You’ve had tickets to a play or concert for months—and now, finally, it’s time to make a night of it. The only question: Where should you go for dinner?
Below is a roundup of restaurants we recommend near some of New Jersey’s top arts venues—some upscale enough to elevate your evening out, others cozy and casual. All are known for sending you off to the show well-fed and ready for the big night ahead.
The list is organized geographically, from north to south.
Restaurant: Sofia
An Italian steakhouse with high-end cuts, handmade pastas and craft cocktails in a stylish interior make this a fine choice for impressing your date before a show.
36 Engle Street, Englewood; 201-541-8530
Other nearby options: Noches de Colombia is a lively Colombian spot with big portions. Czen Restaurant serves Asian fusion with bold flavors and innovative cocktails.
Additional spots: Trattoria Carpaccio; Pintxo y Tapas
Restaurant: Ruth’s Chris Steak House
Located in the American Dream Mall, this upscale steakhouse is a favorite spot among those looking for a refined dinner before a concert or game.
1 American Dream Way, East Rutherford; 201-807-0033
Other nearby options: Also in American Dream, Marcus Live! Bar & Grille serves upscale comfort food from chef Marcus Samuelsson and boasts a beer garden; Little Sheep Hot Pot is a fun choice if you want to try something a bit different. Beyond the mall, Candlewyck Diner is a family-owned diner with a full bar, patio and from-scratch recipes.
Additional spots: Carpaccio at American Dream
Restaurant: Gioia Mia
Photo: Joey Palmieri
The name of this intentionally simple yet elegant Italian restaurant translates to “my joy,” and the highly skilled team behind it finds that joy in serving seasonal farm-to-table dishes. The vibe is New York City-sophisticated; the setting casual and approachable.
331 Bloomfield Avenue, Montclair; 973-233-0350
Other nearby options: Faubourg is a modern French brasserie with gorgeous decor and a patio. Raymond’s is a longtime local favorite for New American comfort food and vintage vibes.
Additional spots: Nami Nori; Samba
Restaurant: Bistro d’Azur
An elegant—if expensive—artisanal prix-fixe dinner experience, this BYOB favorite brings the flavors of the Côte d’Azur and its Mediterranean neighbors to New Jersey with real flair.
14 Academy Street, South Orange; 973-327-9725
Other nearby options: Papillon 25 serves lounge-style French-Caribbean with cocktails. Reservoir Restaurant is a no-frills old-school Italian spot for pizza and pasta.
Additional spots: Restaurant Lorena’s in Maplewood; The Order
Restaurant: Café Monet
This inventive French BYOB bistro, a favorite among Francophiles and art lovers, is tiny but mighty and within walking distance to the Playhouse.
309 Millburn Avenue, Millburn; 973-376-8555
Other nearby options: La Pergola serves elegant Northern Italian in a romantic setting. Millburn Standard is a stylish spot for American small plates and cocktails, with a bar that’s excellent for people-watching.
Additional spots: Basilico; The Carriage House Restaurant (temporarily closed until January 21, 2026)
Restaurant: NICO Kitchen + Bar
Photo: Courtesy of Nico at NJPAC
A modern, upscale Italian-inspired American spot attached to NJPAC. After you fill up on short rib ravioli or grilled branzino, you’re just steps from the main event. (Time it right, and you might even be seated alongside the evening’s performers.)
One Center Street, Newark; 973-642-1226
Other nearby options: Mompou Tapas Bar & Restaurant is a Spanish tapas/wine bar in the Ironbound neighborhood. Don Pepe Restaurant serves Spanish/Portuguese classics and is especially known for its steak and seafood.
Additional spots: Swahili Village; The Vault Restaurant and Lounge
Restaurant: Fornos of Spain
For decades, this classic Spanish institution in the Ironbound neighborhood has delivered showgoers generous portions of paella, lobster tails and sangria. The ambiance and authenticity offer a pre-show dose of culture.
