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Central Jersey Food Guide: Somerset + Surrounding
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items From hidden gems in Dayton to the best brunch in Cranford, these are my favorite local spots for any occasion. Perfect for when you want to stay in the area but need something better than the usual chain restaurants.
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The Morning Routine: Breakfast & Bagels
Date Nights & Splurge Spots
Low-Key Gems: Authentic Eats
Sweet Treats
The Morning Routine: Breakfast & Bagels
The best way to kick off a weekend in Central Jersey. Whether you’re fueling up for a long walk along the canal or looking for that perfect, over-the-top brunch aesthetic, these are the local staples that make waking up early actually worth it. ☕️🥯
Brunch goals. 🥞 The Southwest Breakfast Bowl and Grilled Cinnamon Buns are a literal dream and the vibe is immaculate for a cute, non-unaesthetic weekend catch-up.
Toast Cranford
The only way to start a Jersey morning! They definitely don’t skimp on the cream cheese here, and the bagels are always fresh and massive. It’s a local staple for a reason. I personally love to grab a bagel here before or after a walk at the canal. Seating is pretty limited, so I typically grab and go or plan to eat outside if it’s warm enough! 🥯✨
Sunrise Creek Bagels & Deli - East Millstone
Don’t let the lack of "aesthetic" Instagram photos or the simple shop front deter you—this is my all-time favorite bagel place. 🥯 The texture is perfect, they aren't shy with the cream cheese, and the breakfast sandwiches are actually unreal. I'll g...
Bagel Pantry
A total Easton Ave gem that literally "hits different." 🚫🧢 It’s a tiny, cramped spot, but the bagels are easily some of the best in the state. They use fresh eggs and they are incredibly generous with the cream cheese. Even basic everything bagel h... Be prepared to grab and go, since seating is limited.🥯✨
Hole In The Wall Bagels
The 18-hour bagel-making process is no joke—you can really taste the difference in the texture. It’s consistently fresh and has that perfect soft inside, slight crunch outside. It can get a little chaotic during the Sunday morning rush, so I always o...
Kettleman's Bagels - SOMERSET
Date Nights & Splurge Spots
For when you need the vibe to be 10/10. This is my curated shortlist of the best spots in and around Somerset County for anniversaries, birthdays, or just a really good excuse to dress up. Think mood lighting, incredible service, 🥂✨
Somerset’s finest for a chill night. 🥨 The soft pretzels and beer cheese is life-changing and the outdoor seating is total vibes for summer drinks.
Stateside Tap + Tavern
Luca’s Ristorante is perfect for an anniversary or other special occasion 🍷 BYOB (liquor store a few doors down) + the bruschetta on is a must-order (served on thin crust pizza dough!). I’d live on just that and wine.
Luca's Ristorante
The ultimate "not too nice but still nice" spot on Amwell Road. 🍹 It’s in a cool historic building, but let’s be real—the massive outdoor patio is the star of the show. It’s the best destination for a date night under the stars or a loud happy hour ...
Stage House Tavern Somerset
If you want a "time machine" vibe, this is it. 🕰️ It’s one of the oldest restaurants in NJ (dating back to the 1750s!) and feels incredibly cozy and historic. It’s the perfect spot for a quiet, intentional anniversary dinner or a special family nigh...
The Cranbury Inn
The ultimate "crowd-pleaser" with a menu so big it’s basically a book. 📖 Whether you're in New Brunswick near the theaters or at the Hillsborough location, the vibe is cozy, traditional, and reliable. It’s my go-to for a family dinner or a date nigh...
Old Man Rafferty's
A North Branch staple that just feels classy. 🍸 It’s got that modern-American vibe with a giant fireplace inside and a gorgeous, pet-friendly patio outside. It’s perfect for a "nice dinner" that doesn't feel too stuffy. Pro tip: Their French Dip is ...
Stoney Brook Grille
Located right on Route 18, this is my go-to when I want a "city" feel without actually driving into New Brunswick. 🍸 It’s stylish, lively, and has a cool split-level layout with a loft. It’s great for a date night where you actually want a creative ...
Gusto Grill
Low-Key Gems: Authentic Eats
My ride-or-die spots for a casual Tuesday night or a Friday happy hour. These are the unpretentious, high-quality eateries where the food always hits and you don't have to overthink your outfit. From hidden-gem Mexican to the best local brewpub, thes...
A total hidden gem right next door to The Ice Cream Depot. 🌮 This is my favorite spot for authentic, affordable Tex-Mex when I don’t want to deal with the New Brunswick crowds. You cannot go wrong with any of their quesadillas—they hit every single ...
Jalapeno and Cilantro Grill
Right in the heart of George Street, this place is a total New Brunswick staple. 🍻 It’s got that cool, industrial-brewpub aesthetic with exposed brick and massive copper vats. It’s my favorite for an "elevated" pub night—the food is way beyond typic...
Harvest Moon Brewery & Cafe
This place is a whole experience. 🍻 It’s a 25-acre farm brewery where they actually grow their own hops, so the "bine-to-stein" vibe is very real. It’s family-friendly, dog-friendly, and has tons of outdoor space with fire pits for when it gets chil...
Readington Brewery
A total throwback that feels like a 1950s soda shop, but don't let the name fool you—it's a full-service restaurant. 🍔 It’s one of those rare spots where you can get a massive prime rib dinner or homemade pot roast and follow it up with a world-clas...
Confectionately Yours
This is exactly what you want when you're craving an authentic, no-frills NJ slice. It’s unpretentious and perfect for a Friday night "I don't want to cook" meal. The crust is thin, crispy, and has that perfect "foldable" integrity.
Sal's Pizza
Sweet Treats
No night out is complete without a little something sweet. These are the legendary local spots for massive scoops, nostalgic vibes, and the best ice cream cakes in the area. Just a heads up—bring cash and expect a line, because everyone else knows th...
The ultimate Milltown sweet spot. The menu is massive and their soft serve is elite. It’s the perfect place to grab a cone and enjoy a summer night. It’s got that classic neighborhood feel that just makes everything taste better. Pro tip: They are CA...
MILLTOWN ICE CREAM DEPOT - Updated January 2026 - 152 Photos & ...
Total childhood nostalgia in the best way possible. The portions are huge, the flavors are creative, and the creamy texture is just on another level. There’s usually a line, but it moves fast and it’s always worth the wait for that perfect cone. Also...
Four Boys Ice Cream
The ultimate "if you know, you know" spot for a late-night sugar fix. 🍦 It’s legendary for its "Blend-Ins," where they fold your toppings into the ice cream on a cold stone. It’s small, busy, and always smells like fresh waffle cones. Pro tip: It’s ...
Thomas Sweet