- 109 Church St., New Brunswick, NJ 08901
- 732-745-8090
EXPLORE THE BEST RESTAURANTS IN CENTRAL JERSEY
From classy Italian eateries to family-friendly diners, Central New Jersey has restaurants to suit every appetite. You’ll find dozens of options in New Brunswick’s downtown area on George Street. This entertainment district is a haven for foodies looking to try new culinary experiences. You’ll also find great options in other parts of Middlesex County, from tempting bakeries in Edison to oceanfront seafood establishments in Perth Amboy. The restaurants in Central Jersey reflect the local culture — diverse and exciting.
Classic American Fare
Looking for a budget-friendly menu that will make everyone in your party happy? It’s easy to find diners in Central Jersey that serve the classic fare you want. You can’t go wrong with a burger and fries with a shake on the side, but you won’t want to forget classics like meatloaf and mashed potatoes. Popular choices include Anthony’s Bar and Grill in South Amboy and Olde Queens Tavern in New Brunswick.
Go for Asian Food
After a day of exploring all of the family-friendly attractions, you might want to grab some Asian food. What could be better than a few dumplings and fried rice? Central Jersey is home to some of the best Chinese, Thai, Japanese, and Asian fusion restaurants in the state. Chinese Mirch in New Brunswick and Ming Far East Cuisine in Edison are popular with locals.
Satisfy Your Creole Food Cravings
Central New Jersey may not come to mind when you imagine great southern food. However, this region is home to some great Creole restaurants that feature dishes made by imports from Louisiana. You’ll find more than just red beans and rice on the menu. Creole cuisine includes spicy ingredients and fresh seafood, some of which locals catch right off the coast. You’ll find oysters Rockefeller and chicken Creole at spots such as Cool Runnin’s Caribbean and Delta’s Restaurant in New Brunswick.
For Special Occasions
If you come to the area for an anniversary or a celebration, you’ll find plenty of restaurants that help you celebrate. Do you want to go all out with fancy fine dining and white tablecloths? Steakhouse 85 is where locals go when they want to dress up and feel special. Of course, Central New Jersey is also known for its amazing Italian restaurants. Consider trying Catherine Lombardi, which serves delicious pasta in a cozy environment with fireplaces, or Gambino’s Inn, which has a large banquet area for larger parties.
Enjoy Mexican and Southwestern Cuisines
Do you have a hankering for overstuffed burritos or spicy enchiladas? Middlesex County is home to several Mexican restaurants that offer combination platters with multiple dishes along with some unique options. Surf Taco in New Brunswick is one of the best places to grab tacos, but you may want to head over to Tinga Mexican BBQ for some authentic dishes. There are also many budget-friendly chains, such as On the Border Mexican Grill & Cantina.
Don’t Forget Dessert
Whether you want to cap off a night at the theater or grab a quick bite before taking in the live entertainment in Middlesex County, you’ll find some fun places to go. You can pick up homemade ice cream with your favorite toppings or an elegant box of chocolates to enjoy later. Surreal Creamery and Thomas Sweet Ice Cream are some of the top places to find sweet treats. Do you follow a strict gluten-free or vegan diet? Simply Chai makes desserts that use only vegan ingredients, while GM’s Best Gluten-Free offers some of the best GF desserts around.
Enjoy the Best Food in New Brunswick, NJ, and Surrounding Areas
At Central Jersey Convention & Visitors Bureau, we want to help all of our visitors find anything that they need. We can help you find the right hotel for your trip and locate fun things to do with your family and friends. You’ll also find information on the top dining spots in Central Jersey. Contact us if you need help planning your Central Jersey vacation or if you have questions about what to do when you get here.
