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.