There aren’t many places in Atlantic City where your whole family will have a good time (Rainforest Cafe doesn’t count), but Cafe 2825 is one of the exceptions. This Italian restaurant isn’t on the boardwalk, but is right near the Tropicana and accessible from most other casinos and hotels. Quite a few options on the menu are finished tableside, including the cacio e pepe made with truffle butter and tossed in a cheese wheel right next to you. At some point, you might also meet the owner, Joe, probably while he’s fileting your branzino.

photo credit: Emily Schindler