These are the top 100 restaurants in New Jersey — according to Yelp
Letting Yelp choose where you make your dinner reservation is like asking Facebook which presidential candidate you should vote for or where to get a used futon that didn't come from an Atlantic City motel. You just can't trust the users.
All too often, people turn to the review site to air their grievances; slamming local restaurants for "not having enough parking," being "closed on Christmas" or "selling out of brisket before 3 p.m."
Half of the low scores come from people who haven't even eaten in the spots.
And, the high scores? Generally have more to do with service than the quality of cuisine (because, let's be real; there's no way the Fuddrucker's of Succasunna has a higher caliber of food than Jockey Hollow).
Sometimes, though, Yelp gets it right.
Today, the user-generated feedback platform released its 2024 Top Restaurants in New Jersey list, and, in this food writer's opinion, it actually did a pretty good job.
Yelp names its top restaurants in New Jersey
Coming in first on the rankings was Saigon Subs, a hole-in-the-wall bánh mì gem in Morristown known for its 10 varieties of Vietnamese sandwiches. According to Yelp users, "the service is quick and friendly," the "meals are fresh" and "juicy chicken" is some of the "best" they've "ever had." As a regular at the spot myself, I can vouch — though I don't know why anyone would choose a chicken bánh mì over a fatty pork roll and paté masterpiece (but, to each their own).
Following Saigon in spots number two and three were Li Beirut, a quaint Lebanese spot in Collingswood, and The Pasta Shop in Denville. Both, I agree, are fantastic, as they serve elevated plates in humble digs; thus letting diners enjoy top-notch fare free of pretentiousness.
Peck Peck Korean Fried Chicken in Teaneck and The Jellyfish Cafe in Wildwood Crest (ok, that one is questionable) round out the top five, with Jersey sweethearts from Steve's Burgers to Fiore's House of Quality taking later spots on the list.
How to read Yelp's top restaurants in New Jersey list
Now, do I think the order of the top 100 are right? Absolutely not — and I'd be remiss to say there aren't many restaurants still missing altogether.
But, compared to what Yelp's given us in the past (I.E; when it named an acai bowl place, which is arguably not even food, the top restaurant in the state)? I'll take it.
To see the rest of the list, and judge the app's accuracy for yourself, visit: yelp.com/best/restaurants/new-jersey.
Kara VanDooijeweert is a food writer for NorthJersey.com and The Record. If you can't find her in Jersey's best restaurants, she's probably off running a race course in the mountains. Catch her on Instagram: @karanicolev & @northjerseyeats, and sign up for her North Jersey Eats newsletter.
This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Yelp names its top 100 restaurants in New Jersey 2024
