Northern New Jersey often conjures images of bustling commuter towns and charming suburban streets, but beneath this surface lies a vibrant culinary landscape, home to some truly top rated restaurants Northern New Jersey has to offer. This region, a melting pot of cultures and tastes, continually surprises even seasoned foodies with its depth, diversity, and innovation. From intimate, chef-driven BYOBs to grand dining rooms with stunning city views, North Jersey’s dining scene is a destination in itself, promising unforgettable meals that challenge and delight the palate.
At a Glance: Crafting Your North Jersey Dining Adventure
- Discover Diverse Cuisines: Beyond Italian, explore authentic Middle Eastern, French, Chinese, and New American dishes.
- Navigate Ambiance: Choose from moody, upscale steakhouses, rustic industrial aesthetics, or elegant French-inspired settings.
- Plan Ahead for Gems: Some top spots require reservations weeks or even months in advance.
- Embrace BYOB: Many high-quality North Jersey restaurants offer a Bring Your Own Bottle experience, enhancing value.
- Seek Out Unique Experiences: From coal-fired ovens to menu-less Italian feasts, expect memorable dining.
- Enjoy Scenic Views: Several Hudson County restaurants boast breathtaking NYC skyline vistas.
Beyond the Stereotypes: North Jersey's Diverse Palate
New Jersey's culinary reputation often begins with its celebrated pizza, bagels, and Italian-American heritage. However, the northern part of the state expands this narrative dramatically, showcasing an impressive array of global flavors and innovative American cuisine. Here, you'll find everything from meticulously prepared Indian and Chinese dishes to rich Mexican, Portuguese, and Caribbean fare, all alongside refined interpretations of classic American comfort food.
For a broader exploration of New Jersey's diverse culinary landscape, from top-tier fine dining to beloved local haunts across the entire state, be sure to consult our comprehensive guide: Best NJ Restaurants by Region. This article, however, narrows our focus to help you pinpoint the truly exceptional top rated restaurants Northern New Jersey has cultivated.
Bergen County: Elegance, Innovation, and Refined Tastes
Bergen County, known for its upscale communities, mirrors this prestige in its dining scene, offering a blend of sophisticated establishments perfect for special occasions or a refined night out.
- The 130 Club (Tenafly): This upscale Tenafly gem provides a dark, moody ambiance for a sophisticated dining experience. Expect an extensive wine list complementing signature dishes like roasted bone marrow and prime glazed beef ribs. Even their 130 Cheeseburger is a standout, often elevated with thick-cut bacon or a farm-fresh egg.
- Cafe Panache (Ramsey): Chef-owner Kevin Kohler is at the helm of this elegant, established restaurant, bringing French-inspired cuisine to life. With a focus on fresh, seasonal ingredients, Cafe Panache is renowned for its refined dishes and impeccable service.
- Fiorentini (Rutherford): Owned by Antonio and Brenda De Ieso, Fiorentini offers an authentic Italian experience deeply rooted in Florence. Chef Antonio's commitment to freshness means sourcing produce from local New Jersey farms and avoiding a walk-in freezer entirely. Expect expertly crafted, seasonal dishes in a beautiful dining room with impeccable service.
Hudson County: Urban Vibrancy and Breathtaking Views
Hudson County, particularly Jersey City and Hoboken, boasts a dynamic dining scene characterized by urban energy, diverse culinary offerings, and frequently, stunning views of the Manhattan skyline.
- Battello (Jersey City): Located at Newport Marina, Battello offers one of the best skyline views in Jersey City, fusing industrialized, rustic decor with a nautical theme. The menu leans towards Southern Italian-inspired fish and meats, with the seafood tower and prime ribeye being notable standouts. It’s also a premier wedding venue, so check their schedule as they close for events.
- Blu on the Hudson (Weehawken): Another Hudson River-front gem, Blu on the Hudson offers sleek design, soft lighting, and a modern aesthetic complementing its New American menu. Delicate hamachi crudo, gold Kumamoto oysters, homemade pasta, sushi, and steak are menu highlights, with their house-made tiramisu proving a showstopper.
- 15 Fox Place (Jersey City): For a truly unique and intimate Italian experience, 15 Fox Place is unparalleled. Operating inside a charming house, this family-owned restaurant offers a menu-less, 5-6 course dining journey. Be prepared to make reservations months in advance; it’s BYO and priced per person, perfect for intimate celebrations. Its James Beard semifinalist nod in 2020 speaks to its acclaim.
- Antique Bar + Bakery (Hoboken): Step into a space that nods to Frank Sinatra and vintage movie sets, where meals are prepared in a 100-year-old coal-fired oven. This Hoboken institution is praised for its pasta, seafood, steak, and inventive menu. The bread pudding comes highly recommended for a sweet finish.
