Congratulations to the South Jersey restaurants and food & drink spots featured on New Jersey Monthly’s Jersey Choice Restaurant Poll. Readers chose the winners in a poll that took place in February. There are also some critics’ picks too.
While this is a nice snapshot of the South Jersey food scene, there’s so much more down this way, which is why I started this site and the companion Facebook group. Your readership means a lot to me; just by reading this article, you’re not only supporting local and small businesses in South Jersey, but you’re proving that there is really good food to be eaten here.
I’m also sharing this list because some of the reader’s choices for South Jersey are not in South Jersey but Central Jersey. For example, I don’t consider Monmouth County in South Jersey. That is a huge thorn in my side because it leaves out so many wonderful restaurants south of I-195. I’m also omitting the Jersey Shore places because that should be its own category. Consider this list your guide if you’re looking for a new place to eat in South Jersey!
Best of the Best
Versi Vino
461 Route 38 West
Maple Shade
Versi Vino, a restaurant, wine bar, and wine shop in Maple Shade, is considered a hidden gem in our area. In other words, if you know, you know! The reviews online are predominantly positive because they have a great selection of wines and handcrafted cocktails, and the food is thoughtful and well-executed. I rarely write reviews, but after a lovely experience there, I was compelled to share my experience on Open Table in hopes it would encourage others to check it out.
American/New American
The Farm & The Fisherman
1442 Marlton Pike East (Route 70)
Cherry Hill
Wanda BYOB
116 Kings Highway East
Haddonfield
Asian Fusion
Grace Bistro
65 Route 70 East
Marlton
Bagels
Bagelati (Cinnaminson)
1036 Route 130
Bagelati (Marlton)
795 Route 70 East
Bakery
Boaggio’s Bread
823 East Gate Drive
Mount Laurel
Bang for the Buck
Sagami (Japanese)
37 Crescent Blvd
Collingswood
Bar Scene
Giumarello’s
329 Haddon Avenue
Westmont
Barbecue
Fat Jack’s
3820 Route 42 North
Turnersville
Beer Selection
Erlton Social
1536 Kings Highway North
Cherry Hill
Breakfast
Amy’s Omelette House (Burlington)
637 High Street
Amy’s Omelette House (Cherry Hill)
302 Cuthbert Blvd
Brew Pub
Iron Hill Brewery
124 Kings Highway East
Maple Shade
Brunch
The Cubby Hole
37 East Main Street
Moorestown
Burger
The Fare Porter
109 Kings Highway East
Haddonfield
Caterer
Cathy’s Catering
600 Main Street
Riverton
Cheesesteak
Cockadoodle Dan’s
9 East Broad Street
Palmyra
Coffee/Tea Bar
The Station
10 East Chestnut Street
Merchantville
New Leaf Tea Room
606 Main Street
Riverton
Deli (Italian-style)
Croce
811 Route 70 West
Cherry Hill
Deli (Kosher-style)
The Kibitz Room
100 Springdale Road
Cherry Hill
Desserts
Mango Mango Desserts
1030 Marlton Pike West (Route 70)
Cherry Hill
Diner
Ponzio’s
7 Marlton Pike West (Route 70)
Cherry Hill
French
The Little Hen
220 Kings Highway East
Haddonfield
Greek
Estia Taverna
140 Route 70 West
Cherry Hill
Hot Dog
Moon Dog Grill
400 Route 38 (Moorestown Mall)
Moorestown
Ice Cream
Pee Wee’s
57 N. Main Street
Medford
Indian
Tiffin
1892 Marlton Pike East
Cherry Hill
Italian
ITA 101
20 S. Main Street
Medford
Japanese
Sagami
37 Crescent Blvd
Collingswood
Latin American / Caribbean
Que Ricas
46A Haddon Avenue
Westmont
Lunch
The Bistro
57 Kings Highway East
Haddonfield
Mexican
Julio’s on Main
1370 South Main Road
Vineland
Middle Eastern / Turkish
Norma’s
145 Barclay Farms Shopping Center
Cherry Hill
Pizza
Pizza Crime
139 Kings Highway East
Haddonfield
Romantic
Caffe Aldo Lamberti
2011 Route 70 West
Cherry Hill
Seafood
Cap’n Cat Clam Bar (Franklinville, Voorhees, Woodbury)
Soup / Salad / Sandwich
Crumb Sandwich Joint (Haddonfield and Bordentown)
Southeast Asian
Sanook Thai
18 Tanner Street
Haddonfield
Southern / Soul Food
Corinne’s Place
1524 Haddon Avenue
Camden
Steak
Chubby’s Steakhouse
239 Monmouth Street
Gloucester City
Vegetarian / Vegan
Goodbeet
29 Haddon Avenue
Westmont
Wine List
Versi Vino
461 Route 38 West
Maple Shade
Congrats again, and please continue supporting the local South Jersey food scene. Many restaurants deserve your business, from hole-in-the-wall mom & pop shops to critically acclaimed spots. Thank you for helping put South Jersey on the greater New Jersey culinary map!
Full disclosure: Though I did not get a credit, I’m one of a few critics who contributed to the list. Some (not all) of my choices were selected by the editors. It was extremely difficult to pick only one in every category. My selections were based on multiple factors, which I do not have to justify, but let’s just say that I have been to most of these establishments, and I can highly recommend them.
Marilyn is a freelance writer covering the food and drink scene of South Jersey. You can find more of her writing on Philly Grub and NewsBreak.