The best restaurants in North Jersey

Lagar Restaurant is that Union staple where crisp calamari, garlicky clams à Bulhão Pato, and properly grilled steaks share the table with…

1252 Stuyvesant Ave. (Union)

Cafe chain for health-minded breakfast, brunch & lunch options such as omelets, salads & soups.

1235 W Chestnut St # A (Union)

Relaxed option for a variety of pizza combinations & lots of salads, plus fried fare, pasta & subs.

799 Franklin Ave #15 (Franklin Lakes)

New Jersey–based counter-serve sandwich chain serving jumbo subs filled with cold cuts & toppings.

3120 Promenade Blvd (Fair Lawn)

Expansive, homey diner serving American, Italian & Greek eats, plus all-day breakfast since 1974.

98 E Ridgewood Ave (Paramus)

Compact, diner-style BYO cafe known for hearty American breakfasts & dinnertime Italian cuisine.

23 Sheridan Ave (Ho-Ho-Kus)

Bustling neighborhood spot offering Italian food favorites & pizza in a laid-back environment.

21 S Orange Ave (South Orange Village)

Longtime neighborhood go-to with a nostalgic air for traditional Italian homestyle cooking & drinks.

108 Chestnut Ridge Rd (Montvale)

Modest pizzeria serving a variety of whole pies & slices, with hot subs, pastas & other staples.

1300 NJ-17 (Ramsey)

Counter-serve bakery/cafe chain serving sandwiches, salads & more, known for its bread & free WiFi.

1300 NJ-17 (Ramsey)

Family-friendly chain serving classic Tex-Mex & American fare in a Southwestern-style setting.

900 NJ-17 Ste 1 (Ramsey)

Customizable grilled-cheese sandwiches feature at this kiosk with a drive-thru & outdoor tables.

515 Springfield Rd (Kenilworth)

Classic pizzas, plus a familiar lineup of Italian subs & entrees, top the menu of this relaxed cafe.

16 W Ridgewood Ave (Ridgewood)

No-frills pizzeria with a long list of specialty pies, from a bacon cheeseburger to a taco pizza.

153 Maplewood Ave (Maplewood)

Longtime Italian joint for antipasto, pasta & Italian entrees, plus karaoke & piano in the lounge.

554 Nassau St (City of Orange)

Traditional Italian food favorites served in a white-tablecloth setting in a cozy, converted home.

52 Vose Ave (South Orange Village)

Local Portuguese-American chain serving BBQ fare, seafood & sandwiches in a casual setting.

1275 Stuyvesant Ave. (Union)

Italian BYO bistro serving classic fare in an elegant space with an adjacent wine bar/retail store.

640 Wyckoff Ave (Wyckoff)

Traditional eatery serving Italian fare, including homemade pasta dinners, chicken, veal & fish.

96 W Allendale Ave (Allendale)

Casual, 2-story pub with vintage atmosphere & an upper deck offering hearty American & Irish food.

5 W Main St (Ramsey)

Established, always-open diner with many food options, modern decor, a separate bar & a bakery case.

373 State Rt 17 (Mahwah)

Warm pick for New American cuisine, including steaks & seafood, plus a full bar with craft brews.

30 Oak St (Ridgewood)

No-frills counter serve offering simple Japanese bites, including sushi, teriyaki & dumplings.

127 S Orange Ave (South Orange Village)

Casual restaurant offering Mexican fare, including design-your-own burritos, tacos & bowls.

1255 NJ-17 (Ramsey)

Easygoing choice for classic pizzas, as well as red-sauce Italian dishes & sandwiches.

400 Ridge Rd (Mahwah)

Modest pizzeria/restaurant making a host of specialty pies & familiar Italian appetizers & entrees.

501 NJ-17 (Paramus)

Seasonal American cuisine served in a circa-1790 landmark with multiple dining rooms, a bar & patio.

1 E Franklin Turnpike (Ho-Ho-Kus)

Suhana’s Chestnut Deli and Convenience Store is a legit Union go-to for fresh, made-to-order sandwiches, Boar’s Head cold cuts, and…

631 Chestnut St (Union)

Bustling neighborhood spot offering Italian food favorites & pizza in a laid-back environment.

