Best Neighborhood Gem Restaurants in East Brunswick

11 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Fresco Italian Steak & Seafood Grill restaurant

1. Fresco Italian Steak & Seafood Grill

4.8

Exceptional(1010)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • New Brunswick

Booked 12 times today

Fresco Italian Steak & Seafood Grill is a beloved neighborhood gem in New Brunswick, New Jersey. Reviews rave about the excellent food, service, and atmosphere. The restaurant offers a varied menu, including seafood, steaks, and pasta dishes. Customers consistently praise the freshness of the ingredients and the warm, attentive service. It's the go-to spot for locals, making it a true neighborhood gem.

2. Steakhouse 85

4.8

Exceptional(4027)

Price: Expensive

• Steakhouse • New Brunswick

Booked 36 times today

Steakhouse 85 is a 21st century rendition of the classic American Steakhouse. The menu at Steakhouse 85 is comprised of fresh and inspiring modern day interpretations of classic American cuisine, served alongside the traditional steakhouse classics we all know and love. The back bone of our menu is without a doubt our beef. Our mouth watering dry aged steaks are rubbed with a simple yet luscious combination of sea salt, black pepper and fresh herbs. They are seared on a 1200 degree cast iron grill and then broiled to your liking. Paired with a large classically designed bar, complete with savvy cocktails and a Wine Spectator award winning wine list, this steakhouse is sure to please.Wine Spectator Award of ExcellenceOfficial Steakhouse of Rutgers Athletics

A photo of Catherine Lombardi restaurant

3. Catherine Lombardi

4.8

Exceptional(2377)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • New Brunswick

Booked 21 times today

Upscale Italian restaurant with homey fare & 2 fireplaces plus a cozy red interior & lively bar.Serving Menus from Stage Left Steak & Catherine Lombardi in the Same Dining Room Mondays-Saturdays. Spring and Summer months seating will be in Stag Left Steak. Fall and Winter in Catherine Lombardi

A photo of Portuguese Fisherman restaurant

4. Portuguese Fisherman

4.6

Exceptional(1274)

Price: Moderate

• Portuguese • East Brunswick

Booked 11 times today

Established in 1976, We are one of the oldest Portuguese and Spanish restaurants on the east coast. Attentive service, delicious authentic food, generous portions and refreshing sangria—these are the hallmarks of the Fisherman. Since our opening in 1976 we have consistently upheld the traditions of fine Portuguese and Spanish dining in central New Jersey.A variety of fresh seafood and fish, as well as organic meats, all made with the finest ingredients available, await you at our tables. Our seasonal menu and daily specials include delectable dishes prepared to satisfy many tastes.We invite you to visit us in the historic town of South River, New Jersey.

A photo of Luca's Ristorante of Somerset restaurant

5. Luca's Ristorante of Somerset

4.8

Exceptional(1160)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • New Brunswick

Booked 16 times today

If you are seeking not just a great meal, but a great dining experience, you need look no further than Luca’s Ristorante Somerset. Tucked away on Rt. 27 between Princeton and New Brunswick, Luca’s Somerset is an oasis of authentic regional Italian cuisine. Offering modern adaptations of traditional dishes from Ischia, here you can enjoy hand-cut ravioli stuffed with Chef Andrea’s latest mouth-watering combinations, a selection of fish entrees so fresh that they evoke the Mediterranean Sea, or a filet of such quality that it is paralleled only by the accoutrement that accompany it. Our dining room décor is uniquely Ischitana, and goes to show that here at Luca’s Somerset, we understand that the difference is in the details. When you are done with it all, take in the cozy setting with a delicious dessert made from scratch, and the perfect cup of locally micro-roasted espresso or cappuccino. So please, be our guest.

6. Stage Left Steak

4.8

Exceptional(1453)

Price: Very Expensive

• Steakhouse • New Brunswick

Booked 6 times today

A contemporary steakhouse in the heart of New Brunswick's theater district with a wood-burning grill serving delicious dry-aged steaks and locally sourced dishes since 1992. The wine list is extensive and features estate-bottled wines from small producers. A variety of hand-crafted cocktails are offered on the nationally-recognized cocktail menu. Winner of many accolades including Best of the Best, Best Steak, Best Burger, "Best of Award of Excellence", Coziest Restaurant and more.We are currently open Monday - Thursday : 4:30-9 and Friday - Saturday : 4:30-9:30. In cooperation with our sister restaurant, Catherine Lombardi, guests have the option of ordering from both of our menus on the days that we're open.

