You are viewing the best Restaurants in Central NJ
Also see the Best overall Restaurants in Northern NJ 
Best overall Restaurants in Southern NJ
See our picks for the Most Romantic restaurants in all of NJ




The following restaurants are, in our opinion, the best that Central New Jersey has to offer. It is the definitive dining guide to the garden state. It is perhaps the only guide you will ever need to refer to if you are looking for the best restaurants in Central NJ.

Best Restaurants in Central Jersey

FunNewJersey.com Editorial Picks

Editorial Pick for the Best Unknown "Italian" Gem in Central NJ!

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Nonna's Italian Feast  190 Route 9 North, Marlboro NJ 732-536-9050 Dim lights, big bar, BIG portions...family style! We just love this place. Their bolognese sauce is thinner and with less meat that the traditional bolognese, but it is one of the best that we have ever had. One of the best salads we have ever had too. Great for families with kids too.

Editorial Pick for the Best Unknown Gem in Central NJ!

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La Taverna 375 Georges Rd, Dayton, NJ 732-274-2200  Whitlock Tavern (name was changed to La Taverna) was originally built by James Whitlock in the 1730's. The five separate dining areas offers really great food in a very cozy atmosphere. Quiet, romantic settings with fireplaces. Very romantic bar is a great place to bring a date to try something new. The chicken parmesan with angel hair was almost the best we have ever had. Great simple salad too!

Editorial Pick for the Best Unknown "New American" Gem in Central NJ!

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The Blue Bottle Cafe  101 E. Broad St. Hopewell, NJ, 609-333-1710  The Blue Bottle Cafe is truly a on-of-a-kind restaurant. They move the menu with the seasons and always come up with imaginative variations of the Contemporary American fare that they offer. They have a flair for mixing the freshest ingredients and turning out a spectacular product. I can't say enough about how much I enjoyed this restaurant. BYOB

Editorial Pick for the Best Unknown American Bistro in Central NJ!

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One 53  153 Washington Street, Rocky Hill, NJ 609-924-1019 Don't miss the Clams in White Wine Broth with Garlic Toast appetizer or the farm-raised Double Cut Berkshire Pork Chop for dinner. Very nice small, quaint bistro with a cozy bar. Somewhat Intimate, with warm lighting and modern fixtures. Highly Recommended!

Editorial Pick for the Best Japanese in Central NJ!

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Shumi Restaurant  30 South Doughty Ave, Somerville, NJ 908-526-8596  The food is excellent, fresh and extremely tasteful. We loved the presentations of all of the dishes. Shumi restaurant is one of the rare Japanese restaurants that try to add a romantic touch and style to all their dishes! Very quiet, peaceful atmosphere. First rate Shushi.

 

Editorial Pick for Most unique Chocolate Dessert Lounge in Central NJ!

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Donna Toscana® Artisan Chocolates & Lounge 19 Eastman Street | Cranford, NJ 908-272-4380 Looking for a great spot for dessert? Try the Donna Toscana Chocolate Lounge and you will leave "addicted." Bring a bottle of wine and a naughty appetite as you will be treated to a superlative array of chocolate madness. Diane Pinder's treats are sure to leave you with a warm smile on your face and a sublime feeling in your belly.

Best Seafood Restaurants in Central Jersey

Blue Point Grill 258 Nassau St. (Pine St.) Princeton, NJ 609-921-1211 Blue Point Grill sets the standard in providing impeccably fresh seafood and shellfish from around the world. A little pricey but the freshest seafood we've ever tasted!

Pluckeman Inn 359 Route 202 South, Bedminster NJ, 908-658-9292 Although not geared just to seafood, this contemporary American restaurant surely brings a top level of seafood, wine and service to the table. Sophisticated yet warm. We have also listed the Pluckeman Inn as one of the best restaurants in Northern NJ as it is on the border of being very close to both Northern and Central NJ.

Best American Cusine in Central New Jersey

Nicholas 160 State Route 35, Red Bank, NJ 732-345-9977 Outstanding combination of presentation, detail oriented service, and exceptional cuisine. Truly one of the best American restaurants in Central NJ

Best Unknown Seafood/Steak in Central New Jersey

KC Prime 4160 Quakerbridge Road, Lawrenceville,NJ 609-275-5418 By far one of the best unknown Steakhouses in all of NJ. Don't miss the awesome seafood appetizer. Their menu features the finest in USDA Choice and Prime beef, as well as the freshest seafood, chicken, pasta around. Well worth a try!

Jakeabob's Bay (No website) 525 Front St. Union Beach, NJ 732-264-3730 The food and service is great and the summer atmosphere is wonderful. Very reasonable prices and a cool bar.

Best Italian Restaurants in Central NJ

Best Casual Bar Atmosphere in Central New Jersey

Best Unknown restaurant in Central New Jersey

A little bit about the FunNewJersey.com Restaurant Guide in Central NJ

Remember that a "Best of list" is just an editorial opinion. You should use them for what they should be used for..... A reference of opinion. Of course they are not the "gospel" that is set in stone and does not define every restaurants' reputation and standard. There are always great restaurants that will get bad reviews as there are restaurants that aren't considered as good that will get good reviews. Please enjoy this reference for what it is. A guide of opinion. It is more important to remember that you should simply have fun going out and trying new restaurants in New Jersey. You will surely come up with your own favorites.

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