Top 10 Restaurants In Clifton, New Jersey
A few miles west of New York City sits the quiet city of Clifton, New Jersey. Known for great places to shop and eat, Clifton is perfect for people trying to get away from the hustle and bustle of a big city. Try one of these 10 Clifton restaurants to get a taste of the local flavor.
1. La Riviera Gastronomia
Restaurant, Italian
2. Clifton City Tavern Mexican Cantina
Clifton City Tavern Mexican Cantina
Start with an avocado salad served with sliced avocados, romaine lettuce, red onions, peppers, and tomatoes in a light dressing and one of the tasty flavored margarita options. Try the Tavern margarita, a huge margarita glass filled with 32 ounces of margarita, two shots of tequila, and two whole beers. The Cantina also has a huge selection of appetizers, like the freshly made nachos, which are loaded with melted cheese, refried beans, jalapeños, pico de gallo, guacamole, and sour cream. Also, be sure to have the bunuelo, a fried donut ball, for dessert.
Clifton City Tavern Mexican Cantina, 709 Van Houten Ave., Clifton, NJ, USA, +1 973 567 5111
3. Mighty Quinn’s Barbeque
Mighty Quinn’s Barbeque
Taste the slow-cooked, smoky flavors of Mighty Quinn’s melt-in-your-mouth meats. The small chain sources high-quality ingredients, and head chef Hugh Mangum, a native Texan, prepares the barbeque with a touch of salt and spice to add a hint of savory flavor. Mangum takes his favorite parts of Texas and Carolina’s traditional preparation methods to create his own recipes. Those with insatiable appetites should try the brontosaurus rib, a full beef short rib, a whole pound of smoked tender meat falls right off the bone and into your mouth. Numerous side dishes star on the menu, like baked beans with burnt ends, sweet potato casserole with maple and pecans, and buttermilk broccoli salad.
Mighty Quinn’s Barbeque, 850 Rt. 3 W., Clifton, NJ, USA, +1 973 777 8340
Matthew’s Italian Restaurant
Matthew’s Italian Restaurant, a modest-looking joint, has some of the best Italian fare in the area. The dimly lit interior gives the restaurant a romantic atmosphere that is perfect for dates. The owner, Matthew Tyahla, is present and engaged with diners, and the service is exceptional. Although it’s not much to look at from the outside, the food is perfectly prepared and presented with care. Try the popular hangar steak served with broccoli rabe, Italian long hot peppers and potatoes or the veal marsala served with mushrooms and brown sauce.
Toro’s Restaurant
Sample some Mediterranean Cuisine at Toro’s Restaurant, a small chain with a location in Clifton. Babaganus, pureed smoked eggplant with garlic and sesame oil, is a great starter before entrées of falafel, kebabs, and more. The staff is accommodating and helpful with recommendations, and the food is prepared with the freshest ingredients. Colorful Turkish décor makes the interior atmospheric and authentic. Try a traditional Turkish dish like hunkar begendi, a classic meal made with baked chunks of lamb or chicken served on eggplant puree.
Toro’s Restaurant, 489 Hazel St, Clifton, NJ, USA, +1 973 772 8032
4. Rutt’s Hut
Rutt’s Hut
If you’re in Clifton, New Jersey, you’ve got to stop by Rutt’s Hut. The home of the Ripper, a deep-fried hot dog, opened in 1928 as a simple roadside hot dog stand. The yellow-tinted signature relish is made with a blend of mustard and secret spices. Aside from their Ripper dogs, Rutt’s Hut has a selection of burgers, sandwiches, and side dishes, but their Rippers, deep-fried until they split down the middle, are their claim to fame.
Rutt’s Hut, 417 River Road, Clifton, NJ, USA, +1 973 779 8615
5. Ino Sushi
Bar, Market, Restaurant, Japanese, Sushi
Zinburger
Enjoy gourmet burgers and fine wines at Zinburger, an upbeat restaurant that brings together two fantastic food items. Gourmet burger options include the eponymous Zinburger with manchego cheese and Zinfandel braised onions or the breakfast burger, made with a fried egg, applewood smoked bacon, avocado, and American cheese. The restaurant also has fresh salads packed with high-quality toppings. Although it is a simple premise, the restaurant has a classy feel because of subtle touches like its extensive local beer selection and food and wine pairings. If wine isn’t your drink of choice, try one of Zinburger’s specialty milkshakes.
Zinburger, 850 State Route 3, #105, Clifton, NJ, USA, +1 973 272 1492
6. Clifton Thai Restaurant
Restaurant, Thai
7. Sergio’s Bistro
Bistro, Restaurant, Italian
Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.
Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.
Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.
Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.
We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.