Imagine walking into a place where the walls whisper stories — or where the smell of freshly baked bread or the sound of a hot dog sizzling somehow feels like home, even if you’ve never been there before. In North Jersey, these places exist. This guide is a time capsule of iconic places to eat in North Jersey.
These places have survived decades of change, fads and food trends—and where people keep coming back for more. Some things never change, and that’s exactly what we love about these legendary, celebrated spots. Call them old school, call them iconic – these food destinations have stood the test of time. Claim bragging rights and let us know how many you’ve been to, then get ready to plan your next food adventure.
Tops Diner
Some 15,000 people a week can’t be wrong. That’s the whopping number of folks who flock to Top’s Diner in Harrison/East Newark each week to scarf down pancakes, disco fries, cheesecake and more. Not only is it “tops” in the state, this longtime diner has been named one of the best diners in America. It’s been around since 1942, but in 2021, a new Tops reopened, three times larger, with seating for over 300. The new, ultra modern Tops still serves the same crave-worthy food and generous portions. What to expect? Diner menu staples – shakes, burgers, and meatloaf, but some surprises, too, like red wine short ribs and a whole branzino. Pretty much anything you could imagine eating is on the menu, including Thanksgiving dinner. Pro tip: Make an online reservation or risk a long wait.
Holsten’s
Long before it had a starring role in the series finale of “The Sopranos,” Holsten’s has been a star all its own. Get ready for a wave of nostalgia at this old-fashioned ice cream parlor that also serves burgers, sandwiches, fries and onion rings as well as homemade chocolates. Open since 1939, Holsten’s is beloved in Bloomfield as a local gathering spot and for an experience you can’t get anywhere else, including a sundae topped with real whipped cream and drenched in hot fudge that feels deliciously retro. Sit on a swivel stool at the counter or fill up a booth with friends and go back to a simpler time. P.S. If you love mint chip, you won’t be disappointed.
Rutt’s Hut
“You’ve never been to Rutt’s Hut?” This is one of those places you just have to visit in person. It started as a roadside stand in 1928. The home of the Ripper, Rutt’s Hut’s biggest claim to fame is its award-winning style of deep-fried hot dogs that crack and split during frying. You’ll want a healthy dollop of Rutt’s golden relish on top– a secret blend of mustard, cabbage and spices – or go with chili and cheese. You can order and eat standing at the takeout counter, where you can also get burgers, fries, and even breakfast options. But there’s a whole other side to Rutt’s Hut. A separate entrance leads to a family-friendly, paneled dining room featuring a full bar and a larger menu that includes everything from roast duck with orange sauce to fried seafood, steaks, chops, soups, and more.
Honorable mention: Jimmy Buff’s Italian Hot Dogs
📍 60 Washington Street, West Orange
📞 973-325-9897
🌐 Visit website
Applegate Farm
It’s not just ice cream, it’s an Essex County rite of passage. A trip to Applegate Farm in Montclair for a shake or a sundae feels like time-traveling to a simpler time. You walk along history – the 1848 dairy farm, original farmhouse, and 1919 tile silo, one of three in the state, are all in tact. Then you grab your spot in line at this ice cream stand and maybe stop to pose for a picture with one of the “cows.” A trip to Applegate Farm is the ultimate summer tradition for generations of families. Fans seek out flavors like Graham Central Station, along with a heaping serving of nostalgia.
The Highlawn
Location, location, location. The Highlawn, atop Eagle Rock Reservation, is the place to go for cocktails, dinner or brunch served with a breathtaking vista. Whether you are eating eggs Benedict inside or you’ve scored a coveted patio spot for dinner alfresco, phenomenal panoramic views of the NYC skyline are always on the menu. The iconic landmark, originally built as an open-air pavilion, became a restaurant in 1984. It reopened in 2021 after renovations to refresh the historic structure, giving it a swanky, updated look. If you’re celebrating a special occasion, splurge for a seafood tower or dry-aged Porterhouse. Or just come for well-crafted cocktails and linger at the bar.
Nicolo’s Italian Bakery and Deli
Nicolo’s has been baking the bread that generations of families drive from all over Essex County and beyond to have at their table. Picking up handmade, fresh-baked bread from Nicolo’s (as early as 6 a.m.) is a beloved morning ritual. It’s just one of the reasons to love this Italian bakery and deli run by the same family since 1967. Everything you might buy here is delicious (including their prepared foods and chicken soup). But get a sandwich on that incredible bread (we recommend prosciutto, mozzarella and roasted peppers or the chicken cutlet with broccoli rabe).
📍 6 Baldwin Street, Montclair
📞 973-746-1398
🌐 Visit website
Hobby’s Delicatessen
Belmont Tavern
Whether you come to try the famous Stretch’s chicken or the shrimp beeps, you need to go to Belmont Tavern. This old-school restaurant has been serving up family-style Italian dishes since 1967. It’s a legendary Belleville spot that never changes. Right down to the classic red checkered tablecloths and walls that are chock-full of photos – a who’s who of famous customers from more than 55 years. No reservations and cash only.
📍 12 Bloomfield Avenue, Belleville
📞 973-759-9609
🌐 Visit website
Star Tavern
Established in 1945(!), Star Tavern is home to an award-winning thin-crust bar pie that generations of families have enjoyed at this legendary bar and restaurant. The pizza has a crispy, almost cracker-like, well-done crust with sauce and cheese right to the edge. Try the classic and the white clam. No reservations.
Cheng Du 23
Tucked away at the back of a strip mall next to a HomeGoods, Cheng Du 23 has been serving up authentic Szechuan cuisine since 2008. Sure, you’ll find standard Chinese offerings on the menu, but this is the place to go for dan dan noodles, pork shank with baby bok choy, crispy tea-smoked duck, mapo tofu and spicy cumin lamb – just to name a few standout dishes. Pro tip: Go with a crowd and score a large round table with a lazy Susan so you can order a bunch of dishes to try.
White Manna & White Mana
The iconic circular diner known as White Manna was originally built for the 1939 World’s Fair before being relocated to Jersey City. Fun fact: the sign painter accidentally left out one “n” in “Manna”—and the misspelling stuck. In 1946, a second location opened in Hackensack, but this time with the correct spelling. Both have since become iconic places to eat in North Jersey, especially for burger lovers. The burgers fall somewhere between a slider and a full-size patty. They’re thin, juicy, griddled with onions, topped with melty cheese, and tucked into a steamed soft bun. Think White Castle burgers, but way better!
Dining and Cooking