New Brunswick, NJ, is a city that boasts a rich history, a vibrant cultural scene, and a growing economy.
Located in Middlesex County, New Brunswick is the birthplace of many notable institutions and has been an important innovation center for over 300 years.
With a population of 55,708, New Brunswick has evolved into a bustling center of commerce and education, with a thriving downtown area and a large student population.
One important cultural institution in the city is the State Theatre, which has entertained audiences since the 1920s.
New Brunswick is also home to a wide range of cuisines prepared using fresh, locally sourced ingredients that are full of flavor.
There is something for every taste and budget, thanks to the city’s diversified population and thriving food scene.
So if you are planning a little vacation getaway to New Brunswick and looking to enjoy your stay to the fullest, here are the top restaurants in New Brunswick, NJ to indulge in delicious food.
Best Restaurants in New Brunswick
1. Frog and Peach
The Frog and Peach, established in 1983, is a luxurious dining establishment that displays the epitome of gourmet American fare. With a focus on artful preparation and presentation of a fine selection of wines, the restaurant guarantees a memorable eating experience.
Esteemed by diners and revered by food critics, The Frog and Peach have earned their place among the best New Brunswick restaurants, as highlighted in the newly released guide to the state’s culinary gems by Open Table.
The Frog and Peach is a fantastic venue for various events, from intimate gatherings of eight to grand-scale private functions. With its sophisticated ambiance, this restaurant is the perfect setting for any special occasion, whether it’s a celebration with friends or a family get-together.
Some popular dishes on the menu include truffle fries, roasted bone marrow, cacao e pepe, Rosemary panna cotta, fried chicken and waffles, braised lamb neck, red snapper, long island duck breast, and lacinato kale salad.
Frog and Perch operate every Tuesday and Wednesday from 4:30 pm to 9:00 pm, Thursdays and Fridays from 11:30 am to 2:30 pm, 4:30 pm to 9:30 pm, Saturdays from 4:30 pm to 9:30 pm, and Sundays from 11:30 am to 3:00 pm, and 4:30 pm to 8:30 pm.
Address: 29 Dennis St, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, United States. Phone: +1 732-846-3216.
2. Old Man Rafferty’s
For a long time, Old Man Rafferty’s has been referred to as one of the best restaurants in New Brunswick, NJ offering a feast for the senses with its exquisite and mouthwatering cuisine.
The pleasant ambiance at Old Man Rafferty’s creates the ideal setting for various dining occasions. From relaxing mid-day meals to romantic dinners and festive family brunches to business events, this restaurant offers a range of alternatives to suit your needs.
For those looking for a more private experience, Old Man Rafferty’s boasts semi-private areas perfect for corporate functions, as well as charming outdoor seating in a lush green garden environment during the warmer months.
The creative menu is packed with all your favorite meals, including French onion, New York strip, tomato soup, tavern steak, stuffed shrimp, grilled chicken sandwich, filet mignon sliders, prime rib French dip, sweet potato fries, and chicken parmesan.
Visit Old Man Rafferty’s from 12:00 pm to 10:00 pm daily.
Address: 106 Albany St, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, United States. Phone: +1 732-846-6153.
3. Salt Seafood and Oyster Bar
Salt Seafood and Oyster Bar are where authenticity and creativity seamlessly merge in their beautifully distinctive rustic setting. Here fresh, wholesome ingredients are transformed into culinary masterpieces to leave a lasting impression.
With a commitment to presenting the purest flavors, skilled chefs use fine, locally sourced ingredients to craft their tasty menu offerings.
This establishment offers an exclusive dining experience in their Pearl Room, positioned at a heightened vantage point, providing a nice view of the oyster bar and the main dining hall. This room also features floor-to-ceiling windows that create an ambiance of intimacy.
You can enjoy crab cakes, seafood risotto, clam chowder, charred octopus, lobster bisque, striped sea bass, mixed sorbets and gelatos, crème brulee cheesecake, fried calamari, and pan-seared pacific sea bass,
They are open Wednesdays through Saturdays from 3:00 pm to 10:00 pm, Mondays from 3:00 pm to 8:00 pm, and Tuesdays from 3:00 pm to 8:30 pm.
Address: 103 Church St, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, United States. Phone: +1 732-745-7258.
