THE 15 BEST Restaurants in Manalapan, NJ - With Menus, Reviews, Photos - Updated April 2024 (2024)

1

Mostly Smoked Barbeque Inspired Eatery

Barbecue • $$

520 US-9, Manalapan

Customers` Favorites

Pulled Chicken

Cornbread

Burnt End Baked Beans

Dry Rub Wings

Cuban Sandwich

Macaroni and Cheese

French Fries

Mac & Cheese

Lean Brisket

Smoked Chilli

“This place hands down was AMAZING!!! First of, very clean. Amazing staffs, so sweet & friendly! Food was quickly served! Again, did I say delicious? So much flavor, and a must try are these Alabama wings ?. We drove little over an hour 2nd day again after stumbling upon it the day before to eat there again… The owner was so sweet to set up some samples for us while waiting for our order to go….was so delicious!”

4.8 Superb183 Reviews

Menu

2

Anemos Greek Cuisine

Greek • $$$

333 US-9, Manalapan

Customers` Favorites

Shrimp Skewer Platter

Grilled Octopus

Moussaka

Baklava Cheese Cake

Lamb Shank

Greek Salad

Chicken Souvlaki

Stuffed Grape Leaves

Octopus Youvetsi

Beef and Lamb Gyro Platter

“I cannot say enough great things about this restaurant. The food is amazing! Atmosphere is beautiful and the service is great. The mousakka, pastitchio, chicken kabobs were incredible. The bougatsa we had for dessert was out of this world! I really don’t think I’ve ever had a better meal than I did last night! Delicious and the owner is just delightful as well. I will definitely be back soon!”

4.8 Superb65 Reviews

Menu

3

Bangkok Bistro Thai Eatery

Thai • $

100 US-9, Manalapan

Customers` Favorites

Duck

Pad Thai

Basil Fried Rice

Red Curry

Papaya Salad

Green Curry

Chicken Satay

Thai Fried Rice

Panang Curry

Fried Calamari

“I am not an expert on Thai cuisine, BUT this place was so good. I stumbled upon this place by accident on Google Maps when I looked for lunch options in that area. The first time I went was with my cousin, the second time with my family and another time with a friend. It's a bit far from where I live, but it's well worth the drive, and I usually go here when I have errands to do in this part of NJ.”

4.7 Superb71 Reviews

Menu

4

The Greek Spot

Greek • $$

130 NJ-33 #6, Manalapan

Customers` Favorites

Salads

Greek Salad

Lemon Potatoes

Branzino

Greek Fries

Baklava

Lamb Chops

Hummus

Lamb Souvlaki

Dolmades

“Been here a few times. Great place great selection of food nice portions fresh!Highly recommended. Hope they branch out and put a restaurant in the Monroe: cranbury ”

4.6 Superb108 Reviews

Menu

5

Manalapan Luncheonette

Breakfast • $

63 Wilson Ave, Manalapan

Customers` Favorites

Chicken Sandwich

Spicy Home Fries

Full Breakfast Two Eggs Bacon Home Fries Toast

French Toast Sandwich with Sausage and Eggs

Taylor's Ham Egg and Cheese on a Bagel

Grilled Chicken over Salad

Pancakes or French Toast

Ham and Cheese Sandwich

Western Omelette

Breakfast Meat

“Its all about what you value. We, as family, value fresh and high quality food and friendly service. If over priced fancy diners nearby had fulfilled that we would have never discovered that place. If you want to feed your family bring them here everyday. If you want to impress someone with apperance take them somewhere else.”

5 Superb29 Reviews

Menu

6

Estrella Azul

Mexican • $

357 Route 9 South, Manalapan

Customers` Favorites

Chips

Queso

Salsa Verde

Al Pastor

Carnitas

Side of Consomme Broth

Chips and Guacamole

8 Oz Guacamole

Street Tacos 1

Birria Tacos 3

“We stopped in for dinner based on an Instagram post I saw about the Birria tacos being awesome. While I agree the pricing is a bit high you can tell the ingredients are fresh and good quality....they haven't been sitting under a heat lamp for 8 hours. The staff was super friendly! We had the birria tacos which were soooo delicious they melt in your mouth! Fresh salsa and chips and a couple of street tacos....all very delicious and fresh!! We will definitely be back for more!!! Give this place a try....its worth it!”

