Nov. 26, Boyz II Men on March 11, and Steve Martin and Martin Short on March 26.

At Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City, Sandpiper Coastal Bar & Grill officially opened this fall after a soft launch over the summer.

The menu is full of plates meant for sharing, and boasts “a fresh mix of Northeastern favorites created with modern culinary techniques,” according to a release from the hotel.

As its name implies, local fish and shellfish will frequent the rotating menu, along with seasonal ingredients. The large 240-seat space offers different areas to eat in across a large dining room, bar and lounge.

Seafood options include shrimp ceviche (with onion, cilantro, sweet potato chips and citrus fruits), spicy mussels (made with coconut milk, kaffir lime and Thai chilis), and diver scallops (served with pork belly, roasted onion puree and a pepper- and herb-laced dressing).

Meat lovers can choose from options like the pork carnitas (served with tomatillo sauce, a chili-honey drizzle, cotija cheese and tortillas); or lamb ribs topped with chipotle BBQ flavoring, lime crema and micro cilantro.

Veggie-friendly sides range from ravioli to roasted cauliflower and truffle tots. A large bar area turns out signature $14 cocktails like the Watermelon Basil Cooler or the Cucumber Rosemary Gin & Tonic.

For dessert, a standout is the monkey bread, a pull-apart sweet treat that’s served warm with vanilla bean ice cream and other sauces, and on a plate with ornamental painted egg shell parts.

The New Jersey-born executive chef, John Zaitoun, likes working with fresh ingredients and got his start working at his parents’ diner in the state’s Northfield area. He most recently was the sous chef at the Omni Nashville Hotel.

Sandpiper joins the Hard Rock’s other fine dining hits like sushi spot Kuro and Council Oak Steaks & Seafood. And the hotel’s Etess Arena continues to draw big-name music acts like Pitbull (Oct. 29), Foreigner (Oct. 30), with New Kids On the Block and Alicia Keys set to play there next summer.

Meanwhile, Caesars’ $400 million investment will go towards sprucing up room towers and suites, and improving the overall interior design and gaming floors, in addition to the new Nobu hotel and eatery.