New Jersey might be small, but its food scene is anything but.
Whether you’re hunting down the perfect bowl of ramen, a mouthwatering steak, or a fresh plate of fresh pasta, the Garden State has a restaurant for you.
From hidden gems in quiet towns to bustling city hotspots, these 10 places are some of the best restaurants in NJ for a reason.
With great food, unique vibes, and plenty of reasons to come back for more, here are the spots you don’t want to miss in 2024.
1. 7 Doors Down Ramen (Bloomfield, NJ)
Tucked away in Bloomfield, 7 Doors Down Ramen might not be widely known yet, but it’s a local gem waiting to be discovered.
What sets this place apart from other restaurants in New Jersey is its fusion of two distinct cuisines: Japanese and Peruvian. And the result is a menu that feels familiar yet totally fresh.
Chef Luis Blasini brings his Peruvian heritage into play, and the combination works beautifully.
You’ll find all the comfort of traditional ramen but with a twist.
The smoky, roasted chicken ramen is a standout, but the unexpected addition of dishes like shrimp ceviche makes this place different in the best possible way.
The ceviche, marinated in leche de tigre, offers a bright, citrusy counterpoint to the deep, savory flavors of the ramen. It’s a clever way of weaving together two cuisines that you don’t often see side by side.
The vibe inside 7 Doors Down is relaxed and welcoming, with an unpretentious atmosphere that makes it a great spot for a casual lunch or a laid-back dinner.
2. Battello (Jersey City, NJ)
Battello is a favorite for a good reason—its waterfront location gives you stunning views of the Manhattan skyline, and the vibe inside is just as appealing.
With exposed beams and reclaimed wood, the space feels cozy but upscale. So, it’s perfect for a special night out or a relaxed dinner with friends.
Chef Ryan DePersio keeps things interesting with his take on Italian-inspired dishes.
The ricotta gnocchi with sausage is always a hit, as you get its rich flavors without feeling too heavy.
It has to be said that there’s something for everyone here, whether you’re into seafood like the dry-aged branzino or hearty options like the fennel-crusted pork chops.
And I’m not going to forget the cocktails. Their creative drinks match the laid-back but classy feel of the place.
As one of the top restaurants in New Jersey, Battello has that perfect mix of great food, a relaxed atmosphere, and a view that makes any meal feel a little more special.
3. Black Sheep Bar & Provisions (Garwood, NJ)
When it comes to great places to eat in New Jersey, Black Sheep Bar & Provisions in Garwood is hard to beat.
Chef Nick DeRosa brings his butchery skills to the table, serving hearty dishes like slow-roasted porchetta with cheesy polenta and braised greens.
And if you’re a steak lover, their dry-aged cuts are just the thing—DeRosa really knows his way around quality meat.
Compared to Battello’s elegant waterfront setting, Black Sheep feels more like a cozy neighborhood spot where you can kick back.
The vibe is relaxed, and with $8 daiquiris during happy hour and a double cheeseburger that’s already gaining a following, it’s a great place for a casual night out.
Even though it only opened recently, Black Sheep is already drawing crowds most nights, and it’s easy to see why.
4. The Circle (Newton, NJ)
Tucked away in a restored 1700s farmhouse, The Circle feels like a hidden gem in Sussex County.
The cozy, rustic vibe is perfect for slowing down and enjoying a farm-to-table meal that changes with the seasons.
And the menu is always fresh and local—you might find crispy rice with Faroe Island salmon or a comforting plate of house-made pasta, depending on what’s in season.
What really sets The Circle apart from somewhere like Cellar 335 is the laid-back atmosphere. There’s no rush here. It’s where you can take your time and savor every dish, with candlelit tables and a relaxed countryside feel.
If you’re looking for one of the best restaurants in New Jersey to escape the city and unwind with some locally sourced dishes, The Circle is the perfect spot for a quiet, slower-paced meal.
5. Cellar 335 (Jersey City, NJ)
From the moment you walk into Cellar 335, it’s clear this isn’t your typical restaurant.
The neon lights and tiki-inspired décor create an upbeat, almost party-like vibe, and the energy is infectious.
The menu is all about sharing, with plates like Korean BBQ short rib bao buns and sticky avocado fried rice.
