New Jersey Travel Guide - New Jersey 2025 Official Travel Guide

Arguably the standout staple food of NJ Italian culture, you’re never far from a satisfying slice or tomato pie with over 2,000 pizzerias in the state. Whether you’re looking for a spot with decades of tradition serving a thin and crispy crust, family-run restaurants baking saucy Grandma Pies or chef-driven pizza parlors with creative takes, there’s a reason NJ is known as one of the “Best Pizza States in the US.”

GET SAUCY: De Lorenzo’s Tomato Pies, Robbinsville | Holy Tomato, Blackwood | Razza, Jersey City

Italian Ice / Water Ice

It’s the perfect reprieve from hot summer days down the shore or at the ballpark. The descendant of the Italian dessert (granita), this fruity frozen treat is made from soft-textured ice, sugar and various flavorings—from traditional cherry and mango to watermelon, grape and cotton candy.

COOL-OFF: The Water Ice Factory, Magnolia | Diane’s Italian Water Ice, Voorhees | Primo Water Ice, Cherry Hill and Westmont

Diner-Style Disco Fries

New Jersey isn’t called the “Diner Capital of the World” for nothing. While our Northern neighbors in Canada call this guilty pleasure poutine, Jerseyans call them “disco fries.” Found at select diners across the state, this groovy dance of French fries comes traditionally topped with a savory brown or chicken gravy and loaded with creamy melted mozzarella cheese for the ultimate diner indulgence or late-night snack.

CHOW DOWN: Tick Tock Diner, Clifton | Huck Finn Diner, Union | Chit Chat Diner, Hackensack

Hoagies / Subs

Deli subculture is one-of-a-kind in the Northeast, and hoagies are on the menu. Pile ‘em high with thinly sliced cured meats, such as capicola, prosciutto and soppressata, then American or provolone cheese. Garnish with the works and don’t forget the soft, chewy hoagie roll for a proper NJ sandwich.

ORDER UP: Carmen’s Deli, Bellmawr | Little King Sandwich Shop, Hamilton Twp. | Bogie’s Hoagies & Deli, Hawthorne

Cannoli

The decadent Sicilian pastry dessert has many different personalities—from the crispy or flaky-soft shell to the classic sweet or tangy ricotta cream filling. Why not toss in pistachios or chocolate chips to the fried pastry delicacy? Whether on-the-go to bring to Sunday dinner or dipped in espresso at a local bistro, cannolli topped with powdered sugar can be enjoyed any time of day.

FIND HERE: Palazzone 1960, Wayne | Calandra’s Bakery, multiple locations | Mattarello Bakery & Café, Montclair

Pork Roll / Taylor Ham

It all depends on the geography of your bagel shop, deli or cafe, and how you order this classic Jersey sandwich. If you find yourself in South Jersey, be sure to call it pork roll, but if you’re making your way up state, northerners say Taylor ham. The salted pork slices developed in 1856 have risen to fame over the last century and are now a beloved go-to breakfast staple for locals and out-of-towners alike.

GRAB ONE: White Rose Diner, Linden | Case Pork Roll Co, Trenton | Johnny’s Pork Roll & Coffee Too, Red Bank

Saltwater Taffy

When you think of classic boardwalk fare, saltwater taffy comes to mind. Brine is not an ingredient in this guilty pleasure, but the lore of its “happy accident” creation has kept the candy a household name for decades. You can find these sticky delights hand-pulled or whipped by machine all summer long. No day down the shore is complete without a handful of this stuck-in-your-teeth treat.

GET A BOX: Shriver’s, Ocean City | River Street Sweets, Asbury Park | Fralinger’s Original, Atlantic City

EXPLORE MORE DINING & CUISINES 

Beyond NJ’s spotlight eats, international cuisine also shines bright here, and is an appetizing representation of our state’s multicultural diversity.