New Jersey Travel Guide - New Jersey 2026 Official Travel Guide
Legendary Bites
2026-01-29 11:48:17
On the Menu
New Jersey’s cuisine is as diverse as its landscapes, and these iconic foods—with culinary connections known the world over—helped put this great state on the map.
Pizza
Arguably the staple food of New Jersey Italian culture, you’re never far from a satisfying slice of 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 we’re known as one of the “Best Pizza States in the U.S.”
GET SAUCY: Kate & Al’s Pizza or Pete’s Pizza, Columbus Farmers Market • Razza, Jersey City • De Lorenzo’s Tomato Pies, Robbinsville
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 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: Vincent’s Homemade Ice Cream, Mount Holly • Water Ice Station, Pitman • DiCosmo’s Italian Ice, Metuchen
Diner-Style Disco Fries
New Jersey isn’t called the “Diner Capital of the World” for nothing. While our neighbors to the north call this guilty pleasure poutine, Jerseyans call them “disco fries.” Found at select diners across the state, this groovy dance of French fries traditionally comes topped with a savory brown or chicken gravy and loaded with melted mozzarella cheese for the ultimate diner indulgence or late-night snack.
CHOW DOWN: Tops Diner, East Newark • Tick Tock Diner, Clifton
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 sandwich.
ORDER UP: Cosmo’s Salumeria, Hackensack • Tastee Sub Shop, Franklin Park • Russo’s Market, North Wildwood • Shamrock Deli, Audubon
Cannoli
The decadent Sicilian pastry has many different personalities, from the crispy or flakysoft shell to the classic sweet or tangy ricotta cream filling. And why not toss in pistachios or chocolate chips? Whether picking up to bring to Sunday dinner or dipping in espresso at a neighborhood bistro, cannolli topped with powdered sugar can be enjoyed any time of day.
FIND HERE: Rispoli Pastry Shop, Emerson • Mannino’s Cannoli Express, Hammonton • Conca D’Oro Italian Pastry Shop, Union
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.
GRAB ONE: Slater’s Deli, Leonardo • Marge’s Deli, Cream Ridge • B Bagels, Jersey City • The Pork Roll Store, Allentown
Salt Water Taffy
When you think of classic boardwalk fare, salt water 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, and no day down the shore is complete without a handful of this stuck-in-your-teeth treat.
GET A BOX: Shriver’s, Ocean City • Fralinger’s Original, Atlantic City
Beyond the spotlight eats, international cuisine shines bright here and is an appetizing representation of our state’s multicultural diversity.
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