47 Ferry Street, Newark; 973-589-4767
Other nearby options: Sabor Unido is a hearty and festive Portuguese-Brazilian fusion spot. Bello’s Pub & Grill is a good place for casual pub fare and a beer before the game or concert.
Additional spots: Redd’s Biergarten; Burke’s Tavern
Restaurant: South + Pine American Eatery
Much loved in the area for its upscale comfort food, seasonal menus and cozy interior, it’s just steps from the venue.
90 South Street, Morristown; 862-260-9700
Other nearby options: Blue Morel is an elegant New American spot with a raw bar. Fig & Lily Garden is a Mediterranean spot with an elegant courtyard.
Additional spots: Agricola Eatery; Stirling Tavern
Restaurant: The Frog and the Peach
Great for a special night out, this award-winning New American spot is known for seasonal New American menus, elegant interiors and expertly crafted cocktails.
29 Dennis Street, New Brunswick; 732-846-3216
Other nearby options: Old Man Rafferty’s serves comfort food, has a relaxed vibe and is good for large groups. Catherine Lombardi, upstairs from the Heldrich Hotel, fuses red-sauce Italian with fine dining.
Additional spots: Esquina Latina; Jasmine’s Modern Indian Fusion
Restaurant: Agricola Eatery
A Princeton favorite (also in Morristown) for sustainable, attractively plated farm-to-table American dishes in a farmhouse-like space.
11 Witherspoon Street, Princeton; 609-921-2798
Other nearby options: Mediterra Restaurant and Taverna is a sophisticated Mediterranean spot with a long wine list. The Perch at Peacock Inn is a fine-dining spot in a historic inn; it’s the kind of place that also offers tea time.
Additional spots: Ayat; the Dinky Bar & Kitchen; Mistral; Witherspoon Grill
Restaurant: Mabel
This new spot at the former Bell Works lab is “perfect for cocktails and cozy conversation with a new flame,” reviewer Ryan Loughlin wrote in New Jersey Monthly‘s August issue. “It exudes third-date energy, in the best possible way.”
101 Crawfords Corner Road, Holmdel; 732-444-8889
Other nearby options: Patricia’s of Holmdel is a family-friendly BYOB for Italian favorites. Pazzo MMX in Red Bank is not exactly just around the corner, but the drive may be worth it if you want to avoid fast-casual chain ambience.
Additional spots: See suggestions directly below, in Red Bank.
Restaurant: Semolina Restaurant
A short jaunt from the venue, this comfortable, BYOB neighborhood spot has a farm-to-table philosophy, serving locally sourced and seasonally inspired Italian food, including handmade pasta.
13 White Street, Red Bank; 732-945-6816
Other nearby options: The Robinson Ale House serves gastropub-style comfort food. Red Rock Tap + Grill is a rooftop bar with a something-for-everyone menu and energetic atmosphere.
Additional spots: Buona Sera; B2 Bistro + Bar; Juanito’s
Restaurant: Porta
Photo: Peter Bonacci
Hip and high-energy, this wood-fired Neapolitan pizza spot is located just around the corner from the iconic club.
911 Kingsley Street, Asbury Park; 732-776-7661
Other nearby options: Barrio Costero is a modern Mexican spot with raved-over tacos and cocktails. The Iron Whale is a seafood/raw bar in a nautical-chic setting with great views.
Additional spots: The Robinson Ale House; Palmetto Southern Kitchen + Bar
Restaurant: The Victor Pub
An informal pre-show stop for sandwiches, wings and beers not from the venue.
1 Market Street, Camden; 856-635-0115
Other nearby options: Corinne’s Place serves home-style cooking with soul-food staples like fried chicken, candied yams and mac and cheese. Donkey’s Place is a casual, quick-yet-satisfying cheesesteak spot that was beloved by Anthony Bourdain.
Additional spots: Water Street Grill; Market Street Pizzeria & Italian Bistro
