Fun and Fine Dining in Elizabeth, NJ
You’re on a tour of restaurants in Elizabeth NJ.
Did you ever dream you would be eating Colombian pastries for breakfast, an Asian noodle dish for lunch and Southern comfort food for dinner – all in the same day? Well we bet you would never imagine you would be doing it in New Jersey! It’s safe to say that there is never a dull moment in Elizabeth’s dining scene.
Our local culture represents more than 50 countries, so naturally that’s reflected in our local cuisine. Whether you’re looking for a quick bite to fuel your day of shopping or you fancy a formal, sit-down dinner, you’re sure to find a place that will delight your taste buds and warm your heart here in Elizabeth, New Jersey.
Urban Griddle
If comfort food in the form of breakfast, brunch, and lunch is your desire, check out Urban Griddle on Maple St. With rustic flair in the form of reclaimed barn wood and a tin ceiling, the atmosphere pairs perfectly with the American classics on the menu. Choose from many flavors and styles of pancakes, challah french toast, and belgian waffles. For the egg-heads in your party, Urban Griddle crafts the perfect omelet or scramble with all your favorite mix-ins. Is it time for lunch? Grab juicy burgers, paninis, and a great selection of vegetarian options. Make a toast to great food and friends with tea and espresso drinks, champagne cocktails, craft beer, and hard cider. Come experience for yourself why Urban Griddle was named the #1 Brunch Spot in NJ by Yelp in 2017.
Valenca Restaurant
For a fine dining experience with a unique Portuguese flair you can look no further than Valenca Restaurant. Once inside this family-owned landmark you will fall into the lap of luxury in their elegant dining rooms. Be sure to try their signature “Steak on the Stone” or the lively paella. With some of the finest service in New Jersey, Valenca’s staff will make sure you feel right at home as you dine and drink at one of the top restaurants in Elizabeth, NJ.
Santillo’s Brick Oven Pizza
No trip to the Tri-state Area is complete without some good pizza. Santillo’s Brick Oven Pizza has won many awards over the years and is featured on The Daily Meal for best pizza in New Jersey. Step into Santillo’s for a delicious and historical experience. Using the oldest and largest brick oven in the state of New Jersey, the Santillo family has been luring in patrons with the delightful aroma of their specialty pies for three generations. Stop in and share a pie, a calzone or a stromboli with your family and friends.
Velvet Cafe
One of the gems of The Market at Elizabeth Avenue, the Velvet Cafe has a very vocal local following of coffee lovers who swear by its cappuccinos, pastries, sandwiches on freshly made bread, chile rellenos, tamales, and so much more. If you haven’t ever tasted a Guatemalan style hot dog, a shuko, this is the place to get one on toasted bread with guacamole, cabbage, and mustard. Stop in during your Market shopping adventures, check out the specials board, and don’t forget to take a coffee, milkshake, or smoothie to go!
Parador Rojo
Further adding to the diverse dining experience in Elizabeth, Parador Rojo Restaurant & Bakery offers a wide array of traditional Colombian cuisine. Both locations have casual, laid-back dining rooms with plenty of options from pequenos gustos (small plates), carnes (meat), pollo (chicken), mariscos (seafood), and postres (desserts). Parador Rojo opens early and closes late, so it’s a top pick for early risers who just need their migas con carne first thing and night owls who need to refuel after an evening of drinks and dancing. Perhaps you’ll try the bandeja paisa which is a generous platter (bandeja) of rice, grilled beef, pork, fried egg, sausage, avocado, and fried sweet plantain—and Colombia’s national dish right here in Elizabeth, NJ!
Try these and the countless other restaurants in Elizabeth, NJ. Whether you’re here with us for a week or just an afternoon, you will not go home hungry.
Explore Restaurants in Elizabeth NJ
Below is a list of just a sample of the many restaurants in Elizabeth NJ. We invite you to browse our restaurant selection or to explore the city to find your own secret hot spot. Contact each restaurant to make your reservation today!
Take your taste buds on an adventure.