Chef Vola's

Although there are many fine restaurants in Atlantic City, there's only one Chef Vola's. What's most ironic about Vola's is that it is truly one of AC's landmark restaurants, yet it's simultaneously the city's best-kept secret. There are even some lifelong AC residents who have never heard of this fine Italian restaurant. You never have, nor ever will see any Chef Vola's advertisements- you just gotta know. Dishes such as red snapper with crabmeat in a champagne pesto sauce, Chilean sea bass encrusted with macadamia nuts and an unbelievably delicious Veal Saltimboca remain a shared secret. The restaurant does not accept any walk-ins, you've got to have a reservation - and therein lies part of the mystique. Not only do you need to call and hope to find an evening when the restaurant's twelve tables aren't completely booked, but unless you were recommended by a regular or are a regular yourself, the wait could literally be months. Is it worth the wait? Absolutely. The food is consistently the best in town. Not only are the entrees delicious, but the desserts are sublime. The owners, Michael and Louise Esposito regularly travel to Europe to find new recipes and inspiration. Louise, who creates the recipes for most of the dishes, has freshly returned from Italy with a new limoncello dessert that is simply terrific. How good is Vola's? Good enough for Jay-z to celebrate there and dine with Beyonce before going to the opening of his 40/40 club. Important note: Vola is cash only and BYO wine only.