A Central Jersey Local’s Guide to Downtown Metuchen Restaurants!

Metuchen is known as a “walking town” because…well, you ian walk everywhere! And with easy accessibility via Metuchen Station, commuting into New York City is a way of life for residents.

While locals may be commuting to NYC, some of us Central Jerseyans from other towns like to visit Metuchen restaurants that have quickly become known for their eats. There are plenty of great places to dine right on Main Street, along with free, local cultural happenings on any given weekend. You can always check out live music, arts, and exhibits at the local library, as well as farmer’s markets and flea markets.

Some even say Metuchen is Central Jersey’s “best kept secret.” Take a look at what we found!

Main Street Metuchen Dining Destinations

Civile Cucina Italiana
154 Main St
732.662.9982

If you’re looking for some casual dining with great Italian food, look no further than Civile Cucina Italiana! Owner Jason Penedos is always serving up delicious cuisine, including this juicy New York strip steak topped with Gorgonzola cheese crumbles, wild mushrooms, and Madeira wine glaze. Buon appetito!

Café Paris is romantic and cozy. The cafe features hand-painted walls  illustrate a French street and allow you to enjoy a lovely French meal and take in the artwork. The great news is that you don’t have to wait for dinner to come here – their breakfast menu is irresistible.

Angie’s Cafe & Bakery is your one-stop-shop for authentic Caribbean food and delicious baked goods at any time of day. Enjoy breakfast, lunch, dinner, and dessert, and choose from their savory plates, including empanadas and hearty stews,  or their fresh bakery items, like their tres leches, flan, or tiramisu.

Brewed Awakening is open all day long and specializes in soups, wraps, sandwiches, paninis, and salads. But if breakfast is your thing, definitely opt for the Mexican Breakfast. And you can get that at any time of day, since the most important meal of the day is served all day. There are six different spicy omelets to choose from, as well as a mouth-watering breakfast quesadilla filled with three-cheese eggs, chorizo and chopped onions.

With 22 beers on tap, Hailey’s Harp and Pub is the place to be. Whether you’re there with friends for casual conversation or a celebration, the comfortable atmosphere will make you want to become a regular. Don’t forget to check out their events listing, as they’ve just announced their next seasonal Wine & Design where you can have fun eating, drinking, and painting.

When you’re in the mood for take-out, Fresco Italian Deli is your go-to. With a full line of Italian specialties like store-made salads, soups, fresh Mozzarella, Italian sausage, and imported meats and cheeses that will make your mouth water, you can’t go wrong.

Known as one of the best kosher restaurants in New Jersey, Orchid Kosher is conveniently located right in the heart of Metuchen. There are meat dishes and many vegetarian options. The Baba Ganoush cold starter is amazing. Under strict supervision and conforming to the highest Kashrut standards, one does not have to ask, “Is it kosher?”

Traditional dishes made with all the freshest ingredients, you can’t go wrong with Mariachi Mexican Restaurant. But what makes Mariachi extra special is that there are some items that are not usually found in New Jersey Mexican restaurants, like the refreshing cactus salad appetizer and the Aquacate Relleno – half an avocado stuffed with shrimp, crabmeat tomato, onion, cilantro, olive oil and lemon juice – found under the Appetizers of the Sea section.

Embracing the “farm to table” approach with locally sourced farm fresh meats and vegetables, Chef Theodore Kappas gives The Greek on the Main modern twist. This cozy BYOB eatery has superb service and their custard for dessert is a must!

Welcome to Metuchen’s living room, othewise known as Cai’s. Whether you’re stopping by for one of their various drink options, their small bites, or a full blown meal with a nice bottle of wine, your tastebuds will be satisfied and then some with a visit to this happening cafe. The best part is that all of Cai’s dishes are made with only the best and freshest locally sourced ingredients from New Jersey.

Indulge in the ultimate Thai experience at Phattra. Each dish is artistically prepared and capture the true flavor of Thailand. Sweet, sour, or savory — there’s a dish for all your cravings at this fine family-owned and operated eatery.

You finally made plans to get together with your group but one wants Chinese, the other wants Japanese and you want Thai. No problem, Fusha Asian has you covered. There’s a wide array of authentic cuisine to enjoy during lunch or dinner. This diverse gem is located right on Main Street.

This three-time Wine Spectator Award of Excellence winning restaurant is worth it! Novita Bistro & Lounge is not too far from Main Street. With a seasonal menu, using local ingredients, this fabulous venue is perfect for vegetarians or those with special dietary needs. You may want to stop by on Thursdays when they feature $7 martinis. There’s also live music every Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday night – and never a cover charge. You can’t beat that!

If you’re looking for a unique meal to stimulate your tastebuds, look no further than The Bishop’s Bistro. This restaurant offers French and Asian cuisine with a Southern twist. Talk about different! With every dish comes fun textures, delicious flavors, and unique presentations.

For a taste of the Caribbean right in the heart of Metuchen, why not visit Breezes Café & Grill, where classic dishes originate from Trinidad, Guyana, Jamaica, and other islands. They’ve just celebrated their fifth year anniversary. Perhaps you have a reason to celebrate something too? The delicious food, beautiful ambiance, and unique experience awaits you.

Lola Latin Bistro
87 Central Avenue
732.548.5652
Proud owner and host, Nick Borzone is a local celebrity thanks to his fabulous Lola Latin Bistro. The delicious, traditional meals are inspired by Borzone’s grandmother’s love for food using fresh and inventive ingredients. With a high Zagat rating, you just may want to stop by and try their most memorable tapas.

For more information about the Metuchen restaurant scene, please visit the Downtown Metuchen Alliance’s website and their restaurant directly.