21 Fine Restaurants in New Jersey That Will Impress Your Taste Buds

Indulge in Culinary Excellence at New Jersey's Finest Dining Establishments

New Jersey boasts a thriving culinary scene with an array of fine restaurants that cater to discerning palates. From elegant steakhouses to innovative tasting menus, there's something to satisfy every craving. Here's a comprehensive guide to 21 exceptional dining destinations in the Garden State:

1. Restaurant Nicholas (Red Bank)

• Cuisine: Modern American
• Price Range: $$$$
• Ambiance: Upscale, romantic
• Chef: Nicholas Harary

Restaurant Nicholas is renowned for its innovative and globally-inspired cuisine, which has earned it two Michelin stars. Chef Harary's tasting menus are works of art, featuring exquisite ingredients and meticulous presentation.

2. The Ryland Inn (Whitehouse Station)

• Cuisine: American
• Price Range: $$$
• Ambiance: Charming, historic
• Chef: Chris Albrecht

Nestled in a quaint historical inn, The Ryland Inn offers a cozy and sophisticated dining experience. Chef Albrecht's menu showcases seasonal ingredients and classic American dishes with a modern twist.

3. Element 47 (Hoboken)

• Cuisine: Global
• Price Range: $$$$
• Ambiance: Sleek, contemporary
• Chef: Michael Carrino

Element 47 provides a breathtaking waterfront dining experience with panoramic views of Manhattan. Chef Carrino's globally-inspired menu features a diverse selection of dishes, from seafood to sushi to steaks.

4. Jockey Hollow Bar & Kitchen (Morristown)

• Cuisine: Modern American
• Price Range: $$
• Ambiance: Casual, chic
• Chef: Chris Cannon

Located within the historic Jockey Hollow Barn, this restaurant offers a charming and contemporary dining experience. Chef Cannon's menu emphasizes locally-sourced ingredients and comfort food with a gourmet twist.

5. The Bernards Inn (Basking Ridge)

• Cuisine: Modern American
• Price Range: $$$$
• Ambiance: Elegant, sophisticated
• Chef: Peter Turso

The Bernards Inn has been a culinary destination for over 30 years, earning a Michelin star for its exquisite tasting menus and world-class wine list. Chef Turso's cuisine blends classic techniques with modern flavors.

6. Char Steakhouse (Englewood)

• Cuisine: Steakhouse
• Price Range: $$$$
• Ambiance: Upscale, glamorous
• Chef: Chris Siversen

Char Steakhouse is a stylish and upscale dining experience that caters to meat lovers. Dry-aged steaks and other premium cuts are grilled to perfection and served with a selection of classic sides.

7. David Burke's Primehouse (Rutherford)

• Cuisine: Steakhouse
• Price Range: $$$$
• Ambiance: Classic, luxurious
• Chef: David Burke

David Burke's Primehouse is a legendary steakhouse that has been serving exceptional cuts of meat for over two decades. Chef Burke's innovative menu features unique and flavorful preparations, including his signature chili-spiced dry rubs.

8. Fascino (Montclair)

• Cuisine: Italian
• Price Range: $$$
• Ambiance: Romantic, intimate
• Chef: Ryan DePersio

Fascino is a charming Italian restaurant that has been a local favorite for over 25 years. Chef DePersio's menu features classic Italian dishes with a contemporary twist, using fresh and seasonal ingredients.

9. Highlawn Pavilion (West Orange)

• Cuisine: American
• Price Range: $$$
• Ambiance: Stunning, historic
• Chef: Michael Carrino

Highlawn Pavilion is an architectural masterpiece that offers a unique and elegant dining experience. Chef Carrino's menu features modern American cuisine with a focus on seasonal ingredients and exquisite presentation.

10. The Frog and the Peach (New Brunswick)

• Cuisine: Global
• Price Range: $$$
• Ambiance: Cozy, eclectic
• Chef: Bruce Lefebvre

The Frog and the Peach has been a beloved New Brunswick institution for over 30 years. Chef Lefebvre's menu is a melting pot of global flavors, featuring everything from Moroccan tagines to Indian curries.

