NORTH JERSEY
Andre’s Lakeside Dining | Sparta
The scene: An expansive deck overlooking Seneca Lake.
The eats: Modern dishes that evolve monthly to capture the freshest flavors of the season.
Angry Dad Draught House | Washington
The scene: Like being at the beach, but not. Covered outdoor pavilion and sandy area with Adirondack chairs.
The eats: Satisfying bar-and-grill fare with impressive domestic and imported draught selections.
Battello | Jersey City
The scene: Stunning Hudson River and Manhattan skyline views.
The eats: Contemporary Italian, seafood-influenced menu by Chef Ryan DePersio.
Café Matisse | Randolph
The scene: Authentic European garden patio.
The eats: Four-course Prix-Fixe dinner menu, BYOB.
Casa Bella Ristorante | Denville
The scene: Lakeside deck with vintage string lights and flowering plants.
The eats: Italian regional cuisine – think: traditional dishes plus new takes on classics.
City Bistro | Hoboken
The scene: Expansive rooftop with panoramic views of uptown Hoboken.
The eats: Eclectic Italian American fare.
Haven | Edgewater
The scene: On the banks of the Hudson River with Manhattan views – named “One of the World’s 16 Most Spectacular Waterfront Restaurants” by Architectural Digest.
The eats: An innovative take on Modern American dishes by Chef Angel Andino.
Iron Monkey | Jersey City
The scene: Billed as not fine dining, not a local dive, but a Rooftop Craft Draft Beer Bar.
The eats: Modern American cuisine, draft beers and full bar.
NoHu Rooftop Bar & Restaurant | Weehawken
The scene: Trendy rooftop bar with river and Manhattan skyline views.
The eats: Decadent dishes paired with craft cocktails. Bottle service available.
The Patio at The Highlawn | West Orange
The scene: Sweeping NYC skyline views.
The eats: Light bites and bright cocktails.
Pier 115 Bar & Grill | Edgewater
The scene: Dramatic views of the Hudson River from an outdoor deck.
The eats: Wood-fired pizzas, sushi and entrees from land and sea.
Porta | Jersey City
The scene: Expansive rooftop bar and eatery with city vistas.
The eats: You can’t go wrong here – Porta is one of New Jersey’s Must-Try Pizzerias.
Skinner’s Loft | Jersey City
The scene: A chic rooftop with a relaxed vibe and urban views.
The eats: Hearty main dishes and small plates for dinner or weekend brunch.
Son Cubano | West New York
The scene: Bustling patio offering cityscape panoramas.
The eats: Cuban-inspired dishes from David Burke and Executive Chef Brian Morales.
TOWN bar + kitchen | Morristown
The scene: One of Morristown’s only outdoor rooftop dining venues – complete with a cozy fireplace.
The eats: Accessible globally-inspired menu.
VENTANAS Restaurant and Lounge at The Modern | Fort Lee
The scene: Outdoor seating in an Instagram-worthy park-like setting.
The eats: Chef David Burke is the culinary director. Enough said.
The Windlass | Lake Hopatcong
The scene: Relaxed porch overlooking the lake.
The eats: Casual comfort food.
CENTRAL JERSEY
The Armory | Perth Amboy
The scene: Deck on Perth Amboy’s historic waterfront with Raritan Bay views.
The eats: Seafood and steakhouse.
Blue Point Grill | Princeton
The scene: Outdoor seating on lively Nassau Street.
The eats: Zagat-rated BYOB specializing in seafood and boasting the area’s best oyster selection.
Canal House Station | Milford
The scene: Feels like a secret garden nestled beside the Delaware River.
The eats: Delicious enough to warrant multiple James Beard Foundation Semi-Finalist Awards.
Chez Daniel | Frenchtown
The scene: A narrow covered porch places you next to the buzzing sidewalk.
The eats: BYOB dishing up French fusion fare.
Erini | Ewing Township
The scene: Patio transformed into an immersive tropical oasis.
The eats: Mediterranean-inspired, eclectic menu.
Lambertville Station Restaurant and Inn | Lambertville
The scene: A picturesque terrace overlooking the Delaware Canal.
