
Courtesy Avenue
By Vicki Hyman | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
From deep-fried hot dogs to fresh caught seafood, from street food from all corners of the globe to every style of pizza you can imagine, there are countless ways to pig out prohibitivelyin New Jersey. But where to start? With lots of input from (and much arguing with) a handful offellow Garden Statefood lovers, we came up with the ultimate restaurant bucket list — the 49 restaurants any self-respecting New Jerseyan should try before they die.
Many are among the state's topfine dining destinations, but there are also roadside diners, pizzerias, barbecue joints, ramen bars, a hot dog stand and even a clam shack. Beyond sensational food, we also took into consideration dreamy views, peerless service, singular interior design, andjust plain Jersey quirk.
Sohere are our picks for the state's most defining and essential restaurants, listed alphabetically. How many have you checked out? Let us know which selections you agree with and which places you think we overlooked in the comments section.
Don't Edit
Courtesy Ani Ramen
1. Ani Ramen, Jersey City and Montclair
Montclair's no-reservations Ani Ramen House, which just opened a Jersey City outpost, spawns long lines for its luscious Japanese comfort food — six kinds of ramen — and its well-curated menu of heavenly steamed buns and other addictive bites.
Don't Edit
Courtesy Ani Ramen
Try:The Ani Ramen, a traditional pork broth with pork belly, spinach and wood-ear mushrooms (pay $1 extra for the marinated soft-boiled egg), $12; fried tofubuns with shredded cabbage, pickled cucumber and spicy miso mayo, $6.
Where: 401 Bloomfield Ave., Montclair, (973) 744-3960; 218 Newark Ave., Jersey City, (201) 408-9811.aniramen.com
Don't Edit

George Olivar | Star-Ledger file photo
2. Avenue, Long Branch
The Atlantic Ocean views (and the luminous dining room) at Avenue caneasily compete with the Cote d'Azur, and so could the food, with its lush seafood platters and unstuffy French bistro classics.
Don't Edit

Cathy Miller | For Inside Jersey
Try: Pissaladiere, onion tart with goat cheese and anchovies, $12; roasted branzino with fennel and grapefruit, $33; profiteroles, $12.
Where: Pier Village, 23 Ocean Ave., Long Branch, (732) 759-2900.leclubavenue.com
Don't Edit
Don't Edit

Alex Remnick | NJ Advance Media
3. Boulevard Clams, Surf City
This classic Shore seafood shack and market puts out the freshest fare, and not just clams: N'awlins-worthy oyster po'boys, lobster rolls and fried fish. But the New England-style whole belly fried clams arean absolute must.
Don't Edit

Alex Remnick | NJ Advance Media
Try: Hot and Dirty spicy steamed clams, market price; fried seafood combo with local scallops, jump shrimp, flounder and stuffed clams, $23.99.
Where: 2006 Long Beach Blvd., Surf City, (609) 494-9494.boulevardclams.net
Don't Edit

Michael Mancuso | Times of Trenton
4. Brick Farm Tavern, Hopewell
This4-star newcomer is about as farm-to-table as it gets, withits produce and much of its meat comingfrom Double Brook Farm next door. The setting is bucolic, the stone-walled tavern cozy, and yetthe foodis entirely modern.
Don't Edit

Andrew Miller | For NJ Advance Media
Try: 64-degree Pekin duck egg with pork jowl and ricotta cheese grits, $16; Double Brook Berkshire pork with Hakurei turnips, hen-of-the-woods mushrooms, fried black rice and pork jus, $36.
Where: 130 Hopewell-Rocky Hill Road, Hopewell, (609) 333-9200.brickfarmtavern.com
Don't Edit

Alex Remnick | NJ Advance Media
5. Cafe 2825, Atlantic City
The intimate Cafe 2825,named NJ.com's best Italian restaurant in 2016after a ragu-splatteredshowdown, has unbeatable versions of the classics, plus old-school touches such as tableside mozzarellaand Caesar.
Don't Edit
Don't Edit

Alex Remnick | NJ Advance Media
Try:Whole artichoke stuffed with bread crumbs, onion and diced hard-boiled egg, $15;on-the-bone pork chop, pounded thin and breaded, with mozzarella and red gravy, $32.
Where: 2825 Atlantic Ave., Atlantic City. (609)344-6913.cafe2825.com
Don't Edit