American
Anthony’s Bar and Grill- South Amboy
533 Ridgeway Avenue South Amboy, NJ 08879
Phone: 732-401-0997
Avellino’s Pizzeria & Sports Bar- Dunellen
625 Bound Brook Road Dunellen, NJ 08812
Phone: 732-752-1111
Bagel Nosh- New Brunswick
357 George Street New Brunswick, NJ 08901
Phone: 732-246-7546
Bar Louie- East Brunswick
755 NJ 18 #405A East Brunswick, NJ 08816
Phone: 732-353-2650
Barasky’s North Brunswick Pub & Grill- North Brunswick
1864 U.S. 1 North North Brunswick, NJ 08902
Phone: 732-422-4902
Big Shots Sports Club- Iselin
780 US Highway 1 N Iselin, NJ 08830
Phone: 732-750-5050
Blackthorn Restaurant & Irish Pub- New Brunswick
61 Church Street New Brunswick, NJ 08901
Phone: 732-745-4611
Brick House Tavern and Tap- South Plainfield
4901 Stelton Road South Plainfield, NJ 07080
Phone: 908-753-4892
Buffalo Wild Wings- North Brunswick
2241 US Highway 1 North Brunswick Township, NJ 08902
Phone: 732-297-9413
Buzzy’s Food & Spirits- Piscataway
200 Stelton Road Piscataway, NJ 08854
Phone: 732-752-2229
Chili’s- North Brunswick
867 US 1 South North Brunswick, NJ 08902
Phone: 732-545-7955
Cool Runnin’s Caribbean- New Brunswick
25 Easton Avenue Row New Brunswick, NJ 08901
Phone: 732-246-2800
Delta’s Restaurant- New Brunswick
19 Dennis Street New Brunswick, NJ 08901
Phone: 732-249-1551
Destination Dogs- New Brunswick
101 Paterson Street New Brunswick, NJ 08901
Phone: 732-993-1016
Ellery’s Grill- Middlesex
701 Lincoln Boulevard Middlesex, NJ 08812
Phone: 732-356-2444
Fat Cactus Cantina- New Brunswick
350 George Street New Brunswick, NJ 08901
Phone: 732-543-1153
Ferraro’s Pizzeria & Pub- Middlesex
275 Lincoln Boulevard Middlesex, NJ 08846
Phone: 732-667-3863
Flanagan ‘s Restaurant & Pub- South Plainfield
2501 Plainfield Avenue South Plainfield, NJ 07080
Phone: 908-757-1818
Fox and Hound English Pub- Edison
250 Menlo Park Dr. Edison, NJ 08837
Phone: 732-452-9100
Freddy’s Sports Bar & Grill- Somerset
149 Pierce Street Somerset, NJ 08873
Phone: 732-356-3334
Fritz’s- New Brunswick
115 Easton Avenue Row New Brunswick, NJ 08901
Phone: 732-543-0202
Fusions Restaurant and Lounge- Piscataway
21 Kingsbridge Rd Piscataway Township, NJ 08854
Phone: 732-980-0400
Gabriele’s Bar and Grille- Piscataway
1351 Centennial Avenue Piscataway Township, NJ 0885
Phone: 732-981-1234
Garvey’s Family Restaurant and Pub- Monroe
405 Spotswood Gravel Hill Road Monroe Township, NJ 08831
Phone: 732-521-3311
George Street Ale House- New Brunswick
378 George Street New Brunswick, NJ 08901
Phone: 732-543-2408
Glass Woods Restaurant- New Brunswick
2 Albany Street New Brunswick, NJ 08901
Phone: 732-873-1234
Glo Ultra Lounge & Tequila Bar- New Brunswick
367 George Street New Brunswick, NJ 08901
Phone: 732-261-4044
Gloria Jean’s Coffees- New Brunswick
120 Albany Street New Brunswick, NJ 08901
Phone: 732-214-9800
Grillestone- Old Bridge