7. Sophie's Bistro

4.8

Exceptional(1709)

Price: Expensive

• French • New Brunswick

Booked 2 times today

We want Sophie's to be a place where one could have a good, hearty meal (comfort food), simple and unpretentious, at a fair price. Our goal is to produce an atmosphere where people can come for lunch, a full dinner, a late snack, a glass of wine or a big cup of coffee and feel comfortable and at home. Our menu is diverse enough for everyone, yet simple enough so the average person will not get overwhelmed with numerous menu choices and complications. Our basic premise is to provide quality food and good service at a fair price in an unpretentious atmosphere. The décor is modeled after classic French Bistros. French country antiques, large open shuttered windows, dark woods, soft pastel colors and walls covered with family pictures make Sophie's an intimate cozy environment

8. Clydz

4.6

Exceptional(1017)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary American • New Brunswick

Booked 3 times today

Clydz is a lively New Brunswick destination with a subterranean atmosphere, reminiscent of a 1920's speakeasy. At Clydz, the fare is anything but ordinary. The menu is comprised of small plates and entrees, ranging from a selection of steaks, scallops, duck, house made pastas and desserts.The cuisine is not the only element that sets Clydz apart from the rest. The trendy bar, enhanced by fish tanks and fireplaces, offers adventurous martini and cocktail selections. When making a reservation please keep in mind, tables will only be held 15 minutes past the reservation time. ***Please be advised-If you are dining with us pre-theater, please allow two hours minimum for your stay!If you are making reservations for parties larger than 8 or do not see a reservation available, please call the restaurant at 732-846-6521.We look forward to seeing you.Cheers!

9. Metuchen Inn

4.7

Exceptional(1774)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary American • Metuchen

Booked 7 times today

The historic Metuchen Inn has elegant new decor, same fantastic food and service with a creative new menu. Come see some old friends and make some new. Enjoy our Happy Hour with your hosts Constantine and Victor

10. Zinna's Bistro

4.6

Exceptional(1902)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Cranbury

Booked 8 times today

WE HAVE MOVED! Visit us at 10 Cedarbrook Drive, Cranbury, NJ!Zinna's Bistro is a family-owned and operated Italian-American bistro that opened in January 2010. It is one of the hidden gems that make up the treasured Cranbury community. At Zinna's, we believe that your fine dining experience starts with quality. We showcase homemade pastas and produce grown on our premises as well as the freshest ingredients the Garden State has to offer. From food to service, we strive to provide a dining experience you will only find here.We do NOT allow outside desserts (there will be a $5 per person fee) Zinna's Bistro offers all cakes & desserts call to place an order for your upcoming event or party.20% gratuity will be added to parties of 6 or more. We are limited to splitting checks to 3 per table. An additional 3.38% is applied for all credit card transactions. Entree Sharing Fee of $10 per person applies.HOURS:Tuesday-Friday12PM-3PM5PM-9PMSaturday-Sunday12PM-3PM4PM-9PM

‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

J
JoAnn
Nashville •2 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
We were a table of 4 & ordered different appetizers and my husband & I split a salad which was a nice size portion for each of us. The steaks we ordered were cook exactly med as ordered & were delicious. The deserts were also delicious.
More info
Fresco Italian Steak & Seafood GrillPrice: Expensive• Italian• New Brunswick
•
4.8
S
stephanie hunger
New York City •11 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
We were out with friends and had a delicious meal with sangria. We will definitely be back again another time to try other entrees .
More info
Portuguese FishermanPrice: Moderate• Portuguese• East Brunswick
•
4.6
P
Patricia
San Francisco Bay Area •5 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
Four out of 6 picked the filet mignon and 2 ,the grouper. all enjoyed their picksThere were a variety of appetizers ,sides and desserts ,chosen which all enjoyed The portions were large enough to share. we were 6 women and were their for date night to celebrate a birthday. Our food choices were off that menu. and this was about the 5th year we have celebrated there . We were disappointed there was a $15 up charge for the steak, but still felt it was great price for the dinners .
More info
Steakhouse 85Price: Expensive• Steakhouse• New Brunswick
•
4.8
P
Paul
New York City •1 review
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
Warm and inviting restaurant suitable for family special occasions. Excellent food and friendly service with a varied menu of tasty pastas, salads, seafood and meats.
More info
Luca's Ristorante of SomersetPrice: Expensive• Italian• New Brunswick
•
4.8
C
Chevaunvip
Washington, D.C. Area •11 reviews
5.0
Dined 6 days ago
This was my first time visiting New Brunswick, NJ, and I love Italian cuisine. I am so happy I was able to get a reservation at Catherine Lombardi’s! From start to finish, the service and atmosphere was impeccable, and the food was delicious to boot! The server was attentive and knowledgeable. The owner stopped by our table to offer insight on the menu and to check in with our group. We enjoyed the food, drinks, and dessert. Too many flavor profiles to share in detail but there is not a bad dish at all and our group tried several. I want to return to New Brunswick just to go back to the restaurant. I highly recommend Catherine Lombardi’s.
More info
Catherine LombardiPrice: Expensive• Italian• New Brunswick
•
4.8

Explore OpenTable

East Brunswick

Best Neighborhood Gem Restaurants in East Brunswick

Price

Cuisine

Regions

Neighborhoods

Top Rated

Dining Options

Seating Options

Accessibility

11 restaurants available nearby

1. Fresco Italian Steak & Seafood Grill

2. Steakhouse 85

3. Catherine Lombardi

4. Portuguese Fisherman

5. Luca's Ristorante of Somerset

6. Stage Left Steak

7. Sophie's Bistro

8. Clydz

9. Metuchen Inn

10. Zinna's Bistro

See what locals rave about

Explore OpenTable