When it comes to bagels, pizza and subs, the Garden State certainly has bragging rights. But there are many other unique (and delicious!) eating experiences with NJ ties, too. Consider this your bucket list of must-try foods.
SLOPPY JOE SANDWICH
Town Hall Delicatessen
South Orange
This Cuban-inspired sandwich consists of your choice of two meats, Swiss cheese, three slices of rye, dry coleslaw and Russian dressing.
ITALIAN-STYLE HOT DOG
Jimmy Buff’s
West Orange, Kenilworth
Onions, peppers, potatoes and a hot dog—that’s what James “Bluff” Racioppi cooked in Newark in 1932.
ITALIAN COMBO SUB
Joe Leone’s
Point Pleasant Beach
This sandwich has it all with hot and sweet soppressata, Genoa salami, Cappy ham, provolone cheese, lettuce, tomato, onion, salt and pepper, oregano, oil and vinegar.
THE COMPLETE BREAKFAST SANDWICH
White Rose Diner
Linden
At the White Rose, the award-winning Complete sandwich features Taylor ham, egg, cheese and potatoes on a hard roll.
BAGELS
Teaneck Road Hot Bagels
Teaneck
This spot is known for achieving bagel perfection: a crunchy outside with a fluffy inside, creating an overall chewy texture. Expect to wait in line for hand rolled kosher bagels and coffee to-go.
SHIO RAMEN
Hokkaido Ramen Santouka in Mitsuwa Marketplace
Edgewater
The standout at this Japanese supermarket and food court: the Shio Ramen, a comforting dish with pork bone broth and a mild salty flavor. Try the ramen, sushi and mochi, too.

CHICKEN SAVOY
Belmont Tavern
Belleville
Since 1967, this has been the home of “Stretch’s World Famous Chicken Savoy”—roasted chicken with garlic, herbs, hard cheese and red wine vinegar.
BUFFALO WINGS
The Chicken or the Egg
Beach Haven, Marlton
Affectionately known as Chegg, this spot has an extensive breakfast menu but is best known for its hearty, crunchy chicken wings and 18 sauces.
SUPERFRUIT BOWL
Playa Bowls
67 NJ locations
NJ’s original superfruit bowl franchise was started by two Shore natives. Try the Pura Vida which has an açaí base topped with granola, blueberries, strawberries and honey.
CARAMEL POPCORN
Johnson’s Popcorn
Ocean City
Since 1940, Johnson’s Popcorn has hand mixed kernels with amazing toppings. Popular flavors include peanut crunch and classic butter, but the original caramel is the must-try flavor and top seller here.
SALT WATER TAFFY
Shriver’s
Ocean City
Founded in 1898, Shriver’s is the oldest business on the Ocean City boardwalk. A trip to the Shore is not complete without a box of these pastel-colored chewy treats.
BLUEBERRIES
Whitesbog Historic Farm & Village
Browns Mills
Blueberry cultivation started here in 1911. Today, Whitesbog is farmed by the fifth generation of the family. Pick blueberries or try blueberry pie, ice cream and more at their annual Blueberry Summer Fest.
DISCO FRIES
Tops Diner
Harrison
Consistently recognized among the top diners in NJ and the nation, Tops has served this staple consisting of piled-high mozzarella and brown gravy slathered over a plate of french fries since 1942.
RIPPER
Rutt’s Hut
Clifton
This dive has been the home of the ripper—a deep-fried hot dog—for nearly 100 years.
NEW ORLEANS-STYLE COFFEE
Rook Coffee
11 NJ locations
This NOLA java chain is now a Jersey thing, having taken over NJ’s coastline. The aroma will get you in the door, but stay for the cold brew.
TRENTON TOMATO PIE
De Lorenzo’s Tomato Pies
Robbinsville
This spot is one of the first to make this unique creation: thin dough, lots of cheese with sauce on top—basically pizza in reverse.
CRUMB CAKE
Just Crumb Cake
Park Ridge
Boasting a 2-to-1 ratio of streusel to cake, this shop puts a unique spin on the traditional treat with flavors including s’mores, red velvet, funfetti, carrot, rainbow cookie and raspberry.
ICE CREAM
Holsten’s
Bloomfield
Sit at the counter of this ice cream parlor, famous for being in ‘The Sopranos.’ Try the Holsten’s Special (four scoops with two toppings) or 20+ homemade flavors.
SLIDERS
White Manna Hamburgers
Hackensack
At this greasy spoon, the mini hamburgers are cooked right in front of you, topped with onions and cheese on a potato bun.
CHICKEN TIKKA MASALA
Shalimar
Iselin
This Pakistani restaurant is just one of dozens of eateries offering Asian cuisine on Oak Tree Road in Iselin and Edison. Loyal diners love Shalimar’s chicken tikka masala—chicken chunks in a spiced sauce.
KOREAN BARBECUE
Wooga Taste 1080
Fort Lee
Wooga is renowned for its flavorful American Wagyu meats. Try the Wooga Small for Three, which includes Prime coulotte, Prime short rib, hanger steak, rib finger, pork shoulder, pork belly and pork jowl.
PANZAROTTI
Vincent’s
Merchantville
Brought to America by Pauline Tarantini in Camden in 1960, the panzarotti is a pocket of dough filled with mozzarella cheese and tomato sauce deep fried to golden brown.
PIZZA
Razza Pizza Artigianale
Jersey City
The wood-fired artisanal pies here are pizza perfection. Try the Jersey Margherita, made with local ingredients, and their homemade bread and butter.
FAT SANDWICH
RU Hungry?
New Brunswick, Newark
The fat sandwich phenomenon started as a food truck at Rutgers. Try the Fat Darrell, packed with chicken fingers, mozzarella sticks, fries and marinara sauce.
TACOS
tacoshop
Cape May
At this taqueria by James Beard Award-nominated chef Lucas Manteca, everything is made from scratch. Try the pork quesabirria tacos, made with slow-braised pork, Oaxacan cheese, raw onions and cilantro in corn tortillas. Be sure to dunk your tacos in the Birria broth, too.
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