22 Of The Most Delicious Restaurants In New Jersey, According To A Long-Time Resident

Let’s face it: there aren’t many more cities as famous for having a gold standard of dining as New York City.

Avocado and tacos from Brooklyn's Kokomo on a green table

From the incredible Caribbean flavor of Kokomo in Brooklyn to the life-changing dumplings of White Bear in Queens, New York has plenty of hotspots that foodies should add to their dine-in bucket lists.

Katrine Moite / Kokomo

However, as a resident of the Garden State, I can personally attest that New Jersey has plenty of fantastic food spots that not only stand out of New York City’s shadow, but might even leave some of the Empire State’s most acclaimed restaurants in the dust.

An artisanal sandwich with pasta salad at Van Gogh's Ear Cafe

So I’ve decided to put together a list of some of the best eateries in New Jersey that you should absolutely seek out, whether they’re acclaimed restaurants with dishes to die for or hidden gems that’ll quickly become one of your faves.

Brianne Mintz

1.Steve & Andrea's Restaurant (Rutherford, NJ)

2.Jiggs McAllister's Music Saloon (Butler, NJ)

A green basket of buffalo wings bask in neon green light

3.Pet Shop (Jersey City, NJ)

4.Amelia's By The Sea (Spring Lake, NJ)

5.Cravin Thai (Hamburg, NJ)

6.The River Palm Terrace (Edgewater, NJ)

7.Sogo Hibachi (Denville, NJ)

8.Brownstone Pancake Factory (Edgewater, Englewood Cliffs, Brick and Freehold, NJ)

9.Baguette Bistro (East Windsor, NJ)

10.The Local's Spot (Egg Harbor, NJ)

11.The Full Moon Cafe (Lambertville, NJ)

12.Left Bank Burger Bar (Jersey City, NJ)

13.Dock's Oyster House (Atlantic City, NJ)

14.El Pueblo Taqueria (North Cape May, NJ)

15.Pascal & Sabine (Asbury Park, NJ)

16.Delta's Southern Cuisine and Cocktails (New Brunswick, NJ)

17.Holsten's (Bloomfield, NJ)

18.Rutt's Hut (Clifton, NJ)

19.Brick + Dough (Montclair, NJ)

20.Van Gogh's Ear Café (Union, NJ)

21.G&A Hot Bagels & Deli (Butler, NJ)

22.Teak Restaurant (Red Bank, NJ)

Do you have a favorite New Jersey-based restaurant? Got any recommendations from the food spots above? Let us know in the comments!