Cathy Miller | For Inside Jersey
6. Cafe Matisse, Rutherford
At Cafe Matisse, the opulentFrench-inspired fare (prix fixe only), creativeand masterfully plated, is just as a magical as its jewel box setting and gorgeous patio dining area.
Don't Edit

Cathy Miller | Inside Jersey
Try: Pan-seared Muscovy duck breast with crispy duck confit and sliced foie gras terrine; peppered sirloin medallion with short rib ragu and lobster aged cheddar mashed potatoes. Three courses, $75 per person.
Where: 167 Park Ave., Rutherford, (201) 935-2995.cafematisse.com
Don't Edit

Jerry McCrea | Star-Ledger file photo
7. Cheng Du 23, Wayne
New Jersey's best place for authentic, often sizzlingly spicy and exotically sourced Szechuan specialities is inside thisunassuming strip mall. Don't let Ants Climbing on a Tree scare you off.
Don't Edit

Jerry McCrea | Star-Ledger file photo
Try: Ox tongue and tripe in a roasted chile peanut vinaigrette (above), $10, Firehouse chicken with black and king oyster mushrooms in a hot bean paste sauce, $16.
Where: 6 Willowbrook Road, Wayne, (973) 812-2800.chengdu23.com
Don't Edit
Don't Edit

Ashlee Espinal | NJ Advance Media
8. Chez Catherine, Westfield
This bastion of French cuisine just changed hands, and while there are some changes — thedignified dining room got a refresh, the dessert souffle now rotates flavors, and the butter is deployed slightly more judiciously— the beloved Dover sole isstill tres magnifique.
Don't Edit

Ashlee Espinal | For NJ Advance Media
Try: Foie gras crème brûlée with hazelnut sablé, $22; duck breast with rice and raisins in port wine reduction, $43; souffle with crème fraiche, above, $12.
Where: 431 N. Avenue West, Westfield, (908) 654-4011.chezcatherine.com
Don't Edit

Peter Genovese | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
9. Chick's Deli, Cherry Hill
Munchmobile czar Pete Genovese's longtime pick for best classic cheesesteaks in New Jerseyis this hard-to-find haunt. There is an ideal chopped steak-to-cheese ratio tucked inside tasty loaves fresh from the Jersey ovens of Liscio's Bakery.
Don't Edit

Peter Genovese | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
Try: The classic cheesesteak, of course, $6.45, or with mushrooms and peppers, $7.45; the Buffalo chicken cheesesteak, $7.15.
Where: 906 Township Lane, Cherry Hill, (856) 429-2022.facebook.com/theofficialchicksdeli
Don't Edit

Jerry McCrea | Star-Ledger file photo
10. Chowpatty, Edison
Oak Tree Road is a vibrant Indian travelogue by way ofthe stomach, but a standout is the vegetarian Chowpatty for expertly spiced street food. The menu offers little help to newcomers, but experimenting is part of the experience.
Don't Edit
Don't Edit
View this post on Instagram
Samosa chaat on Oak Tree Road. #EthnicNJ #desi #nj #Indian #food
A post shared by EthnicNJ (@ethnic_nj) on
Try: Pav bhaji, a mashed veggie curry tucked inside a soft, sweet bun, $6.95; masala dosa, a stuffed paper-thin crepe, $7.25. Next door is Chowpatty's sweet shop; considerany variety of burfi, a dense milky confection.
Where: 1349 Oak Tree Road, Iselin,(732) 283-9020.chowpattyfoods.com
Don't Edit

John O'Boyle | For NJ Advance Media
11. Common Lot, Millburn
Open not even a year and a half, Common Lothas rapidly cemented itself as one of the hottest tables in the state with luscious and adventurous seasonal dishes in a stylish but down-to-earth atmosphere.
Don't Edit

John O'Boyle | For NJ Advance Media
Try: Fried chicken skins with chicken liver mousse and mustard, $6; seared Arctic char with crushed chickpeas, preserved lemons and a Green Goddess sauce, $30. For $95 a person, sit at the Kitchen Pass, the 4-seat counter overlooking the open kitchen, for an on- and off-menu customized dining experience.
Where: 27 Main St., Millburn, (973) 467-0494.commonlot.com
Don't Edit

