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ATLANTIC CITY, N.J., Sept. 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City continues to position itself as a premier destination for award-winning dining and world-class entertainment, earning national recognition across several of its signature venues. From Kuro’s acclaimed Japanese cuisine and Il Mulino’s Old-World Italian fare to the star-studded performances at Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena, the resort’s culinary and entertainment offerings continue to garner praise from leading industry and consumer publications.
Kuro, the resort’s Japanese craft kitchen, was recently honored with the title of USA TODAY 10BEST’S Best Hotel Restaurant. The restaurant has consistently been recognized as one of the nation’s top hotel restaurants, ranking in the top three in 2020, 2022, 2023 and 2024 before being named No. 1 in 2025.
Led by Executive Chef Leslie Daniel, Kuro features contemporary artisanal dishes using locally sourced and imported ingredients directly from Japan. Menu items boast complex and balanced flavors that are designed with sharing in mind. Menu items include premium-grade sushi, sashimi and hand rolls, A5 Japanese Wagyu Beef, a variety of Robata Charcoal Grill skewers, and delectable desserts. Designed to accommodate all guests, Kuro also features a selection of gluten-free and vegan dining options.
Hard Rock Atlantic City’s Italian restaurant, Il Mulino, was recently named one of OpenTable’s Top 100 Hotel Restaurants in America, the only New Jersey restaurant to make the list. The highly acclaimed rustic Old-World Italian eatery offers small-batch cooking and handcrafted foods. Offering seasonally inspired menus, Il Mulino showcases the finest produce, fish, lamb and cured meats alongside homemade cheeses and carefully crafted pastas.
“We are so proud of our incredible food and beverage team for achieving these prestigious honors,” said George Goldhoff, President of Hard Rock Atlantic City. “The commitment and standards built by our extraordinary team members speak volumes and are rooted in dedication and a commitment to service at every single level. These awards belong to each and every one of them.”
Adding to the resort’s impressive list of accolades, Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena, the resort’s preeminent entertainment venue, earned the No. 4 spot on the Pollstar’s 2026 Top 25 U.S. Casino Venues list, reinforcing its reputation as one of the Northeast’s premier live entertainment destinations.
The 5,500-seat Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena is a world-class entertainment destination located inside Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City. Its state-of-the-art sound and lighting systems make it the perfect venue for hosting concerts, comedians, boxing and MMA matches, award shows, and more. Previous A-list entertainers who have graced the stage include Kelly Clarkson, Stevie Nicks, Guns N Roses, Kenny Cheseney, Diana Ross, Pitbull, Kevin Hart, and more.
“Being ranked among the nation’s top casino entertainment venues is a tremendous honor,” said Goldhoff. “This recognition reflects our commitment to excellence for every headliner that takes the Hard Rock stage and their fans across music genres.”
Hard Rock Atlantic City’s recognition extends across several additional categories. Council Oak Steaks & Seafood, the resort’s signature steakhouse, received a Wine Spectator Award of Excellence for the sixth consecutive year and Reviewed.com named Council Oak Steaks & Seafood the 2026 Best Casino Chophouse along with Hard Rock Atlantic City being named as the 2026 Best Casino Outside of Las Vegas.
These accolades underscore Hard Rock Atlantic City’s continued commitment to delivering exceptional culinary offerings, headline entertainment, and all-around memorable guest experiences.
Media Contacts:
Lizzy Moss, Cashman and Associates
(305) 431-4935
moss@cashmanandassociates.com
Sharon Pearce, Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City
(609) 449-5078
Sharon.Pearce@hrhcac.com
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SOURCE Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City