2 Inwood Pl (Maplewood)

Small, straightforward cafe for homemade bagels in a selection of flavors, along with spreads.

123 S Orange Ave (South Orange Village)

Burgers, steaks, craft beer & specialty cocktails served in a brick-&-leather dining room.

42 Main St (Millburn)

Classy standby featuring traditional Italian cuisine, a large wine list & a lively bar scene.

168 W Crescent Ave (Allendale)

Full-service chain bar & grill providing hearty American eats in an informal setting.

Fashion Center Mall, 17 E Ridgewood Ave (Paramus)

Traditional Japanese mainstay providing sushi, sashimi & grilled entrees in a bustling, BYOB setup.

43 Franklin Ave (Ridgewood)

Sandwiches, soups, salads & breakfast fare are served at this enduring, family-run diner.

177 E Ridgewood Ave (Ridgewood)

Intimate, brick-walled setting for familiar Italian dishes complemented by BYO drinks.

194 Essex St (Millburn)

Longtime, neighborhood BYOB nook making traditional Mexican meals to eat in or take out.

232 Mountain Ave (Springfield)

Traditional Japanese joint serving inventive specialty rolls, including one spiked with lemon.

56 S Orange Ave (South Orange Village)

American eatery pairing casual market-fresh cooking & specialty cocktails in hip, modern surrounds.

55 Main St (Millburn)

Counter-serve chain dishing up Southwestern staples from burritos to nachos in lively environs.

380 Ridge Rd (Mahwah)

Started as a food truck and still all about flavor, District Taco lets you build Yucatán-style tacos, burritos, bowls, and quesadillas your…

2456A US-22 (Union)

Casual, family-friendly diner for a lineup of American fare ranging from breakfast to burgers.

614 Boulevard (Kenilworth)

Pasta, chicken, veal & other Italian cuisine served in an elegant space with yellow-hued decor.

32 Franklin Turnpike (Waldwick)

Fine-dining restaurant serving breakfast & upmarket soul food in a sleek, stylish space.

1967 Morris Ave (Union)

High-end Italian cuisine delivered in a refined dining room nearby the Paper Mill Playhouse.

324 Millburn Ave (Millburn)

Burnet B.B.Q. 1 keeps it simple and delicious with Portuguese-American barbecue, plenty of seafood, and big, satisfying sandwiches in a…

1363 Burnet Ave (Union)

Barbecue chain dishing up ribs, brisket, sandwiches & sides in a laid-back setting.

72 Franklin Turnpike (Mahwah)

Cozy restaurant prepping traditional Italian cuisine such as burrata, lasagna & meat/seafood mains.

520 S 31st St (Kenilworth)

Old-school eatery serving breakfast, burgers, American comfort food & classic Italian dishes.

2431 Morris Ave (Union)

Strip-mall Italian restaurant serving up traditional dishes & fine wines in an elegant atmosphere.

20 E Prospect St (Waldwick)

Laid-back counter serve offering pizzas, calzones & pastas in a simple setting since 1980.

14 W Prospect St (Waldwick)

Upscale choice for Northern Italian meals & BYOB in a classic, elegant space with a patio.

1601, 120 Essex St (Millburn)

Craving a legit churrasqueira fix without leaving Union? Piri Piri BBQ turns out Portuguese comfort with BBQ attitude, from juicy BBQ…

1040 Stuyvesant Ave. # B (Union)

No-frills corner kitchen turning out jerk chicken, oxtail, seafood & other Jamaican standards.

559 Chancellor Ave (Irvington)

This laid-back cafe has an eclectic menu ranging from breakfast to burgers to broiled seafood.

1958 Springfield Ave (Maplewood)

Lively restaurant offering traditional Korean hot pots & cook-at-the-table barbecue dishes.

2401 US-22 (Union)

Counter-serve bakery/cafe chain serving sandwiches, salads & more, known for its bread & free WiFi.

770 NJ-17 (Paramus)

Sushi & Japanese entrees offered in a traditional-style eatery with table & sushi-bar seating.

848 E Ridgewood Ave (Ridgewood)

Family-run trattoria offering a Tuscan menu in a relaxed setting with seasonal outdoor seating.

29 W Ridgewood Ave (Ridgewood)

Lively hibachi chefs cook tableside at this casual option also serving sushi & other Japanese eats.

