20 Best Restaurants in New Jersey

Google Map - Photo by PortuCale Restaurant & Bar

New Jersey is the best place to visit if you want to enjoy some delicious fares.

There are so many restaurants that are very recommended to go to in New Jersey such as Lighthorse Tavern, Fire & Oak Jersey City, La Isla Restaurant, and many more.

Then, Tripboba gathered the best 20 restaurants in New Jersey.

You can also find some Portuguese and Spanish restaurants with tasty fares on this list.

So, if you have a plan to go to New Jersey, don't forget to visit at least one of these 20 restaurants.

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1. LIGHTHORSE TAVERN

Lighthorse Tavern is an American restaurant that is the first eatery on this list and very recommended to visit while coming to New Jersey. Lighthorse Tavern is located at 199 Washington Street, starts open from around 11.30 AM until 4.00 PM and opens again at 5.00 PM until 11.00 PM.

Then, you have several tasty foods available such as Fresh Oysters, Maine Lobster Tail, Grand Plateau, French Onion Soup, Deep Fried Oysters, Octopus Salad, Winter Risotto, Gnocchi, Orecchiette, Duck Breast, Icelandic Cod, Pork Chop, Roasted Chicken Breast, and Grilled Aged Ribeye.

Light Horse Tavern

This is a restaurant with seating arrangements both outdoors and indoors.

They serve a selection for raw bars, appetizers, liquors and wines.

This restaurant itself has a beautiful, safe, and lively outdoor dining area.

Address : 199 Washington St, Jersey City, NJ 07302, USA

2. CITY DINER

City Diner offers you the best place for breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner in New Jersey City. Located at 31 Montgomery Street, City Diner is open daily from 8.00 AM until 10.00 PM which means you can visit this restaurant every day with your family or friends.

For the food selections, City Diner has Chicken Parmesan, Roasted Rosemary Half Chicken, Chicken Marsala, Chicken & Waffle, Full Rack BBQ Baby Back Ribs, Rib-eye Steak, New York Strip Steak, Pan Seared Salmon, Maryland Crab Cakes, Sauteed Salmon & Shrimp, Pan-Seared Salmon, Calamari Fra Diavolo, Pasta Carbonara, and many more.

City Diner

The restaurant provides breakfast, lunch, and diner menu.

The contemporary vibe and comfort-food style meals they offer will definitely satisfy your appetite.

Reasonable prices.

Decor is nice and modern.

It's a reasonably reliable option for a late night/early morning meal.

Address : 31 Montgomery St, Jersey City, NJ 07302, United States

3. ROMAN NOSE

Roman Nose is an Italian restaurant that offers Italian comfort foods with excellent service by the staff and a good vibes atmosphere.

Roman Nose is located at 125 Newark Ave and starts open from 4.00 until 10.00 PM on weekdays and from around 12.00 until 10.00 PM on weekends. You have several selection of food available here such as Casarecce alla Norma, Funghi e Spinaci, Meatball Side, Insalata di Casa, Caprese Salad, Lenticchie, Margherita, Spaghetti Aglio e Olio, Gramigna con Salciccia, Salmone, and more to go.

Roman Nose

A cozy little spot to enjoy Italian dishes.

The pizza is great, and the salads are fresh and tasty.

The fare is affordable and they serve quite a big portion.

Address : 125 Newark Ave, Jersey City, NJ 07302, USA

4. FIRE & OAK JERSEY CITY

Fire & Oak Jersey City is an American eatery that offers a very good selection of wine, super-friendly service, and yummy food. Located in Newport Center, Fire & Oak Jersey City is open daily from around 3.00 until 10.00 PM on weekdays and from 11.00 AM until 10.00 PM on weekends.

Then, there are some tasty dishes that you should try such as Kobe Meatballs, Spicy Tuna Roll, Salmon Mango Roll, Chilled Colossal Shrimp Cocktail, Ahi Tuna Tartar, Truffle Parmesan Fries, Crispy Chicken Waldorf Salad, Penne Pasta With Pulled Chicken, Rotisserie Organic Chicken, The Chicken Parm, Double Cut Pork Chop, Fire & Oak Burger, F&O Double Stack Beyond Burger, and Kobe Burger.

Fire & Oak Jersey City

A romantic setting to enjoy an extraordinarily delicious meal in an efficient vibe.

They offer a good selection of wines, rolls, burgers and pizza.

Address : 479 Washington Blvd, Jersey City, NJ 07310, USA

5. FORNOS OF SPAIN

Fornos of Spain is the first Spanish restaurant on this list and very recommended to visit in New Jersey. Open every day from 11.30 AM until 10.00 PM, Fornos of Spain serves Spanish fares with great dinner service, valet parking available, and incredibly delicious food.