Aristide Economopoulos | Star-Ledger file photo
12. Cucharamama, Hoboken
Cucharamama is an encyclopedia of Latin American cuisine — that's because chef-owner Maricel Presilla wrote one. Here are rustic yet elevated versions of Central and Latin American classics in a glowing space built around a hand-crafted wood-fired oven.
Don't Edit

Jerry McCrea | Star-Ledger file photo
Try: White bean and tomato cream soup with onion and Cabrales empanaditas, $9; shrimp in panca pepper sauce, above, $14; Peruvian-style roast leg of pork inaji amarillo adobo, $24.
Where: 233 Clinton St., Hoboken, (201) 420-1700.cucharamama.com
Don't Edit
Don't Edit
Martin Griff | The Times of Trenton
13. De Lorenzo's Tomato Pies, Robbinsville
The historic Trenton original closed in 2012, but the famedtomato pielives on in Robbinsville, and the thin-curst, chunky sauce-topped pizza isstill worth the wait. (And unlike the Hudson Street location, this one has bathrooms.)
Don't Edit

Martin Griff | Times of Trenton
Try: The tomato pie, full stop, small, $13, large, $16; sausage, $1.75 extra, is a favored topping.
Where: 2350 Route 33, Robbinsville, (609) 341-8480.delorenzostomatopies.com
Don't Edit

Andy Mills | Star-Ledger file photo
14. Drew's Bayshore Bistro, Keyport
Devastated by Hurricane Sandy, Drew Araneo bounced back (albeit on higher ground) in his Keyport hometown, with the same joyful and soul-warming New Orleans-inspired fare.
Don't Edit

Cathy Miller | For NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
Try: Voodoo shrimp with Worcestershire cream sauce and jalapeno cornbread, above, $14; shrimp & grits with Benton's bacon, mushroom and tomato, $27.
Where: 25 Church St., Keyport, (732) 739-9219.drewsbayshorebistro.com
Don't Edit

Tim Hawk | South Jersey Times
15. Franklinville Inn, Franklinville
The former stagecoach stopis a throwback in the best way possible: classic American fare featuring prime rib and steaks aged and cut in-house in an homey setting with tip-top service.
Don't Edit
Don't Edit

Avi Steinhardt | For Inside Jersey
Try: Broiled mushrooms stuffed with lump crab with drawn butter and basil marinara, above, $12.99; slow-roasted prime rib au jus, queen, $45.99.
Where: 2526 Delsea Drive, Franklinville, (856) 694-1577.franklinvilleinn.com
Don't Edit

Cathy Miller | For Inside Jersey
16. The Frog and the Peach, New Brunswick
A New Brunswick restaurant pioneer, this seasonal NewAmerican spotwith a beguiling garden room still sings nearly 35 years later, with the creativemenumaking themost of the clearly high-quality ingredients.
Don't Edit

Cathy Miller | Inside Jersey
Try: House-smoked salmon with sunchoke tartare, capeberries, creme fraiche and pumpernickel $16, jerk-spiced Point Pleasant dorade with stewed and crispy plantains, $24.
Where: 29 Dennis St., New Brunswick, (732) 846-3216. frogandpeach.com
Don't Edit

Steve Hockstein | For NJ Advance Media
17. Heirloom Kitchen, Old Bridge
Up-and-coming chef David Viana's inventive foodis a major draw, but the energy flowing from the open kitchen makes dining herea night to remember. (But only three nights a week — it's also a cooking school.)
Don't Edit

Steve Hockstein | For NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
Try: Crab salad with pea puree, pea falafel and asparaus, $20; eggplant ravioli with sunchoke goada puree, pickled ramps and truffle duck jus, $28. (Menu changes frequently)
Where: 3853 Route 516, Old Bridge, (732) 727-9444.heirloomkitchen.com
Don't Edit
Don't Edit

Alex Remnick | Star-Ledger file photo
18. Il Capriccio, Whippany
The Old World elegance of Il Capricciois matched beautifully by its thoughtful, deliberate approach to authentic Italian cuisine. Red gravy? Think Norcia black truffle butter, Sardinian bottarga and rabbit ragu.
Don't Edit