14B Chestnut Ridge Rd (Montvale)

For homestyle Italian that tastes like someone’s nonna still minds the sauce, Uncle Louie’s Pizza leans on family recipes and turns out…

754 Franklin Ave (Franklin Lakes)

Classic American & internationally inspired menu made with vegan ingredients & counter seating.

25 N Spruce St (Ramsey)

Bright all-day eatery & market offering housemade Italian pastas, pastries & cheeses in modern digs.

18 E Ridgewood Ave (Ridgewood)

Italian chain restaurant serving risotto, pasta and wood-fired pizzas, plus fish and seafood dishes.

231 Godwin Ave (Midland Park)

Upscale diner with buzzy brunches, American comfort food & a fashionable vintage atmosphere.

101 E Ridgewood Ave (Ridgewood)

Mcmuscles hits the sweet spot between clean meal prep and craveable comfort, with tacos, artisan pizzas, burgers, and even crunchwraps in…

1564 US-22 (Union)

Busy counter-serve deli serving breakfast classics all day, plus bagels & jumbo sandwiches.

325 Millburn Ave (Millburn)

Brazilian-inspired steakhouse offering a large menu in a relaxed, wood-accented interior.

1603 US-22 (Union)

Adjacent to the town train station, this basic diner serves American fare breakfast through dinner.

1 Sloan St (South Orange Village)

No-frills barbecue joint serving chopped pork, ribs & chicken, plus down-home sides.

2083 Springfield Ave (Vauxhall)

Philly-born counter-serve sandwich chain known for its hefty hoagies built on sesame-seed rolls.

320 Ridge Rd (Mahwah)

Casual chain serving charred-crust pies, plus wings, subs & Italian plates in a modern setting.

984 NJ-17 (Ramsey)

Stylish, Craftsman-style lounge on a golf course offering gastropub fare & a full bar.

3 Golf Dr (Kenilworth)

Hip, counter-serve chain for gourmet takes on fast-food classics like burgers & frozen custard.

479 NJ-17 (Paramus)

Casual counter-serve chain for build-your-own sandwiches & salads, with health-conscious options.

85 Godwin Ave Unit 16 (Midland Park)

Casual, family-owned fixture offering marinated olives & other Italian dishes, plus outdoor seating.

118 Godwin Ave (Midland Park)

Sakae Sushi nails the basics with fresh nigiri and sashimi, then has fun with Dragon and Godzilla rolls, plus hibachi, bento boxes, and…

2727 Morris Ave (Union)

Sushi bar serving Thai & Japanese cuisine, including curries & noodle soups, in an intimate setting.

8-12 Village Plaza (South Orange Village)

Restaurant serving up Mexican meals & margaritas in casual, festive quarters with an outdoor patio.

23 Valley St (South Orange Village)

Homestyle American plates whipped in a warm, relaxed environment with comfy booths & a small patio.

72 Essex St (Millburn)

Casual buffet eatery for Chinese, Japanese, Thai & American dishes plus an à la carte take-out menu.

875 NJ-17 (Ramsey)

Elegant BYOB featuring a seasonal menu of creative eclectic dishes, including steaks & seafood.

130 E Main St (Ramsey)

Traditional Italian joint known for brick-oven pizza, pasta meals, seafood dishes & sandwiches.

150 Franklin Turnpike (Mahwah)

Classic fixture for upscale Southern Italian favorites alongside an extensive wine & whiskey menu.

41 Central Ave (Midland Park)

Local chain with weekday specials offering a large selection of craft beers & American eats.

32-34 Chestnut St (Ridgewood)

Long-standing chain serving a wide variety of pancakes & other American breakfast & diner fare.

1212 Springfield Ave (Irvington)

New Jersey–based counter-serve sandwich chain serving jumbo subs filled with cold cuts & toppings.

557 N Franklin Tpke (Ramsey)

Cafe chain for health-minded breakfast, brunch & lunch options such as omelets, salads & soups.

38 Farm Vw (Montvale)

Casual, counter-serve eatery with Italian staples, known for its brick-oven pizza.

128 E Main St (Ramsey)

Family-friendly outlet serving traditional Italian mainstays, pizza & subs, with a BYOB policy.

