20 Restaurants You Have To Visit In New Jersey (2024)

New Jersey

By Kristen

|Published February 16, 2016

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Kristen

Author

Kristen is a writer, editor, and social media maven who loves her state. Born and raised in New Jersey, sharing all it has to offer is her passion. After attending Montclair State University, she continued her education online, obtaining certifications in social media management.

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New Jersey may be on the smaller side, but our dining options are endless. Anything you want, you can find it here. Being as diverse as we are, finding amazing ethnic food is not a problem. World famous for our diners, we’ve got late night eats covered as well. With so many palatable possibilities, it can be difficult to decide where to start. If you’re looking for incredible food and truly unique dining experiences, this New Jersey foodiebucket list is a great place to begin. Please note that this isn’t a ranking, each spot is so different and offers somethingspectacular.

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Two more weeks! This spectacular seafood spot opens again for the season on March 2nd. The restaurant's motto is, "We overlook nothing... but the harbor." That couldn't be more true - the service, food, and views are amazing. One Only In New Jersey reader says he travels 1000 miles at least 2-3 times a year to eat here.

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This burger joint is far from fancy, but the sliders are fantastic. Featured in the 1939 World's Fair, this "diner of the future" is still going strong. Open 24-hours, stop by when you have your next late night burger craving.

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Ahhh, the greasy goodness. If you try one of these spots, you have to try the other to compare - they're only about 30 minutes apart.

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No New Jersey dining bucket list would be complete without the best Taylor Ham/Pork Roll sandwich. There are so many great places to grab one in our state, but Slater's Deli is a reader favorite. The Slater Slider (pictured) will leave you satisfied!

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Of course, we can't mention the best Taylor Ham/Pork Roll, Egg & Cheese without mentioning Olde Towne. Another reader favorite, they were chosen as best in New Jersey by nj.com.

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You may be familiar with CHEGG from some of my previous lists, but they just can't be missed! The food is fantastic, the atmosphere is amazing, and everyone should eat here at least once. You've got to try the breakfast menu, and the wings are world-famous. Their Ludicrous Wings Challenge was featured on Man v. Food!

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This waterfront restaurant has a great outdoor deck, which you'll often find full in warmer months. You can also eat in the main dining room or the Big Fish Lounge, which offers live music, sporting events, drink specials, happy hour, and the full menu.

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The seasonal Sunday brunch at Molly Pitcher Inn is something everyone should experience. The selection of mouthwatering options is sizable and an alcoholic beverage comes complimentary - mimosa's anyone?

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A New Jersey restaurant bucket list wouldn't be complete without at least one diner. This diner is a must-visit for two reasons - you have the opportunity to dine in an authentic restored train car AND the burgers are epic. There are 3 different burger challenges to choose from, the biggest of which involves a 50lb burger!

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Located in the Carroll Villa Hotel, guests can enjoy happy hour, live music, and even art exhibits. A favorite breakfast spot, dinner is just as delectable.

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Classic Atlantic City at its finest, this sub shop has been in business since 1946. The Arctic Avenue location is home to unique memorabilia including Frank Sinatra's towel, but the subs are just as amazing at the second location in the Trump Taj Mahal.

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The views alone are enough to put this restaurant on your bucket list, but it offers so much more! This Italian-inspired, seafood-focused spot has an exquisite dinner menu and a fabulous brunch.

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Though this chain is based out of Philly, there are 4 New Jersey locations - Bordentown, Egg Harbor Township, Atlantic City, and Ocean City. There is also a Glassboro location opening this summer. The award-winning sports bar/crab house is well-known for its spectacular crab fries. If you're looking for game night fun and flavorful food, this is the place to be.

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You haven't really lived until you've tried a Rutt's Ripper. Rutt's Hut is famous for its deep-fried hot dogs and has garnered acclaim from the Food Network, Travel Channel, and PBS. It was also featured in the book 1,000 Places to See in the USA and Canada Before You Die.

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This place is paradise for breakfast lovers! Enjoy pancakes, waffles, French toast and 222 different types of omelettes. They also serve lunch and dinner, but their morning menu can't be beat.

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New Jerseyans love our pizza and Benny Tudino's offers some of the BIGGEST and the best. You've gotta love a slice that takes up two plates!

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Our readers love the real pit BBQ here. A great spot to spend some time, visit on Wednesdays for trivia night.

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Everything is excellent about this elegant spot, but it is best known for its award-winning wine list.

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Besides the novelty of having the "World's Largest Pickle Bar," this spectacular deli is known for its epic portions. I'm talking pancakes the size of pizza pies, triple-decker sandwiches and cakes up to 2-feet high! You have to experience this spot at least once in your life, just to say you did.