The eats: Creative American cuisine made from fresh ingredients.
Mediterra | Princeton
The scene: Patio in a garden-like setting with views of the Palmer Square fountain.
The eats: Farm-to-fork dining inspired by the Mediterranean Sea’s two dozen coastal cultures.
Ninety Acres at Natirar | Peapack
The scene: Seating beneath strung lights and surrounding floral gardens.
The eats: Dishes made from produce cultivated on the grounds.
The Orchard Terrace | East Brunswick
The scene: Covered outdoor terrace with a relaxed atmosphere.
The eats: Modern American Cuisine by David Burke.
Patriot’s Crossing Tavern | Titusville
The scene: Deck seating so close to the canal you can almost touch the water.
The eats: George Washington and his troops wish this tasty tavern fare was around when they made their infamous river crossing at this spot.
Rat’s Restaurant | Hamilton Township
The scene: Nestled into Grounds for Sculpture, surrounded by larger-than-life art.
The eats: Farm-to-table cuisine with a focus on seasonal selections.
Stage Left Steak | New Brunswick
The scene: Feel like you’re part of the beating pulse of the city as you relax in sidewalk seating.
The eats: “Greenmarket-driven and seasonal, celebrating the best of what’s local.”
Witherspoon Grill | Princeton
The scene: Spacious brick patio in the heart of leafy Princeton.
The eats: Local favorite known for its classic American fare and all-natural Prime Angus Beef.
SOUTH JERSEY
Boardwalk Bar & Grill | Point Pleasant Beach
The scene: Views of the boards and ocean from a rooftop.
The eats: Specialty cocktails, seafood dishes and boardwalk favorites.
Carlucci’s Waterfront | Mount Laurel
The scene: Patio overlooking Rancocas Creek.
The eats: Fine Italian cuisine.
Charlesworth Restaurant | Fortescue
The scene: Outdoor deck on the Delaware Bay.
The eats: Upscale steak & seafood.
Chef Mike’s ABG | Seaside Park
The scene: Outdoor tables are set up right on the beach for unbeatable ocean views.
The eats: Award-winning dishes by Executive Chef Mike Jurusz billed as “bringing sexy food back.”
Freddy J’s Bar & Kitchen | Mays Landing
The scene: Dog-friendly outdoor patio.
The eats: Gastropub favorites.
Harry’s Ocean Bar & Grille | Cape May
The scene: Panoramic water views from an oceanfront patio.
The eats: Freshly-caught seafood, plus sandwiches and salads.
Luna’s Outdoor Bar & Grille at the Savoy | Vineland
The scene: Vibrant Key West vibe.
The eats: Casual dining with signature drinks.
Parker’s Garage | Beach Haven
The scene: Relaxed in-season dining on Barnegat Bay.
The eats: Seafood, seafood and more seafood.
Proving Ground Waterfront Dining| Highlands
The scene: Expansive deck directly on the Highlands Reach where it flows into Sandy Hook Bay.
The eats: Fresh-caught and local specialties.
Rooney's | Long Branch
The scene: Bi-level outdoor deck overlooking the Atlantic Ocean.
The eats: “Carefully crafted coastal cuisine.”
Swine Bar | North Wildwood
The scene: Elevated deck offering panoramic views of Otten’s Basin.
The eats: Fine “coastal cuisine with a twist” offered in-season.
Ventura’s Greenhouse Restaurant & Beach Bar | Margate City
The scene: Tiki Deck and Beach Bar with expansive views of the ocean and Lucy the Elephant.
The eats: Cocktails and casual fare in the fresh air.
The Waterfront | Wildwood
The scene: Sweeping views and breathtaking sunsets over Otten’s Harbor.
The eats: Crowd-pleasing dishes and cocktails.
Hungry for more dining options? Uncover hidden gem restaurants throughout New Jersey – and always call ahead to be sure your chosen eatery can accommodate your party, whether you’re dining indoors or out. Care to turn your dinner out into an overnight escape? Explore places to stay. You can also gain insider tips from our official travel guide and monthly inspiration delivered to your inbox with our e-newsletter.