This restaurant has a lunch menu which includes, Grilled Skirt Steak, Pork Chop, New York Strip Steak, Chicken Garlic Sauce, New York Black & Blue, Filet Mignon Medallion, Beef & Cheese, New York Strip Steak, Chicken or Veal Marsala, Chicken Picatta, Chicken Genovese, Veal Extremena, and Chicken or Veal Parmigiana.

Fornos of Spain

Large, bustling restaurant serving Spanish surf, turf & wines in an elegant, old-world setting

Address : 47 Ferry St, Newark, NJ 07105, United States

6. SATIS BISTRO

If you are looking for the best Mediterranean restaurant in New Jersey, Satis Bistro is the best choice for you. This restaurant serves European fares like charcuterie and seasonal entrees with a patio, great service, and fresh and delightful food.

Satis Bistro is located at 212 Washington Street and starts open from 5.00 PM until 9.00 PM every Tuesday to Sunday. You can try several delicious foods available and it has two different menus available such as appetizers & small plates and Pastas & Entrees menu.

For the appetizers & small plates, you can try Baby Arugula Salad, Duck Croquettes, Patatas Bravas, Crispy Golden Brussels Sprouts, All Natural Smoked Pork Ribs, Filet Capaccio, and Burrata and Prosciutto.

Then, you can have Housemade Ricotta Gnocchi, Cacio e Pepe, Spaghetti a la Vongole, Pennette Pesto, Brick Pressed Half Chicken, Roasted L.I. Duck Breast, Satis Lamb Burger & Frites, Zucchini & Squash Lasagna, Black Angus Hanger Steak, and Faroe Islands Salmon.

Satis Bistro

The food is always fresh and delightful served in a beautiful setting.

They offer high quality steaks, wine, chicken and efficient service.

Address : 212 Washington St, Jersey City, NJ 07302, USA

7. THE CHEESECAKE FACTORY

The Cheesecake Factory is one of the famous restaurants in New Jersey and it's very recommended to visit. This American chain restaurant is situated in Newport Center and open daily from around 11.00 AM until 10.00 PM, so you can visit this eatery as long as you want.

There are a lot of food options available which include, Carne Asada Steak, Chargrilled New York Steak, Steak Diane, Grilled Rib-eye Steak, Filet Mignon, Fish and Chips, Fried Shrimp Platter, Shrimp and Chicken Gumbo, Shrimp Scampi, Jamaican Black Pepper Shrimp, Pan Seared Branzino with Lemon Butter, Fresh Grilled Salmon, and Miso Salmon.

The Cheesecake Factory, New Jersey

A truly cozy spot to enjoy soft and beautiful dishes.

They offer variety of dishes, good service and music.

Address : 30 Mall Dr W, Jersey City, NJ 07310, USA

8. ORALE MEXICAN KITCHEN

Orale Mexican Kitchen is one of the best Mexican restaurants in New Jersey and if you love Mexican eatery, you have to visit it. This restaurant is located at 341 Grove Street and opens every day from 3.00 until 10.00 PM on weekdays and from around 12.00 until 10.00 PM on weekends.

For the food selections, you can order Salmon, Truffle Ribeye Burrito, Puebla Cemita Sandwich, Enchilada Suiza, Barrio Burger, Carnitas, Tuna Tacos, Wood Grilled Carne Asada, Barbecue Pork Nachos, Flautas De Pollo, Blue Corn Calamari, Shrimp Ceviche, Pork Belly Bao Buns, Queso Flameado, Tuna Crudo.

Orale Mexican Kitchen

Good vibes to enjoy a wonderful meal as well as an abundance of cocktails.

Delicious brisket tacos with excellent service.

They even offer Taco Tuesday which has half price taco options if you pay cash.

Address : 341 Grove St, Jersey City, NJ 07302, USA

9. DON PEPE RESTAURANT

Don Pepe Restaurant serves traditional Portuguese seafood dishes with super-friendly staff, excellent service, and a very nice place to enjoy the tasty food.

You can go to 844 McCarter Hwy to enjoy some tasty Spanish dishes and You can visit it around 11.30 AM until 11.00 PM every day. Then, you have several tasty fares such as Calamares A La Romana, Almejas Marinera, Paella Marinera, Paella De Legumbres, Camarones Provenzal, Bacalao Horno, and some desserts like Apple Crunch Cake, Carrot Cake, Cheesecake, Creme Brulee, Tiramisu, and Chocolate Crunch Pecan Pie.