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Would it be a Jersey bucket list without a mafia-themed restaurant? This highly authentic spot is owned by a former mobster, but that's not just a hook. While it may bring diners in, the incredible food keeps them coming back.

Have you been to any of these restaurants before? Will you be adding some new spots to your bucket list? With so many amazing restaurants in our state, these 20 picks are just the start. What New Jersey restaurants would you recommend that everyone give a try? Let me know where and why in the comments – I definitely want to do a part two.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

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20 Restaurants You Have To Visit In New Jersey (2024)

FAQs

What restaurants is New Jersey known for? ›

Now, if a diner wasn't your first choice as New Jersey's most famous restaurant, then you'll need to visit Tops Diner in East Newark. Business Insider named this diner the most famous in the Garden State. I'm sure you are asking what makes this place so special compared to other diners in New Jersey.

How many restaurants are in the state of New Jersey? ›

How many restaurants and cafes are in New Jersey, United States? New Jersey has a vibrant food industry, boasting an impressive 26,843 restaurants and cafes located across the state.

What food is New Jersey most known for? ›

Specialties specific to New Jersey diners include the previously mentioned pork roll, egg, and cheese sandwich, as well as disco fries, a food similar to the Quebec dish of poutine.

How many diners are there in NJ? ›

With over 500 diners, New Jersey has more diners for each area than any other state in the U.S.

What is the top 1 in New Jersey? ›

Top 1% income

In New Jersey, an annual household income of $817,346 is necessary in order to be in the top 1% of the state's earners. That's the fourth highest total among the states — Connecticut came in at No. 1, Massachusetts at No.

Who are the 3 most famous people in New Jersey? ›

Among the most famous actors and actresses to come from New Jersey are Meryl Streep, Kirsten Dunst and Paul Rudd. For comedians, New Jersey ranked seventh, producing big names like Janeane Garofalo, Jerry Lewis and Jon Stewart.

Which state has the most restaurants? ›

The U.S. state with the largest number of quick service restaurants (QSR) in 2021 was California with over 30 thousand establishments.

What city has the most restaurants? ›

Share All sharing options for: Here Are the Most Restaurant- and Bar-Dense US Cities
  • 1: San Francisco, CA, 39.3.
  • 2: Fairfield County, CT, 27.6.
  • 3: Long Island, NY, 26.5.
  • 4: New York, NY-NJ, 25.3.
  • 5: Seattle, WA, 24.9.
  • 6: San Jose, CA, 24.8.
  • 7: Orange County, CA, 24.8.
  • 8: Providence, RI-MA, 24.3.
Aug 1, 2012

What sandwich is New Jersey known for? ›

Italian subs and pork roll or Taylor ham if you prefer, are part of Jersey folklore, they are part of the fabric that makes this state so special. Go out and enjoy a Jersey sandwich.

What is NJ State food? ›

List of U.S. state foods
StateFood typeFood name
New HampshireState vegetableWhite potato
New JerseyState fruitNorthern highbush blueberry
State sandwich"Pork roll, egg and cheese" (sandwich containing pork roll, eggs and cheese,
New MexicoState vegetablesNew Mexico chile and Frijoles pintos (pinto beans)
126 more rows

What fruit is New Jersey known for? ›

Nationally, New Jersey is one of the top 10 producers of blueberries, cranberries, peaches, tomatoes, bell peppers, eggplant, cucumbers, spinach, squash, as well as in floriculture.

Why is New Jersey so famous? ›

New Jersey is world famous for its boardwalk beaches and Atlantic City casinos. These main attractions help the city draw 27 million tourists every year. But the “Diner Capital of the World” also has finger-licking eats around every corner.

What food is Newark known for? ›

Jersey hot dogs also go by the name Italian hot dogs. This beloved meal was born in Newark, NJ where huge loaves of pizza bread were made in Italian delis and bakeries. For those unfamiliar, an Italian hot dog consists of a fried hot dog, a healthy serving of peppers and onions, and topped off with fried potatoes.

What is New Jersey's state dessert? ›

A2886. Designates blueberry pie as the New Jersey State Dessert.

Are there any Michelin star restaurants in New Jersey? ›

New Jersey might not have any Michelin-starred restaurants. But a New York restaurant with a New Jersey connection did just make it into the Michelin Guide.

What is New Jersey unique for? ›

New Jersey is home to more diners than any other state. Atlantic City is home to the world's longest boardwalk. Cape May, New Jersey is the oldest seaside resort in the United States. During the Revolutionary War, more battles were fought in New Jersey than any other state.

What is New Jersey known for selling? ›

Nationally, New Jersey is one of the top 10 producers of blueberries, cranberries, peaches, tomatoes, bell peppers, eggplant, cucumbers, spinach, squash, as well as in floriculture.

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