Famous Food: The Most Notorious Eats in New Jersey

Last Updated: May 29, 2025 by Michael Kahn. Published: May 29, 2025.

New Jersey, known as the World Capital of Diners, is well known for good eats, and the options are as diverse as anywhere in the States. The state is also famous for having its own local, unique takes on a variety of classic dishes, which local businesses promote and serve up with a mixture of pride, enthusiasm, and a good sense of humor about their idiosyncrasies. Whether you’re a seasoned foodie who knows exactly where to order pullet chicken online or just a traveler spending a night in Newark waiting for a connecting flight who wants a good spot to spend the evening, New Jersey delivers the goods.

Highfalutin’ Fare – Fine Dining in New Jersey

New Jersey has no shortage of true-blue gourmet restaurants. Like New York, it is most famous for its Italian eats, and there is no shortage of top-notch options. Perhaps the most recognizable is Del Porto Ristorante, aka Manolo’s of Sopranos fame. It’s a gourmet yet laid back, family-friendly venue serving up homestyle Italian eats for hungry kids and refined palates alike. They serve a great Chicken Parm Alla Vodka with homemade rigatoni, and the Seafood Tuscan Stew is known as one of the best in the state.

Those looking for something a bit more refined but still accessible will enjoy Five Corners Ristorante, a high-end diner situated at the heart of the iconic Newark neighborhood that shares its name. Well-known locally as a popular date night destination and a top choice for high-quality catering, they serve up Italian classics plated like a Michelin star restaurant, albeit without the pretense, dress code, or prices that normally accompany the mark. They make their own pastas in-house, and it really shows in the tagliatelle featured on the Shrimp & Lemon, Porcini Mushroom, and Bianco Scortichino.

Travelers in search of a more exclusive atmosphere and classy view might want to look closer to the bay. Battello is situated right on the bank of the Hudson, offering Italian eats geared towards small portions, high-variety meals with an incredible view of New York City’s West Side skyline. While they normally require smart casual dress, they’re also known for hosting weddings and black tie events on special occasions; if you’re headed there for an event, it’s best to be mindful of your host’s intentions.

Jersey Exclusives and Must-Tries

While New Jersey’s history shines through in the classic Italian heritage of its upscale dining, its eccentric regional dishes show off the really eclectic, distinctively American character of its local cuisine, especially its sandwiches. Locally known as hoagies, these Italian-inspired subway-style sandwiches have become an unmistakably American ode to excess in sandwich-making, piled high with meats, cheeses, vegetables, and one of an infinite number of secret sauces. 

Some of the best hoagies in the world are made with ingredients you’ve never heard of, but let it be known: not all New Jerseyans agree on what to call them. Arguably, the most timeless (and divisive) culinary conflict unique to the state is the “Taylor ham vs pork roll” debate. 

Originally called “Taylor’s Prepared Ham,” this unique deli meat hailing from Trenton, NJ, is a cured meat created in 1856 by the late state senator and entrepreneur John Taylor. Upon the 1906 passing of the Pure Food and Drug Act, which was designed to address impurities in manufactured meats, it was determined that Taylor’s Prepared Ham did not contain the correct cut of meat to be legally classifiable as ham; as a result, the name was changed to Taylor’s Pork Roll. Taylor was unsuccessful in trademarking the name, leading to an onslaught of copycats attempting to take advantage of the popular brand. Likely inspired by the original product’s upstate home, those living in the northern half of the state still refer to the product by its original branded name, “Taylor Ham,” while those in the south are more likely to embrace the more generic “pork roll” moniker for the dish. 

Regardless of what you choose to call it, sandwiches made with this greasy, heavily processed meat, normally accompanied by egg and cheese, are considered a local classic and a must-try for visitors. According to the self-proclaimed “CEO of Team Taylor,” the best Taylor ham roll sandwich in the state is made by Pascarella Brothers Delicatessen in Chatham, NJ.

Another New Jersey favorite is Disco Fries. Served by nearly every one of the state’s famed diners, this late-night favorite consists of deep-fried chips smothered in cheese and gravy. While the dish is often confused or conflated with poutine, the Canadian classic requires the use of cheese curds, while its Jersey counterpart opts for shredded American or cheddar cheese. The best spots for disco fries include Chit Chat and Tops Diner, or even the restaurant reported to have invented the dish, the legendary Tick Tock Diner, famous for both this uniquely Jerseyan dish and the bright, multicolored fluorescent lights adorning the outside of the building.

There are plenty of other uniquely New Jersey classics, most of which are similar comfort fare: Sloppy Joes, fat sandwiches, tomato pies, and Jersey sweet corn are all in (not-so) healthy supply at the Garden State’s numerous diners. They round out the state’s culinary repertoire and ensure that, whether you’re concerned with your budget or beltline, New Jersey is ready to tempt you in new and exciting ways.