Delicious dining, gourmet markets, and foodie hotspots make these NJ towns perfect for people who love great food
Let’s face it: living in the city means amazing food that’s never more than a few steps (or a few clicks…) away. While the NYC suburbs may never surpass the boroughs in sheer foodie fame, more and more New Jersey towns are upping their game. With eclectic restaurants, gourmet grocers, and specialty eats rivaling urban outposts, these NJ suburbs are perfect for families with a taste for the exceptional.
#1. Montclair
Montclair’s culinary scene is as vibrant and diverse as its residents. With three downtown areas offering everything from global cuisines to intimate eateries, this suburb is a true foodie haven.
- Faubourg: This chic restaurant brings modern French cuisine to Montclair. From coq au vin to steak frites, its expertly crafted dishes and standout wine selection make it ideal for date nights or celebrations. The outdoor garden and sleek design complete the upscale dining experience.
- Marcel Bakery and Kitchen: Chef Meny Vaknin delivers Mediterranean-inspired dishes straight from his family’s recipe book. Marcel is a must-visit for breakfast, brunch, and lunch, from fresh-baked pastries to shakshuka and refreshing salads.
- Le Salbuen: This charming café offers organic and locally sourced European and American-inspired dishes. Think artisanal ingredients and a cozy, welcoming vibe, perfect for a casual meal with the family.
- Tasca: This chic bistro brings a taste of the Mediterranean to Montclair, offering elevated tapas, paella, and a thoughtfully curated wine list. Whether you’re sharing small plates or indulging in their signature sangria, Tasca is perfect for date nights or celebratory dinners.
#2. Millburn
Millburn’s dining scene combines classic mainstays with exciting new additions, creating a perfect blend of tradition and innovation for food lovers.
- Millburn Standard: This trendy gastropub is all about elevated comfort food with a creative twist. Think burgers, mac and cheese, and craft cocktails served in a vibrant, modern setting. Millburn Standard is perfect for a casual night out with family or friends.
- Basilico: A beloved institution in Millburn, Basilico has been serving classic Italian cuisine for years. Known for its warm atmosphere and consistently excellent dishes like veal parmigiana and seafood risotto, it’s a go-to for both locals and visitors.
- Willow & Whisk: The newest addition to Millburn’s culinary landscape, Willow & Whisk is quickly earning rave reviews. With creative takes on breakfast and brunch staples, like their signature lemon ricotta pancakes, it’s an exciting spot to start your day in style.
- Evoo and Lemon: This Mediterranean gem focuses on fresh, vibrant flavors inspired by Greek cuisine. The menu is packed with delicious options like spanakopita, grilled octopus, and their signature gyro platters. Its cozy atmosphere and flavorful dishes make it a standout in Millburn.
#3. Ridgewood
Ridgewood is a culinary gem with its picturesque charm and more than 100 restaurants. The mix of casual spots and upscale dining makes it perfect for food lovers of all kinds.
- Latour: This elegant French restaurant offers classics like Coq au Vin and Beef Wellington. BYOB and enjoy an intimate meal perfect for date nights or celebrating milestones.
- Park West Tavern: A modern American eatery with a chic ambiance, Park West serves everything from brunch to dinner with vibrant, seasonal menus that are always a crowd-pleaser.
- Sola Osteria: A relatively new addition to Ridgewood’s food scene, Solaia Osteria redefines Italian dining with fresh, elevated takes on traditional dishes. Whether it’s house-made pastas, perfectly crafted pizzas, or a curated wine list, this spot balances authentic flavors with modern culinary flair.
#4. Summit
Summit’s food scene is growing by the day, blending historic charm with exciting culinary options. Whether you’re in the mood for classic diner fare or high-end eats, Summit delivers.
- Felina: This popular restaurant brings a modern twist to Italian cuisine in a beautifully restored bank building. With standout dishes like hand-rolled pasta, fresh seafood, and locally sourced meats, it’s the perfect spot for a special occasion or a memorable night out.
- Roots Steakhouse: A local favorite for its surf-and-turf offerings, Roots combines luxury with comfort. It’s an excellent spot for a celebratory dinner or a cozy night out.
- La Focaccia: This Italian gem brings the flavors of Italy to Summit with its fresh pasta, classic sauces, and warm ambiance. It’s a favorite for date nights and family dinners alike.
- Huntley Taverne: Huntley Taverne combines rustic charm with farm-to-table dining. Its seasonal menu highlights fresh, locally sourced ingredients, from hearty braised short ribs to inventive vegetable sides. This cozy, upscale spot is a favorite for everything from date nights to celebratory dinners.
#5. Morristown
Morristown’s historic charm blends seamlessly with its vibrant culinary scene, offering a mix of upscale dining, international cuisines, and trendy spots.
- South + Pine: A modern American eatery by Chef Leia Gaccione (a Chopped and Top Chef alum), known for fresh, seasonal dishes with creative twists. Favorites include the short rib pappardelle and brussels sprout salad.
- Jockey Hollow Bar & Kitchen: Set in a stunning restored mansion, this upscale spot features multiple dining areas offering everything from fresh seafood to elevated small plates.
- The Committed Pig: A casual favorite specializing in gourmet burgers and indulgent brunch dishes like pork roll grilled cheese and stuffed French toast.
- 1776 by David Burke: On the historic Morristown Green, 1776 by David Burke combines bold flavors with a vibrant atmosphere. Highlights include salt-aged beef, inventive pasta, pizzas, and playful dishes like chili-dusted Hipster Fries and marshmallow-stuffed cookie sliders. The dramatic space and lively ambiance make it a top choice for a night out.
#6. SOMA
Maplewood and South Orange have bustling downtowns filled with diverse eateries and an emphasis on farm-to-table and international flavors.
- Lorena’s: One of the best French restaurants in NJ, Lorena’s serves refined, seasonal dishes in an intimate, elegant setting. Their duck confit and chocolate soufflé are legendary.
- Artie’s: A beloved spot for artisanal wood-fired pizzas, fresh pasta, and Italian-inspired small plates, all made with high-quality local ingredients.
- True Salvage Cafe: True Salvage Café offers a unique dining experience that locals rave about, especially for its exclusive monthly Tapas Night (pro tip: get on the waitlist ASAP). Known for its creative small plates, rustic charm, and warm atmosphere, it’s a must-visit for those looking to indulge.
- Osteria LK: Osteria LK is a cozy and stylish Italian eatery that uses fresh, locally sourced ingredients. With a menu featuring handmade pasta, creative antipasti, and rustic Italian mains, it has become a cherished spot for casual dinners and celebrations.
This is just a taste (pun intended) of what the New Jersey suburbs are serving up. If you’re looking for a foodie hotspot to call home, your Suburban Jungle Strategist can help–but we highly recommend starting here.
For more insights, visit SJ’s New York City suburbs section and the New York City blog page on our website.
It’s not just about bedrooms and bathrooms—it’s about finding the right place to live, eat, and thrive. If you’re ready to find your perfect suburb, Schedule a free initial strategy call today. All services are completely free.