11. Porta (Montclair)

• Cuisine: Italian
• Price Range: $$
• Ambiance: Lively, casual
• Chef: Anthony Bucco

Porta is a modern Italian trattoria that serves authentic and affordable dishes. Chef Bucco's menu features a variety of pizzas, pastas, and antipasti, all made with fresh and flavorful ingredients.

12. The Kitchen Step (Collingswood)

• Cuisine: Modern American
• Price Range: $$$
• Ambiance: Intimate, sophisticated
• Chef: Chris Bryan

The Kitchen Step is a cozy and intimate dining experience that showcases Chef Bryan's passion for culinary excellence. His tasting menus are a culinary journey that features innovative and flavorful dishes.

13. Salt Creek Grille (Rumson)

• Cuisine: Seafood
• Price Range: $$$$
• Ambiance: Romantic, waterfront
• Chef: Justine MacNeil

Salt Creek Grille is a waterfront seafood restaurant that offers a breathtaking view of the Shrewsbury River. Chef MacNeil's menu features fresh seafood dishes with a focus on local and sustainable ingredients.

14. Chakra (Rutherford)

• Cuisine: Indian
• Price Range: $$
• Ambiance: Cozy, traditional
• Chef: Amit Sharma

Chakra is a family-owned Indian restaurant that has been serving authentic and flavorful dishes for over 20 years. Chef Sharma's menu features a variety of regional Indian cuisines, all made with fresh and aromatic spices.

15. Ninety Acres (Peapack-Gladstone)

• Cuisine: American
• Price Range: $$$$
• Ambiance: Rustic, elegant
• Chef: David Rios

Ninety Acres is a farm-to-table restaurant that showcases the bounty of the surrounding countryside. Chef Rios' menu features seasonal ingredients and dishes that are inspired by the local harvest.

16. Altamura (Morristown)

• Cuisine: Italian
• Price Range: $$
• Ambiance: Casual, family-friendly
• Chef: Mark Alaimo

Altamura is a family-friendly Italian restaurant that serves authentic and affordable dishes. Chef Alaimo's menu features a variety of pizzas, pastas, and entrees, all made with fresh and homemade ingredients.

17. The Frog and the Peach (Pennington)

• Cuisine: Global
• Price Range: $$$$
• Ambiance: Romantic, historic
• Chef: Bruce Lefebvre

The Frog and the Peach's second location offers a more upscale dining experience than its New Brunswick counterpart. Chef Lefebvre's menu features a tasting menu and a la carte dishes that showcase his global culinary adventures.

18. Ryland Inn (Whitehouse Station)

• Cuisine: Asian
• Price Range: $$$$
• Ambiance: Modern, elegant
• Chef: Edison Chen

Ryland Inn's Asian-inspired restaurant offers a unique and flavorful dining experience. Chef Chen's menu features contemporary interpretations of classic Asian dishes, using fresh and locally-sourced ingredients.

19. The Stone House (Stirling)

• Cuisine: Modern American
• Price Range: $$
• Ambiance: Cozy, casual
• Chef: Luciano Silvestri

The Stone House is a cozy and casual dining spot that serves elevated American comfort food. Chef Silvestri's menu features a variety of burgers, sandwiches, salads, and entrees, all made with fresh and flavorful ingredients.

20. The Mill at Glen Gardner (Glen Gardner)

• Cuisine: American
• Price Range: $$
• Ambiance: Rustic, charming
• Chef: Andrew DeMarco

The Mill at Glen Gardner is a historic mill that has been transformed into a charming restaurant. Chef DeMarco's menu features a variety of American dishes, all made with fresh and locally-sourced ingredients.

21. The Black Horse Tavern (Mendham)

• Cuisine: American
• Price Range: $$
• Ambiance: Casual, historic
• Chef: Dennis Foy

The Black Horse Tavern is a historic tavern that has been serving American comfort food since 1747. Chef Foy's menu features a variety of classic dishes, all made with fresh and homemade ingredients.

Conclusion

New Jersey's culinary scene is a true hidden gem, offering a wide range of fine dining experiences to suit every taste and budget. From Michelin-starred restaurants to family-friendly trattorias, there's something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you're looking for an intimate romantic dinner or a special occasion celebration, be sure to check out one of the exceptional restaurants listed above.