updated Jan 2026
Best Restaurants & Food Spots in Jersey City
(2026 Guide)
Jersey City’s restaurant scene? Unmatched. This city is a melting pot in every sense, where you can start your day with classic bacon and eggs, brunch on fluffy arepas, and wrap it up with an omakase dinner. Whether you're a longtime local, new to the neighborhood, or just passing through, there’s no shortage of spots to explore. Hungry? Let’s dive into the best Jersey City restaurants for 2026!
The food scene in Jersey City is basically a world tour with no passport required. One minute you’re twirling perfect al dente pasta, the next, you’re diving into spicy Indian street food, or cooling down with boba tea. Since Jersey City is essentially NYC’s sixth borough, many renowned chefs from The Big Apple have also set up shop here. Is it any wonder why Food & Wine named Jersey City as one of the country’s next great food cities?
Jersey City’s food scene is fire—and these restaurants prove it.
Eating out in Jersey City keeps getting better and it’s getting harder to keep up—in the best way possible. Because we know choosing where to eat is basically the hardest decision of the day, we did all the work for you. Here’s your updated 2026 guide to the top restaurants in Jersey City.
Best Brunch Restaurants in Jersey City
Mathews Food & Drink — If brunch were a personality, Mathews Food and Drink would be effortlessly cool. This bright and stylish Jersey City brunch spot serves up inventive cocktails (hint: Lavender Fizz) and brunch favorites with a twist—think crispy chicken with hot honey and fluffy pancakes that somehow taste even better than they look. Bonus: their outdoor seating is perfect for warm-weather dining!
Address: 351 Grove St, Jersey City, NJ 07302 | Phone: (201) 333-1258 | Website
Cafe Alyce — A newcomer that’s already stealing hearts, Alyce is what happens when brunch gets a serious glow-up. Their menu is packed with elevated comfort food such as Shakshuka Grits, Duck Confit Spring Rolls, and Scallops over Truffled Fettuccine. If you like your brunch with a side of luxury, this is your spot.
Address: 641 Montgomery St, Jersey City, NJ 07306 | Phone: (201) 434-9583 | Website
Best Italian Restaurants in Jersey City
Laico’s — Tucked away in a quiet corner of Jersey City, Laico’s is the kind of old-school Italian spot where you instantly feel like family. The portions? Generous. The red sauce? Legendary. The vibe? Cozy, no-frills, and exactly what you want when you’re craving a plate of pasta that tastes like an Italian nonna made it.
67 Terhune Ave, Jersey City, NJ 07305 | Phone: (201) 434-4115 | Website
Porto Leggero — If Laico’s is the cozy, no-nonsense nonna’s house of Italian food, Porto Leggero is the elegant cousin who always dresses well. This upscale spot serves beautifully plated pastas, seafood dishes, and steaks in a stunning dining room. It’s perfect for date nights, celebrations, or when you just feel like treating yourself to top-tier Italian cuisine.
Address: 185 Hudson St, Jersey City, NJ 07311 | Phone: (201) 434-3200 | Website
Best Asian Fusion Restaurants in Jersey City
Pinwheel Garden Dumpling and Noodle Bar — This charming, family-run spot in Jersey City is serving up some of the most creative dumplings and noodle bowls in town. Their handmade dumplings come stuffed with bold, unexpected flavors (e.g., Mac and Cheese Dumplings), while dishes like Bourbon Bacon Drunken Noodle will have you asking “why haven’t I thought of this combo before?”
Address: 318 Communipaw Ave, Jersey City, NJ 07304 | Phone: (201) 413-5333 | Website
ONDO — A sleek new addition to Jersey City’s food scene, ONDO is where contemporary Korean flavors meet serious culinary artistry. Their Spicy KFC (Korean Fried Chicken, obviously!) is dangerously addictive, and their small plates—like the melt-in-your-mouth beef tartare—are meant to be shared (but no judgment if you don’t). Add in an ultra-cool ambiance, and you’ve got a must-visit spot for modern Korean cuisine.
Address: 3 2nd St, Jersey City, NJ 07302 | Phone: (201) 721-6771 | Website
Best Mexican & Latin Restaurants in Jersey City
Taqueria Downtown — No frills, all flavor. One of the top local eats in Jersey City, it serves up some of the most legit tacos around—grilled, sauced, and stuffed with just the right amount of magic. Whether you go for Picadillo Burritos, Chuletas Verdes, or Rojo Tamales, you really can’t go wrong. Add a strong margarita (or two), and suddenly, you’re on a mini-vacation—no plane ticket required.
