Top Seafood Spot
PHOTO COURTESY OF The Lobster House
The Lobster House
Sail to Fisherman’s Wharf in Cape May for scenic waterfront views, fresh seafood and dockside dining. Dig into lobster, oysters and clams at the raw bar or climb aboard the Schooner American, a 130-foot boat that doubles as an outdoor cocktail lounge, perfect for savoring good food and drink right on the ocean.
Best Pizza
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Star Tavern World Famous Pizzeria
Our readers continue to pick this Orange institution as one of the best places to eat in NJ, and with good reason. The tavern might look like a typical bar and grill, but it’s home to thin crust pizza that took the kitchen 65 years to master.
Favorite Deli
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Editor's Pick: Cosmo's Italian Salumeria
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Jerseyans are serious about their Italian delis. But if a shop’s owners have a Parm Off championship trophy under their belt, it’s probably the real deal. From homemade mozzarella and imported meats to fresh bread and a no-frills menu, this Hackensack spot is as authentic as it gets. While many say both the shop’s chicken parm and Italian hero are the best around, it’s tough to beat Cosmo’s #2: prosciutto, mutz, sun-dried tomatoes and balsamic (say yes to house-made roasted red peppers). If the food alone doesn’t kindle thoughts of your Nonna, they’re sure to come when the owner sends a regular home with spaghetti on the house.
Must-Try Food Truck
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Empanada Guy
The self-taught Empanada Guy has had a huge presence on the Jersey food truck scene since 2012. With five trucks and three brick-and-mortar shops, it’s easier than ever to get your fix. The beef number is simple but flawless: ground beef, olive oil, sofrito and an herb and spice mix. But less conventional options, like mojo-marinated pulled pork, Mexican chorizo or lobster with creamy bisque sauce, are just as tasty.
Sweetest Pancakes
photo courtesy of kay lee
Brownstone Pancake Factory
This Edgewater breakfast haven has morning classics like eggs benedict, waffles and giant omelets, plus mod concoctions like quinoa carnitas bowls, croissant French toast and colossal stuffed pancake wraps. Fluffy buttermilks get gussied up in every way imaginable with toppings like peanut butter drizzle, house-made blueberry compote and sweet cinnamon apples. Don’t skip dessert (granted, just about everything on the menu is dessert): The kids will go wild for the deep-fried Nutella French toast sundae.
Best Bagels
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Editor's Pick: The Bagel Nook
This Freehold mainstay has more than your average schmears. The family-owned shop makes over-the-top cream cheeses (think cookie dough, bacon ranch, cannoli and jalapeño cheddar) and Crazy Bagels (from Flaming Hot Cheeto to Cocoa Puff). The Oreo Overload is arguably the most popular indulgence: Oreo cream cheese and whole cookies on a vanilla chocolate swirl bagel. Be sure to snap pics; a Bagel Nook breakfast is always Instaworthy, hence the shop’s 60K+ followers.
More Good Eats Winners
Diner: Tops Diner, East Newark
Ice Cream: Applegate Farm, Montclair
Burger: Five Guys, multiple locations; Zinburger multiple locations (tie)
Donut Shop: Duck Donuts, multiple locations
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