25 Essential New Jersey Tables
From coastal enclaves to downtown institutions, these are the restaurants defining the dining conversation across New Jersey.
CAVA
Edgewater
Mediterranean restaurant for thoughtful food with customizable greens & grains bowls, pitas & salad.
BRAZEIRO Churrascaria & Rodizio
Cliffside Park
Low-key restaurant offering all-you-can-eat Brazilian meats, plus traditional salads & sides.
Matthew's
Clifton
Familiar Italian fare & a lengthy wine list served in a modern, minimalist setting with a full bar.
KPOT Korean BBQ & Hot Pot
Union, New Jersey
Lively restaurant offering traditional Korean hot pots & cook-at-the-table barbecue dishes.
Taste 1864
Egg Harbor City, New Jersey
Service options: Outdoor seating, Onsite services, Takeout, Dine-in. Highlights: Great dessert, Great wine list, Live music.
Rainforest Cafe
Atlantic City, New Jersey
Rainforest-themed chain for updated classic fare amid jungle flora & animatronic animals.
Girasole
Bound Brook, New Jersey
Family-run restaurant cooking traditional Italian fare with creative touches in a small space.
P.F. Chang's
Atlantic City, New Jersey
Family-friendly chain offering creative takes on Asian fare in a striking space.
Xperience Kitchen & Cocktails
Rahway, New Jersey
Service options: Outdoor seating, Curbside pickup, Onsite services, Takeout, Dine-in. Highlights: Great beer selection, Great cocktails, Great dessert.
Taco Caballito Tequileria
Cape May, New Jersey
Mexican restaurant with beach views serving tacos & tequila in a festive environment.
Americano Italian Steakhouse
Bayonne, New Jersey
Service options: Outdoor seating, No-contact delivery, Delivery, Onsite services, Takeout, Dine-in. Highlights: Fast service, Great beer selection.
Fusionista - Modern Peruvian Cuisine
East Orange, New Jersey
Service options: Outdoor seating, Curbside pickup, Delivery, Onsite services, Takeout, Dine-in. Highlights: Great dessert, Serves local specialty. Popular for.
Ugly Dumpling - Edison, NJ
Edison, New Jersey
Service options: Curbside pickup, Delivery, Onsite services, Takeout, Dine-in. Highlights: Fast service, Great tea selection. Popular for: Lunch, Dinner.
Koy Grill
Robertsville, New Jersey
Casual cafe & dining room serving familiar Turkish food such as kebabs & gyros in a bright setting.
CAVA
Paramus, New Jersey
Mediterranean restaurant for thoughtful food with customizable greens & grains bowls, pitas & salad.
Di Palma Brothers
North Bergen, New Jersey
Old-fashioned venue for hearty Italian classics in a cozy space filled with antiques for sale.
Shah's Halal Food South Plainfield
New Brunswick, New Jersey
Service options: No-contact delivery, Delivery, Onsite services, Takeout, Dine-in. Popular for: Lunch, Dinner, Solo dining. Accessibility.
Henri's Hotts Barbeque
Vineland, New Jersey
Low-key shack serving BBQ & American classics including steaks, sandwiches & burgers.
Holy Tomato
Blackwood, New Jersey
This eclectically decorated BYOB eatery lures locals with its artisanal specialty pizzas.
Lucky Bones Backwater Grille
Cape May, New Jersey
Family-friendly outpost serves a range of seafood dishes & casual comfort eats in a polished space.
Natoli's Italian Deli
Jersey City, New Jersey
Long-running deli serving pizza, sandwiches & pasta in casual digs & also delivering groceries.
Francesco's Pizza & Restaurant of Edison NJ
New Brunswick, New Jersey
Cozy joint in a strip mall offering elevated pizza toppings along with lunch & TVs.
Lemon Mediterranean Restaurant French Italian Greek Morocco & Spain cuisine
Asbury Park, New Jersey
This sophisticated mainstay in a strip mall showcases globally inspired Mediterranean meals & more.
Red White & Que Smokehouse
Plainfield, New Jersey
Compact, down-to-earth venue offering Southern barbecue dishes & a take-out option.
Peter Shields Inn & Restaurant
Cape May, New Jersey
Views abound at this romantic eatery serving American fare in an elegant 1907 beachfront mansion.