Dine At These 8 Extremely Tiny Restaurants In New Jersey That Are Actually Amazing
Bigger isn’t always better… just take a look at the state of New Jersey. We’re the 4th smallest state by area but the #1 most amazing by every metric that matters (in my humble opinion). Hiking? Check! Beautiful beaches? Check! Endless entertainment? Check! Diverse and delicious cuisine? Check! We have so much to offer in the tiny amount of space we take up, and these restaurants are no different than the enchanting landscape of our state. Prepare your taste buds for excellence, because we’re about to go on a virtual visit to some amazing tiny restaurants in New Jersey that you’ll want to experience in real life. Check it out:
We’re aware that these uncertain times are limiting many aspects of life as we all practice social and physical distancing. While we’re continuing to feature destinations that make our state wonderful, we don’t expect or encourage you to go check them out immediately. We believe that supporting local attractions is important now more than ever and we hope our articles inspire your future adventures! And on that note, please nominate your favorite local business that could use some love right now: https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/nominate/
Who needs over-the-top decorations when you can let good food take center stage? This incredible Italian restaurant focuses on Sicilian cuisine and seats a maximum of 35 guests. Reservations are a must as there are only 10 tables, but the wait is worth it. The food and service are both spectacular. BYOB and be sure to try one of their epic $9 desserts. Visit Zeppoli at 618 W Collings Ave, Collingswood, NJ 08107.
The BYOB trend continues as we venture into the Ridgewood landscape. This fabulous French-American grill offers an incredibly affordable lunch menu, dinner menu and prix fixe options. Be aware that this intimate restaurant is closed on Mondays. Plan to visit it at 6 E Ridgewood Ave, Ridgewood, NJ 07450.
This tiny restaurant is standing room only for up to 6 patrons or so, with a few picnic tables outside. Guests say this little shop offers some of the best hot dogs in the state... especially if you're a fan of fried food. Check it out at 857 Memorial Pkwy, Phillipsburg, NJ 08865.
This Cuban restaurant has two Hoboken locations, though the downtown spot (pictured) is smaller. You'll find just a handful of tables with bar seating and incredible stuffed French toast that was featured on Throwdown with Bobby Flay. Visit the original location at 104 Washington Street... and don't forget to BYOB!
This tiny Tex-Mex restaurant is a great lunch spot, and it has delighted diners for decades. You can also score mouthwatering BBQ at reasonable prices. Find it at 702 Main Street, Boonton, NJ 07005.
You know what's always irresistible? Sweet seafood takeout that you're sure to love. If you absolutely can't wait to eat, try to snag a seat outdoors. The freshest of food, platters are made to order and lines can get long - your best bet is to order in advance. No wonder locals have raved about Rick's Seafood since 1985 -- your taste buds will fall in love! Plan your trip to 435 W Spruce Ave, North Wildwood, NJ 08260.
Tino's Artisan Pizza Co., formerly known as Osteria Procaccini, has several locations, but its Kingston location has the most charm. The tiny dining space of this terra cotta pizza oven joint is BYOB and serves up great pies, salads, appetizers and desserts. Don't miss out on the bruschetta! Visit it at 4428 Route 27, North Kingston, NJ 08528.
Are your taste buds begging for pancakes? We know just the place to indulge. A local favorite for breakfast, brunch and lunch, the waffles, omelettes, and cheeseburger wraps at Mixing Bowl are fan favorites. You may need to wait a while for a seat, but the staff is friendly and the prices are reasonable. Plan your trip to 4 Church St, Vernon Township, NJ 07462.
Is your favorite diminutive dining spot not on this list? It may be featured in my previous post, These 18 Restaurants In New Jersey Don’t Look Like Much… But WOW, They’re Good. You’ll find more popular petite eateries like White House Subs, The Clam Bar, Maria’s Luncheonette and White Manna. What other tiny restaurants in New Jersey are you loving?
Address: 618 W Collings Ave, Collingswood, NJ 08107, USA
Address: 6 E Ridgewood Ave, Ridgewood, NJ 07450, USA
Address: 857 Memorial Pkwy, Phillipsburg, NJ 08865, USA
Address: 104 Washington St, Hoboken, NJ 07030, USA
Address: 702 Main St, Boonton, NJ 07005, USA
Address: 435 W Spruce Ave, North Wildwood, NJ 08260, USA
Address: 4428 Rt. 27 N, Kingston, NJ 08528, USA
Address: 4 Church St, Vernon Township, NJ 07462, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Tiny Restaurants In New Jersey
January 26, 2020
Nikki Rhoades
Are there other small restaurants in New Jersey worth trying?
Here in The Garden State, you’ll find a melting pot of people from different walks of life. People from all over the world have settled here, and as a result many small restaurants in New Jersey have popped up to serve big flavor. You kind find some locally coveted restaurants in our petite foodie towns. We have an underrated foodie scene here, and you will have all sorts of fun discovering some of our state’s most delicious hidden gems.
What are the best restaurants in New Jersey?
The very best restaurants in New Jersey, you’ll find, are often under the radar. The best also boils down to category – it all depends on what you’re craving. Longing for all you can eat crab legs? Check out Harvest Buffet. Want a giant burrito? Swing by Surf Taco. Comfort food? Ask the locals – they’ll surely point you in the direction of some of their favorites!
What are the favorite local restaurants in New Jersey?
Local restaurants are at the heart of the New Jersey dining scene. If you want to experience big flavor, ask around for local made-from-scratch-style restaurants. It seems that every small town has its own… and each quaint local eatery has its own claim to fame! You’ll adore your time in New Jersey, but your taste buds will love it even more. Be sure to explore The Garden State with an open mind and a generous appetite.
Kristen is a writer, editor, and social media maven who loves her state. Born and raised in New Jersey, sharing all it has to offer is her passion. After attending Montclair State University, she continued her education online, obtaining certifications in social media management.
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