The latest update for the Best Family-Owned Restaurants in NJ is written by Lindsay Podolak.
If you love the idea of walking into a restaurant and getting a personal greeting from the host, this list is for you. You — yes you — have the chance to become the Jersey version of Norm from Cheers. All you need to do is frequent one (or all) of the best family-owned restaurants in NJ. Lucky for you, you can find the full list of just such spots below.
Of course, no one does food better than Jersey; but these local folks are the ones who make it all happen. After all, family-owned restaurants all share a common special ingredient: Love.
One last bit of housekeeping: Please call ahead or check the websites of all restaurants for current COVID-19 updates.
Quick Click Guide: Select an NJ Region below to find the best the best Family-Owned Restaurants near you.
| North Jersey | Central Jersey | Jersey Shore | South Jersey |
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North Jersey Family-Owned Restaurants
Angelo’s Ristorante
Angelo’s quickly became a Lyndhurst staple after opening its doors in 1966, and the Piccirillo family has been proudly serving the area ever since. They offer classic Italian-American cuisine in a fine dining room. In fact, this is the type of place that makes you feel like you’re really in Italy; eating a dish someone’s Nonna made fresh for you. It’s that good.
Location: 263 Ridge Road, Lyndhurst
Must-Have Menu Item: First, for appetizers, go with the clams oreganata and the shrimp with sauce and biscuit. Then for dinner, Angelo’s is known for both their homemade manicotti and their veal Milanese.
BYOB: No — but if you’re in the mood for just a glass or two, Angelo’s offers half-bottles of wine.
More Info: Click here to give them a call.
Chapala Grill
Since 2006, brothers Louis and Ricardo Chavez have been serving up classic Mexican fare in a fun and friendly environment. Visit Chapala Grill for some delicious margaritas and can’t-miss Mexican delights, such as chiles rellenos and ceviche.
Location: 52 South Washington Avenue, Bergenfield
Must-Have Menu Item: The Fajitas Chapala. This dish mixes shrimp, skirt steak, and chicken with onions, peppers, tomatoes, and mushrooms; as well as tortillas, rice, beans, and guac to complete the meal.
BYOB: No, but Chalapa has a full-service bar (and margaritas made with fresh fruit).
More Info: Click here to visit the website or click here to give them call.
Mama’s & Cafe Baci
For over 45 years, the Schiano family has been serving up the best northern and southern Italian cuisine at Mama’s. They also create gluten-free meals; and even offer separate menus that cater to guests looking for vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options (even pizza!). Mama’s is BYOB, but they exclusively sell Old York Cellars wines by the bottle. The attached Café Baci offers live entertainment every night, which they play on TVs and speakers throughout the dining room.
Location: 260 Mountain Avenue, Hackettstown
Must-Have Menu Item: Owner Thomas Schiano couldn’t choose just one dish to recommend, so he gave us three. By your third visit, make sure you’ve tried the Champagne Palma, Chicken Toscano , and Di Tomasso “Old School” options. Click here to see the menu.
BYOB: Yes – Mama’s also sells Old York Cellars wine by the bottle.
More Info: Click here to visit the website or click here to give them a call.
Sammy’s Ye Old Cider Mill
Sammy’s started as a speakeasy in the 1920s by then-owner Samuel Fornaro; but now the spot is run by Fornaro’s grandkids. Sammy’s offers a unique service style from a long-gone era; guests order when they enter and wait for their food at the downstairs bar. This makes it a favorite among those looking to step back in time while they enjoy great food. Of course, the only way to experience it is to stop in and see it for yourself!
Location: 353 Mendham Road West (Route 24), Mendham
Must-Have Menu Item: You can’t go wrong with any of Sammy’s steak options; but the double-cut lamb chops and Shrimp Scampi Sammy’s Style are favorites among guests.
BYOB: No, but Sammy’s offers half-price bottles of wine on Tuesday nights!
More Info: Click here to visit the website or click here to give them a call.