2658 Route 516 Old Bridge, NJ 08857
Phone: 732-952-5626
Harvest Moon- New Brunswick
392 George Street New Brunswick, NJ 08901
Phone: 732-249-6666
Havana Central Restaurant & Bar- Edison
55 Parsonage Road Edison, NJ 08837
Phone: 732-906-5708
Hooters of Brunswick- East Brunswick
195 State Route 18 East Brunswick, NJ 08816
Phone: 732-565-9464
Houlihan’s Woodbridge- Woodbridge
65 Route 1 South Woodbridge, NJ 08840
Phone: 732-205-1900
Houlihan’s New Brunswick- New Brunswick
55 Us-1 New Brunswick, NJ 08901
Phone: 732-448-0500
Hub City- New Brunswick
335 George Street New Brunswick, NJ 08901
Phone: 732-543-1804
INC American Bar & Kitchen- New Brunswick
302 George Street New Brunswick, NJ 08901
Phone: 732-640-0553
J.J. Bitting Brewery Co.- Woodbridge
33 Main Street Woodbridge Township, NJ 07095
Phone: 732-634-2929
La Bon Bake Shoppes- Edison
2062 Route 27 Edison, NJ 08817
Phone: 732-287-1313
Le Café Metro- Iselin
120 S Wood Avenue Iselin, NJ 08830
Phone: 732-494-6200
Old Man Rafferty’s- New Brunswick
106 Albany Street New Brunswick, NJ 08901
Phone: 732-846-615
Olde Queens Tavern- New Brunswick
108 Easton Avenue New Brunswick, NJ 08901
Phone: 732-846-4006
Olio- Woodbridge
515 U.S. 1 Iselin, NJ 08830
Phone: 732-634-1805
On The Border- New Brunswick
51 US HWY 1 South New Brunswick, NJ 08901
Phone: 732-979-2192
Panico’s Restaurant + Bar- New Brunswick
94 Church Street New Brunswick, NJ 08901
Phone: 732-545-6161
Perle Night Club and Lounge- New Brunswick
13 Paterson Street New Brunswick, NJ 08901
Phone: 732-937-6113
Rainforest Cafe- Edison
520 Menlo Park Edison, NJ 08837
Phone: 732-452-0011
Redd’s Biergarten- New Brunwick
5 Easton Avenue New Brunswick, NJ 08901
Phone: 732-246-6800
Richie’s Sports Bar- Edison
1 Vineyard Road Edison, NJ 08817
Phone: 732-287-1318
Roosterspin- New Brunswick
120 Albany Street New Brunswick, NJ 08901
Phone: 732-545-4500
Roxy & Dukes Roadhouse- Dunellen
745 Bound Brook Rd Dunellen, NJ, 08812
Phone: 732-529-4464
Rug’s & Riffy’s Bar & Grill- Woodbridge
493 Rahway Avenue Woodbridge Township, NJ 07095
Phone: 732-636-3747
Salt Seafood & Oyster Bar- New Brunswick
103 Church Street New Brunswick, NJ 08901
Phone: 732-745-7258
Seasons 52- Edison
217 Lafayette Road Edison, NJ 08837
Phone: 732-632-1852
Skylark Diner & Lounge- Edison
17 Wooding Avenue Edison, NJ 08817
Phone: 732-777-7878
SoHo Lounge in La Quinta Inn- Somerset
60 Cottontail Lane Somerset, NJ 08873
Phone: 732-560-9880
Stage House Tavern- Somerset
1719 Amwell Road Somerset, NJ 08873
Phone: 732-873-3990
Stuff Yer Face- New Brunswick
49 Easton Avenue New Brunswick, NJ 08901
Phone: 732-247-1727
Surf Taco- New Brunswick
97 Hamilton Street New Brunswick, NJ 08901
Phone: 732-214-0528
T.G.I. Fridays- Piscataway
1315 Centennial Avenue Piscataway Township, NJ 08854
Phone: 732-465-0101
Tavern on George- New Brunswick
