From legendary pizza parlors and stylish brunch cafés to waterfront seafood escapes, New Jersey’s dining scene serves bold flavors with true local character.
With countless must-visit spots across the Garden State, narrowing down your next meal can be daunting—so we’ve researched and taste-tested the finest for you. This guide highlights restaurants celebrated for standout menus, inviting atmospheres, and unforgettable bites.
Hungry for more? Let these top-rated New Jersey restaurants guide your next unforgettable dining experience.
1. Black Sheep Bar & Provisions, Garwood
514 North Avenue, Garwood
Let’s start with Black Sheep Bar & Provisions in Garwood, a fine casual spot that’s quietly raising the bar.
Behind its low-key exterior, you’ll find dishes that show off serious talent, like mussels in a citrus cream sauce with toast, Barnegat scallops with chimichurri, and a dry-aged strip steak that speaks to chef Nick DeRosa’s beef expertise.
Add a modern, cozy atmosphere and a sharp wine selection, and it’s no wonder this place is making waves as one of the best restaurants in New Jersey.
2. Clemmy’s, Waretown
290 Route 9, Waretown
Clemmy’s, a tiny farm-to-table spot in Waretown, has had locals lining up since it opened last August.
With just 26 seats, it’s intimate but far from stuffy.
Chefs Allen and Carolyn Walski crafted a menu packed with local finds like Viking Village scallops and Valley Shepherd cheese, all prepared with a focus on fresh, simple flavors.
Local favorites include the roasted airline chicken served with seasonal vegetables and the zesty Grammy’s Famous Orange Cake.
It’s BYO, and reservations aren’t an option, but with live music and cornhole out front, you won’t mind the wait.
So, when it comes to restaurants New Jersey foodies can’t get enough of, Clemmy’s deserves a spot on your list.
3. The Frog and the Peach, New Brunswick
29 Dennis Street, New Brunswick
Since you’re looking for the best restaurants in NJ, The Frog and the Peach is a no-brainer.
For over 40 years, it’s been serving food that feels thoughtful without being over-the-top.
The menu changes with the seasons, but you can always expect dishes that get it right—like Garden State sea scallops matched with bok choy, avocado, shishito peppers, and a zingy pickled ginger emulsion.
Even on a random Tuesday night, the dining room is buzzing, which alone shows the quality of the food, atmosphere, and service.
Whether it’s for a special wine-pairing event or just a solid dinner out, this New Brunswick classic lives up to its reputation.
4. Jockey Hollow Bar & Kitchen, Morristown
110 South Street, Morristown
Jockey Hollow Bar & Kitchen offers more than one way to dine. Some guests head to the whiskey bar for craft cocktails in a cozy, club-like setting. Others prefer the outdoor café tables beneath umbrellas, while many ascend the marble staircase to the refined upstairs salon.
Housed in a 1919 Italianate mansion, the venue is as stunning as the food—yet nothing feels pretentious. The menu strikes the same effortless balance: burrata with pea purée is light and vibrant, short rib-stuffed pasta delivers richness without weight, and black sea bass with lemon-kissed quinoa hits the perfect note for seafood fans.
Even the Thursday wine dinners, pairing seasonal dishes with standout bottles, remain approachable and fun. With polished service and a welcoming vibe, Jockey Hollow Bar & Kitchen earns its place among the top restaurants in New Jersey.
5. Orchard Park by David Burke, East Brunswick
670 Cranbury Rd, East Brunswick
Debuting in late 2020 as a takeout-only venture, Orchard Park by David Burke quickly rose to become one of East Brunswick’s hottest dining spots.
Now, its sophisticated dining room and vibrant bar stay bustling, thanks to an inventive menu that wins over every palate. From Mediterranean-style branzino to indulgent short rib grilled cheese, each dish is crafted to impress.
Got a sweet tooth? The warm cookie skillet is a signature dessert that consistently draws guests back again and again.
Orchard Park is proof that bold cuisine and genuine hospitality can thrive in any climate—so be sure to see why it’s the talk of the town.
6. Stage Left Steak, New Brunswick
5 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick
Among New Jersey steakhouses with true staying power, Stage Left Steak in New Brunswick continues to shine.
Founded in 1992 by Francis Schott and Mark Pascal, it remains dedicated to the quality that’s drawn loyal diners for decades.
The menu is refined yet bold: house-aged steaks seared over live fire, charcuterie showcasing local Jersey artisans, and a polished cocktail program to complete the experience. It’s classic, confident, and memorable—the essence of a great steakhouse.
With its Roaring Twenties–style dining room buzzing again, Stage Left proves it never missed a beat.
7. River Palm Terrace, Edgewater
1416 River Road, Edgewater
River Palm Terrace has been a fixture in Edgewater since 1983, and it doesn’t need to reinvent itself.
It’s known for its no-nonsense approach to steak—Prime Angus, aged in-house and cooked to order—and its menu that offers diners more than they might expect.
Regulars know to start with the steak tartare on crispy rice or something fresh from sushi chef Andy Lin, while the house-made pasta is something to write home about.
The room itself—wood-paneled and lively—still feels like it’s from another era, but in the best way.
For decades, River Palm Terrace has been a spot people keep returning to, and it’s easy to see why it still holds weight in conversations about the top restaurants in NJ.
8. pastaRAMEN, Montclair
6 South Fullerton Avenue, Montclair
Last on our list is pastaRAMEN in Montclair, and it isn’t your typical noodle spot.
Chef Robbie Felice—already behind New Jersey favorites like Viaggio and Osteria Crescendo—takes Japanese and Italian flavors, flips the script, and makes it work in ways you don’t expect.
Dishes like cacio e pepe gyoza, ramen Napolitan, and shrimp scampi temomi ramen are arguably some of the best in the city.
So, it makes sense how Felice’s underground pop-ups led to a full restaurant that’s now one of the hardest reservations to get at any restaurants in New Jersey.
And when it comes to the vibe, it’s hip, loud, and packed with people who know they’re onto something good.
Not to mention, it’s BYO, so show up with a bottle in hand—and a little patience.
Best Restaurants to Try in New Jersey
New Jersey’s vibrant dining scene secures its place as a top culinary destination. From cozy BYOB gems and timeless steakhouses to inventive kitchens pushing flavor forward, every appetite is satisfied.
Whether twirling truffle ramen in Jersey City, savoring a tender ribeye in Hoboken, or enjoying farm-to-table plates in Lambertville, these acclaimed restaurants are worth every bite.
Grab your favorite bottle, reserve a table, and set out on a flavorful Garden State journey—your next unforgettable dining experience awaits.
