New Jersey offers a wide array of healthy food options, catering to diverse tastes and dietary preferences. From farm-to-table experiences to restaurants specializing in fresh seafood and vegetable-centric dishes, the state's culinary scene emphasizes nutritious, delicious meals. Whether you're a local or a visitor, you'll find establishments committed to quality, health, and a satisfying culinary experience.
Farm-to-Table Dining
One of the most prominent trends in healthy eating is the farm-to-table movement, which emphasizes locally sourced, fresh ingredients. Apple Street Kitchen in Tinton Falls exemplifies this approach. With its on-site organic garden, where herbs and seasonal veggies are grown, the restaurant offers a true garden-to-table experience. Chef Casey Pesce's dedication to local, seasonal ingredients shines in every dish, providing a warm and inviting spot to savor the moment. The restaurant features a fresh new look, blending modern charm with rustic touches, warm lighting, and thoughtful decor. A new covered outdoor deck provides a perfect setting for sunny brunches or laid-back dinners.
Seafood Delights
Given its proximity to the Atlantic, New Jersey boasts numerous restaurants specializing in fresh seafood. Woody’s Ocean Grille, located just steps away from the Atlantic, crafts scrumptious seafood and delicious land fare. Guests can begin their dining experience with small plate options. The restaurant also has a sizeable bar that serves various drinks, including its signature Orange Crush cocktail.
Avenue in Long Branch offers a French Bistro and Raw Bar experience, reminiscent of dining along the Côte d'Azur. The restaurant's design, by internationally renowned architect David Collins, features a gleaming space that enhances the dining experience.
Mediterranean Cuisine
Mediterranean cuisine, known for its health benefits and flavorful dishes, is well-represented in New Jersey. Köy Grill in Marlboro offers a vibrant celebration of the Mediterranean's rich culinary traditions, featuring fresh, seasonal ingredients sourced locally and from the finest Mediterranean regions. Their menu includes succulent seafood drizzled with olive oil and lemon, and aromatic herbs infusing signature grilled meats. The inviting space echoes Modern Mediterranean aesthetics, making it suitable for casual lunches, romantic dinners, and special events.
Read also: Guide to Nutritious Restaurants
Latin Fusion
For those seeking a fusion of flavors, Matiz Shore House in Long Branch offers a Gourmet Latin Fusion experience. The restaurant features delicious fusion dishes with flavors from two or more countries in Latin America. The full bar offers signature cocktails, mixed drinks, wine, as well as bottle beer.
Vietnamese Cuisine
Hen Vietnamese Kitchen & Bar offers a unique dining experience that celebrates the vibrant history and diversity of Vietnam. In addition to traditional dishes, Hen features art and cultural events that aim to educate and engage customers in the Vietnamese culture. HEN aims to create an experience that combines the best of Vietnamese culture, art, history, and intellectual thought with delicious, beautifully-presented food.
Other Notable Options
Besides the aforementioned restaurants, New Jersey offers a variety of other dining establishments that cater to health-conscious individuals:
Colts Neck Inn Steak House: While primarily a steakhouse, they serve the finest steaks in town, made from scratch by skilled chefs.
Sette Wood Burning Bistro: Located in Marlboro, this bistro offers a cozy and inviting atmosphere with a diverse food menu and delicious cocktails. The restaurant also features an immersive dining and entertainment experience with an expansive LED viewing wall for watching sports, a mezzanine, 3 full bars and a 3,700 square foot entertainment section containing five virtual golf bays with full-swing technology.
Read also: Healthy food access with Highmark Wholecare explained.
Osteria Cucina Rustica: This restaurant offers an authentic Italian experience with family recipes passed down from generation to generation. They use the freshest ingredients of the highest quality, all prepared to order.
Read also: Healthy Eating on the Run