Don Pepe Restaurant

A classy restaurant with a family friendly atmosphere perfect for a fine dining experience.

Serving a wide selection of seafood, cocktails and first class service.

Address : 844 McCarter Hwy, Newark, NJ 07102, USA

10. LA ISLA RESTAURANT

La Isla Restaurant is a Dominican restaurant located at 738 West Side Ave, open daily from around 7.00 AM until 10.00 PM, and offers great service, excellent staff, and tasty food.

For the menu available, you can try 2 Eggs of Breakfast sandwiches, 2 Eggs and Cheese Breakfast sandwiches, Huevos Estrellados con Arroz Platter, Cheeseburger, Pollo Quesadilla, Cajun Hawaiian Burger, Guacamole, French Fries, and Huevos a la Mexicana Platter which Mexican scrambled eggs. Served with refried beans, avocado, white cheese, corn tortillas, and sour cream.

La Isla Restaurant

A really cozy spot for a good breakfast.

They offer sandwich soup, empanadas, and a full dinner menu with desserts.

Great price for the portion size.

Address : 104 Washington St, Hoboken, NJ 07030, USA

11. SPANISH TAVERN

Spanish Tavern is another Spanish restaurant that you have to visit while coming to New Jersey. This restaurant is located at 1239 US Hwy 22, open every day from around 12.00 until 10.30 PM, and serves tasty Paella with excellent service and good portions of food.

Then, you have a lot of food options available which include, Pan-Seared Mahi Mahi, Black Sea Bass, Broiled Canadian Salmon, Sautéed tilapia and Shrimp, Seared Halibut, Grilled Swordfish, Chicken in Garlic Sauce, Herbs Marinated Rack of Lamb, Tomahawk Double Cut, Portobello Mushroom, Stuffed Mushroom Caps, and more.

Spanish Tavern

IF you have to be in Jersey... Authentic local, super friendly, low key. When there are more local Portuguese folks than anyone else you know it’s legit.

Farewell Newark Party Since I was leaving a work assignment in Newark, moving to another part of the country, some workmates and I decided to get together. We chose the Spanish Tavern. The food was good and the service was also...

Top shelf Head and shoulders above many restaurants in the area. Went for lunch after a recent event in the area. The food was fantastic, we had clams in white wine for an appetizer and it was very very good . For the mains we had...

Address : 103 McWhorter St, Newark, NJ 07105-1359

12. BATTELLO

Battello focuses on serves modern Italian fares and seafood with good service, top-quality food, and scenic views. Start open from 5.00 PM, Battello has two menu types available, appetizers and entrees menu.

For the appetizers menu, you can have Black Bass Crudo, Little Gem Salad, Lobster Chowder, Peekytoe Crab Crostini, Roasted Octopus, Wagyu Beef Meatballs, Housemade Foccacia, and Battello Cheese Plate.

Then, you can have Smoked Carrot Risotto, Buttermilk Baked Chicken, Pan-Roasted Sea Scallops, Pork Chop Saltimbocca, Smoked Idaho Trout, Steak "Pizzaiola", Ora King Salmon, and Lobster Risotto on the Entrees menu.

Battello

Modern Italian on the Water Located on a pier that juts into the Hudson River, Battello delivers spectacular views of the Manhattan skyline. Worth it for the setting alone, the food is also excellent with interesting takes on...

Holiday Brunch I had the crab patty, it was delicious. Great ambience and I loved that it has a great view to New York

Fantastic views of NYC from the bar! My wife and I shared a couple of drinks at the bar around sunset and the views of the city were phenomenal! Beer selection was a little limited, but there was fortunately one that I liked on the...

Address : 502 Washington Blvd, Jersey City, NJ 07310-1608

13. CASA VASCA

Casa Vasca is a restaurant serves Basque dishes in a warm space with free parking since 1976. Casa Vasca is located at 141 Elm Street, starts open from around 11.00 AM until 10.00 PM on Wednesday to Monday, and offers great service, superb staff, and fresh seafood.

You have several incredible food selections available such as Baked Stuffed Clams, Garlic Shrimp, Grilled Spanish Sausage, Fried Squid, Grilled Monk Fish with garlic, Paella Valenciana, Lobster in spicy sauce, Stuffed Lobster, Veal with Marsala Sauce, Broiled Filet Mignon, Pork Chops in wine sauce, Chicken Breast and Shrimp in wine sauce, and still more to go.

Casa Vasca

Excellent, terrific Food. Small restaurant with excellent food.Great presentations, great service and delicious entrees. Thanks we will return for sure.