Alex Remnick | Star-Ledger file photo
Try: Seafood salad with marinated artichokes and mushrooms in a tarragon emulsion, $16; oven-roastd pork rack with apples and grapes in vincotto, $28; osso buco with risotto, $42.
Where: 633 N.J. 10, Whippany, (973) 884-9175.ilcapriccio.com
Don't Edit

John O'Boyle | For NJ Advance Media
19. Jockey Hollow Bar & Kitchen
19. One of New Jersey's most ambitious restaurants, the former Vail Mansion has been stunningly reimagined with a formal dining room with refined farm-to-table , a plush cocktail bar, a chic but casual oyster bar and a crowd-pleasing basementbeer hall.
Don't Edit

Cathy Miller | Inside Jersey
Try:Braised octopus with tomato asopao, above, at the Oyster & VailBar, $16; house-made squid ink garganelli with local oysters and prosciutto in the Dining Room, $21; dry-aged filet mignon with smoked hollandaise and pickled spring onion in the Dining Room, $39.
Where: 110 South St., Morristown, (973) 644-3180.jockeyhollowbarandkitchen.com
Don't Edit

Alex Remnick | NJ Advance Media
20. Larimar, Spring Lake
This family-run but pedigreed gemis a graceful and romantic oasisat the Shore, with Italian and Provencal fare that is refined with some unexpected twists.
Don't Edit
Don't Edit

Alex Remnick | NJ Advance Media
Try: Strawberry gazpacho with lump crab and basil ice, $16; Statler chicken with sweet potato, kale, artichoke hearts and herbed goat chese creme, $32.
Where: 1311 Third Ave., Spring Lake, (732) 359-6700.larimarrestaurant.com
Don't Edit

Amanda Marzullo | NJ Advance Media
21. Marley's Gotham Grill, Hackettstown
Not only the largest selection of chicken wings in the state — 150 and counting, from chipotle maple to chicken parm to Embalming Fluid — but Marley's also has, wings down, some of thebest, juicy and plump.
Don't Edit

Alex Remnick | Star-Ledger file photo
Try: Bang Bang with sweet Thai and sriracha sauce, $12.95 for a dozen; Bea Irish Man, Bailey's Irish cream, Jameson, brown sugarand butter, $13.95 for a dozen. (Wings available bone-in, boneless and tofu.)
Where: 169 Main St., Hackettstown, (908) 852-2446.marleygothamgrill.net
Don't Edit

Aristide Economopoulos | Star-Ledger file photo
22. Mesob, Montclair
You won't be able to keep your hands off the deliciously spiced stews at this Ethiopian standard-bearer,and you don't have to. They're served on the delightfully spongy injera; no utensils needed. Bring friends to makethe most of the menu.
Don't Edit

Frank Remshifski | For Inside Jersey
Try: Misir wet, spicy red lentils, $9.95; ye'shimbra asa, chickpea biscuits in a spicy sauce, $10.95; gomen be'siga, cubed lamb with collard greens in a mild sauce, $9.95. (The extensive vegetable selection is vegan.)
Where: 515 Bloomfield Ave., Montclair, (973) 655-9000.mesobrestaurant.com
Don't Edit
Don't Edit

Cathy Miller | For Inside Jersey
23. Mistral, Princeton
Scott Anderson's brilliant Elements could easily have made this list, but his sister restaurant Mistral, with itsindulgent and imaginative small plates and rustic modern dining room, wins our hearts.
Don't Edit

Cathy Miller | For Inside Jersey
Try: Pork belly with pretzel crust and dill spaetzle, $18; chicken liver pate with pecan shortbread and Major Grey's peach chutney, $15.
Where: 66 Witherspoon St., Princeton, (609) 688-8808.mistralprinceton.com
Don't Edit

Peter Genovese | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
24. More than Q, Lambertville
Afterdeveloping a devoted fan base for his Texas-style barbecue at the Stockton Farm Market, pitmaster Matt Marvinfound a new farmhouse-chic home in Lambertville for his juicy spare ribs, tender brisket and fried chicken sandwiches.
Don't Edit

Courtesy More Than Q
Try: Brisket sandwich with Carolina BBQ sauce, $9; cornmeal-crusted fried chicken sandwich with sriracha mayo and sweet pickle relish, $9.
Where: 13 Klines Court, Lambertville, (609) 773-0072.morethanq.com
Don't Edit