The Star Tavern
The Star Tavern serves arguably the best pizza in New Jersey (a bold statement for any Jersey girl to make). But they are best known for thin-crust pies. Owned and operated by the Vayianos family since 1980, this is the perfect place to take the whole family; or to watch the game at the bar with a beer and a pie. From the food to the décor, it’s a true Jersey pizza joint, and not to be missed!
Location: 400 High Street, Orange
Must-Have Menu Item: You obviously can’t stop here without trying the pizza, it really is one-of-a-kind; but The Star Tavern’s buffalo wings are definitely another must-have.
BYOB: No
More Info: Click here to visit the website or click here to give them a call.
Thistle Fish & Chip and Caterers
Since opening in 1963, The Thistle has been serving Old Country-style fish and chips in a warm, family-oriented space. The Leahy family treats patrons like family and provides a full menu of seafood dishes, in addition to the best fish and chip dinners this side of the Atlantic. Stop in, or call up for a catered event and they’ll come to you.
Location: 442 Valley Brook Avenue, Lyndhurst
Must-Have Menu Item: The obvious choice is fish & chips, but the baked crusted flounder special is also great. It’s a fresh piece of flounder baked with a light breadcrumb crust in a lemon caper butter sauce; then served with rice and your choice of roasted potatoes, sautéed green beans, or French fries.
BYOB: Yes
More Info: Click here to visit the website or click here to give them a call.
Central Jersey Family-Owned Restaurants
De Martino
After years spent working at Martino’s Cuban Restaurant (the family business), Chef Martino Linares branched out on his own; As a result, De Martino is a cozy setting for the same delicious Cuban food. However, not long after he left, his father’s restaurant closed. Of course, fans of Martino’s will find some staples from the old place on the De Martino menu; as well as a host of new, inventive offerings.
Location: 9 Davenport Street, Somerville
Must-Have Menu Item: Try the Chili Braised Short Rib, a short rib in chili-spiced sauce with corn succotash. Then for dessert, the Plantain Coconut Churro Bites are dusted with cinnamon sugar and topped with guava and coconut cream cheese sauces.
BYOB: Yes
More Info: Click here to visit the website or click here to give them a call.
Lovin’ Oven
Owners (and spouses) Julie Klein and Mike Quinn believe that food is love; which means their farm-to-table dining spot will make you feel right at home. The menu offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner, as well as weekend brunch items; in addition to a range of vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options.
Location: 62A Trenton Avenue, Frenchtown
Must-Have Menu Item: Come by on a weekend for the Grilled Ham & Sauteed Spinach Eggs Benedict; it comes piled on a toasted English muffin with Hollandaise sauce and garlic-rosemary potatoes.
BYOB: Yes
More Info: Click here to visit the website or click here to give them a call.
Xocolatz
Owners Jaime and Ana Chaves still infuse the Xocolatz menu with their Brazilian roots, as they have since 2002. They aim to serve delicious Latin dishes at affordable prices in a cozy setting. Their menu changes seasonally, but also offers new specials each weekend.
Location: 235 Elmer Street, Westfield
Must-Have Menu Item: If you’re looking for comfort food, look no further than the classic Spanish Chicken and Rice; perfectly tender chicken breast sits atop a mixture of yellow Spanish rice, Colombian chorizo, peas, tomatoes, scallions, and red peppers.
BYOB: Yes
More Info: Click here to visit the website or click here to give them a call.
Jersey Shore Family-Owned Restaurants
Federici’s Family Restaurant
Federici’s has been a New Jersey staple for almost one hundred years. It began with Frank and Ester Federici in 1921, but lives on today as the business passes down each generation. The menu grows with each new owner, but that old school Italian taste remains; for example, their famous thin crust pizza pies are as good as ever.
Location: 14 East Main Street, Freehold
Must-Have Menu Item: Federici’s thin crust pizza is their claim to fame; but the cheese lasagna here is still made with Ester’s original recipe, making it a must-try for anyone craving a real, homemade Italian dinner.