- Corto (Jersey City Heights): A popular Italian BYOB, Corto features a rotating seasonal menu of handcrafted pasta and pizza. Its year-round courtyard makes it ideal for larger groups, while the rustic interior with Victorian tiles and vintage family photos adds to its charm. It's a repeat winner for Best BYOB and Best Outdoor Dining in local awards.
- Augustino’s (Hoboken): This family-owned eatery serves authentic Italian food in an intimate setting, with pasta and chicken dishes being popular choices. Its walls are a testament to Hoboken’s history, adorned with photos of celebrity diners, old city shots, and family lore.
- El Artesano (Jersey City Area): For a taste of classic Cuba, El Artesano is an old-school, family-owned restaurant where the decor seems largely unchanged since the 1970s. Expect traditional Cuban dishes like Ropa Vieja, red snapper, and empanadas in an ambiance filled with vintage photographs.
Essex County: Historic Charm Meets Culinary Modernity
Essex County blends historic elegance with a vibrant, evolving food scene, particularly in towns like Montclair and South Orange, where traditional and contemporary flavors coalesce.
- Faubourg (Montclair): This French-inspired eatery from Dominique Paulin and Chef Olivier Muller offers a stylish experience with large windows, an upstairs cocktail lounge, and an outdoor patio with a retractable roof. The menu thoughtfully includes both plant-based and regular options, with dishes like grilled salmon and decadent desserts.
- Gioia Mia (Montclair): Celebrated for its New American menu, Gioia Mia excels in inventive small plates like chimichurri Spanish octopus and mussels in coconut broth. Their elevated burger is a local favorite, while pasta offerings, such as creamy, squid-ink fettuccini, showcase culinary flair.
- Felina Steak (South Orange): Rebranded as Felina Steak, this Landmark Hospitality location masterfully combines classic Italian "red-sauce" dishes like hand-tossed pizzas with a sophisticated steakhouse concept. Expect dry-aged meats, steakhouse accompaniments, and creamy meatballs, bridging two beloved dining traditions.
- Artie’s (Montclair): The result of Arturo’s Restaurant merging with The Bread Stand bakery, Artie's offers gourmet wood-fired pizzas, fresh-baked bread, and daily pasta specials. It beautifully blends old-school Italian vibes with modern decor, complemented by wine, beer, and cocktails.
- Belmont Tavern (Belleville/Essex County): A true North Jersey institution since 1967, Belmont Tavern has steadfastly maintained its decor and beloved menu. Famous for signature dishes like Chicken Savoy, Pork Francaise, and Shrimp Beeps, it's dinner-only, first-come, first-served, and worth the wait for a taste of authentic Italian-American history.
- Hunan Taste (Montclair): This location of Hunan Taste offers a classic Chinese dining experience, complete with traditional decor. Known for its extensive menu including dumplings, Hunan duck, sesame chicken, and Szechuan-style shrimp, it provides an authentic taste of Chinese cuisine that has even attracted celebrity visitors.
- Burke’s Tavern (Newark): A hidden gem in Newark, Burke's Tavern is perfect for dining before a show at NJPAC. It’s known for great martinis and an eclectic menu of Mediterranean and American cuisine, served in a Mediterranean-influenced decor.
Morris County: Farm-to-Table Freshness and Classic Steaks
Morris County provides a contrast, offering both dedicated farm-to-table experiences and quintessential steakhouse environments.
- Agricola (Morristown): Latin for “farmer,” Agricola lives up to its name with a strong focus on farm-to-table dining, using locally sourced, seasonal ingredients. Inventive flatbreads, Bang Bang cauliflower, and the Goffle Farms boneless chicken parm are popular choices, all served in a warm, inviting atmosphere.
- Arthur’s Tavern (Morris Plains): A local favorite for decades, Arthur’s Tavern offers a cozy, old-school diner feel, but it's celebrated for its incredible steaks. The decor features bottle lamps and checkerboard tablecloths, creating a nostalgic ambiance where homemade cheesecake is a classic dessert.
- Il Capriccio (Whippany): While details are brief, Il Capriccio is noted for its farm-to-table approach to Italian cuisine, indicating a commitment to fresh, seasonal ingredients in an upscale setting.
Passaic, Union, and Warren Counties: Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
These counties further broaden North Jersey’s culinary appeal with unique spots that are highly rated by locals and critics alike, offering everything from authentic Middle Eastern to creative New American.
- Al-Basha (Passaic County): Run by Yaser Baker and his sons, Al-Basha is a highly-rated Middle Eastern restaurant, claiming to have the best hummus in New Jersey. Known for char-grilled meats like filet mignon and kofta kebab, alongside falafel platters and savory spreads, its Crooks Avenue location is dine-in only, providing a warm, inviting setting.
- F1rst (Hawthorne, Passaic County): Chef/owner Adam Weiss’s elegant BYO haven offers a creative vision, focusing on a symphony of flavors and textures. The menu features exquisite dishes like tableside leek-and-potato soup, foie gras, and Parmigiano Parisienne gnocchi, alongside decadent, signature desserts like the Mounds Bar.
