The diverse landscapes of Central Jersey offer an amazing assortment of outdoor dining options. One day you can be sipping hard cider at a regenerative farm, and the next, enjoying signature craft cocktails from a chic, elevated rooftop bar overlooking skyline views of Somerset County and the Watchung Mountains. But where is the Best Central Jersey Outdoor Dining?
From waterfront dining with sweeping views of the bay, to the perfect dog-friendly picnic spot, this list covers the outdoor dining options that go above and beyond simple patio dining. They are famous seafood spots with historical significance, hidden gems inside world-renown sculpture parks, and exquisite terraces for brunch. These are the restaurants that guarantee a perfect open-air meal every time. For all that and more, here are The 10 Best Central Jersey Outdoor Dining Restaurants.
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10 Best Central Jersey Outdoor Dining Restaurants
Featured from Somerset County:
The Bradford
Where: 600 Somerset Corporate Blvd, Bridgewater
Details: The Bradford is a one-of-a-kind destination in Central Jersey for craft cocktails, music, and skyline views. This chic lounge specializes in thoughtfully-curated selections of cold and hot plates, expertly grilled meats, and indulgent desserts, all infused with flavors designed to appeal to every palate. For a truly unique and lively experience, Sunday Brunch at The Bradford is better than ever this year. Every Sunday, guests can enjoy bottomless Mimosas, Bloody Marys, Bellinis, and Aperol Spritzes with the purchase of any brunch entrée. Plus, the rotating lineup of live DJs amps up the fun each brunch as well as every Thursday – Sunday. Since The Bradford sits atop the AC Hotel Bridgewater, they are uniquely positioned to provide exceptional birthday packages and semi-private event hosting. From birthdays and corporate gatherings to full venue buyouts, they have flexible options for creating memorable experiences. Check their website event calendar or social media for fun events like Tacos and Tequila or Cocktails and Cowboys Brunch.
| Visit Their Website | Reserve a Table | Follow on Instagram | Call 732-384-6831 |
Featured from Middlesex County:
Orchard Park by David Burke
Where: 670 Cranbury Rd, East Brunswick
Details: Orchard Park by David Burke is already a popular spot for drinks, dinner, and social events. But their elevated outdoor dining takes place out on Orchard Terrace. The exquisite, covered patio features lounge areas, tables, a full bar, and outdoor fireplaces. The terrace has floor to ceiling glass walls, giving guests a view of the Park Chateau Estate & Gardens. Even better, the roof can open and close depending on the weather. It also makes the restaurant’s full indoor menu available to patrons. Menu highlights include the popular Shrimp & Scallops, Butternut Squash Ravioli, and Chef Burke’s signature Clothesline Bacon appetizer. For couples, every Wednesday is date night and Orchard Park offers a 3-course Prix Fixe menu. Their extensive wine list includes whites, reds, rose, and sparkling wines, so there’s a perfect pairing for every meal. But no meal here is complete without a next-level dessert. For instance, the Pina Colada Pavlova combines coconut whipped cream, pineapple compote, and lime curd with a cherry on top.
| Visit their Website | Reserve a Table | Purchase Gift Card | Follow on Instagram | Follow on Facebook | Call 732-554-5714 |
Featured from Somerset County:
The Grain House Restaurant at The Olde Mill Inn
Where: 225 Morristown Rd, Basking Ridge
Details: The Grain House Restaurant at The Olde Mill Inn boasts historic charm and a cozy atmosphere. Here, classic American cuisine meets modern flavors and cooking techniques, pairing gourmet cooking with rustic decor. From the fireplace and wooden beams to the vintage portraits and 18th century ambiance, the Grain House interior feels homey. (In fact, their two top near the fireplace in the Coppertop Pub is one of NJ’s Most Romantic date spots.) Meanwhile, their seasonal patio offers outdoor dining that is fenced in and surrounded by greenery. The restaurant serves lunch and dinner seven days a week, in addition to a la carte brunch on weekends. Popular lunch entrees include the Goffle Farm Chicken Waldorf Salad and Salmon Burger; while Duroc Pork Tenderloin and Sautéed Pacific Baja Halibut are dinner highlights. Just steps from the Olde Mill Inn, an afternoon or evening at The Grain House Restaurant can easily turn into a summer weekend getaway with elegant accommodations and luxurious amenities.
| Visit Their Website | Reserve a Table Online | Follow on Instagram | Follow on Facebook | Call 908-221-1150 |
Blue Point Grill
Where: Princeton
Details: The seafood at Blue Point Grill is definitely on point. Their quality stems from a commitment to working with sustainable fisheries. This also allows them to offer the freshest seafood for purchase through their market, Nassau Street Seafood & Produce Company. Since they only work with fresh-caught ingredients delivered daily, the menu is always changing. Rotating favorites that locals swear by include Jumbo Lump Crab Cakes, New England Clam Chowder, and fresh raw oysters. We also recommend the Costa Rican Mahi Mahi.
