Zagat Survey Discussions

whats your favorite restaurant in nj and why?

John, though I am a New Yorker I have worked in NJ for over 20 years and have experienced a lot of places. My favorite at this point I would have to say is the Pluckemin Inn in Pluckemin, NJ right off Rt. 202. This restaurant has excellent seasonal menus that are imaginative and wonderfully prepared. There is a good spectrum of dishes to choose from as well as a tasing menu. The service is also excellent - attentive and knowledgeable but not overbearing. Their wine list is superb. It is extensive and you can spend a small fortune on a really special bottle if you are so inclined, or you can get an excellent value paired with your meal - the sommelier is very helpful if you can't pick your own and will work with you, happily, to select a wine that suits your taste and wallet. It also has an excellent lunch special which is worth checking out if you are in the area.
As for second and third choices I would say Due Mare in New Brunswick and Catherine Lombardi also in New Brunswick. Due Mare has a focus on seafood and some really excellent house made pastas that are excellent, with a very good wine list. Catherine Lombardi has excellent traditional Italian food - plenty of food, homemade style and good. Also with a good wine list.
Hope this helps, Nick

David Drake in Rahway is my absolute favorite. Interesting food, perfectly executed, offerings for less adventurous dining companions, in a comfortable, yet classy space, with knowledgeable and attentive service. Trinity in Keyport is a great second choice for evenings that require slightly less formality. It is truly surprisingly good. The notable thing about these places is that they maintain Jersey roots in their menus and spaces while serving the kind of thoughtful and creative food that usually requires a trip to Manhattan.

As far as the Jersey Shore area: Fromagerie in Rumson, owned by David Burke who grew up in the area; Shipwreck Grill in Brielle; Mahogany Grill in Manasquan.

my favorite restaurant in nj would have to me Lorena's in maplewood what a romantic small french place.The food is outstanding you cant go wrong with and dish. The service is probably the best in the state very attentive and helpful. It is a b.y.o. which helps with the cost. just if your thinking of going make sure to make a reservation because it is small.

Nomad Pizza, on Broad Street in Hopewell, opened in the summer of 2009 after a long struggle with the local powers that be, converting a former space into a modest-- but modestly spectacular-- pizzeria. 

 They use a custom made wood fired oven built in Naples, Italy, and adhere to the Neapolitan principles of simplicity, offering Margherita, Marinara, and a few others such as pepperoni, sausage, and specials such as carmelized onion and mushroom. Individual pizzas are priced $12 to $14, with a couple seasonal salads. If the produce doesn't look right, then the item is off the menu!

  This is some of the best, authentic pizza you will find between here and Naples. And if the weather is accommodating, there are inviting seats outside. The only real drawbacks are it small size, which can result in a long wait, and the fact that currently it is only open for dinner Wed- Sat evenings. Pray that changes. Soon.

  BYO and Cash Only. A great experience.

Hey ! My favorite restaurant is Cliffs Steakhouse in Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey. It's amazing! The food is great and the service is amazing. Everyone is so nice and I can't get enough of their food. If your looking for a good quality meal go their. You can't find better steak. I'm always their with my husband !

Trinity ,i like the dish and quiet and clean there,but i often eat in other resturants in NJ ,coz i have a coupon of resturant.com,haha,taste all kinds of treat all across in USA.
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Girasole by far now also opened in philly wow. hot,great food,service,space stunning great in ac and philly. very fun and good

I love T Bones steakhouse at the Bridgewater Marriott. The decor is tasteful and classic; it's a white tablecloth establishment. The have amazing 21-day dry aged T-Bones and Porterhouse steaks that are so flavorful! And the fried calamari are excellent. Try it out!