Wonderful Cod Fish with Peppers February 5 I have a wonderful lunch in the famous Ironbound eatery managed for this wonderful ladyMS. Gemma, yes, of course Casa Vasca; I lunch in the bar a wonderful cod Fish in the oven with...

Delicious Food, Homey Vibe This Spanish/Basque restaurant is in the Ironbound district but not on Ferry Street. That may make it more of a destinations for locals; I did get to speak Spanish with some men, born in Galicia, eating...

Address : 141 Elm St, Newark, NJ 07105-1305

14. SKINNER'S LOFT

Skinner's Loft offers a New American menu with friendly staff, great food, excellent service, and a cozy atmosphere. You can go to 146 Ave to visit this eatery and it starts open from 5.00 PM until 10.00 PM.

There are two different menus available such as the Brunch and Dinner menu. For the Brunch menu, you can have Steak & Egg Tostada, Buttermilk Pancakes, Eggs Benedict, Two Egg plates, Spinach & Tomato Omelette, Breakfast Burrito, Vegan "Crab Cake" Wrap, Half Pound Grilled Burger, and Hot Soppressata & Manchego Grilled Cheese.

Then you can have Bambino Burger, Oxtail Risotto Appetizer, House Cured Olives, Buffalo Chicken Spring Rolls, Beef Brisket Potato Rounds, Fried Calamari, Show Roasted Pulled Pork Sandwich, Bacon Wrapped Turkey Meatloaf, and Whiskey Smoked Sugar Rubbed Barbecue Beef Brisket.

Skinner's Loft

Family-run, upscale-casual restaurant & bar with a New American menu, craft brews & rooftop dining.

Address : 146 Newark Ave, Jersey City, NJ 07302, USA

15. DINOSAUR BAR-B-QUE NEW JERSEY

Dinosaur Bar-B-Que serves Southern-style meats with incredible service, reasonable prices, great food, and a cozy atmosphere alongside. Dinosaur Bar-B-Que is situated at 224 Market Street, it starts open daily 11.30 AM until 11.00 PM and you can visit this restaurant every day with your family and friends.

Then, you can several foods option such as BBQ Pork, Chicken Wings, Fried Green Tomatoes, Cheeseburger, Jumbo BBQ Chicken Wings, Dino Poutine, BBQ Shrimp, Creole Deviled Eggs, Chopped Salad, All Natural Bar-B-Que Pork Ribs, Korean Ribs, Slow-Smoked Pulled Pork Shoulder, Korean Style Beef Ribs, Dino Burger, Blues Burger, and Bacon Deluxe.

Dinosaur Bar-B-Que

Barbecue chain serving Southern-style meats & draft brews in a retro setting (most have live music).

They have a great selection of options ranging from brisket to ribs.

Address : 224 Market St, Newark, NJ 07102, USA

16. FERNANDES STEAK HOUSE

Fernandes Steak House is one of the best steak houses in New Jersey that you can visit while coming to New Jersey. Fernandes Steak House is located at 158 Fleming Ave and open daily from 11.30 AM until 10.00 PM so you can visit this restaurant as long as you want.

For the food selections, you can order Ameijoas Em Salsa Verde, Lulas Fritas, Camarao Ao Alho, Bife A Fernandes, Mar & Terra, Filet Mignon C, Arroz De Frango Sem Osso, Vitela A Francesa, Vitela Almondina, Picanha Na Braza, Churrasco a Fernandes, Costeleta De Vaca, Rib Eye Steak De Churrasco, Febras De Porco De Churrasco, Lagosta Recheada, Lagosta Grelhada, and more.

Fernandes Steak House

Diners eat until they're stuffed at this lively Brazilian grill serving an endless parade of meats.

They have a great selection of cuts and their menu is very extensive.

Address : 158 Fleming Ave, Newark, NJ 07105, USA

17. KRUG'S TAVERN

Krug's Tavern is a popular local pub in Newark, New Jersey and it's famous since 1932. Krug's Tavern is located at 118 Wilson Ave and starts open from 11.00 AM until 12.00 AM every Tuesday to Sunday.

Then, you have some tasty delicious foods here such as Boneless Wings, Mozzarella Sticks, Whole Fried Shrimp, Thin Crust Bar Pie, NY Style Pretzel, Buffalo Wings, Chicken Fingers, Grilled Chicken Salad, Meatball Sandwich, Chicken Sandwich, Sweet Potato Fries, Onion Rings, Hamburger, Cheeseburger, Bacon Hamburger, Bacon Cheeseburger, Buffalo Bleu Burger, and Pizza Burger.