These dishes are designed to be passed around, and they pack a serious punch when it comes to flavor.
The playful atmosphere extends to the drinks as well. Their signature cocktails are served in fun, skull-shaped mugs that match the lively, quirky décor.
It’s easy to see why Cellar 335 is one of the best restaurants in New Jersey for a night out with friends—whether you’re there for the bold food or the creative drinks, it’s an experience that feels a little out of the ordinary.
6. Common Lot (Millburn, NJ)
When it comes to New Jersey restaurants that manage to feel both creative and comforting, Common Lot in Millburn is always a good bet.
The menu changes frequently, so you never know exactly what you’ll find, but it’s always something thoughtful.
Dishes like charcoal-grilled octopus or house-made milk bread with beef glaze tend to steal the spotlight, but everything here feels like it’s been crafted with care.
Unlike the countryside feel of The Circle, Common Lot gives off a more modern, urban vibe.
The open kitchen also adds a nice touch—you get a peek at Chef Ehren Ryan and his team in action, but it’s still a relaxed space where you can kick back and enjoy your meal without fuss.
Whether you’re celebrating or just grabbing dinner midweek, it’s a great spot.
7. Corto (Jersey City, NJ)
In the Heights neighborhood of Jersey City, Corto is a hidden gem that brings homestyle Italian cooking to life.
The cozy BYOB spot has an inviting neighborhood feel, with fresh pasta sheets being rolled out in the kitchen and a warm, welcoming vibe.
It’s the kind of place where the food is simple, but that’s exactly the point—it’s all about letting quality ingredients shine.
Dishes like the rigatoni pomodoro or the puntarelle salad with fried capers are local favorites, and you can tell everything is made with a lot of heart.
For places to eat in New Jersey, Corto delivers in a way that feels comforting and familiar. It’s the perfect restaurant to bring a bottle of wine, relax, and enjoy a delicious meal without any fuss.
8. Elements (Princeton, NJ)
If you’re looking for a dining experience that’s truly out of the ordinary, Elements in Princeton is the place to be.
This small, intimate restaurant is about local ingredients and bold, inventive dishes.
And their tasting menu is a real showstopper—think wood-grilled ribeye served on a bed of moss or freshly churned Tahitian vanilla ice cream paired with whatever fruit is in season.
It’s the kind of place where every dish feels like an experience. Even though it’s tucked away in downtown Princeton, Elements makes it clear that New Jersey has some of the most exciting food in the country.
9. Felina (Ridgewood, NJ)
Set in an old bank building, Felina mixes upscale Italian cooking with a laid-back vibe that feels just right.
Chef Joe Tartamella’s menu is packed with crowd-pleasers like golden risotto balls and perfectly seared scallops.
But what makes Felina special is how it balances elegant food with a warm, welcoming atmosphere.
Whether you’re going big with a prime steak or keeping it cozy with Sunday pasta, it’s one of those New Jersey restaurants that makes any night feel a little more special.
Compared to Corto’s homestyle simplicity, Felina goes for a more polished yet still inviting feel—perfect for date night or a family dinner.
10. Fiorentini (Rutherford, NJ)
Fiorentini is where you can taste the love that goes into every dish.
Chef Antonio De Ieso brings his Tuscan roots front and center, using local ingredients to create some seriously delicious Italian food.
The handmade pastas and rotating seasonal dishes—like venison steak or risotto—are always a hit, and the cozy, vine-filled dining room is the perfect spot for a relaxing night out.
Fiorentini proves that you don’t need to head into the city to enjoy a rustic and refined meal.
Why These Are the Best Restaurants in New Jersey for 2024
If you’re searching for amazing food, New Jersey should be at the top of your list.
From the creative, locally sourced dishes at Elements to the cozy Italian classics at Fiorentini, the Garden State’s restaurants bring serious flavor in 2024.
Whether you’re looking for an upscale night out or a laid-back meal with friends, these spots offer some of the best food in New Jersey.
And if you’re looking for something to do before or after your meal, check out our article on the most fun things to do in New Jersey.
So next time you plan dinner, skip the usual spots and check out one of these incredible restaurants—you won’t be disappointed!