4.6 Superb69 Reviews

Menu

7

Bread house

Georgian • $$

335 US-9, Manalapan

Customers` Favorites

Khinkali

Beef

Bakery

Chakapuli

Chashushuli

Pkhaali Trio with Eggplant Roll

Megruli

Ojakhuri

Napoleon Cake

Georgian Salad

“The food is amazing! The bread is freshly baked and everything is fresh. I loved everything I tried but the standouts were the baked beans and the potatoes with garlic.”

4.6 Superb65 Reviews

Menu

8

Turning Point of Manalapan

Brunch • $

55 US-9 #350, Manalapan

Customers` Favorites

Eggs Benedict

Berry Chocolaty Pancake

Wilbur Skillet

Wilber Skillet with Avocado

Southern Chicken & Waffles

Grande Huevos Rancheros

Bacon Lollipops

Avocado Toast

“My favorite breakfast/brunch location. There's often a long wait, so I guess a lot of people agree with me, but it is well worth the wait. The food is prepared perfectly, the portions are large, the coffee is great, the service is quick and friendly, and prices for all that are quite reasonable.I love this place!We were among the earliest customers on this, their 1st day of reopening, following a month closure for renovations in both the kitchen and dining areas. The food was excellent (as usual), the service was the same high standard we have come to enjoy, the prices remain competitive, and the new look is modern & refreshing. This is still my favorite breakfast/brunch place.”

4.6 Superb64 Reviews

Menu

9

Al's Luncheonette

Diner • $

300 Gordons Corner Rd, Manalapan

Customers` Favorites

Breakfast Egg and Cheese Sandwich

Banana Chocolate Chip Pancakes

Philly Cheese Steak

Chicken Salad

“Had an omelette and home fries. Tasted awesome. Couldn't stop eating which is not typical of me. Staff was super friendly and seemed to be having a good time while focusing on quality food. Can't wait to go back!”

4.8 Superb32 Reviews

Menu

10

Tribos Peri Peri Chicken - Manalapan

Halal

100 US-9 Unit 1, Manalapan

Customers` Favorites

Sauces

Chicken Sandwich

Falafel

Mild

Yuca Fries

Whole Chicken

Chicken Tenders

Lamb Chops

Quarter Chicken

Beef Burger

“The peri fries are flavorful and crispy, the best fries I've ever had. I'm obsessed with the crispy grilled chicken sandwich, I get it every time I come here. The staff is amazing and provide great service.They also play throwback songs too so it's definitely a vibe for the millennials”

4.5 Superb81 Reviews

Menu

11

Zack's Deli

Deli • $

73 Wilson Ave #1, Manalapan

Customers` Favorites

Sub

Pork Roll & Cheese

Rice Pudding

“My boyfriend and I get take out from Zack’s about once a week and I have no complaints. Home fries and burgers and french fries are delicious and hot and the food comes fast. The usual guy who takes the orders on the phone/works the front is extremely friendly and upbeat.”

4.9 Superb23 Reviews

Menu

12

Shirin Cafe

Russian • $$$

345 US-9, Manalapan

Customers` Favorites

Lamb Kebab

Rendezvous Salad

Uzbek Traditional Bread Lepyoshka

Uzbek Traditional Soup Shurpa

Armenian Red Bean Salad

Uzbek Plov Pilaf

Eggplant Tomato

Pumpkin Samsa

Achuchuk Salad

Baked Bread

“What a beautiful experience. All food was fresh and delicious. Service was great. We spent a lot of time looking at the art on the walls and other cultural trinkets. Very good vibes.”

4.7 Superb35 Reviews

Menu

13

Piramida Restaurant

Modern European • $$$$

357 US-9, Manalapan

Customers` Favorites

Sushi

Crispy Fried Whole Branzino with Butter Garlic Sauce

French Crepes with Chocolate

Sesame Salmon Salad

Lobster Bisque

Shrimp Tempura

Chicken Kebab

Duck Salad

Lamb Chops

Pierogis

“I hosted my second party here last night and all the guests were thrilled with everything! The restaurant is beautiful, the food was delicious, the variety was plentiful and the staff was so kind and generous. PLUS my favorite DJ kept us entertained all night long!”

