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Middletown is the site of the first European settlements in the state of New Jersey. In addition to possessing a rich history, Middletown has a bustling culinary scene. Here are our top 10 picks for eating out in Middletown.

Matata Asian Cuisine

Restaurant, American

Matata Asian Cuisine serves a variety of Asian specialties with an emphasis on sushi. There are lunch specials on sushi. There are also Thai and Chinese menu items to try like pad Thai and general tso chicken. The whole sea bass in a sweet and tangy sauce is another popular favorite. Pair your meal with a miso soup and salad with ginger dressing. The interior is well kept and spacious. On days when you just feel like staying in, they’ll deliver the food to you. This is the place to go if you’d like to sample a bit of everything that the continent of Asia has to offer.

Meemom’s Kitchen

Restaurant, American

Meemom’s Kitchen serves homemade breakfasts made with love. Each dish is more creative and intriguing than the next. For something sweet, try the crazy monkey French toast made from banana bread and drizzled with chocolate sauce. There are several other varieties of French toast on offer too, including the s’mores and cookie dough versions. If you’re looking for something savory go with the pico de huevos served with fresh pico de gallo salsa or the short ribs eggs Benedict. Indulge yourself by finishing your meal with a decadent coffee drink. The mint chip hot cocoa and the seasonal cold brew are two worth tasting.

Tre Colore Pizzeria, Middletown

Restaurant, Pizzeria, American, Fast Food, Vegan, Vegetarian

Tre Colore is the resident pizza, burrito, and barbecue joint of Middletown. The chicken Parmesan on a jumbo garlic knot is exceptional as is the barbecue pork sandwich. You can even get seafood marinara here along with nachos and tacos. Plus, Tre Colore serves some of the best pizza in Middletown. There’s really a little bit of everything on the menu. It’s seldom that you find a restaurant that can do all these things well, but Tre Colore pulls it off. For those with a sweet tooth, try the Nutella pizza served with marshmallows, berries, and dusted in powdered sugar. All of this can be ordered for delivery, too.

Duck Donuts

Cafe, Bakery, American

At Duck Donuts these trademark American pastries are prepared on site daily. The result is that your donuts are served warm and fresh in a cheerful environment. There’s even a little step for children to stand on and peer into the preparation area to watch the donuts being made. There are a multitude of flavors to choose from, some conventional while others are a bit more experimental. Try donuts ranging from vanilla glaze with sprinkles to peanut butter to maple bacon. Duck Donuts also provides the necessary side companion to any donut: a freshly brewed cup of coffee.

Taliercio’s Gourmet Deli, Red Bank

Deli, American, Vegetarian, Dessert

Taliercio’s Gourmet Deli serves mouthwatering sandwiches at unbeatable prices. They don’t skimp out on the good stuff either. Each order comes with plenty of meat. Try the roast beast, or the Italian sub. You can even get an enormous five-foot hoagie that looks like something out of a cartoon. Order some fried raviolis as an extra snack to share. Of course, Taliercio’s is also a deli where you can pick up sausages, lunchmeat, side salads, and other things to prepare at home.

Sono, Middletown

Restaurant, Japanese, Sushi, Asian

Sono Sushi specializes in Japanese cuisine including teriyaki dishes and sushi. Some rolls include the swan roll and the extravagant sono special. The sashimi bowl consisting of various kinds of colorful sashimi served over a bowl of steamed rice is as beautiful as it is good for you. Opt for a festive sushi boat if you’re with a large group as there is likely to be enough sushi there for everyone. Of course there is also the classic bento box, which makes a great lunch for a good value. Its simple locale in a local strip mall and BYOB policy give it a relaxed and casual setting.

Neelam Exotic Indian Cuisine

Restaurant, American

Neelam Exotic Indian Cuisine is the place to go if you’re looking to eat authentic Indian dishes. For instance, you can get samosas, tikka masala, tandoor chicken, and papadam. All items come with fresh, warm naan and different chutneys. There is even a dinner buffet on Thursdays and Sundays. The ambiance is pleasant and light. The interior is mustard yellow with pale burgundy accents, and filled with lots of Indian cultural decor. Here you can be certain to get the best Indian food in the area. The staff is also quite lovely and willing to help with recommendations. This place is also BYOB.

Belford Bistro, Belford

Bistro, Restaurant, American, Vegetarian, Vegan

Belford Bistro serves outstanding New American dishes in a simple setting. This place consistently draws a crowd and for good reason. For appetizers try the crab cakes, mussels or the bibb salad. Some entrees include ravioli with truffle oil, fish and mushroom risotto, and rack of lamb served with fresh veggies and polenta. The menu is seasonal, allowing the chefs to use as many locally sourced ingredients as possible. Belford Bistro also prepares some heavenly desserts like peanut butter mousse with chocolate ganache, bread pudding with vanilla gelato and rum sauce, and creme brulee.

New Monmouth Diner, Middletown

Diner, American, Greek, Vegetarian

New Monmouth diner is your quintessential American-style diner kicked up a notch. You can get entrees like Wiener schnitzel with cabbage and mashed potatoes, Greek gyros, or wild boar shanks with onions and asparagus. Of course, there’s also the more usual fare like breakfasts, sandwiches, salads, and burgers, but even these are served with excellent quality and some gourmet ingredients. The diner itself is retro in shape and style; the exterior is electric blue and black and white with checkered details and antique cars parked out front. With delicious food for a great value, don’t be surprised if New Monmouth Diner makes a regular out of you.

MJ’s Pizza, Bar, & Grill, Middletown

Bar, Restaurant, American, Vegan, Vegetarian

MJ’s Pizza, Bar & Grill is a classic American establishment housed in a brick building with a large dining area consisting of a dimmed atmosphere, an elongated bar, and lots of wooden tables and chairs for seating. There is often live music, and when there’s not you can expect to catch the game on one of their large TV screens. You can get healthy items like salads or more indulgent options like burgers towering with toppings. As for the pizza, you can even get yours with a wholewheat crust. You can also order pizza and wings to go. There is a good selection of beers and the margaritas are tasty too.

About the author

Lily is a freelance writer and self-proclaimed social activist who recently moved to Berlin for love. You can find out more about her work at lilycichanowicz.com or via Twitter @liliaceaeflora.

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