The Garden State’s dining scene has it all—from incredible Italian food to amazing Asian fare, French cuisine and more.

One unifying force in New Jersey, something that all of us can agree on, is that there are countless great restaurants here. Everyone has a favorite neighborhood pub, sushi spot, pizza place—and the list goes on. That’s one reason our annual Best Restaurants list is a must-read for New Jerseyans.

Crafting the list is no simple task. Throughout the year, our editors and critics have checked out hot new restaurant openings, revisited old favorites and tasted countless dishes and drinks—culminating in a meeting of the minds to whittle down our list.

In recent years, the list featured 30 restaurants, but with so many great places to dine in our state, our editors felt that it was time to increase that number to 40. This new list reflects the growing diversity of New Jersey and its variety of cuisines. Several recent openings made the cut, too, which shows the vibrancy of our food scene as well as its resurgence since the pandemic.

What you’ll find below is a list of the 40 restaurants in New Jersey that our editors and critics feel are worthy of being on this selective, annual list. Each establishment features extraordinary food, service and ambience, and will present an unforgettable dining experience for any New Jerseyan who visits.

In this cozy, French, subterranean bistro in the former (and beloved) Madame Claude Bis, chef Jamie Knott brings on the hipster vibe in Jersey City. New chef de cuisine Sadie Alberti continues Knott’s vision of providing the perfect spot for late-night noshing (it’s open until 11 pm on Fridays and Saturdays), with flavorful short-rib gnocchi; the famed Madame burger, on a brioche bun with Basque cheese, caramelized onions, truffle aioli and fries; and sublime deviled eggs and caviar. Even the bread service—focaccia with Gruyère and French onion broth ladled over it—is divinely Gallic. —J. Mroz
390 4th Street; 201-876-8800