4. Sahara Restaurant
Are you searching for a dining establishment that strives to exceed the expectations of its guests? Allow the culinary artistry at Sahara Restaurant to take you on a journey of flavor and nourishment with their commitment to using wholesome, farm-fresh ingredients in their dishes.
This is a top New Brunswick restaurant where the harmonious fusion of flavors from the Mediterranean coast meets with classic crowd-pleasers and healthy, low-fat, and vegetarian options.
You can indulge in the savory delights of Sahara restaurant without moving an inch through their delivery services. Or, if you prefer, you can opt for a convenient carryout order with a quick call to the restaurant. And for larger gatherings, they also offer exceptional catering services.
Enjoy delicious Mediterranean offerings such as lamb chops with rice, lamb shank, lentil soup, hummus topped with spiced ezme, baklava with pistachios, mixed grill, tiramisu, Mediterranean shrimp, and feta chicken.
Operating hours are on weekends from 11:00 am to 10:00 pm and weekdays from 11:00 am to 9:30 pm.
Address: 165 Easton Ave, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, United States. Phone: +1 888-724-2728.
5. Delta’s
Delta’s is one of the best places to eat in New Brunswick, NJ that has been dishing out traditional handcrafted cuisines since its founding in 1999.
The establishment was the realization of a shared dream between Suggs and Coretta King.
Embodying the vision of its founder, Suggs, Delta’s aims to offer a dining experience like no other. Beyond just serving fantastic meals, the restaurant aspires to offer a soulful encounter, with live jazz and R&B providing a musical backdrop to happy hour, and dinners that extend well into the night.
The menu features chicken wings, cornbread, Delta’s sweet potatoes, oxtail, smothered turkey chops, mashed potatoes and gravy, Philly cheese steak egg rolls, and peach cobbler.
Whether you are looking for a casual lunch or an upscale dinner, Delta’s the perfect place to enjoy classic comfort meals with a modern twist.
Visit Delta’s on Tuesdays from 5:00 pm to 10:00 pm, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 5:00 pm to 11:00 pm, Fridays from 5:00 pm to 12:00 am, Saturdays from 4:00 pm to 12:00 am, and Sundays from 12:00 pm to 8:00 pm.
Address: 19 Dennis St, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, United States. Phone: +1 732-249-1551.
6. Houlihan’s
Houlihan’s, a well-known eatery with multiple locations across the country, had its humble beginnings in a spot that was previously a men’s clothing store called Tom Houlihan’s. Today diners can savor wholesome, hearty fare and expertly crafted cocktails at this establishment.
This establishment features outdoor seating for customers who like to dine al fresco, curbside pickup, delivery services, takeout, great desserts, and vegetarian options. You can also sit back and enjoy happy-hour drinks while indulging in your favorite sports.
Houlihan’s offers seared Georges bank scallops, ultimate nachos, buffalo wings, avocado toasts, cheeseburgers with fries, salted caramel gooey butter, Navajo chicken pasta, Sedona shrimp pasta, and char-crusted ahi tuna.
Opening hours are Mondays through Thursdays from 11:00 am to 10:00 pm, weekends from 11:00 am to 11:00 pm, and Sundays from 11:00 am to 9:00 pm.
Address: 55 US-1, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, United States. Phone: +1 732-448-0500.
7. Efes Mediterranean Grill
Efes Mediterranean Grill is a sophisticated dining establishment that offers a taste of the Mediterranean in the heart of the bustling New Brunswick’s academic and corporate hub.
With top-notch services, including delivery, takeout, late-night food, vegetarian options, catering services for any event, and high chairs, Efes Mediterranean Grill remains one of the best New Brunswick restaurants.
The menu features baklava, pita bread, kadayif, kazandibi, mixed grill platter, lamb chops, grilled sea bass branzino, mucver, beef gyro, sigara boregi, tas kebab, and lentil soup.
Visit Efes from 11:00 am to 10:00 pm on Sundays to Wednesdays and 11:00 am to 11:00 pm on Thursdays to Saturdays.
Address: 32 Easton Ave, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, United States. Phone: +1 732-249-4100.
8. Steakhouse 85 Restaurant
Steakhouse 85 embodies the timeless elegance of the classic American Steakhouse, updated for a contemporary palate. This establishment offers a menu that blends fresh and innovative takes on classic American dishes with beloved steakhouse staples, creating a truly unique dining experience.
