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Best Neighborhood Gem Restaurants in New Brunswick

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15 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Steakhouse 85 restaurant
1. Steakhouse 85
4.8
Exceptional(4030)
Price: Expensive
• Steakhouse • New Brunswick
Booked 24 times today
Steakhouse 85 is a 21st century rendition of the classic American Steakhouse. The menu at Steakhouse 85 is comprised of fresh and inspiring modern day interpretations of classic American cuisine, served alongside the traditional steakhouse classics we all know and love. The back bone of our menu is without a doubt our beef. Our mouth watering dry aged steaks are rubbed with a simple yet luscious combination of sea salt, black pepper and fresh herbs. They are seared on a 1200 degree cast iron grill and then broiled to your liking. Paired with a large classically designed bar, complete with savvy cocktails and a Wine Spectator award winning wine list, this steakhouse is sure to please.Wine Spectator Award of ExcellenceOfficial Steakhouse of Rutgers Athletics
A photo of Catherine Lombardi restaurant
2. Catherine Lombardi
4.8
Exceptional(2377)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • New Brunswick
Booked 21 times today
Upscale Italian restaurant with homey fare & 2 fireplaces plus a cozy red interior & lively bar.Serving Menus from Stage Left Steak & Catherine Lombardi in the Same Dining Room Mondays-Saturdays. Spring and Summer months seating will be in Stag Left Steak. Fall and Winter in Catherine Lombardi
A photo of Clydz restaurant
3. Clydz
4.6
Exceptional(1018)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary American • New Brunswick
Booked 9 times today
Clydz is a lively New Brunswick destination with a subterranean atmosphere, reminiscent of a 1920's speakeasy. At Clydz, the fare is anything but ordinary. The menu is comprised of small plates and entrees, ranging from a selection of steaks, scallops, duck, house made pastas and desserts.The cuisine is not the only element that sets Clydz apart from the rest. The trendy bar, enhanced by fish tanks and fireplaces, offers adventurous martini and cocktail selections. When making a reservation please keep in mind, tables will only be held 15 minutes past the reservation time. ***Please be advised-If you are dining with us pre-theater, please allow two hours minimum for your stay!If you are making reservations for parties larger than 8 or do not see a reservation available, please call the restaurant at 732-846-6521.We look forward to seeing you.Cheers!
A photo of Sophie's Bistro restaurant
4. Sophie's Bistro
4.8
Exceptional(1710)
Price: Expensive
• French • New Brunswick
Booked 8 times today
We want Sophie's to be a place where one could have a good, hearty meal (comfort food), simple and unpretentious, at a fair price. Our goal is to produce an atmosphere where people can come for lunch, a full dinner, a late snack, a glass of wine or a big cup of coffee and feel comfortable and at home. Our menu is diverse enough for everyone, yet simple enough so the average person will not get overwhelmed with numerous menu choices and complications. Our basic premise is to provide quality food and good service at a fair price in an unpretentious atmosphere. The décor is modeled after classic French Bistros. French country antiques, large open shuttered windows, dark woods, soft pastel colors and walls covered with family pictures make Sophie's an intimate cozy environment
A photo of Stage Left Steak restaurant
5. Stage Left Steak
4.8
Exceptional(1454)
Price: Very Expensive
• Steakhouse • New Brunswick
Booked 7 times today
A contemporary steakhouse in the heart of New Brunswick's theater district with a wood-burning grill serving delicious dry-aged steaks and locally sourced dishes since 1992. The wine list is extensive and features estate-bottled wines from small producers. A variety of hand-crafted cocktails are offered on the nationally-recognized cocktail menu. Winner of many accolades including Best of the Best, Best Steak, Best Burger, "Best of Award of Excellence", Coziest Restaurant and more.We are currently open Monday - Thursday : 4:30-9 and Friday - Saturday : 4:30-9:30. In cooperation with our sister restaurant, Catherine Lombardi, guests have the option of ordering from both of our menus on the days that we're open.
A photo of Fresco Italian Steak & Seafood Grill restaurant
6. Fresco Italian Steak & Seafood Grill
4.8
Exceptional(1013)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • New Brunswick
Booked 16 times today
Fresco Italian Steak & Seafood Grill is a beloved neighborhood gem in New Brunswick, New Jersey. Reviews rave about the excellent food, service, and atmosphere. The restaurant offers a varied menu, including seafood, steaks, and pasta dishes. Customers consistently praise the freshness of the ingredients and the warm, attentive service. It's the go-to spot for locals, making it a true neighborhood gem.
A photo of Luca's Ristorante of Somerset restaurant
7. Luca's Ristorante of Somerset
4.8
Exceptional(1162)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • New Brunswick
Booked 9 times today
If you are seeking not just a great meal, but a great dining experience, you need look no further than Luca’s Ristorante Somerset. Tucked away on Rt. 27 between Princeton and New Brunswick, Luca’s Somerset is an oasis of authentic regional Italian cuisine. Offering modern adaptations of traditional dishes from Ischia, here you can enjoy hand-cut ravioli stuffed with Chef Andrea’s latest mouth-watering combinations, a selection of fish entrees so fresh that they evoke the Mediterranean Sea, or a filet of such quality that it is paralleled only by the accoutrement that accompany it. Our dining room décor is uniquely Ischitana, and goes to show that here at Luca’s Somerset, we understand that the difference is in the details. When you are done with it all, take in the cozy setting with a delicious dessert made from scratch, and the perfect cup of locally micro-roasted espresso or cappuccino. So please, be our guest.
A photo of Portuguese Fisherman restaurant
8. Portuguese Fisherman
4.6
Exceptional(1275)
Price: Moderate
• Portuguese • East Brunswick
Booked 11 times today
Established in 1976, We are one of the oldest Portuguese and Spanish restaurants on the east coast. Attentive service, delicious authentic food, generous portions and refreshing sangria—these are the hallmarks of the Fisherman. Since our opening in 1976 we have consistently upheld the traditions of fine Portuguese and Spanish dining in central New Jersey.A variety of fresh seafood and fish, as well as organic meats, all made with the finest ingredients available, await you at our tables. Our seasonal menu and daily specials include delectable dishes prepared to satisfy many tastes.We invite you to visit us in the historic town of South River, New Jersey.
A photo of Water and Wine restaurant
9. Water and Wine
4.8
Exceptional(2971)
Price: Expensive
• American • Watchung
Booked 12 times today
Charming ambience and stunning outdoor views provide the setting to experience our steaks and seafood with Mediterranean flair. We invite you to enjoy our celebrated new American cuisine in this comfortable and elegant atmosphere.
A photo of Metuchen Inn restaurant
10. Metuchen Inn
4.7
Exceptional(1774)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary American • Metuchen
Booked 14 times today
The historic Metuchen Inn has elegant new decor, same fantastic food and service with a creative new menu. Come see some old friends and make some new. Enjoy our Happy Hour with your hosts Constantine and Victor

