Guide to Food & Drink in NJ
From a born and raised foodie
Born and raised in New Jersey, I will die on the hill that the state has a thriving culinary scene. I grew up going to diners that were open 24/7, getting spoiled by the endless Italian restaurants that span from North to South Jersey, and of course, indulging in REAL bagels and pizza that I personally believe top what you can get anywhere else.
When I moved back to the area, I found myself seeking out new places to try, from coffee shops to breakfast cafes to award-winning pizza shops, and decided to make a list that I could continuously add to.
Let me know what I should try next!
Avery
Breakfast/Coffee/Cafes
Colonial Bakery (Lavallette, NJ): Delicious bakery at the Jersey Shore - get the cinnamon bread!
Lava Java (Lavallette, NJ): Some of my favorite coffee at the Jersey Shore.
Rook Coffee (multiple locations): Cold brew is to die for. They have shops up and down the coast!
The Stone Pony (Spring Lake, NJ): Delicious scones and baked goods. Make sure to get there early during peak season!
Maeberrie Market (Avon-By-The-Sea): Adorable brunch/lunch place with great coffee.
Sunday Motor Co. (Madison, NJ): Old gas station turned breakfast and lunch spot - get the Birria Chilaqui.
Boxwood Coffee (Summit and Westfield, NJ): I love their OG Summit location - coffee is so good.
Asbury Coffee Mill (Asbury, NJ): Love coming here for breakfast, and they have live acoustic music on Sundays.
Bagel Junction (Whitehouse, NJ): Bagels
O’Bagel (Basking Ridge, Stirling, Hoboken and New Brunswick, NJ): Bagels
Paper Plane Coffee Co. (Montclair, NJ): Airline-inspired coffee shop - there’s even seating available as if you’re on a plane.
Early Bird Espresso & Mercantile (Frenchtown, NJ): Grab some coffee and take a stroll down the Main Street.
Sky Cafe at Sky Manor Airport (Pittstown, NJ): A great breakfast spot, and definitely sit outside to watch all the airplanes take off and land!
Blue Cafe (Basking Ridge, NJ): I love their avocado toast - a good classic breakfast spot.
Lunch
Millburn Deli (Millburn, Morristown, Montclair and Westfield, NJ): Arguably my favorite sandwich shop in all of NJ - I like the Griller #8 and the Jay Ray.
Joe Leone’s (Point Pleasant and Manasquan NJ): We grew up stopping here every time we were on our way down to the beach. An Italian speciality market with the best pre-made foods and market goods.
Lumberville General Store (Lumberville, PA)*: Adorable general store great for stopping and picking up sandwiches/lunch after a hike or walk in the area.
*adding in since it’s right on the border and too good to not add!
Dinner/Drinks
Squan Tavern (Manasquan, NJ): Neighborhood Italian spot - love their Pasta e Fagioli.
Toca Vez (Basking Ridge, NJ): Mexican-inspired steakhouse, great for a celebration dinner.
Battello (Jersey City, NJ): Right on the water overlooking Manhattan with stellar food - love the Housemade Focaccia with truffle-honey butter and Ricotta Gnocchi.
Porta (Jersey City, Asbury Park and Montclair, NJ): Neapolitan pizza restaurant and a great place to get together with a group.
Matthews (Jersey City, NJ): Fun little spot with American cuisine and great cocktails.
Piattino (Summit and Mednham, NJ): Casual Italian spot.
Ninety Acres at Natirar (Peapack and Gladstone, NJ: Farm to table restaurant with unreal food - pretty fancy and pricey but worth it, so definitely save for a special occasion.
Roots Steakhouse (Morristown, Summit, Princeton and Ridgewood, NJ): Old-fashioned New York-style steakhouse great for celebrations.
Jockey Hollow Bar & Kitchen (Morristown, NJ): Great upscale place to grab dinner or drinks. I love to sit in the Vail Bar for a more casual atmosphere.
Flavia's Cucina Romana (Asbury Park, NJ): Love this neighbored Italian spot and everything feels like it was made with love - Nonna the owner will come say hi to you if you’re lucky!
Laylow Cocktail Lounge (Asbury Park, NJ): Love a good speakeasy and this one does not disappoint. Great vibes and great cocktails.
Laundromat Speakeasy (Morristown, NJ): Have to see for yourself!
Pizza
Chimney Rock Inn (Bridgewater and Flemington, NJ): Thin crust pizza that truly never disappoints. Have been going here for years and have been to two rehearsal dinners here too!
Coniglio’s: (Morristown, NJ): Another outstanding pizza place with a thicker crust (they’re bakers so they know how to do bread). Dave Portnoy also gave it an 8.3 on his one bite pizza review! Their Vodka Stracciatella pie is unreal.
Delucia’s (Raritan, NJ): Brick oven pizza that’s so good they only serve a certain number of pies a day. Got a 9.4 from Dave!
Pomodoro (Morristown, NJ): Love their Grandma’s Pizza.
Cryan’s Tavern (Annandale, NJ): An Irish pub with great thin crust pizza.
Lenny’s (Lavallette, NJ): Nothing hits like takeout thin-crust pizza after a long day at the beach.
Dessert
Third Ave Chocolate Shoppe (Spring Lake, NJ): Been going here since I was a kid - the best chocolate!
Polar Cub (Whitehouse, NJ): Ice cream
Main Scoop Creamery (Manasquan, NJ): Ice cream
Surfside Frozen Custard (Sea Girt, NJ): Ice cream
Gronsky’s Milk House (High Bridge, NJ): Ice cream but also a great breakfast spot!