Best Restaurants in Paterson NJ

aterson was settled initially as a place where the Great Falls of the PassaicRiver could power its original industry; textile mills. The available work attracted huge waves of immigrant labor, which assured an eclectic and extremely varied cuisine would also take up residence. 

The "best" restaurant in PatersonNJ is always going to be a subjective judgment, but dining in Paterson need never be boring. A list of the top five restaurants should reflect the variety of experiences available.  

Italian 

No review of ethnic foods in New Jersey would be complete without mentioning Italian; it simply defines Jersey's food to many. E & V Ristorante was recipient of Zagat's America's 1,000 Top Italian Restaurants in 2008, and its continued popularity demonstrates that choice and quality have only gone from strength to strength. 

A casual dress code contributes to a warm, family-oriented atmosphere, while an extensive wine list will give any adult oenophiliac much to mull over. Ask for the E & V Special Salad for Two; a combination of arugula, broccoli, roasted pepper, romaine and spinach served with fresh mozzarella and hard boiled eggs.  Call ahead at (973) 942-4664. 

Lebanese 

Al-Basha may well provide something entirely new and different to the line-up of restaurants in PatersonNJ. Don't be dismayed when you read "foul" on the menu, it simply means a dish made using brown beans! Falafel is currently in vogue, and the best place to try it is an authentic Lebanese establishment. Look no further than Al-Basha. Call ahead at (973) 345-3700.  

Mexican 

Everywhere an immigrant population takes root, great Mexican cuisine flourishes. Paterson is no exception, and reflective of the provision is Hacienda. Proving that "authentic" needn't mean "presumptuous," Hacienda continues to offer a massive variety of fajitas, chimichangas and burritos. The other great tradition, of course, is a Margarita or a Mojito, and on Sundays both can be enjoyed to live Mariachi music. Call ahead at (973) 345-1255. 

Turkish 

Ozkaradeniz serves food that's both inexpensive and delicious, while service is attentive and genuinely friendly. The restaurant's decor very effectively evokes an eastern European feel, and the menu ranges from familiar treats (shish kabob) to the perhaps-unfamiliar pide, effectively a Turkish pizza. Don't miss out on mecimek (lentil soup), and at least one grilled meat dish. Call ahead at (973) 523-7779 

Desserts 

Strictly speaking, Guernsey Crest Ice Cream Company specializes in a variety of American food (although named for the British isle which boasts the very best in dairy product). This - now fourth-generation - family business opened its doors in 1927, and although it's located in a part of Paterson rarely seen by visitors, or less well-informed locals, the lines of people waiting, often outside, for an ice cream cone tell their own story. 

Try these traditional favorites:

• Cherry Vanilla 
• Chocolate
• Chocolate Chip Mint
• Coffee
• Cookie Dough
• Peanut Butter
• Pistachio
• Rum Raisin 
• Strawberry
• Vanilla (and Vanilla Fudge) 

Or go with something a little new:

• Amaretto Chip
• Banana
• Black Raspberry
• Butter Pecan
• Coconut
• Grape Nut
• Lemon
• Mango
• Maple Nut
• Orange Pineapple
   

Contact at (973) 742-4620. 

Arrive in Style 

Try the restaurants in Paterson NJ driving a brand new car from Jack Daniels Kia, the premier Kia dealer serving Paterson, Fair Lawn, Paramus and Hackensack. If you're considering the purchase of a new or used Kia automobile anywhere in northeast New Jersey, you'll find it all - from the Cadenza Sedan to the Sportage SUV - waiting for you!

 

Open from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM Mondays through Thursdays, and from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM on Fridays and Saturdays (closed Sundays), we're located at 28-09 Broadway, Fair Lawn, NJ 07410. We hope to see you soon!