425 Forest Rd (Mahwah)

Classic Chinese & Japanese fare, including sushi, is offered for basic dine-in, takeout or delivery.

180 Franklin Turnpike #1364 (Mahwah)

Modest eatery with old-world touches serving thin-crust pizzas plus Italian & American entrees.

9 Franklin Turnpike (Waldwick)

Homey eatery with exposed-brick walls & a busy bar serving a long menu of American dishes.

71 Crescent Ave (Waldwick)

A menu of customizable Mexican food served in a modern restaurant, plus takeout & catering.

2268 US-22 (Union)

Informal Italian restaurant serving build-your-own pasta meals, thin-crust pizzas & more.

106 W South Orange Ave (South Orange Village)

Johnny’s Pizza & Restaurant is that reliable Ramsey spot where classic cheese sits next to wildcards like Hot Grandma with hot honey, Drunk…

475 N Franklin Tpke (Ramsey)

Vintage cash-only diner dishing up burgers, chili fries & other comfort eats around the clock.

201 E 1st Ave (Roselle)

Contemporary grill chain offering a seafood-centric menu, plus steaks & cocktails.

601 From Rd (Paramus)

Ridgewood since 2014, S.Egidio Pizze Salumi Espresso turns natural sourdough and slow fermentation into wood-fired Neapolitan pies with…

17 N Broad St (Ridgewood)

An extensive menu of homestyle eats is offered at this petite, bustling diner with large servings.

140 E Ridgewood Ave (Ridgewood)

This BYOB Italian-American bistro has a minimalist decor with exposed brick plus patio seating.

4 Sycamore Ave (Ho-Ho-Kus)

Organic New American fare at homey BYOB locale with chandeliers, handmade tables & antique mirrors.

611 N Maple Ave (Ho-Ho-Kus)

Family-run Italian standby for classic thin-crust pies, calzones & more in a modest setting.

489 Valley St (Maplewood)

Pastas, salads & wood-fired pizzas are dished up at this small, laid-back restaurant.

32 Main St (Millburn)

Traditional Italian cuisine dished out in a casual dining room close to the Paper Mill Playhouse.

301 Millburn Ave (Millburn)

Long-running neighborhood restaurant featuring homestyle Italian eats & lots of outdoor seating.

355 Millburn Ave (Millburn)

An array of sushi & cooked Japanese fare pairs with fruit wines & tea in sleek, clubby surroundings.

44 Essex St (Millburn)

Petite BYOB offering a range of cooked Japanese small plates & a daily all-you-can-eat sushi option.

23 Chestnut St (Ridgewood)

Upscale local chophouse chain serving steak, seafood & New American sides in a traditional setting.

17 Chestnut St (Ridgewood)

Diners can bring their own beer or wine to this spare, cozy sushi spot that also offers cooked fare.

339 Millburn Ave (Millburn)

Local cafe & bar chain serving classic Mexican fare, chili, brunch & margaritas in a lively setting.

327 Franklin Ave J (Wyckoff)

Italian & American comfort food served in an old-school restaurant with neon & chrome decor.

61-67 Westfield Ave W (Roselle Park)

Quaint BBQ spot with Portuguese & American dishes & sandwiches, plus outdoor seating.

500 Boulevard (Kenilworth)

Fast-food chain with made-to-order burgers, fries & hot dogs, plus free peanuts while you wait.

2933 Vauxhall Rd (Vauxhall)

Intimate eatery offering traditional Italian dishes such as pasta & chicken piccata.

272 Morris Ave (Springfield)

Typical diner fare from omelets & pancakes to burgers & club sandwiches in a casual setting.

165 Maplewood Ave (Maplewood)

Local Portuguese-American chain serving BBQ fare, seafood & sandwiches in a casual setting.

685 Chancellor Ave (Irvington)

Steaks, burgers & beers are featured at this restaurant & bar with a rustic ambiance & patio seats.

176 Colony Ave (Park Ridge)

Laid-back spot for pizza & Italian classics from former “Real Housewives” star Kathy Wakile.

637 Wyckoff Ave (Wyckoff)

Long-standing chain serving a wide variety of pancakes & other American breakfast & diner fare.

475 NJ-17 South (Ramsey)