The Ultimate Guide to New Jersey Food: What to Eat and Where to Get It

Did you know New Jersey has over 525 diners? That’s more than any other state in America. This makes it a great place for food lovers.

Pizza, pork roll, and disco fries are must-try dishes here. The famous boardwalks offer salt water taffy. College towns are known for their huge “fat sandwiches.”

New Jersey is between Philadelphia and New York City. This mix of flavors is unique. The state’s farms provide fresh ingredients for many dishes.

This guide will show you where to find the best classic dishes. Whether you want the perfect slice or authentic boardwalk treats, we’ve got you covered. We’ve asked locals for their favorite spots.

Get ready to try some amazing dishes and visit key dining spots. New Jersey’s food scene is truly special.

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Iconic New Jersey Dishes You Must Try

New Jersey is a treasure trove of iconic foods. Every visitor and local should try these dishes at least once. The state’s food scene is shaped by diverse cultures and regional pride.

One food that sparks a lot of debate is pizza. New Jersey’s pizza culture is influenced by its close proximity to New York. You’ll find classic tomato pies and thin crust pizzas, each with its own unique flavor.

Thin crust pizzas are a favorite in the state. They’re cooked at high temperatures for a crispy texture. The dough is flattened to create a thin profile that many love.

Deep dish pizza is also popular in New Jersey. These pies have thick crusts and lots of cheese. They’re perfect for satisfying big appetites.

New Jersey’s pizza scene is always evolving. You can find grandma pies and Detroit-style pizza in many places. These specialty styles offer unique flavors to try.

For a memorable pizza experience, try Pete and Elda’s in Neptune. Their 18″ XXL bar pie is a local favorite. Instead of ranking the best pizzerias, explore New Jersey’s iconic food scene yourself.

Another famous debate is about breakfast meat. Is it Taylor ham or pork roll? North Jersey calls it Taylor ham, while South Jersey prefers pork roll. This debate has deep roots in the state’s history.

George Washington Case of Belle Meade started the Case Pork Roll Co. in 1870. Whether you call it Taylor ham or pork roll, this smoked pork is a breakfast favorite. It’s often served on a hard roll or bagel with egg and cheese.

A classic Jersey breakfast includes this meat, egg, and cheese on a roll or bagel. The smoky flavor is unique and satisfying. It’s a big part of New Jersey’s food culture.

New Jersey’s food scene is special because of the passionate opinions about its dishes. These traditions bring people together and create a sense of community. When you explore what to eat in NJ, dive into these debates and enjoy the experience.

Best Restaurants and Eateries by Region

New Jersey’s food scene is a mix of flavors from different cultures. You can find top-notch dining spots all over the state. From fancy restaurants to cozy local favorites, there’s something for everyone.

In North Jersey, the food scene is lively. Patsy’s Tavern in Paterson is famous for its bar pies. These thin-crust pizzas have been loved by locals for years. Vinnie’s Mootz in Lyndhurst, the 2024 NJ Pizza Bowl winner, is a favorite among pizza lovers.

Central Jersey is home to many great places to eat. Coniglio’s Old Fashioned in Morristown won the 2023 NJ Pizza Bowl. Pizza Terminal in Verona, the 2021 winner, is known for its unique pies.

The Jersey Shore is famous for its food. Pete & Elda’s in Neptune is known for its thin crust pizzas. Maruca’s Pizza in Seaside Heights and Asbury Park won the 2022 NJ Pizza Bowl with their spiral sauce.

The New Jersey Pizza Bowl celebrates the state’s love for pizza. It’s a contest where locals vote for their favorite pizzerias. This event shows the state’s passion for pizza.

But there’s more to New Jersey’s food scene than pizza. Each region has its own special dining spots. You can find everything from farm-to-table places to innovative fusion restaurants. Check out New Jersey’s best restaurants and discover the state’s food heritage.

South Jersey has its own food highlights, like Atlantic City and Camden. Seafood and Italian restaurants show the region’s unique flavors. Family-owned spots are key to local food culture, keeping traditions alive.

Looking for a fancy meal or a casual bite? New Jersey has it all. The state’s dining scene is always evolving. It honors old traditions while trying new things.

Food Festivals and Events in New Jersey

Exploring what to eat in NJ gets even more thrilling with the state’s food festivals. The New Jersey Pizza Bowl is a highlight, where locals choose their top pizzerias. Winners include Pizza Terminal (Verona) in 2021, Maruca’s Tomato Pies in 2022, Coniglio’s Old Fashioned (Morristown) in 2023, and Vinnie’s Mootz (Lyndhurst) in 2024.

Spring welcomes the Atlantic City Restaurant Week, with special menus at top spots. Summer brings the Jersey Shore Food Truck Festival at Monmouth Park Racetrack. Here, over 50 trucks offer everything from gourmet tacos to artisanal ice cream.

Fall brings the Red Bank Guinness Oyster Festival and the Cape May Food & Wine Festival. These events are great for trying fresh seafood, a key part of coastal NJ cuisine. The New Jersey Cranberry Festival in Chatsworth celebrates the state’s farming with cranberry dishes and farm-fresh goods.

Winter brings warmth with the Lambertville-New Hope Winter Festival. It offers comfort foods from both sides of the Delaware River. These festivals are perfect for trying local flavors and connecting with New Jersey’s food-loving communities all year.

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