New Jersey, often overshadowed by its neighboring New York City, boasts a vibrant and diverse culinary scene. Whether you’re seeking fine dining, farm-to-table experiences, or casual bites, the Garden State has something to offer every food lover. Here’s a roundup of some of the top restaurants across New Jersey that are making waves.
1. The Frog and The Peach
- Location: New Brunswick
- Cuisine: New American
- Chef: Bruce Lefebvre
- Experience: Nestled in New Brunswick, The Frog and The Peach has been a New Jersey dining institution for decades. Chef Bruce Lefebvre blends seasonal, local ingredients with New American cuisine, crafting a menu that is as fresh as it is innovative. The restaurant’s elegant atmosphere, complete with a cozy patio, makes it perfect for special occasions or romantic dinners. Signature dishes include diver scallops, house-made pastas, and expertly prepared fish.
- Accolades: Frequently ranked among the best restaurants in NJ.
2. Battello
- Location: Jersey City
- Cuisine: Contemporary American (Seafood-Focused)
- Chef: Ryan DePersio
- Experience: With its stunning waterfront location, Battello offers breathtaking views of the Manhattan skyline paired with a delectable seafood-forward menu. The industrial-chic space adds to its modern appeal, making it a hotspot for both Jersey locals and visitors from NYC. Chef Ryan DePersio crafts dishes like seared octopus and lobster risotto, combining high-quality ingredients with a creative touch. The lively bar scene and excellent wine list make it a perfect spot for both dinner and drinks.
3. Jockey Hollow Bar & Kitchen
- Location: Morristown
- Cuisine: New American
- Chef: Kevin Sippel
- Experience: Located in the historic Vail Mansion, Jockey Hollow Bar & Kitchen offers a multi-level dining experience, including a fine-dining area, oyster bar, and more casual beer hall. The menu reflects a commitment to locally sourced ingredients, with highlights like roasted duck, house-made pastas, and an extensive selection of oysters. The beautifully restored space adds a touch of grandeur, making it a go-to destination for both casual diners and fine dining aficionados.
4. Razza Pizza Artigianale
- Location: Jersey City
- Cuisine: Italian (Pizza)
- Chef: Dan Richer
- Experience: Razza has gained a cult following for its artisanal, wood-fired pizzas. Often referred to as serving the best pizza in New Jersey, and arguably in the entire NYC area, Razza takes a meticulous approach to ingredients—sourcing local flour, house-made mozzarella, and seasonal toppings. Fan favorites include the “Margherita” and “Jersey Margherita” pizzas, the latter featuring tomatoes from New Jersey. The crust, light and perfectly charred, is a testament to their dedication to craft.
- Accolades: Named the best pizza in America by The New York Times.
5. Ninety Acres
- Location: Peapack-Gladstone
- Cuisine: Farm-to-Table
- Chef: David C. Felton
- Experience: Situated on the sprawling grounds of the Natirar estate, Ninety Acres offers a true farm-to-table experience. The restaurant works in tandem with a 12-acre farm to supply much of the produce and ingredients used in the dishes. Chef David Felton’s menu is seasonally driven, featuring everything from lamb and beef to fresh vegetables and handmade pastas. The picturesque setting and rustic yet refined dining room create a relaxed yet sophisticated ambiance. Perfect for those seeking an upscale, countryside dining experience.
6. Lorena’s
- Location: Maplewood
- Cuisine: French-American
- Chef: Humberto Campos
- Experience: Lorena’s is a charming, intimate French-American restaurant that has consistently been ranked among New Jersey’s best. Chef Humberto Campos draws on French culinary traditions while incorporating seasonal, local ingredients. The cozy, elegant setting makes it a popular spot for romantic dinners and special occasions. Signature dishes include the roasted Berkshire pork chop and lobster risotto. The wine list and expert service add to the refined dining experience.
- Accolades: Zagat consistently ranks it among the top restaurants in the state.
7. The Ryland Inn
- Location: Whitehouse Station
- Cuisine: Farm-to-Table (Modern American)
- Chef: Christopher Albrecht
- Experience: Housed in a restored 200-year-old farmhouse, The Ryland Inn blends historic charm with modern cuisine. Chef Christopher Albrecht’s commitment to farm-to-table dining is evident in the menu, which changes frequently based on seasonal availability. Expect dishes like pan-seared duck breast, fresh pasta, and unique vegetable sides sourced from local farms. The rustic yet elegant setting makes it ideal for weddings, special events, and romantic dinners. The Ryland Inn is also known for its exceptional wine list and craft cocktails.
- Accolades: Michelin-star trained chefs have passed through its kitchen.
8. Cafe Matisse
- Location: Rutherford
- Cuisine: New American
- Chef: Peter Loria
- Experience: Tucked away in the small town of Rutherford, Cafe Matisse is a hidden gem that offers an intimate, artful dining experience. The restaurant’s colorful decor, inspired by Henri Matisse, is matched by a creative and seasonal menu. Chef Peter Loria focuses on presentation as much as flavor, with dishes that are as beautiful as they are delicious. Menu highlights include crispy duck and beef short ribs, and the dessert offerings are not to be missed. The cozy outdoor garden adds to the charming atmosphere.
9. Elements
- Location: Princeton
- Cuisine: New American
- Chef: Scott Anderson
- Experience: Known for its avant-garde, multi-course tasting menus, Elements in Princeton offers one of New Jersey’s most innovative dining experiences. Chef Scott Anderson’s menu is ever-changing, driven by seasonal, local ingredients and modern techniques. The intimate, open kitchen allows diners to observe the meticulous preparation of dishes like dry-aged duck and farm-fresh vegetables. The minimalist decor and focus on precision elevate the overall dining experience.
- Accolades: Frequently praised by critics for its bold and modern approach.
10. Faubourg
- Location: Montclair
- Cuisine: French Contemporary
- Chefs: Olivier Muller & Dominique Paulin
- Experience: Faubourg is a modern, chic French brasserie in the heart of Montclair. The airy, open space, with floor-to-ceiling windows, creates an inviting atmosphere, while the menu offers a contemporary twist on classic French dishes. Chef Olivier Muller crafts dishes like roasted branzino and steak frites, focusing on simplicity and quality. The restaurant also features an extensive wine list with selections from France and beyond, making it a popular spot for wine enthusiasts.
Conclusion
New Jersey’s restaurant scene is diverse, offering everything from top-tier fine dining experiences to casual neighborhood favorites. Whether you’re looking for a waterfront view in Jersey City, farm-to-table dining in the countryside, or world-class pizza, the Garden State delivers. These top restaurants exemplify the culinary richness and creativity that make New Jersey a destination for food lovers.