Like many other states in the United States, New Jersey has a very diverse culture, so this is also reflected in its cuisine. Its restaurants reflect this diversity with a wide range of flavors and styles.
When touring New Jersey on a food tour you can try all kinds of restaurants, from Michelin-starred establishments to cozy family corners; there is something for everyone.
If you are a food lover and want to embark on a tour of New Jersey’s culinary scene, in this article we will tell you which are the top ten must-try restaurants in the state. Of course, this list is totally subjective and are recommendations that we believe are the best options according to our criteria. Let’s get started!
The Frog and The Peach (New Brunswick)
The Frog and The Peach is an emblematic place on the New Jersey dining scene, and for good reason. This elegant restaurant prides itself on offering creative dishes made with fresh, seasonal ingredients.
It’s a place that offers a cozy atmosphere and impeccable service, which boils down to an unforgettable dining experience. Here, you can sample dishes such as lavender honey glazed pork and homemade smoked salmon, all expertly prepared by the talented kitchen team.
Lorenzo’s Tomato Pies (Robbinsville)
Pizza is a must on a New Jersey food tour, and when it comes to this delicious treat, few places can compete with De Lorenzo’s Tomato Pies. De Lorenzo’s is a family-owned establishment that has been serving some of the best pizza in the state for generations, and their reputation is well deserved.
Here, they make delicious pizza with a thin, crispy crust, topped with a fresh tomato sauce and melted cheese, every bite is an explosion of flavor. In addition, customers can customize their pizza with a variety of fresh toppings, from pepperoni and mushrooms to Italian sausage and peppers.
Café Matisse (Rutherford)
Café Matisse, located in a beautiful historic building, is the ideal place for a romantic dinner or special occasion. It is a French-inspired restaurant located in a beautiful historic building.
This restaurant combines elegant décor with exceptional cuisine, creating a unique dining experience. The dishes are true culinary works of art, with complex flavors and impressive presentation. Here you can try delicacies such as duck breast with cherry sauce or hot chocolate soufflé, but no matter which dish you order, they are all exquisite.
Battello (Jersey City)
Batello is a high-end restaurant located in a former coal warehouse that offers panoramic views of the Manhattan skyline. This place offers an unparalleled dining experience, as it combines a spectacular location with innovative cuisine, creating an atmosphere that is as impressive as it is welcoming.
Here, you can enjoy a wide variety of dishes, from fresh seafood to perfectly prepared cuts of meat, all served with a creative and sophisticated touch.
Elements (Princeton)
Elements is a fine dining restaurant that offers a unique experience, focusing on seasonal ingredients and modern culinary techniques.
Elements’ cuisine highlights the pure and simple flavors of fresh ingredients, creating dishes that are both delicious and artistic. From seasonal crudos to meats and fish prepared with the utmost excellence, every dish at this location is a celebration of local and seasonal cuisine.
Cuban Pete’s (Montclair)
If you’re looking for a fun and flavorful dining experience, look no further than Cuban Pete’s. This lively Cuban restaurant is known for its festive atmosphere and authentic Caribbean cuisine.
Here you can sample classics like ropa vieja and tostones to perfectly prepared mojitos and daiquiris, visiting Cuban Pete’s is like traveling to the island of Cuba without leaving New Jersey.
Talula’s (Asbury Park)
Talula’s is the ideal place for conscious food lovers looking for a healthy and delicious dining experience. This restaurant prides itself on using organic and local ingredients whenever possible, creating dishes that are fresh, flavorful, and environmentally friendly.
Try their sourdough pizzas or their seasonal salads, every dish at Talula’s is a celebration of healthy and sustainable cuisine.
The Bernards Inn (Bernardsville)
The Bernards Inn is synonymous with elegance and luxury, an icon of excellence in the New Jersey dining scene. This restaurant, located in a charming historic inn, combines impeccable service with first-class gourmet cuisine, creating a refined yet cozy dining experience.
Here you can enjoy a wide variety of dishes, such as fresh seafood or perfectly prepared cuts of meat, all accompanied by an extensive and carefully selected wine list.
Osteria Morini (Jersey City)
This restaurant is inspired by the trattorias of northern Italy, and offers a comforting and authentic dining experience. It is very cozy and known for its homemade and comforting cuisine, which includes a variety of fresh pastas, grilled meats and fish of the day.
It is an ideal place to go and enjoy with family or a group of friends, as the atmosphere is really cozy and the cuisine is extremely delicious.
The Ryland Inn (Whitehouse Station)
This restaurant is truly unique, as it is housed in a restored 18th century inn, and combines old-world charm with modern, creative cuisine. It is a very elegant establishment, offering a very impressive and cozy dining experience.
Dishes are prepared with local ingredients and innovative culinary techniques; each dish is a masterpiece. From creative appetizers to exquisitely prepared entrees, every meal at The Ryland Inn is a celebration of fresh flavors and culinary craftsmanship.
Final thoughts
There are many places with different styles of cuisine to tour in New Jersey. From authentic Cuban cuisine to haute cuisine dishes, there are options for every taste and occasion.
With this list of the top 10 restaurants, you know where to start. No matter what length of dining experience you’re looking for, any of these establishments are guaranteed to provide you with an unforgettable culinary experience in the heart of the Garden State.