Address: 354 Grove St, Jersey City, NJ 07302 | Phone: (201) 763-6902 |
Rumba Cubana — Walking into Rumba Cubana feels like stepping into Havana. The mojitos are fresh, the empanadas are golden and crispy, and the ropa vieja? Divine. Whether you’re here for a lively dinner or just need a dose of Cuban comfort food, this spot delivers every time. Just be warned: one bite of their tostones and you’ll be hooked.
Address: 235 Pavonia Ave, Jersey City, NJ 07302 | Phone: (201) 878-4400 | Website
Best Casual & Comfort Food Restaurants in Jersey City
White Star Bar — A neighborhood classic that does burgers right. Juicy patties, toasted buns, and just the right amount of melty cheese—simple, but so craveable. Pair it with crispy fries and a cold craft beer, and you’ve basically mastered the art of comfort food. The laid-back vibes and solid brunch menu make it the kind of place you’ll want to hang out in all day.
Address: 230 Brunswick St #1518, Jersey City, NJ 07302 | Phone: (201) 653-9234 | Website
Dark Side of the Moo — If you’ve ever wondered what a burger made from bison or wild boar tastes like, Dark Side of the Moo should be right up your alley. This local joint takes comfort food to the next level with adventurous meats, ridiculously good sandwiches, and over-the-top toppings. It’s casual, it’s creative, and it’s the perfect excuse to step out of your comfort zone for comfort food.
Address: 52 Bowers St, Jersey City, NJ 07307 | Phone: (201) 216-0495 | Website
Seek and you shall feast: Hidden gems to try in Jersey City
The first rule of being a foodie? Thou shall not gate-keep. We’d love to keep these hidden-gem restaurants in Jersey City to ourselves, they’re just too good not to share.
15 Fox Place — Hiding in plain sight in a residential area, 15 Fox Place offers a unique dining experience in a converted home. The multi-course Italian feast is ever-changing, but dishes like their homemade pasta and savory meatballs are perennial favorites.
Address: 15 Fox Pl, Jersey City, NJ 07306 | Phone: (201) 333-1476 | Website
White Mana — A vestige from the 1939 World's Fair, this diner is famed for its sliders—juicy, flavorful, and served with grilled onions on a soft bun. It's a bite of history with every burger.
Address: 470 Tonnelle Ave, Jersey City, NJ 07307 | Phone: (201) 963-1441 |
Light Horse Tavern — Located in a restored 1850s building, this tavern offers dishes like lobster salad and pan-roasted salmon. The ambiance and history add to the dining experience.
Address: 199 Washington St, Jersey City, NJ 07302 | Phone: (201) 946-2028 | Website
Kickstart your culinary adventure with a food tour that showcases the city's diverse flavors. Companies like Beyond the Plate Food Tours offer curated experiences, guiding you through some of the best local food in Jersey City.
Great neighborhoods = great eats
Imagine having beloved restaurants within walking distance of your home. In Jersey City, that’s a reality, not a dream. The best neighborhoods in Jersey City have their own vibe, and their food scene reflects that.
Downtown Jersey City — The heartbeat of JC’s dining scene, packed with top-tier restaurants, cocktail bars, and brunch hotspots.
📍 Must-Visit: Razza – Because once you try their wood-fired pizza, one slice just won’t be enough.
Address: 275 Grove St, Jersey City, NJ 07302 | Phone: (201) 356-9348 | Website
The Heights — A mix of old-school charm and trendy new spots, with a strong café and brunch culture.
📍 Must-Visit: The Franklin – Elevated comfort food in a cozy neighborhood setting.
Address: 780 5th St, Secaucus, NJ 07094 | Phone: (201) 777-1188 | Website
Bergen-Lafayette — Rich in history and full of hidden gems, this area is all about soulful, flavorful eats.
📍 Must-Visit: Harry’s Daughter – A Caribbean-inspired spot serving up killer rum punch and jerk chicken.
Address: 339 Communipaw Ave, Jersey City, NJ 07304 | Phone: (201) 464-2420 | Website
Journal Square — A cultural melting pot with some of the best Indian, Filipino, and Middle Eastern food in the city.
📍 Must-Visit: Korai Kitchen – Authentic Bangladeshi homestyle cooking that feels like a warm hug.
