New Jersey has dozens of incredible restaurants that are consistently making headlines for their delectable dishes. We’ve also got dozens more local favorites that everyone knows and loves. But we likely have hundreds of hidden gems that fly under the radar, here are 12 to check out.
- Ivy Inn - 268 Terrace Avenue, Hasbrouck Heights
Facebook/Ivy Inn
Yelp/Xcetera x. This cozy eatery scores top marks in terms of ambiance, being voted one of the most romantic restaurants in Bergen County. It’s also a great value - the early dinner special is just $15.99 and includes soup or salad, an entree and dessert.
- Martino’s Market - 107 Lodi Street, Hackensack
Tripadvisor/Martino’s Market
Yelp/P B This little grocery shop doubles as a top-notch Italian restaurant. Reviewers rave that the eatery feels “just like grandma’s house” and it’s even “worth a drive from Brooklyn!” The all-you-can-eat spot is authentic and affordable.
- La Mezzaluna - 25 Witherspoon Street, Princeton
Yelp/Dan R.
Facebook/La Mezzaluna Princeton has a plethora of popular eateries, but you’ll want to add this to your ivy league-area dining list. Next time you’re in the neighborhood, give the Italian eatery a try. The BYOB spot offers fresh, local ingredients and creative takes on classic dishes.
- Sammy’s Steakhouse - 353 Mendham Road West, Mendham
Yelp/Jared C.
Yelp/Paul B. You’ll find no sign on this unassuming eatery, formerly a speakeasy. It offers great steak and a basement bar for your beverage needs. Recently rated the most underrated restaurant in New Jersey, head here on Tuesdays for the wine special.
- The Farm & Fisherman - 1442 Marlton Pike East, Cherry Hill
Yelp/Kathleen A.
Facebook/The Farm & Fisherman This strip mall market also offers some spectacular food. Visit for Sunday brunch or during happy hour for great deals on wings, calamari and burgers. The menu offers seafood, sandwiches and other American favorites.
- Reggae Grill - 2121 Federal Street, Camden
Yelp/Jadiey C.
Yelp/Joseph R. One of the few authentic Jamaican eateries in the Camden area, portion sizes are huge at this scrumptious spot. Try the oxtail, curry chicken and delicious drinks like natural pineapple ginger juice.
- The Jug Handle Inn - 1018 S. Fork Landing Road, Cinnaminson
Yelp/Dave L.
Facebook/The Jughandle Inn This South Jersey spot has award-winning wings worth traveling for. They also have a magnificent menu of bar favorites like pizza, bbq, sandwiches and a selection of mouthwatering fries. Most menu items are under $10.
- Turning Point - Multiple Locations
Facebook/Turning Point Restaurants
Facebook/Turning Point Restaurants This breakfast/brunch spot is slowly taking over New Jersey - there are currently nearly a dozen locations spanning the entire state. You’ll find Turning Point Restaurants from Hoboken down to Cherry Hill with several shore locations. The selection of hot and cold drinks is phenomenal and there are food options for everyone including healthy eaters and the gluten intolerant.
- The Ugly Mug - 426 Washington Street, Cape May
Facebook/The Ugly Mug
Facebook/The Ugly Mug This bustling bar also has some great bites. After 90 years in business, you know they’re doing something right. Come for the beer but stay for the pulled pork, paninis, crab melts and more.
- The Stirling Hotel - 227 Main Avenue, Stirling
Yelp/Celine S.
Facebook/The Stirling Hotel I love the look and feel of this neighborhood tavern with a seasonal beer garden. It has a great atmosphere and some of the best burgers around. Enjoy daily special and an inventive menu.
- The Vault - 300 Farnsworth Avenue, Bordentown
Yelp/Russell F.
Yelp/Jessica B. Enjoy authentic Neapolitan-style wood fired pizza in this former bank building. When you’ve finished a mouthwatering slice or two (or three), don’t miss the decadent Brownie Mud Pie.
- Flying Monkey Cafe & Deli - 11 Lake Walkill Road, Sussex
Facebook/Flying Monkey Cafe & Deli
Facebook/Flying Monkey Cafe & Deli It’s easy to fall in love with this casual eatery - the home fries are some of the best in the Garden State and the menu is filled with flavorful, creative options. The prices are right and breakfast is served both day and night. Check out the breakfast cheesesteak or monkey omelette for something a bit different.
What’s your favorite underrated eatery in New Jersey? For more great restaurants in the Garden State, check out these 14 hidden dining spots.
Facebook/Ivy Inn
Yelp/Xcetera x.
This cozy eatery scores top marks in terms of ambiance, being voted one of the most romantic restaurants in Bergen County. It’s also a great value - the early dinner special is just $15.99 and includes soup or salad, an entree and dessert.
Tripadvisor/Martino’s Market
Yelp/P B
This little grocery shop doubles as a top-notch Italian restaurant. Reviewers rave that the eatery feels “just like grandma’s house” and it’s even “worth a drive from Brooklyn!” The all-you-can-eat spot is authentic and affordable.
Yelp/Dan R.
Facebook/La Mezzaluna
Princeton has a plethora of popular eateries, but you’ll want to add this to your ivy league-area dining list. Next time you’re in the neighborhood, give the Italian eatery a try. The BYOB spot offers fresh, local ingredients and creative takes on classic dishes.
Yelp/Jared C.
Yelp/Paul B.
You’ll find no sign on this unassuming eatery, formerly a speakeasy. It offers great steak and a basement bar for your beverage needs. Recently rated the most underrated restaurant in New Jersey, head here on Tuesdays for the wine special.
Yelp/Kathleen A.
Facebook/The Farm & Fisherman
This strip mall market also offers some spectacular food. Visit for Sunday brunch or during happy hour for great deals on wings, calamari and burgers. The menu offers seafood, sandwiches and other American favorites.
Yelp/Jadiey C.
Yelp/Joseph R.
One of the few authentic Jamaican eateries in the Camden area, portion sizes are huge at this scrumptious spot. Try the oxtail, curry chicken and delicious drinks like natural pineapple ginger juice.
Yelp/Dave L.
Facebook/The Jughandle Inn
This South Jersey spot has award-winning wings worth traveling for. They also have a magnificent menu of bar favorites like pizza, bbq, sandwiches and a selection of mouthwatering fries. Most menu items are under $10.
Facebook/Turning Point Restaurants
This breakfast/brunch spot is slowly taking over New Jersey - there are currently nearly a dozen locations spanning the entire state. You’ll find Turning Point Restaurants from Hoboken down to Cherry Hill with several shore locations. The selection of hot and cold drinks is phenomenal and there are food options for everyone including healthy eaters and the gluten intolerant.
Facebook/The Ugly Mug
This bustling bar also has some great bites. After 90 years in business, you know they’re doing something right. Come for the beer but stay for the pulled pork, paninis, crab melts and more.
Yelp/Celine S.
Facebook/The Stirling Hotel
I love the look and feel of this neighborhood tavern with a seasonal beer garden. It has a great atmosphere and some of the best burgers around. Enjoy daily special and an inventive menu.
Yelp/Russell F.
Yelp/Jessica B.
Enjoy authentic Neapolitan-style wood fired pizza in this former bank building. When you’ve finished a mouthwatering slice or two (or three), don’t miss the decadent Brownie Mud Pie.
Facebook/Flying Monkey Cafe & Deli
It’s easy to fall in love with this casual eatery - the home fries are some of the best in the Garden State and the menu is filled with flavorful, creative options. The prices are right and breakfast is served both day and night. Check out the breakfast cheesesteak or monkey omelette for something a bit different.
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