We all know that Jersey City is a vibrant melting pot of nationalities and cultures. This diversity is one of the reasons we love this city so much. With such diversity, we can explore an array of cuisines from around the world. Whether you’re craving the rich flavors of Indian cuisine or the savory Portuguese dishes, Jersey City has you covered. Get ready to go on a culinary adventure with your friends or family, and enjoy a lunch or dinner date while discovering the tastes of different cultures.

Box Cafe – 115 Palisade Ave

Box Cafe is owned by a local couple, Linda and Sean, who aim to provide quality, homemade, French-inspired meals. If you’re seeking a French ambiance with delicious breakfast, lunch, and dinner options, then you have to check out this café nestled in Jersey City Heights. Their menu offers a variety of options, including a roast beef tenderloin sandwich, a salmon dinner platter, and an egg and cheese ciabatta. And if you’re looking for a wonderful night out to enjoy live music from talented local musicians, you’ll have to go on a Friday night!

 

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Capoeira – 24 Mercer St

Capoeira is a family restaurant that focuses on Brazilian and Portuguese cuisine created by Chef Willian Silva. The menu features a blend of seasonal dishes that are rooted in Brazilian and Portuguese traditions. Some of the traditional dishes include feijoada, a Brazilian stew, and pão de queijo, a gluten-free cheese bread. If you’re a fan of seafood, consider trying their Bacalhau a Bras, a Portuguese codfish egg scramble casserole that’s popular in the Azores Islands!

El Sabroso – 414 Central Ave

Puerto Rican and Latin American restaurant located in the Heights of Jersey City. El Sabroso has been a part of the Jersey City community for many years. Enjoy the soup of the day, everyone’s beloved empanadas, and many flavorful dishes, from chicken stew to seafood.

Griot Cafe – 398 Central Ave

Griot Cafe aims to provide a welcoming space where people can make cherished memories and savor time with friends and family. The cafe specializes in Afro-Caribbean fusion cuisine and responsibly sourced coffee. One of their standout dishes is the Griot sandwich, featuring fried plantains, a choice of spicy or non-spicy slaw, guacamole, and your preferred protein.

 

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Korai Kitchen – 576 Summit Ave

Korai Kitchen is Jersey City’s first Bangladeshi eatery, owned and operated by a mother-daughter team. Their menu features authentic home-cooked Bangladeshi dishes, including freshwater fish, chicken curry, and vegetarian options seasoned with traditional spices.

 

 

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Krewe Cafe – 673 Bergen Ave

You don’t have to travel far for the taste of New Orleans. Krewe of McGinley Square is a cozy neighborhood BYOB dine-in restaurant that specializes in New Orleans cuisine. They are renowned for their seafood gumbo, grit fries, and creole jambalaya. Additionally, they surprise diners with their weekly specials. This family-run restaurant offers a great ambiance and is the perfect spot for a dinner with friends and family, providing an authentic New Orleans experience.

 

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Mamak House – 250 NJ-440

If you’re looking to experience a night of Malaysian cuisine, Mamak House offers a variety of dishes. A must-try is their nasi lemak, which is a rice-based dish served with dark chicken curry and anchovy relish. Another highlight is the okra with fermented belacan sauce, and the Hokkien char mee, which consists of thick wheat noodles coated in a fragrant dark sauce and garnished with crispy fried shallots.

 

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Max’s Restaurant687 Newark Ave

Max’s Restaurant, located near Journal Square, has become a household name in the Philippines and is considered an institution and a proud Filipino tradition. The restaurant serves authentic Philippine cuisine and offers something for everyone. Popular dishes include Daing na Bangus, a boneless marinated milkfish, and crispy pork belly Kare-Kare, a peanut stew served with a mix of vegetables. They also have a diverse selection of appetizers for everyone to enjoy before choosing their main dish.

Nicole’s Caribbean Restaurant – 521 Jersey Ave

Nicole’s Caribbean Restaurant has been family-owned and operated since 1999, and it brings the authentic taste of Guyana to Jersey City. Their most popular dishes include jerk chicken and curried beef with roti. They also offer a variety of vegetarian options, such as vegetable curry dishes and more!

Rumi Turkish Cuisine – 67 Greene St

If you’re craving home-cooked Turkish cuisine, Rumi is a fantastic choice! Situated in the heart of the Jersey City Financial District, Rumi serves up delicious soups, kebabs, salads, seafood, and traditional Turkish dishes for you to savor. This family-owned restaurant is perfect for exploring the flavors of Turkish cuisine, offering vegetarian and vegan options.

Sapthagiri Taste Of India – 737 Newark Ave

Sapthagiri is a pure vegetarian South and North Indian restaurant located in Little India, Jersey City. You can enjoy authentic South Indian cuisine here, including steamed rice cakes, popular Indian vegetable dishes, sweets, and more. The restaurant is known for its popular dish, Dosa, a thin rice and lentil crepe served with Sambar, a lentil-based soup. They are open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and also offer many vegan and gluten-free options.

What is your favorite cuisine?

We love hearing from our readers! Let us know if there is a cuisine in Jersey City that is your favorite.

Arati Patel
Author: Arati Patel

Arati is a professional immersed in the environmental and animal welfare field. In her free time, she enjoys walking and spending time with shelter dogs, exploring the outdoors, and always ready to find a new coffee shop. A born and raised Jersey City local, she considers herself a life-long learner who is ready to write and craft inspiring stories to share with everyone!