This is one of the top restaurants in New Brunswick, NJ that boasts a magnificent bar adorned with creative drinks and a Wine Spectator-acclaimed wine collection. Steakhouse 85 Restaurant takes pride in being the designated Steakhouse of Rutgers Athletics.
Enjoy lovely dishes, including filet mignon and Yukon gold, lobster tail, seafood tower, assorted oysters, porterhouse steak, tenderloin meatballs with ricotta and baby arugula, onion soup, and sweet potato salads.
Drop by Steakhouse 85 from 4:00 pm to 8:30 pm on Mondays to Wednesdays, 4:00 pm to 10:00 pm on Thursdays to Saturdays, and 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm on Sundays.
Address: 85 Church St, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, United States. Phone: +1 732-247-8585.
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9. Catherine Lombardi
Catherine Lombardi was established in 2005 by Mark as a tribute to his late grandmother. The dining establishment features Catherine’s cherished recipes and a warm dining room that resembles the warmth and coziness of the meals at her home, especially Sunday dinners.
Today Catherine Lombardi continues to uphold its original commitment to fine dining with a wine list of exceptional quality, creative cocktails, and a dedication to presenting nothing less than the best for guests.
This dining establishment has a longstanding commitment to using healthy and locally sourced ingredients, embracing the bounty of the green market. With a focus on small-batch and artisanal offerings, they expertly curate their wine selection from select estate-bottled producers.
You can find garlic bread, mascarpone cheesecake, rum crème brulee, spaghetti, wild boar ravioli, molten Valrhona chocolate cake, swordfish puttanesca, jamon iberico de bellota, seafood fra diavolo, and roast beef sandwiches on the menu.
Catherine Lombardi operates every day from 4:0 pm to 9:00 pm on weekdays and 4:30 am to 9:30 pm on weekdays.
Address: 3 Livingstone Ave, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, United States. Phone: +1 732-296-9463.
10. Evelyn’s Restaurant
Evelyn’s presents a relaxed ambiance for guests to relish the finest Lebanese and Mediterranean cuisine. With a magnificent bar area and outdoor patio, it provides a scenic environment to indulge in delectable dishes.
This restaurant welcomes all guests, including Rutgers scholars and educators, families, healthcare professionals, tourists, and corporate executives.
Evelyn’s is one of the best places to eat in New Brunswick, NJ particularly when the weather is balmy.
It provides a warm, pleasant atmosphere even during chillier months with its illuminating lamps, reminiscent of a charming Parisian terrace.
This is one of the best restaurants in New Brunswick, NJ with an extensive menu featuring shawarma, baklava, giant maza plate, sujuk kabab, tabouleh salad, falafel, shrimp mandarin, baba ghanoung, mahamsa, and vegetarian kibbe balls.
They are open from 11:00 am to 2:00 am on Mondays to Saturdays and Sundays from 11:00 am to 12:00 am.
Address: 45 Eastern Ave, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, United States. Phone: +1 732-246-8792.
11. Ramen Nagomi
Ramen Nagomi aspires to embody the essence of the Japanese word “Nagomi,” a symbol of comfort, tranquility, and the essence of Japan itself. The restaurant strives to bring a piece of this harmonious culture to every customer through its delicious food and warm ambiance.
Ramen Ngomi uses premium-grade, natural ingredients to craft one-of-a-kind and deliciously satisfying bowls of ramen. Adhering to a culinary philosophy of creativity and innovation, this restaurant provides an array of broth options to satisfy customers.
This establishment’s menu offerings include takoyaki, kakuni bao, fried gyoza, miso crab ramen, burnt garlic ramen, cucumber sunomono salad, truffle butter ramen, tonka ramen, and pork bao, showcasing the art of Japanese cuisine.
Ramen Nagomi operates Mondays through Thursdays from 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm, 5:00 pm to 8:45 pm, on weekends from 12:00 pm to 9:00 pm, and Sundays from 12:00 pm to 9:00 pm.
Address: 49 Bayard St, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, United States. Phone: +1 732-317-2623.
12. Dashen Ethiopian Cuisine
Dashen, previously recognized as Desta Ethiopian Cuisine, offers an array of delectable and affordable Ethiopian cuisine. The dining experience is designed to be fabulous and welcoming, creating an atmosphere perfect for sharing with loved ones and friends.
This is an establishment for all, inviting guests of every cultural background to partake in their food and dining adventure, where they can indulge in the rich and authentic flavors of Ethiopian cuisine and explore its diverse food options.
