HALL OF FAME FOODS On the Menu New Jersey’s cuisine scene may be as diverse as its landscapes, but there’s no denying that these iconic foods put this great state on the map, with culinary connections now known the world over. Pizza 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 16 2025 New Jersey Travel Guide