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See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Michael
    New York City •4 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    Date night menu was excellent. Server was attentive but not overly so. Great value for the money. Can't wait to go back
    More info
    Steakhouse 85Price: Expensive• Steakhouse• New Brunswick
    •
    4.8
  • Linda
    New York City •10 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    Had a great meal before a show at the State Theatre! The grilled oyster appetizer was delicious. My daughter had the duck and I had the duck confit gnocchi. Both were perfect!
    More info
    ClydzPrice: Expensive• Contemporary American• New Brunswick
    •
    4.6
  • Scott
    San Francisco Bay Area •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 7 days ago
    We have been going to Sophie's Bistro in Somerset, NJ since 2002 when it opened. In all that time, the superb quality of the food has been totally consistent, a remarkable achievement. The menu offers a rich assortment of traditional French dishes, each one truly excellent. The setting inside is lovely, too, and the service and staff could not be better.
    More info
    Sophie's BistroPrice: Expensive• French• New Brunswick
    •
    4.8
  • Maxine
    New York City •13 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Nov 19, 2024
    We had a delicious salad and lasagna. The service was great. The dining room is beautiful and there was a fireplace .
    More info
    Stage Left SteakPrice: Very Expensive• Steakhouse• New Brunswick
    •
    4.8
  • Chevaunvip
    Washington, D.C. Area •11 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Nov 19, 2024
    This was my first time visiting New Brunswick, NJ, and I love Italian cuisine. I am so happy I was able to get a reservation at Catherine Lombardi’s! From start to finish, the service and atmosphere was impeccable, and the food was delicious to boot! The server was attentive and knowledgeable. The owner stopped by our table to offer insight on the menu and to check in with our group. We enjoyed the food, drinks, and dessert. Too many flavor profiles to share in detail but there is not a bad dish at all and our group tried several. I want to return to New Brunswick just to go back to the restaurant. I highly recommend Catherine Lombardi’s.
    More info
    Catherine LombardiPrice: Expensive• Italian• New Brunswick
    •
    4.8

Discover best neighborhood gem restaurants in New Brunswick

Discover the charm of New Brunswick, New Jersey, where the dining scene shines with hidden neighborhood gems offering an array of culinary experiences. In this vibrant locale, you'll find restaurants celebrated for their cozy, welcoming atmospheres and exceptional service, making each meal a memorable one. From authentic Mediterranean delights and savory steaks to fresh seafood and genuine Cuban dishes, these eateries showcase the rich diversity of flavors that New Brunswick has to offer. Each restaurant prides itself on using fresh ingredients, ensuring every dish served is of the highest quality. Locals and visitors alike rave about the unique menus and the warm, attentive service that define these establishments as true neighborhood treasures. Whether you're seeking a quiet spot for a romantic dinner or a lively venue for a family gathering, New Brunswick's culinary gems cater to all occasions with elegance and flair. Explore these beloved local favorites and experience the genuine hospitality and exquisite cuisine that make them stand out in Middlesex County.

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