Krug's Tavern

Popular local pub since 1932 serving famous burgers, seafood & ribs. Owned by Jake La Motta family.

Simply The Best Cheeseburger in the World Arrogant of me to say that, huh?So, it's true, I haven't tried EVERY cheeseburger in the world, but now that Poag Mahone's in Chicago seems to have closed, I don't have to think twice...

GREAT BURGER !! We've stopped at Krug's Tavern, located in the '..Ironbound..' section of Newark) several times over the years. Krug's is a local neighborhood tavern...and makes absolutely no pretense at being anything else,...

Address : 118 Wilson Ave, Newark, NJ 07105-3325

18. PORTUCALE RESTAURANT & BAR

PortuCale Restaurant & Bar offers Portuguese dishes with large delicious portions of food, friendly staff, and excellent staff with outdoor seating.

This restaurant is located at 129 Elm Street, Newark and it opens daily from around 11.00 AM until 12.00 AM, so you can visit this restaurant every day with your family, friends, or your lovely one.

You can enjoy some delicious plates of seafood here which include, Stuffed Twin Lobster Tails, Prawns with Head & Shells Sauteed, Roasted Scallops & Jumbo Shrimp, Grilled Jumbo Shrimp, Stuffed Jumbo Shrimp with Crab Meat, Seafood Combinations with Pasta, Grilled Seafood, and Seafood Combination with Lobster, Mussels, Clams, Shrimp, Scallops, Portuguese Sausage and Boneless Chicken Cooked with Saffron Rice.

PortuCale Restaurant & Bar

Portuguese dishes & wines in an old-world, brick-lined space with outdoor seating & TV sports.

Great ambience with a nice Portuguese touch.

Address : 129 Elm St, Newark, NJ 07105, USA

19. SOL-MAR RESTAURANT

Sol-Mar Restaurant is a Portuguese restaurant that offers tasty Portuguese fares including seafood, steak, pork, and chicken with great service and excellent staff. You can go to 267 Ferry Street to visit this restaurant and Sol-Mar Restaurant starts open from around 10.30 AM until 10.00 PM every day.

For the food options, there are Lobster Bisque, Grilled Shrimp Salad, Octopus Salad, Fried Calamari, Roasted Sausage, Portuguese Sausage Bread, Broiled Cod Fish, Cod Fish Braz Style, Grilled Salmon, Salmon Stuffed with Crab Meat, Grilled Jumbo Shrimp, Grilled Lobster, Grilled Filet Mignon, Steak Portuguese Style, Rack of Lamb, and Pork Cubes & Clams.

Sol-Mar Restaurtant

Great Portuguese taste. This restaurant brought memories from Portugal. A lot of locals watching the soccer game. Lay back environment not rush what so ever. The food was delicious Bacalao just like any restaurant back in...

Good food My husband and I stopped here for an early dinner before a flight out of EWR. The food was good - some of it was excellent while other parts were okay. The bread was very good. The service was friendly, but it took a...

Great food! Great place! The food here was very tasty and the waitstaff was friendly and attentive. We celebrated my mother's 83rd birthday and they allowed us to bring in our own cake and stored it until we were ready to eat it....

Address : 267 Ferry St, Newark, NJ 07105-3217

20. VONDA'S KITCHEN

If you are looking for a place for breakfast, lunch, and dinner with Southern comfort food, Vonda's Kitchen is the best choice for you.

Located at 183 W Kinney Street, Vonda's Kitchen starts open from around 8.00 AM until 7.00 PM on Tuesday to Sunday and has selections of tasty foods. There are Chicken Quarters, Chopped Chicken, Oxtails over Rice, Beef Short Ribs, Meatloaf, Seared Salmon Cakes, Tilapia, Catfish, Jumbo Shrimp, Smothered Turkey Wings, Candied Yams, Fresh Roasted String Beans, Fruit Topping Waffles, and Pan Seared Salmon Cakes.

Vonda's Kitchen

Laid-back, neighborhood fixture with artful decor preparing Southern comfort food with a twist.

We really enjoyed our dinner We really enjoyed our dinner at this soul food spot. The vegetarian options are mostly sides, which is fine with me, including Mac and cheese and collard greens. The vegetable soul roll was basically a...

Not vegan, otherwise hit or miss. Unfortunately we had read they were vegan-friendly and we found out this was completely untrue. Of course, comfort food and vegan doesn't make any sense so we were foolish to believe the on-line...

Address : 183 W Kinney St, Newark, NJ 07103-4116