BYOB: No
More Info: Click here to visit the website or click here to give them a call.
Piccola Italia
Piccola Italia is owned by Culinary Institute of America-trained chef, Brian Gualtieri; in fact, he also worked at acclaimed NYC eateries Chanterelle and Montrachet. The menu offers traditional Italian dishes with a modern flair; meanwhile, Piccola hosts events such as wine tastings, beer sampling dinners, and cooking classes.
Location: 837 West Park Avenue, Ocean
Must-Have Menu Item: Owner Brian Gualtieri recommends the Porcini Seared Day Boat Sea Scallops.
BYOB: No, Piccola instead offers a robust wine list and an impressive selection of craft beer.
More Info: Click here to visit the website or click here to give them a call.
Ventura’s Offshore Cafe
Throughout a 2017 renovation that saw the making of an all new bar area, owner Lou DiVentura kept Ventura’s a cozy, family-focused restaurant. DiVentura took over ownership from his father in the late 1990s, adding some fresh items to the menu.
Location: 2015 Shore Road, Northfield
Must-Have Menu Item: Split the Caribbean Chicken Fondue with a friend and dip spicy, grilled chicken, croutons, apples, and grapes into a tantalizing smoked Gouda fondue. Pair it with the Peach Cobbler dessert for a refreshing finish to your meal.
BYOB: No. Ventura’s has a vibrant happy hour menu each weekday, plus an attached wine and liquor store.
More Info: Click here to visit the website or click here to give them a call.
South Jersey Family-Owned Restaurants
The Farm & Fisherman Tavern
Husband and wife Josh and Colleen Lawler have partnered with Chef Todd Fuller to create not one, but two locations of The Farm & Fisherman Tavern. The original is in Cherry Hill (opened in 2014), then the Horsham, PA location followed soon after. from
Location: 1442 Marlton Pike East, Cherry Hill
Must-Have Menu Item: The Crab Sandy, a crabcake sandwich topped with coleslaw and remoulade; it’s the perfect accompaniment to the housemade chips & onion dip for your appetizer.
BYOB: No
More Info: Click here to visit the website or click here to give them a call.
Luna Rossa Biagio Lamberti
Luna Rossa Biagio Lamberti has been serving up traditional Italian cuisine for over 25 years. Owner Biagio Lamberti is from the Lamberti restaurant family, who have opened seven unique locations over the past three decades. This spot in particular is perfect for a casual, family-friendly night out; with classic Italian dishes like lasagna and gourmet pizzas.
Location: 3210 Route 42, Turnersville
Must-Have Menu Item: The Luna Rossa. It’s either chicken or veal sautéed in a white wine lemon sauce with asparagus, jumbo lump crabmeat, topped with mozzarella cheese and served with capellini.
BYOB: Yes
More Info: Click here to visit the website or click here to give them a call.
Pic-A-Lilli Inn
For over 90 years, Pic-A-Lilli Inn has been the go-to for tasty Buffalo wings in South Jersey. Now run by the fourth generation of founder Thomas Snyder’s family, Pic-A-Lilli’s casual dining setup and full bar continues to draw an eclectic crowd each and every day of the week. There’s never a bad day for wings, but head over on a Wednesday if you can; because since 1987, Pic-A-Lilli has offered all-you-can-eat wings each hump day for just $11.95.
Location: 866 Route 206, Shamong
Must-Have Menu Item: The Buffalo wings, obviously. Drenched in Pic-A-Lilli’s homemade wing sauce, they’re some of the best you’ll find in New Jersey. But it may surprise you to know the creamy crab soup is also a must-get.
BYOB: No, but Pic-A-Lilli has a full liquor bar and rotating craft beers on tap
More Info: Click here to visit the website or click here to give them a call.
Hero (Top) Feature Image: © Chapala Grill
Other Photos (in Order):
Chapala Grill / Facebook
Lovin’ Oven / Facebook
Federici’s Family Restaurant / Facebook
Pick-a-Lilli Inn / Facebook