4.6 Superb37 Reviews

Menu

14

Peking Pavilion

Chinese • $$$

110 NJ-33, Manalapan

Customers` Favorites

Sesame Chicken

Chicken and Broccoli

Rock Shrimp

Chicken Imperial

Filet Mignon Egg Roll

Peking Duck

Skirt Steak

Grand Marnier Prawns

Fried Pork Dumplings

Mongolian Beef

“I really really want to give 5 starts but the lack of flavor in certain dishes made me give 4. The Rock Shrimp appetizer is one of the best dishes I've ever had. EVER. The sauce, the crisp fry on the shrimp- I've had it twice and find myself thinking about it often! My husband ordered the whole red snapper fried- he loved it. The sauce it was in was also YUM. However, my last visit I had the salmon, and it was just ok and then this visit I had the sesame chicken and we ordered vegetable friend rice- and again, just ok. It's kind of weird bc I feel like these items has NO flavor. They were cooked wonderfully, but tasted as if I could make it at home. If I visit again I will order the rock shrimp as my appetizer and then again for my meal lol its THAT good! Service was exceptional both visits- from the host desk to the servers to the bus Boys.”

4.1 Good129 Reviews

Menu

15

Gus's Diner

American • $

135 NJ-33, Manalapan

Customers` Favorites

Greek Salad

Eggs Benedict

French Toast

Broccoli Spinich Feta Omelet w Home Fries

2eggs Corned Beef Hash & Home Fries

Pork Roll Egg and Cheese Sandwich

Ham and Cheese Omelet

Roast Turkey Sandwich

Short Stack Pancakes

Made Fresh in House

“Service is always great, and the Hosts/Owners very personable. No attitudes here as in some other area diners. Friendly and always welcoming. Always clean, and food always consistent.”

4.4 Superb96 Reviews

Menu

THE 15 BEST Restaurants in Manalapan, NJ - With Menus, Reviews, Photos - Updated April 2024 (2024)

FAQs

What restaurant is New Jersey known for? ›

In 2015 Thrillist called Tops Diner in East Newark, the most iconic restaurant in New Jersey. In 2017 Time Out named Tops Diner the best diner in the country. Since 1942 Tops Diner has been serving up what New Jersey wants to eat.

What restaurant was voted best restaurant in the world? ›

Best restaurants
Year1st2nd
2019MirazurNoma
2021NomaGeranium
2022GeraniumCentral Restaurante
2023Central RestauranteDisfrutar
17 more rows

What is the favorite meal in New Jersey? ›

Specialties specific to New Jersey diners include the previously mentioned pork roll, egg, and cheese sandwich, as well as disco fries, a food similar to the Quebec dish of poutine. They consist of french fries, usually slightly overcooked, and covered with brown gravy and melted mozzarella cheese.

What is the top 1 in New Jersey? ›

New Jersey
  • Top 1% income threshold: $825,965.
  • Top 5% income threshold: $338,884.
Jan 24, 2023

What is a 10 top restaurant? ›

Definition: A number with “top” following it refers to the amount of people in a party dining at the establishment. Example: Hey Michelle, you've got a 6-top coming in so be ready. 86'd. Definition: When the restaurant (as in bar, kitchen, or service station) runs out of a certain ingredient or menu item.

Who is No 1 Chef in world? ›

Joël Robuchin holds the number one spot amongst the world's top 10 chefs, making him the best chef in the world according to Michelin star ratings.

What is the number 1 restaurant in the United States? ›

In the United States, top restaurants are mostly in New York and California and are ranked as follows: Le Bernardin in New York, NY, 99.5. SingleThread in Healdsburg, CA, 99 (second place worldwide) The French Laundry in Yountville, CA, 98.5 (third place worldwide)

What is the most famous food in Jersey? ›

Pork Roll. This might be New Jersey's most iconic food. Created by John Taylor back in 1856, this pork-based meat product is typically sliced and pan-fried or grilled, then used in a breakfast sandwich with eggs and cheese (but it's not limited to breakfast—we've seen it used in everything from burgers to ice cream!).

Why is New Jersey called the diner capital of the world? ›

New Jersey is the diner capital of the world. It boasts an estimated 400 diners spread out across the landscape, and there are several reasons for this. Much of the Garden State remains semi-rural or suburban where the food runs more traditional.

Why is New Jersey the diner capital? ›

New Jersey's status as the diner capital is deeply rooted in its history of diner manufacturing, which has significantly shaped American diner culture. New Jersey's title as the Diner Capital is deeply rooted in its history as a hub for diner manufacturing, influencing diner culture nationwide.

Is New Jersey the diner capital of the world? ›

New Jersey is considered by many to be the diner capital of the world. An unofficial New Jersey diner coalition estimates that there are around 450 diners in the state, more per capita than any other state in the United States. "I'm sure people in other states love their diners, too.

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