The new year is approaching, and that means it’s time to come up with goals! One worthy idea? Coming up with a dining bucket list — a list of all the amazing restaurants in New Jersey you need to try. With that in mind, we came up with a restaurant you should visit each month of the year.

1. January: Rat's Restaurant in Hamilton Township is one of the most gorgeous restaurants in New Jersey, especially when it's snowy.
16 Fairgrounds Rd, Hamilton Township, NJ 08619, USA
Rat's Restaurant/Facebook
It's located within Grounds for Sculpture, one of the state's most unique art parks. Admire this winter wonderland and enjoy great French cuisine in January.
2. February: Barrio Costero is a must-visit come February. You can enjoy some of the best Mexican food here.
610 Bangs Ave, Asbury Park, NJ 07712, USA
Barrio Costero/Facebook
We're especially partial to the brunch menu at this Asbury Park eatery - it's perfect for a chilly, sleepy morning.
3. March: There are plenty of creative takes on classic American dishes served at James on Main in Hackettstown.
105 Main St, Hackettstown, NJ 07840, USA
James On Main/Facebook
Visit this New Jersey restaurant in March for a delicious and satisfying meal on one of those warm, Spring-like days.
4. April: Is there anything as good as a Cuban sandwich? Get one of the best in the country at La Isla in Hoboken.
104 Washington St, Hoboken, NJ 07030, USA
La Isla Hoboken/Facebook
The Cuban food at this NJ restaurant will make the entire month of April for you.
5. May: Part of the appeal of Jockey Hollow Bar and Kitchen is exploring the grounds before enjoying a great, upscale meal.
110 South St, Morristown, NJ 07960, USA
Jockey Hollow Bar & Kitchen/Facebook
This New Jersey restaurant is in a historic 1917 mansion in Morristown.
6. June: During June, spend a day swimming and boating on Lake Hopatcong. Then, head to Alice's for dinner.
24 Nolans Point Park Rd, Lake Hopatcong, NJ 07849, USA
Alice's/Facebook
Alice's restaurant has deck chairs that overlook the lake.

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7. July: Celebrate the warm weather by sitting outside and enjoying the stunning Manhattan skyline views at Battello.
502 Washington Blvd, Jersey City, NJ 07310, USA
Battello, Jersey City/Facebook
This Jersey City restaurant provides a luxurious and unforgettable view.
8. August: In August, we recommend heading over to Hunan Taste.
67 Bloomfield Ave, Denville, NJ 07834, USA
Hunan Taste/Facebook
This Chinese restaurant in Denville is so ornate and beautiful. The visuals enhance the dining experience.
9. September: White Birch is the place to go to welcome the end of Summer. There is a lot to enjoy at this airy, unique Flanders restaurant.
380 US-206, Flanders, NJ 07836, USA
White Birch/Facebook
The food is fresh and locally sourced, although our favorite item on the menu might be a boozy milkshake — perfect for the unpredictable weather in September.
10. October: Come October, head over to Dominick's in Newton, New Jersey.
10 E Clinton St, Newton, NJ 07860, USA
Dominick's
New Jersey is known for its amazing pizza, and Dominick's is regarded as some of the best in the state!
11. November: Located along the Saddle River in a gorgeous, restored barn, Saddle River Inn exudes warm, romantic vibes.
Saddle River Inn, 2 Barnstable Ct, Saddle River, NJ 07458, USA
Saddle River Inn/Facebook
This French restaurant is the perfect place for a fancy dinner in November with a loved one.
12. December: We love a restaurant that does Christmas decorations in December, so visit The Lobster House Restaurant when the year comes to a close.
2 Barnstable Ct, Saddle River, NJ 07458, USA
The Lobster House Restaurant/Facebook
This Cape May eatery is elegant and pretty, with excellent seafood.

What New Jersey food bucket list restaurants would you add to this list? We have 19 more bucket list restaurants in New Jersey to whet your appetite! Let us know your favorite eateries in New Jersey in the comments.

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What are the New Jersey restaurants with scenic views?

New Jersey restaurants with scenic views include:

  • Chart House. Located in Weehawken, this restaurant is often found on national lists of the most scenic restaurants.
  • Landshark Bar & Grill. This Atlantic City Restaurant is on the beach and has an excellent ocean view.
  • Rat’s Restaurant. This restaurant is located at the Grounds for Sculpture which looks like Claude Monet paintings.
  • Battello. This restaurant overlooks the Hudson River while serving Mediterranean and Italian dishes.

Learn more about these and several other New Jersey restaurants with scenic views. 

What are some hidden gem restaurants in New Jersey?

Hidden gem restaurants in New Jersey include:

  • The Roadside Diner. Located in Wall, this old-fashioned diner has been around since the 1940s retaining much of its old decor.
  • Lucille’s Country Cooking. This Barnegat restaurant has excellent breakfasts with large portions. It’s also known for its great pies.
  • Seagraves Steak & Submarine. This place is so hidden it doesn’t have a sign. However, it’s the place to go for cheesesteaks.
  • Sammy’s Ye Olde Cider Mill. This was a speakeasy decades ago and currently served dry-aged, hand-cut steaks.

Find out more about these and other hidden gem restaurants in New Jersey. 

What are the top-rated restaurants in New Jersey?

The top-rated restaurants in New Jersey include:

  • Scalini Fedeli. This Italian restaurant has large portions, excellent service, and an ambiance like a lovely home.
  • Cafe Matisse. Located in Rutherford, this top-rated restaurant serves creative dishes and loves experimenting with its menu.
  • Milford Oyster House. This Milford restaurant has fresh seafood and top-notch burgers.
  • YUMI. Located in Sea Bright, the plates are a colorful array of shapes and hues, turning seafood into works of art.

Discover more about these and a few more of the top-rated restaurants in New Jersey. 

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