361 George Street New Brunswick, NJ 08901
Phone: 732-545-6205
The Ale House Tavern and Tap- Sayreville
1899 New Jersey 35 Sayreville, NJ 08879
Phone: 732-707-3966
The Brunswick Grove- East Brunswick
327 Milltown Road East Brunswick, NJ 08816
Phone: 732-254-0495
The Greene Turtle Sports Bar & Grille- North Brunswick
211 Main Street North Brunswick, NJ 08902
Phone: 732-515-9760
The Landmark Tavern and Café- South Amboy
117 N Broadway # 1 South Amboy, NJ 08879
Phone: 732-721-6812
The Original Thin Crust Pizza Company- Jamesburg
306 Gatzmer Avenue Jamesburg, NJ 08831
Phone: 732-641-2041
Tim Kerwin’s Tavern- Middlesex
353 Bound Brook Road Middlesex, NJ 08846
Phone: 732-968-3805
Veganized- New Brunswick
1 Elm Row New Brunswick, NJ 08901
Phone: 732-342-7412
Zupko’s Tavern- Dunellen
450 North Avenue Dunellen, NJ 08812
Phone: 732-968-1020
Colonial Diner- East Brunswick
560 New Jersey 18 East Brunswick, NJ 08816
Phone: 732-254-4858
Jersey Subs- New Brunswick
380 George St # 1 New Brunswick, NJ 08901
Phone: 732-418-7900
Rock ‘n’ Joe- Westfield
20 Prospect Street Westfield, NJ 07090
Phone: 908-232-1660
Turning Point Restaurant- Westfield
137 Central Avenue Westfield, NJ 07090
Phone: 908-264-8180
The WindMill- Westfield
256 East Broad Street Westfield, NJ 07090
Phone: 908-233-2001
Xocolatz- Westfield
235 Elmer Street Westfield, NJ 07090
Phone: 908-232-3962
McLoone’s Woodbridge Grille- Woodbridge
3 Lafayette Road Fords, NJ 08863
Phone: 732-512-5025
Cheesecake Factory- Edison
455 Menlo Park Drive Edison, NJ 08837
Phone: 732-494-7000
Harold’s New York Deli Restaurant- Edison
3050 Woodbridge Avenue Edison, NJ 08837
Phone: 732-661-9100
Chinese
Chinese Mirch- North Brunswick
2800 Route 27 North Brunswick, NJ 08902
Phone: 732-951-8424
Ming Far Eastern Cuisine- Edison
1655 Oak Tree Road # 185 Edison, NJ 08820
Phone: 732-549-5051
ETHIOPIAN
Dashen- New Brunswick
88 Albany Street New Brunswick, NJ 08901
Phone: 732-249-0494
Fine Dining
Chris Michaels Restaurant and Lounge- Woodbridge
40 Oakwood Ave Woodbridge Township, NJ 07095
Phone: 732-634-5355
Christopher’s Restaurant and Bar at the Heldrich- New Brunswick
10 Livingston Avenue New Brunswick, NJ 08901
Phone: 732-729-4670
The Frog and the Peach- New Brunswick
29 Dennis Street New Brunswick, NJ 08901
Phone: 732-846-3216
Steakhouse 85- New Brunswick
85 Church Street New Brunswick, NJ 08901
Phone: 732-247-8585
Sweet Waters Steak House- Westfield
43 Elm Street Westfield, NJ 07090
Phone: 908-317-2599
Catherine Lombardi- New Brunswick
3 Livingston Avenue New Brunswick, NJ 08901
Phone: 732-296-9463
The Barge- Perth Amboy
201 Front Street Perth Amboy, NJ 08861
Phone: 732-442-3000
Stage Left- New Brunswick
5 Livingston Avenue New Brunswick, NJ 08901
Phone: 732-828-4444
Mulberry Street Restaurant- Woodbridge
739 Rahway Avenue Woodbridge Township, NJ 07095
Phone: 732-634-4699