The menu highlights misir wot, injera, sambusa, beef cabbage carrots, Dashen sampler platter, kategna, tamales, gomen beisga, kiffo, dinich alicha, shimbra asa wot and butecha.
Operating hours are Tuesdays through Thursdays from 12:00 pm to 9:30 pm, weekends from 12:00 pm to 10:00 pm, and Sundays from 12:00 pm to 9:00 pm.
Address: 88 Albany St, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, United States. Phone: +1 732-249-0424.
13. Tacoria
Tacoria isn’t just a place to dine on the tastiest Mexican cuisine. It is also a celebration of an abundant heritage, welcoming hospitality, brilliant hues of the beloved nation, paying homage to their rich, cultural traditions.
The objective of this top restaurant in New Brunswick is to positively impact the surrounding neighborhoods by offering invigorating food, cultivating human connections, and fostering a lively ambiance for guests to dine in.
Their catering services stand apart as the premier choice for all of your special events and corporate gatherings. They proudly offer the most exceptional taco bars, gracing the neighborhood with their culinary mastery.
Tacoria has an extensive menu full of Mexican favorites avocado burritos, Mexican sweet corn, Nutella nachos, steak tacos with pico de gallo and lettuce, chorizo and chicken, pork tacos, box-carne asada, and pie-rajas.
Tacoria operates Mondays through 11:00 am to 9:00 pm, Fridays from 11:00 am to 10:00 pm, Saturdays from 12:00 pm to 10:00 pm, and Sundays from 12:00 pm to 9:00 pm.
Address: 56 Easton Ave #A, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, United States. Phone: +1 732-317-2070.
14. Stage Left Steak
At Stage Left Steak, you can indulge in the ultimate dining experience with premium cuts of prime Wagyu beef, renowned for its delicate marbling and melt-in-your-mouth tenderness.
From delectable steak specialties to budget-friendly options, the restaurant offers various cuts at varying prices, all prepared to your specifications.
With its quartet of intimate dining chambers, Stage Left Steak makes for an ideal destination for holiday gatherings, corporate dinners, nuptials, and seasonal celebrations. Additionally, it offers a convenient online wine emporium.
Some of their popular dishes include tomahawk steak, bread pudding, porterhouse steak, creamed spinach, beef wellington, prosciutto, rack of lamb, certified Angus ribeye, and filet mignon.
Visit Stage Left Steak Mondays through Thursdays from 4:30 pm to 9:00 pm and weekends from 4:30 pm to 9:30 pm.
Address: 5 Livingstone Ave, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, United States. Phone: +1 732-828-4444.
15. Rakkii Ramen
From its humble roots in Bethlehem, Rakkii Ramen has grown to captivate taste buds across New York’s Long Island, Smithtown, and New Brunswick. Under the expert guidance of Chef Marco Lu, this unique eatery presents a fusion of classic and contemporary Japanese cuisine with impeccable precision.
Chef Marco Lu embarked on a culinary journey to introduce diners to his latest offering, the authentic and innovative Rakkii Ramen, after his extensive training in the intricacies of ramen preparation in Yokohama, Japan.
Rakkii Ramen exudes an atmosphere convenient for university students, tourists, and the family. They are popular for lunch, dinner, and solo dining alternatives. Apart from that, customers can also dine in the restaurant, order takeout or opt for their reliable delivery services.
The menu features karaage chicken, spicy tonkatsu ramen, chashu don, braised beef noodles, Osaka beef noodles, takoyaki, curry rice, pork bun, and seafood udon.
Drop by Rakki Ramen from 11:00 am to 8:30 pm on Mondays to Wednesdays, 11:00 am to 9:30 pm on Thursdays, 11:00 am to 10:30 pm on Fridays, 12:00 pm to 10:30 pm on Saturdays, and 12:00 to 9:30 pm.
Address: 353 George St, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, United States. Phone: +1 848-202-9067.
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Plan a Trip to New Brunswick
The New Brunswick experience is one that should not be missed. This beloved town has a lot to offer regarding recreational activities and cultural events and is home to some of the best restaurants in the state.
Whether you are looking to immerse yourself in the arts, take advantage of the city’s food scene, or enjoy the scenery and quality of life that New Brunswick has to offer, the city is sure to impress. Start planning a trip today!