Three New Jersey eateries are among the best in the country, according to USA Today’s recently released 2025 Restaurants of the Year ranking.

Now it its second year, the list of 44 establishments in 27 states runs the gamut from white tablecloth to classic diners to roadside stands.

For the project, the media network asked its food writers across the country to nominate restaurants that surprised and delighted them and would return to again and again, as well as which ones they’d recommend to friends and family.

USA Today described the compilation as “a celebration of local flavors and stories, curated by reporters from across the country who know that a meal of Italian cuisine in Mamaroneck can be just as rewarding as one in Manhattan.”

These are New Jersey’s top restaurants, according to USA Today:

Aarzu Modern Indian Bistro, Freehold

• Cuisine: Indian
• Dining style: Elegant
• Popular dishes: Smoked butter chicken, lamb chops, coconut chicken

Steve’s Burgers, Garfield

• Cuisine: Burgers, cheesesteaks, hot dogs
• Dining style: Casual
• Popular dishes: Hot dog, bacon mac & cheese burger, patty melt

Canal House Station, Milford

• Cuisine: American
• Dining style: Casual
• Popular dishes: Fried chicken sandwich, deviled eggs, smoked salmon

Earning your trust

A New Jersey food giant was the top-ranking firm in its individual industry in Newsweek’s Most Trustworthy Companies in America for 2025 list. Find out all the companies that made the list here.