Address: 576 Summit Ave, Jersey City, NJ 07306 | Phone: (201) 721-6566 | Website
The Waterfront — High-rises, stunning skyline views, and upscale dining that feels a little extra (in a good way).
📍 Must-Visit: Battello – Fine dining meets unbeatable waterfront views.
Address: 502 Washington Blvd, Jersey City, NJ 07310 | Phone: (201) 798-1798 | Website
Next on the menu: 2025 food trends in Jersey City
Jersey City's culinary scene is buzzing with exciting developments. Here's a snapshot of what's cooking:
New restaurants in Jersey City 2025
Cangiano's — A modern Italian eatery bringing authentic flavors with a contemporary twist, quickly becoming a local favorite.
Address: 225 Pavonia Ave, Jersey City, NJ 07302 | Phone: (201) 984-2212 | Website
Cheech's Bagels — This spot is making waves with its artisanal bagels and inventive schmears, perfect for breakfast or lunch.
Address: 176 Erie St, Jersey City, NJ 07302 | Phone: (201) 555-5523 | Website
Expansion of beloved local chains
MOJO Coffee Company — Soon to open its newest location on Grove Street Path station in early 2025, MOJO Coffee continues to charm caffeine aficionados in Jersey City with its cozy ambiance and exceptional brews.
Address: 159 Newark Ave, Jersey City, NJ 07302 | Phone: (201) 683-3449 | Website
Rise of speakeasy-style bars
143 Social — Nestled within Bareburger, this Jersey City speakeasy bar offers a chic, intimate atmosphere reminiscent of Prohibition-era lounges.
Address: Under Better Days, 143 Newark Ave Basement, Jersey City, NJ 07302 | Phone: (201) 905-8995 | Website
Don’t Tell Liv — This hidden speakeasy-style bar serves up expertly crafted cocktails in a moody, intimate setting, proving that sometimes, the best places are the hardest to find.
Address: 138 Newark Ave, Jersey City, NJ 07302 | Phone: (201) 331-0066 | Website
Buy a Home in Jersey City with The Jill Biggs Group
Imagine having these incredible restaurants right in your backyard! Jersey City isn’t just a food-lover’s paradise—it’s an amazing place to call home, too.
Whether you’re looking to buy a home in Jersey City or thinking about selling, The Jill Biggs Group has you covered. As trusted Jersey City real estate experts, we know the best neighborhoods, hottest properties, and the local gems that make this city special.
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Related Guides - Best Restaurants in Hoboken
Jersey City Restaurants: Frequently Asked Questions
What food is Jersey City known for?
Jersey City is known for serious range. Italian that locals swear by, standout Latin spots, modern American, and global food you don’t have to hunt for. It’s the kind of city where you can grab a low-key weeknight meal or a chef-driven dinner and feel good about both choices.
Does Jersey City have good restaurants?
Yes. And not in a “for New Jersey” way. Jersey City has genuinely good restaurants, many of them chef-owned and locally loved. The quality consistently surprises people moving from Manhattan, especially when they realize they don’t need a reservation two weeks out.
What are the best areas in Jersey City for restaurants?
Downtown Jersey City, Journal Square, Paulus Hook, and the Heights lead the pack. Downtown is buzzy and walkable, Journal Square and the Heights deliver authentic international food, and Paulus Hook leans quieter and polished. Each neighborhood eats differently — and that’s the point.
Is Jersey City good for brunch?
Very. Jersey City has a real brunch culture, especially downtown and along Newark Avenue. Think creative menus, strong coffee, cocktails that start before noon, and packed weekends. It’s social, local, and far less chaotic than Manhattan brunch.
Are there family-friendly restaurants in Jersey City?
Yes. Jersey City is full of family-friendly spots that don’t feel like a compromise. Casual cafés, pizzerias, and neighborhood favorites make it easy to eat out with kids without overthinking it. Bonus: plenty of places are walkable and close to parks.
Is Jersey City cheaper than Manhattan for dining?
Almost always. You’ll typically get better value in Jersey City — lower prices, solid portions, and easier reservations, without giving up food quality. It’s one of those lifestyle perks people don’t fully appreciate until they live here.
Why do people move to Jersey City for the food scene?
Because it delivers without trying too hard. Jersey City offers variety, quality, and accessibility, plus quick access to Manhattan when you want it. For many buyers, the food scene is a big reason Jersey City actually feels livable, not just convenient.
