Savor the Flavors: New Jersey’s Best Restaurants of 2025

Our Picks for the best new jersey restaurants

New Jersey’s food scene shines thanks to variety, craft, and strong roots. Picking the best new jersey restaurants 2025 is not simple, since the state offers everything from classic diners to tasting menus with serious technique. The right pick depends on what you want, whether that is a cozy date spot, an upscale night out, or a table with a view. Use this guide to find the best restaurants NJ 2025 has to offer, sorted by style and setting.

How were these New Jersey restaurants selected for 2025?

When curating our list of New Jersey's best restaurants, we go beyond popularity and reputation. Each selection is based on a careful balance of food quality, ambiance, service, and consistency—the pillars of a truly memorable dining experience.
Our Criteria:

  • Food Quality Fresh, seasonal ingredients sourced with care Creativity and execution in flavor, presentation, and technique Menu
  • Ambiance Atmosphere that enhances the meal, whether cozy, elegant, or scenic Thoughtful design, lighting, and acoustics that set the right mood.
  • Service Attentive, knowledgeable staff who elevate the experience Smooth pacing from kitchen to table Genuine hospitality that makes guests feel welcome
  • Consistency Reliable excellence across multiple visits Standards maintained regardless of time, day, or season. A proven track record of delivering on expectations

Key takeaways

  • New Jersey’s best 2025 picks span styles and budgets, with strong New American, Italian, Asian, and scenic-view options.
  • Standout New American: Elements (Princeton), Judy & Harry’s (Asbury Park), 87 Sussex (Jersey City).
  • Top Italian: Cafe 2825 (Atlantic City), Fiorentini (Rutherford), Jasper Stone (Monroe), Ristorante LUCCA (Bordentown).
  • Best Asian and fusion: Hunan Taste (Denville and Montclair), Ossu Asian Tavern (Atlantic City), Peking Pavilion (Manalapan).
  • Best for waterfront views: Battello (Jersey City), Chart House (Weehawken), Capriccio (Atlantic City).

Best 2025 NJ New American Restauants

Elements – Princeton, NJ
Above Mistral in downtown Princeton, Elements keeps a devoted following and steady national buzz. Chef Scott Anderson, a four-time James Beard Award semi-finalist, serves a seasonal five-course menu grounded in New American cooking with clear Japanese influence. Expect about two and a half hours at the table. The room feels calm and refined, with warm earth tones, exposed beams, a bold mural, and views into the open kitchen.

Judy’s and Harry’s – Asbury Park, NJ
Judy & Harry’s pairs Jewish and Italian-American comfort food with a polished touch. Chef David Viana, a three-time James Beard Award nominee, teams with Neilly Robinson on a menu that feels playful and familiar at once. Judy’s sits at the back for a more personal experience, while Harry’s next door offers a bar and lounge. Look for inventive takes on classics, Italian flavors, and seasonal local ingredients.

87 Sussex – Jersey City, NJ
In Paulus Hook, 87 Sussex blends classic fine dining style with a relaxed, modern feel. Executive Chef Brian Walter draws on French technique, precise Asian notes, and a seasonal mindset. Ingredients are top tier and handled with restraint. The space feels intimate and upscale without fuss, perfect for date night or a quiet business dinner.

Best 2025 NJ Italian Restaurants

Cafe 2825 – Atlantic City, NJ
A block from the Tropicana, Café 2825 offers a small, warm dining room and polished service. The kitchen focuses on Southern Italian favorites, with a few Northern accents. House-made pasta, well-seasoned sauces, and clean, balanced flavors define the menu. Portions satisfy without feeling heavy, and timing is steady from course to course.

Fiorentini – Rutherford, NJ
Run by two Florentines, Fiorentini brings Tuscan roots and seasonal cooking to the center of Rutherford. The team sources what is fresh, then complements it with key imports from Italy. Plates feel honest and refined, with a focus on quality and time-tested technique. For diners seeking standout Italian in New Jersey, this spot delivers a memorable meal.

Jasper Stone Italian Steakhouse – Monroe, NJ
Jasper Stone moves past red-sauce clichés with modern Italian dishes and regional inspiration. The kitchen highlights grass-fed, aged Wagyu, antibiotic- and hormone-free meats, and wild-caught seafood. The room mixes style and comfort, with candlelit tables, soft lighting, and well-spaced seating that keeps conversation easy.

Ristorante LUCCA – Bordentown, NJ
LUCCA leans into Old World elegance. Soft lighting, crystal chandeliers, plush carpets, and framed portraits set a rich mood. White tablecloths and classic service keep the focus on guests. The staff runs a tight, formal floor that still feels friendly and personal, ideal for a romantic night.

Best 2025 NJ Asian/Chinese Fusion Restaurants

Hunan Taste – Denville & Montclair, NJ
Since 1986, Hunan Taste has treated Morris County to refined Chinese cooking and standout presentation. The Hsiung family built a loyal fan base by focusing on technique and consistency. Inside, carved wood, Chinese art, and large aquariums set an elegant tone for celebrations or relaxed family dinners.

Ossu Asian Tavern – Atlantic City, NJ
On the Boardwalk inside the Tropicana, Ossu Asian Tavern brings together Japanese street food and a wide sweep of Asian flavors. The menu spans Japanese, Chinese, Korean, and Thai dishes. Share plates, order sushi, sip a Japanese whisky, and enjoy the lively energy.

Peking Pavilion – Manalapan, NJ
Peking Pavilion stands out for Chinese fusion with French-influenced technique. The Ku family runs a kitchen that values fresh ingredients and careful execution. Prices skew higher than casual spots, yet the portions, balance, and beef dishes justify it. The bar makes waiting easy, with solid cocktails and quick service.

Best 2025 Scenic View Dining Restaurants

Battello – Jersey City, NJ
Set on a pier with wide views of Lower Manhattan, Battello pairs chef-driven cooking with an easygoing upscale vibe. High ceilings, timber beams, and light-filled rooms create a striking space. Glass jars add texture without closing off the room. Two bars and a lounge bring energy, and the patio shines at sunset. The menu leans New American with clear Italian roots.

Chart House – Weehawken, NJ
At the end of a Hudson River pier, Chart House faces Manhattan with floor-to-ceiling windows. Nearly every seat looks out on the skyline, and outdoor tables sit right over the water in warm months. It is an upbeat place for birthdays and anniversaries, and it can feel romantic if you like a bit of buzz.

Capriccio – Atlantic City, NJ
Opened in 1978 with Resorts Casino, Capriccio is the casino’s longest-running restaurant. Loyal guests return for reliable cooking, polished service, and ocean views. The dining room feels grand and intimate at once, with vaulted ceilings, crystal chandeliers, and hand-painted murals. Panoramic views of the Atlantic and the boardwalk add energy. In warm weather,

FAQs

Q: Which picks are best for a special occasion or date night?
A: Elements, 87 Sussex, Ristorante LUCCA, Battello, and Capriccio offer refined service and memorable settings.
Q: Where can I find the best waterfront views?
A: Battello in Jersey City, Chart House in Weehawken, and Capriccio in Atlantic City feature standout skyline or ocean views.
Q: Do these restaurants require reservations?
A: Yes for most, especially Elements, Cafe 2825, Ristorante LUCCA, and waterfront venues. Book online or call ahead.
Q: Are vegetarian or gluten-free options available?
A: Many menus include options. Check each restaurant’s online menu or call to confirm accommodations.