LouCas Restaurant- Edison
9 State Route 27 # 9A Edison, NJ 08820
Phone: 732-549-8580
INC American Bar & Kitchen- New Brunswick
302 George Street New Brunswick, NJ 08901
Phone: 732-640-0553
French
Sophie’s Bistro- Somerset
700 Hamilton Street Somerset, NJ 08873
Phone: 732-545-7778
Chez Catherine- Westfield
431 North Avenue W Westfield, NJ 07090
Phone: 908-654-4011
Café Paris- Metuchen
439 Main Street Metuchen, NJ 08840
Phone: 732-603-9200
La Bon Bake Shoppes- Edison
2062 Route 27 Edison, NJ 08817
Phone: 732-287-1313
Indian
Chinese Mirch- North Brunswick
2800 Route 27 North Brunswick, NJ 08902
Phone: 732-951-8424
Moghul- Edison
1655 Oak Tree Rd # 195 Edison, NJ 08820
Phone: 732-549-5050
Urban Spice- Iselin
42 Marconi Avenue Iselin, NJ 08830
Phone: 732-283-1043
Akbar Restaurant- Edison
21 Cortlandt St # 1 Edison, NJ 08837
Phone: 732-632-8822
Italian
Avellino’s Pizzeria & Sports Bar- Dunellen
625 Bound Brook Road Dunellen, NJ 08812
Phone: 732-752-1111
Gambino’s Inn- New Brunswick
284 Remsen Avenue New Brunswick, NJ 08901
Phone: 732-249- 3337
Panico’s Restaurant + Bar- New Brunswick
94 Church Street New Brunswick, NJ 08901
Phone: 732-545-6161
Cosimo’s Restaurant & Pizzeria- Westfield
50 Elm Street Westfield, NJ 07090
Phone: 908-654-3232
Theresa’s Restaurant- Westfield
47 Elm Street Westfield, NJ 07090
Phone: 908-233-9133
Catherine Lombardi- New Brunswick
3 Livingston Avenue New Brunswick, NJ 08901
Phone: 732-296-9463
Mulberry Street Restaurant- Woodbridge
739 Rahway Avenue Woodbridge, NJ 07095
Phone: 732-634-4699
La Villa Pizzeria & Restaurant- Monroe
355 Applegarth Road Monroe, NJ 08831
Phone: 609-655-3338
Café Gallo- Edison
1153 Inman Avenue Edison, NJ 08820
Phone: 908-756-4745
Carrabbas Italian Grill- East Brunswick
335 New Jersey 18 East Brunswick, NJ 08816
Phone: 732-432-8054
LouCas Restaurant- Edison
9 State Route 27 # 9A Edison, NJ 08820
Phone: 732-549-8580
Panico’s Restaurant + Bar- New Brunswick
94 Church Street New Brunswick, NJ 08901
Phone: 732-545-6161
The Original Thin Crust Pizza Company- Jamesburg
306 Gatzmer Avenue Jamesburg, NJ 08831
Phone: 732-641-2041
Japanese
Lebanese
Evelyn’s Restaurant and Bar- New Brunswick
45 Easton Avenue New Brunswick, NJ 08901
Phone: 732-246-8792
Malaysian
Ming Far Eastern Cuisine- Edison
1655 Oak Tree Road # 185 Edison, NJ 08820
Phone: 732-549-5051
Penang- Edison
505 Old Post Road Edison, NJ 08817
Phone: 732-287-3038
Mediterranean
Evelyn’s Restaurant and Bar- New Brunswick
45 Easton Avenue New Brunswick, NJ 08901
Phone: 732-246-8792
Mexican / South Western
Chili’s- North Brunswick
867 US 1 South North Brunswick, NJ 08902
Phone: 732-545-7995
Havana Central Restaurant & Bar- Edison
55 Parsonage Road Edison, NJ 08837
Phone: 732-906-5708
On the Border Mexican Grill & Cantina- New Brunswick
51 U.S. 1 New Brunswick, NJ 08901
Phone: 732-979-2192