Alex Remnick | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
25. Mustache Bill's Diner, Barnegat Light
They come from up and down (okay, just down) Long Beach Island for the classic, from-scratch diner fare (the omelets are legendary) and fresh fried seafood at Mustache Bill's, a Shore staple since 1959.
Don't Edit
Don't Edit

Alex Remnick | NJ Advance Media
Try: Chipped beef, $7.50; potato skin omelet with cheddar, bacon, home fries and sour cream, $9.95; fried clam platter, $10.25.
Where:704 Broadway, Barnegat Light, (609) 494-0155.
Don't Edit

Ed Murray | The Star-Ledger
26. Ninety Acres, Peapack
Nestled in the bucolic Somerset Hills, Ninety Acres at Natirar, in an renovated carriage house with the feel of a luxurious clubhouse, is serious(but unpretentious) aboutdeluxe farm-to-table cooking, manyof the ingredientsharvested on site.
Don't Edit
Cathy Miller | Inside Jersey
Try: Open-faced ravioli with white and green asparagus, morels and fontina, $19; braised rabbit leg and crispy sweetbreads with carrots, smoked polenta, spring vegetables and rosé cream, $36.
Where: 2 Main St., Peapack-Gladstone, (908) 901-4701. natirar.com/ninety_acres
Don't Edit

Vicki Hyman | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
27. Okatshe, Atlantic City
Okatshe, celeb chef Jose Garces' new hotspot at the Tropicana (accessed through a secret door!), has a seriously sexy vibe and fantastic, craveable takes on Japanese street food and ramen.
Don't Edit

Ashlee Espinal | For NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
Try: Karaage, fried chicken with yuzu mayo, $11; asuperberacon, bacon-wrapped asparagus from the yakitori, $7.50; Okatshe roll, lobster tempura, eel, asparagus, spicy sauce with avocado salsa, above, $24.
Where: Tropicana, 2831 Boardwalk, Atlantic City, (609) 340-4053.okatsherestaurant.com
Don't Edit
Don't Edit

Alex Remnick | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
28. Peck Peck, Teaneck
29. Palisades Park may be New Jersey's Koreatown, but the very best Korean fried chicken, sweet and spicy, juicy, with a thin but super-crispy crust, can be foundat this tiny no-frills Teaneck joint.
Don't Edit
Try: Sweet & spicy chicken wings, $7.25 for eight; steak fries, $1.95-$3.95.
Where: 250 DeGraw Ave., Teaneck, (201) 530-5858.
Don't Edit

Tony Kurdzuk | Star-Ledger file photo
29. Rat's Restaurant, Hamilton
Giverny in New Jersey? Monet probably never ate so well, and thoughthe menu has recently shifted fowardvegetable-forward Italian at Rat's Restaurant at the Grounds for Sculpture, the eclectic interiors and stunning views of the pond and Monet bridge are still sigh-inducing.
Don't Edit

Tony Kurdzuk | Star-Ledger file photo
Try: Mushroom pot au feu with maitake, king oyster and portabello mushrooms, white beans, tomato and fennel, $19; smoked duck breast with Jersey arugula, ginger gastrique and pickled blueberries, $27.
Where: The Grounds for Sculpture, 16 Fairgrounds Road, Hamilton Township, (609) 584-7800.ratsrestaurant.com
Don't Edit

Joe Epstein | For The Star-Ledger
30. Razza Pizza Artigianale, Jersey City
Each thoughtfully-sourced and lovingly-crafted pizza — and indeed, each slice of bread, each ball of stracciatella, even each pat of butter — is a labor of love for chef-owner Dan Richer at his gritty-chic but always packed joint.
Don't Edit
Don't Edit

Joe Epstein | Star-Ledger file photo
Try: Homemade bread and homemade butter, $4; roasted meatballs, $9; panna pie with tomato, mozzarella, cow's cream, arugula and Parmigiano, $18.
Where: 275 Grove St., Jersey City, (201) 356-9348.razzanj.com
Don't Edit