Erini Restaurant
Where: Ewing
Details: Dining at Erini is an experience, one that uses just the right amount of S.A.L.T. (Sound, Ambience, Light, and Temperature.) When it comes to outdoor dining, Erini offers 4 unique patio settings as well as a Tiki Bar. But wherever you sit, tropical flowers or palm trees are always nearby, evoking the feeling of an oasis. The restaurant offers a number of signature warm weather cocktails that pair with the menu’s Mediterranean-inspired cuisine. In fact, the drink menu changes seasonally, so there’s always something new to try.
The Frog and The Peach
Where: New Brunswick
Details: Chef Bruce Lefebvre presents innovative American cuisine at The Frog and the Peach. The restaurant’s name comes from a Dudley Moore and Peter Cook 1970s comedy routine. In it, the duo joke about a restaurant that serves only frogs and peaches. Their menu sources local ingredients, with a focus on the Garden State’s strengths of agriculture and fishing. The restaurant is open for lunch, dinner, and Sunday brunch, and also serves a tapas bar menu. Keep an eye out for their Spanish Wine Dinners and Sicily Tastings.
Ironbound Farm
Where: Alexandria Township
Details: Ironbound Farm is famous for making hard ciders from their regenerative farm that also produces meat, eggs, and vegetables. So it’s no surprise their Ciderhouse is a popular warm weather destination. With picnic-style seating and Adirondack chairs for lounging, it’s a fun way to spend a lazy weekend afternoon or evening. Note: The Ciderhouse does not provide table service outdoors. Instead, guests can place an order and pick up their food at the bar, then enjoy it outdoors. As a bonus, dogs are welcome in all outdoor areas.
Mediterra
Where: Princeton
Details: Part restaurant, part tavern, all Mediterranean flavor, Mediterra is a local favorite for its cuisine and its prime location. The restaurant is part of Palmer square, offering outdoor dining in full view of the Square’s functioning fountain. As for the menu, Mediterra is open for lunch, dinner, and Sunday brunch. Dinner favorites include their House Made Lumache (with fennel chicken sausage), Grilled Florida Swordfish, “pastaless” eggplant lasagna, and classic Paella. The latter is made for two or more, and priced per person.
Rat’s Restaurant
Where: Hamilton
Details: Rat’s Restaurant is a well-manicured, exotic escape hidden within the 42-acre Grounds for Sculpture. They serve exceptional, seasonal, farm-fresh cuisine such as Acorn Squash Cassoulet and Day Boat Cod. But patrons usually start with appetizers for the table, including the popular Artisanal Cheese sampler with three creamery cheeses. Dessert is a must at Rat’s Restaurant. Standout choices feature deconstructed lemon pie, chocolate tart, honey creme brulee, strawberry profiteroles, plus homemade ice cream and sorbet.
The Armory
Where: Perth Amboy
Details: The Armory still considers itself a hidden jewel. If that’s true, it may just be the worst-kept secret in the history of outdoor dining restaurants. A perennial favorite for its views of Raritan Bay and the Staten Island skyline, The Armory has survived both World Wars. Originally a naval ammunition building, it is now a fully-renovated restaurant that specializes in upscale seafood and steaks. Their signature Surf & Turf (Grilled 8oz Wild Brazil Tail and 12oz Angus Filet Mignon in Drawn Butter) is always a crowd-pleaser.
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Central Jersey Outdoor Dining FAQs
For an elevated experience (literally), The Bradford (Bridgewater) is a chic lounge sitting atop the AC Hotel. They offer craft cocktails, live DJs, and an incredible Sunday brunch.
Orchard Park by David Burke (East Brunswick) features the exquisite Orchard Terrace. This covered patio boasts floor-to-ceiling glass walls, outdoor fireplaces, and a roof that can open and close. Meanwhile, Metro North (Princeton) also offers a covered patio equipped with heaters for seasonal dining.
Blue Point Grill offers the freshest, sustainably-caught seafood (like Jumbo Lump Crab Cakes and Costa Rican Mahi Mahi). Just off Nassau Street, Mediterra provides Mediterranean cuisine, perfect for enjoying classic Paella al fresco.
Ironbound Farm (Alexandria Township) is a regenerative farm with picnic-style seating and Adirondack chairs that is dog-friendly. For an upscale, farm-fresh experience, Rat’s Restaurant (Hamilton) sources many ingredients from their own garden that surrounds the restaurant.
Erini Restaurant (Ewing) offers four unique patio settings and a Tiki Bar. Surrounded by tropical flowers and palm trees, it is the perfect oasis to enjoy their Mediterranean-inspired cuisine. For innovative American cuisine with a tapas flair, The Frog and The Peach (New Brunswick) is a must-visit.
Top (Hero) Photo: © Orchard Park by David Burke / Website