- Black Sheep Bar + Provisions (Garwood, Union County): Near the Garwood train station, this spot boasts a train-inspired industrial-rustic atmosphere. Offering lunch, dinner, and unique large-format meals (like whole-roasted suckling pig by advance notice), its menu includes pasta, chicken fried mushrooms, and duck pastrami. Listed among New Jersey Monthly’s Top 40 Restaurants.
- Garlic Rose Bistro (Cranford, Union County): An old-school spot, the Garlic Rose Bistro is famous for its garlic-infused dishes. Favorites include the roasted garlic bulb, garlic shrimp, and garlic chowder, all served in a vintage setting perfect for large parties.
- Da Benito (Union): This old-school Italian restaurant serves authentic eats in an upscale space with white tablecloths and warm colors. The menu includes classic pasta, chicken, veal, and seafood dishes, appealing to those who appreciate traditional Italian fare.
- Harvest Bistro (Hackettstown, Warren County): A tiny, unassuming BYO, Harvest Bistro, led by chef/owner Bill Van Pelt, offers two- or three-course prix-fixe menus or a five-course chef’s tasting (which requires advance notice). Its culinary feats include black-tiger prawns in papaya and mango relish, showcasing a flair for innovative flavors.
Navigating the North Jersey Dining Scene: Practical Tips for Diners
Choosing among the top rated restaurants Northern New Jersey offers can be exciting, but a little planning goes a long way to ensure a seamless experience.
- Prioritize Reservations: For highly sought-after spots like 15 Fox Place or Battello, booking weeks or even months ahead is essential. Even for less exclusive but popular restaurants, a reservation can prevent long waits, especially on weekends.
- Understand BYOB Policies: Many excellent North Jersey restaurants are BYOB, which can significantly reduce the cost of a fine dining experience. Always confirm their policy and if there’s a corkage fee. Planning to bring your own bottle can elevate your meal.
- Consider the Occasion: Match the restaurant’s ambiance to your event. For an intimate celebration, 15 Fox Place or Augustino’s might be perfect. For stunning views and a modern vibe, Blu on the Hudson or Battello are excellent choices. A casual, delicious meal could lead you to Corto or Al-Basha.
- Explore Beyond Dinner: While many of these restaurants shine in the evening, some offer exceptional lunch menus (like Black Sheep Bar + Provisions) or brunch, providing different culinary experiences.
- Check for Specials and Events: Many establishments, like Battello, might close for private events, or offer special prix-fixe menus (like Harvest Bistro). Always check their website or call ahead.
Your Culinary Journey: FAQs About North Jersey Dining
Q: What types of cuisine are most prevalent among top rated restaurants Northern New Jersey?
A: While Italian cuisine, both classic and modern, is very strong, North Jersey also excels in New American, French-inspired, authentic Middle Eastern, and diverse Asian cuisines (Chinese, sushi). You'll find a truly global palate.
Q: Are there many BYOB options in North Jersey’s top dining spots?
A: Yes, North Jersey has a fantastic selection of high-quality BYOB restaurants. Corto, F1rst, 15 Fox Place, and Harvest Bistro are just a few examples where you can bring your favorite wine or spirits to complement your meal.
Q: How far in advance should I make reservations for popular North Jersey restaurants?
A: For truly exclusive or unique experiences like 15 Fox Place, reservations can require a lead time of several months. For most other highly rated spots, a few weeks in advance is a safe bet, especially for weekend evenings. Weekday dining might allow for shorter notice.
Q: Can I find fine dining options in North Jersey with a view?
A: Absolutely. Restaurants along the Hudson River in Hudson County, such as Battello and Blu on the Hudson, offer spectacular, unobstructed views of the Manhattan skyline, pairing incredible food with an iconic backdrop.
Q: Are there options for groups or private events among these top-rated restaurants?
A: Many establishments cater to groups. Corto has a spacious courtyard, and restaurants like Battello are well-equipped for events, often even serving as premier wedding venues. It’s always best to inquire directly with the restaurant about their private dining options or group accommodations.
Crafting Your Unforgettable North Jersey Dining Experience
Exploring the top rated restaurants Northern New Jersey has to offer is more than just eating out; it's an immersion into a rich, evolving culinary culture. From the sophisticated plates of Bergen County to the vibrant, urban flavors of Hudson, the historic charm of Essex, and the diverse gems of Morris, Passaic, Union, and Warren, each region contributes to a tapestry of tastes.
Take the time to research, make those coveted reservations, and perhaps bring a special bottle of wine. Whether you’re seeking a cozy, intimate evening, a lively urban experience, or a meal with a breathtaking view, North Jersey delivers. Your next unforgettable dining adventure is waiting.