Courtesy Red Store
31. Red Store, Cape May Point
Chef Lucas Manteca has his finger in many pots around Cape May — a seafood shack, a vegetable farm, sea salts, pickles, tacos— but the Red Store remains a treasure, with one-of-a-kind menus with touches of his native Argentina in this deceptively humble country store.
Don't Edit
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Red Store Cape May Point (@redstore) on
Try: For the 2017 season, there is no menu — or rather, an ever-changing one, with six to eight small courses for $65. (It's also cash-only.) Dishes have includedcharcoal-roasted beets with brown butter panna cotta and poached persimmons, and beef and duck fat empanadas.
Where: 500 Cape Ave., Cape May Point,(609) 884-5757.capemaypointredstore.com
Don't Edit

David Handschuh | For NJ Advance Media
32. Restaurant Latour, Hamburg
One of the most high-profile perches in New Jersey in terms of luxury as well as altitude,Restaurant Latour at Crystal Springs Resort is the dictionary definition of special occasion, with an ever-changing seasonal prix fixe menu and access to one of the most exceptional wine cellars in the world.
Don't Edit
Jerry McCrea | For NJ Advance Media
Try:The menu, $115 for five courses, changes often but winning disheshave included Muscovy duck with red cabbage and mulberries, above, and hamachi with puffed wild rice and sliced gooseberries.
Where: 1 Wild Turkey Way, Hamburg, (855) 977-6473.crystalgolfresort.com
Don't Edit
Don't Edit

Cathy Miller | For Inside Jersey
33. Restaurant Nicholas, Middletown
Did someone say special occasion? On the other side of the state, those celebrating milestones (or the possibility of future milestones)try to snaga reservationat this gorgeouscontemporary space celebratedfor its sumptuous and innovative New American cuisine.
Don't Edit

Cathy Miller | Inside Jersey
Try:Crispy soft-shell crab with apple and jicama salad and citrus basil vinaigrette; bourbon-braised suckling pigwith apples, toasted pecans and maple jus. (The three-course prix fixe menu is $75, wine pairings and a vegetarian five-course menu available.)
Where: 160 Route 35 South, Middletown, (732) 345-9977.restaurantnicholas.com
Don't Edit

Kelly Roncace | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
34. Riverview Inn, Pennsville
The building isn't much to look out, but you're here for what's on the other side — gorgeous views of Delaware Bay, especially at sunset from the outdoor patio— and what will be inside your stomach — seafood foremost, including a raw bar.
Don't Edit

Kelly Roncace | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
Try: Seafood pescatore, shrimp, scallops, clams and mussels in a white wine garlic sauce with tomatoes and scallions over linguini, $24; broiled crab cakes, 24.
Where: 60 Main St., Pennsville, (856) 678-3700.riverviewinn.net
Don't Edit

Ed Murray | Star-Ledger file photo
35. Rutt's Hut, Clifton
Can you really consider yourself a New Jerseyan if you haven't consumed your body weight in the cracklingly hot deep-fried hot dogs known as Rippers, preferably with the Clifton institution's bracing homemaderelish?
Don't Edit
Don't Edit

Ed Murray | Star-Ledger file photo
Try: A ripper, of course, although if you want it truly well-done, ask for a cremator, $2.20, $2.65 with cheese; homemade all-meat chili,$3.60-$4.30.
Where: 417 River Road, Clifton, (973) 779-8615.ruttshut.com
Don't Edit

Cathy Miller | Inside Jersey
36. Saddle River Inn, Saddle River
This longtime fine dining destination inside a graciously renovated barn changed owners four years ago, butchef-owner Jamie Knott's contemporary and often daring spin on the formerly country French menumeans it's still one of the toughestweekend reservations around.
Don't Edit

Cathy Miller | Inside Jersey
Try: Foie gras au poivre with strawberry-rhubarb compote and cinnamon bread, $23; Green Circle heritage breed chicken with white beans, Swiss chard and spicy honey, $35.
Where: 2 Barnstable Court, Saddle River, (201) 825-4016.saddleriverinn.com
Don't Edit

Cathy Miller | For Inside Jersey
37. Sagami, Collingswood
For more than 40years — and before most of us had even heard of sashimi — Shigeru Fukuyoshi has been serving up the finest sushi, spotlighting the perfectly fresh and lush fish without overbearing mash-ups or unctuous drizzles.
Don't Edit