Qdoba Mexican Grill- New Brunswick
385 George Street New Brunswick, NJ 08901
Phone: 732-227-0058
Surf Taco- New Brunswick
97 Hamilton Street New Brunswick, NJ 08901
Phone: 732-214-0528
Tinga Mexican BBQ- Westfield
110 Central Avenue Westfield, NJ 07090
Phone: 908-301-0100
Fat Cactus Cantina- New Brunswick
350 George Street New Brunswick, NJ 08901
Phone: 732-543-1153
Seafood
The Barge- Perth Amboy
201 Front Street Perth Amboy, NJ 08861
Phone: 732-442-3000
Salt Seafood & Oyster Bar- New Brunswick
103 Church Street New Brunswick, NJ 08901
Phone: 732-745-7258
Soul Food/ Creole
Cool Runnin’s Caribbean- New Brunswick
25 Easton Avenue Row New Brunswick, NJ 08901
Phone: 732-246-2800
Delta’s Restaurant- New Brunswick
19 Dennis Street New Brunswick, NJ 08873
Phone: 732-249-1551
Specialty Venue
La Bon Bake Shoppes- Edison
2062 Route 27 Edison, NJ 08817
Phone: 732-287-1313
Clydz Creative Food and Drink- New Brunswick
55 Paterson Street New Brunswick, NJ 08901
Phone: 732-846-6521
Maoz Vegetarian- New Brunswick
385 George Street New Brunswick, NJ 08901
Phone: 732-543-1600
Yapple Yogurt- Westfield
116 Elm Street Westfield, NJ 07090
Phone: 908-228-5373
Cornucopia Cruise Line- Perth Amboy
401 Riverview Drive Perth Amboy, NJ 08861
Phone: 732-697-9500
The Orchid Kosher Restaurant- Metuchen
455 Main Street Metuchen, NJ 08840
Phone: 732-321-9829
Stress Factory- New Brunswick
90 Church Street New Brunswick, NJ 08901
Phone: 732-545-4242
Gloria Jean’s Coffees- New Brunswick
120 Albany Street New Brunswick, NJ 08901
Phone: 732-214-9800
Bagel Nosh- New Brunswick
357 George Street New Brunswick, NJ 08901
Phone: 732-246-7546
Roosterspin- New Brunswick
120 Albany Street New Brunswick, NJ 08901
Phone: 732-545-4500
Destination Dogs- New Brunswick
101 Paterson Street New Brunswick, NJ 08901
Phone: 732-993-1016
Veganized- New Brunswick
1 Elm Row New Brunswick, NJ 08901
Phone: 732-342-7412
Steakhouse
Arthur’s Steakhouse- North Brunswick
644 Georges Road North Brunswick, NJ 08902
Phone: 732-828-1117
Chris Michael’s- Woodbridge
40 Oakwood Ave Woodbridge Township, NJ 07095
Phone: 732-634-5355
Steakhouse 85- New Brunswick
85 Church Street New Brunswick, NJ 08901
Phone: 732-247-8585
Sweet Waters Steak House- Westfield
43 Elm Street Westfield, NJ 07090
Phone: 908-317-2599
Thai
Splash of Thai- Westfield
321 South Avenue West Westfield, NJ 07090
Phone: 908-232-0402
Ming Far Eastern Cuisine- Edison
1655 Oak Tree Road # 185 Edison, NJ 08820
Phone: 732-549-5051
Rhong-Tiam- Plainsboro
660 Plainsboro Road Plainsboro, NJ 08536
Phone: 609-799-1888
Penang- Edison
505 Old Post Road Edison, NJ 08817
Phone: 732-287-3038
IN THIS SECTION:
ABOUT CENTRAL JERSEY
Looking for something to do while visiting Central Jersey? Check out the many attractions that we have to offer! Central Jersey has diverse selection of arts, entertainment, and more!