Cathy Miller | Inside Jersey
Try: Any and all sushi;nasu shigiyaki, fried eggplant topped with a chicken and miso paste, $12; kushikatsu, skewered fried pork, $6.50.
Where: 37 Crescent Boulevard, Collingswood, (856)854-9773.facebook.com/sagami.nj
Don't Edit
Don't Edit

Tim Farrell | Star-Ledger file photo
38. Seabra's Marisqueira
You can't go wrong on Ferry Street (or in this case, just off), andSeabra's Marisqueira does Portuguese seafood so right. Come to this friendly, always-busy Ironbound institutionfor the freshest grilled fish and heapingplatters of shellfish.
Don't Edit

Tim Farrell | Star-Ledger file photo
Try: Açorda de marisco, shrimp, clams, mussels and scallops doused in an olive oil, garlic and coriander sauce and topped with an egg;$20.95; espetada de marisco, grilled skeweredshrimp, squid and monkfish, $25.95.
Where: 87 Madison St., Newark, (973) 465-1250.seabrasmarisqueira.com
Don't Edit

Farrell, Tim
39. Shut Up & Eat, Toms River
The seriously stuffed French toast is served up with sass (and by waitresses in pajamas) at this boisterous cafe specializing in kitschy but deliciousbreakfast classics, burgers and sammies.
Don't Edit
Try: Elvis waffleswith peanut butter, banana and bacon, $9.11; cheesesteak omelette, $9.88.
Where: 804 Main St., Toms River. (732) 349-4544.shutupandeat-tr.com
Don't Edit

Star-Ledger file photo
40. Spirito's, Elizabeth
The delicious definition of "If it's ain't broke ...," Spirito's has beenserving up fantastic thin-crust pizza and heavenly hand-rolled ravioli for decades. Absolutely worth the pain in the rear from thoserock-hard wooden benches.
Don't Edit
Don't Edit

Star-Ledger file photo
Try: Pizza, $11.70 (large); cheese ravioli, $14.45.
Where: 714 Third Ave., Elizabeth, (908) 351-5414.
Don't Edit

Courtesy Stage Left Steak
41. Stage Left Steak, New Brunswick
Stage Left recently shifted its focus to steak and underwent a $250,000 reno, but the owners' dedication to craft cocktails,dinnerswith noted winemakers and other special events is still strong. And yes, the award-winning Stage Left burgeris still on the menu.
Don't Edit

Amanda Marzullo | NJ Advance Media
Try: The Stage Left burger with aged Vermont cheddar and chipotle mayo, $17; 8-ounce flat iron steak cooked on a salt block, $49.
Where: 5 Livingston Ave., New Brunswick, (732) 828-4444.stageleft.com
Don't Edit

Avi Steinhardt | For Inside Jersey
42. Steve & Cookie's By The Bay, Margate
This sprawling but welcoming Margate mainstay bustles all year round thanks to itsgracious but not stodgyatmosphere, terrific local shellfish, live music,and an extensive wine list with plenty of interesting finds.
Don't Edit

Avi Steinhardt | For Inside Jersey
Try: Fried oysters over grilled romaine with roasted garlic aioli and cornbread croutons, $15; Leidy's double-cut stuffed pork chop with a Jack Daniel's glaze, $32.
Where: 9700 Amherst Ave., Margate, (609) 823-1163.steveandcookies.com
Don't Edit
Don't Edit

Matt Rainey | Star-Ledger file photo
43. Summit Diner, Summit
The state's oldest surviving diner, the Summit Dinerstill hits the right spot with its dependably delicious American comfort food in an absolutely vintagesetting.
Don't Edit

Tim Farrell | Star-Ledger file photo
Try:Taylor ham sandwiches (here called sliders), $4.75; corned beef hash, $7; broiled pork chops Giambotta, with onions, peppers and mushrooms, plus potato, vegetable, and soup or salad $10.95.
Where: 1 Union Place, Summit, (908) 277-3256.facebook.com/SummitDinerNJ
Don't Edit

Russ DeSantis | For NJ Advance Media
44. Talula's, Asbury Park
Tomatillo sauce? Miso creamed kale? VEGAN MOZZ? The pizza at Talula'sis not traditional, unless you believe tradition involves a lovingly worked crust and top-notch seasonal ingredients, many from local purveyors.
Don't Edit

Russ DeSantis | For NJ Advance Media
Try: Crab toast with lumb crab meat, lemon aioli, pickled egg, dill and capers, $12; Beekeeper's Lament pizza, with tomato sauce, hot Calabrian soppressata, fresh mozzarella and local honey, $16.
Where: 550 Cookman Ave., Asbury Park, (732) 455-3003.talulaspizza.com
Don't Edit

Courtesy Toros
45. Toros, Clifton, Paterson and New Milford
You can eat your way across the Middle East in Paterson, but if you're on the hunt forfine Turkish cuisine amid Byzantine opulence, sneak across the border to thisClifton original. (There is a smaller, homey outpost in Paterson, and another in New Milford.)
Don't Edit
Don't Edit
Try: Sigara boreki, herbed feta phyllo pastry, $6.95; baba ganoush, $5.25;Turkish-style beef ravioli with yogurt sauce, $15.95.
Where: 489 Hazel St., Clifton, (973) 772-8032; 1083 Main St., #1, Paterson, (973) 742-6877; 690 River Road, New Milford, (201) 265-0004.torosrestaurant.com
Don't Edit

Alex Remnick | NJ Advance Media
46. Victoria Diner, Branchville
Victoria Diner has ambitions beyond what itsperfectly charming chrome and linoleum would suggest, thanksto perfectly executed entrees with a twist and incredible barbecue from "Uncle" Joe Soltis smoked right outside.
Don't Edit

Alex Remnick | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
Try:Pecan-glazed pork chops with roasted potatoes, above, $13.95; barbecue brisket platter, $14.99.
Where: 250 U.S. Highway 206, Branchville, (973) 948-0322.
Don't Edit

Robert Sciarrino | Star-Ledger file photo
47. Vonda's Kitchen, Newark
Sadly, Newark soul food staples John's Place and Je's are gone, but at Vonda's Kitchen, Vonda McPherson is serving up scrumptious (and shhh! slightly healthier) versions ofthe classics in a funky storefront near downtown Newark.
Don't Edit

Robert Sciarrino | Star-Ledger file photo
Try: Salmon cakes with cheddar grits, fried eggs and Texas toast, $9; barbecue beef short ribs, above, $17.95; smothered turkey wings, $11.50.
Where: 183-185 W. Kinney St., Newark, (973) 732-4532.vondaskitchennj.com
Don't Edit
Don't Edit

Saed Hindash | NJ Advance Media
48. White Manna, Hackensack
Elbow your way through this tiny, onion-scented burger shack to order the best two-inch-square packet of fat, sodium and carbs in New Jersey.
Don't Edit

Saed Hindash | NJ Advance Media
Try: Cheeseburger, $1.60. 'Nuf said.
Where: 358 River St., Hackensack (201) 342-0914.
Don't Edit

Avi Steinhardt | For Inside Jersey
49. Zeppoli, Collingswood
Authentic and simple butexceptionally executed Sicilianfood from Mark Vetri protege and James Beard-nominated chef Joey Baldino make this tiny South Jersey BYOBpilgrimage-worthy. Don't skip the namesake fried doughnuts.
Don't Edit

Alex Remnick | NJ Advance Media
Try: Homemade fennel sausage with broccoli rabe, $12; stewed rabbit with tomato and oregano, $27; marinated and grilled swordfish, $29.
Where: 618 Collings Ave., Collingswood, (856) 854-2670.zeppolirestaurant.com
Don't Edit
Don't Edit
Don't Edit
So how many of our bucket list restaurants have you been to?
Let us guess: How could we not includeChef Vola's/the Ryland Inn/Lorena's/the Pluckemin Inn/Cafe Panache/Pig & Prince/Serenade/Your Favorite Restaurant Goes Here? Here's your chance to make your case for your overlooked darling. Leave 'em in the comments.
Don't Edit
Read more about food in New Jersey:
•The N.J. food bucket list: 50 items to eat before you die
•The best burger in each of N.J.'s 21 counties
•All 37 frozen pizza brands available in N.J., ranked from worst to best
•The best diner in each of New Jersey's 21 counties
Don't Edit
Vicki Hyman may be reached atvhyman@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter@vickihyorlike her on Facebook.
Don't Edit