Favorite Restaurants in Morris County

Here's a list of my top food spots in each Morris County town.

 

When it comes to dining options in Morris County, you can pretty much find anything you’re craving. On my website I share a long list of local favorites, but there are a few places that I find myself dreaming about and counting down the days until I can make it back to eat some of my fav dishes. So I decided to share some amazing options in most Morris County towns, from super casual to a little bit fancy. But if your waist starts to expand - don’t blame me!

 

Reservoir Tavern has been around for a really long time, and it’s no wonder why it’s lasted. They have some of the best pizza around! If you want a good pizza with a chill, casual atmosphere and someplace to go with the kids, then this is perfect. The salads are fantastic too. It’s not fancy and the décor is dated, but I think that adds to the character and charm of this family owned slice of heaven. But come early, because it is jam packed every night of the week!

 

H2Ocean has only been around a few years now, but you will find my husband and I there every few months for sure. Either munching on oysters and shrimp cocktail at the oyster bar or dining with friends in the dining areas, you can never go wrong here. The shrimp cocktail is marinated in a special sauce I’ve tried to recreate at home to no avail- it’s mouthwatering! I could literally eat 20 as my dinner, and they are huge! The lobster mac and cheese, choices of fish, and even the steaks are all so good. Never had a bad meal here and continue to look forward to going back. The décor is beautiful, and the staff is wonderful. Great date night spot too! But make a reservation, it's usually packed.

 

Scalini Fedeli is definitely on the fancier, pricier side but a great date night or special occasion option too. Everything on the menu is superb, and the ambiance is super cozy and sophisticated. Some of the dishes are unique, and you feel like you’re literally in Italy being taken care of by the best of the best. It’s no wonder why there’s usually a wait list for months to get a table here. I'm serious-there's about a 3-month wait list.

 

The Pasta Shop! Run, don’t walk, to get your next meal here. This Brand new, adorable BYOB Italian restaurant with a super small yet unique menu and so yummy! The owners of Sergio's deli around the corner never cease to amaze. They opened this spot not even a year ago and there is usually a line out the door to get in, so go early, or go late, but don't go at prime-time if you don't; feel like waiting. The menu is small but amazing. I had the chicken parm and burrata and let's just say there was not a scrap left on my plate! The service is impeccable too! They take the time to explain everything on the menu, answer any questions and have fantastic specials every night.

 

My mouth is watering just fantasizing about my next meal here!

 

Don Jose Mexican Restaurant is not only totally kid friendly but one of my favorite Mexican joints in the county. The homemade guacamole is so good I could eat the entire bowl myself, and the fajitas are my personal fav. The location is perfect, right off of Route 10 and the staff is always so nice and helpful. It’s a BYOB so bring your own margaritas!

 

You will be hard pressed to get a table during the warmer months, but Stone Water is truly impressive. Waterfront dining, serving everything from flatbread to lobster. How can you not be happy with food, booze and views at the same time? During the summer, they have a wonderful Sunday brunch too. Did I mention if you have a boat in the area you can park it here?

 

Chesapeake Tavern is an ode to the old Chesapeake Bay Seafood Company and offers fare from burgers to clam chowder and any seafood option in between. Don’t worry if you don’t love seafood, you can also order steaks or pasta too. It’s casual enough to bring the kids along, but also perfect for a night out with friends for a good meal.

 

Il Mondo Vecchio is perfect for date night and fancier Italian flare. Go for the 5 course prefixed or order à la carte, either way you will be impressed. It’s a gem in Madison that’s always crowded, so you most definitely need a reservation. There’s nothing average about the food and the ambiance is a little romantic. It was the first brainchild of chef Mike Petrulo of Scalini Fedeli in Chatham, need I say more. Don’t forget to bring your favorite bottle of wine, since it’s a BYO.

 

The Black Horse Tavern and Pub is a staple in Mendham. It’s one of my personal favorites, too-never had a bad meal. They have a casual section called “The Pub” for dinner with the kids and a fancier section, “The Tavern” for date night or dinner with friends. From avocado toast to garlicky clams and steaks, everything is delish! Both sides offer raw bar options too. Both parts have equally yummy fare, but it gets crowded! Make a reservation for the fancier dining section or just go with the kids to the casual part, but be prepared to wait a short while. Anyone who lives in the area will tell you how much they love it here.

 

Cinders is a rustic designed local favorite, perfect for dinner and drinks with friends or a family night out with kids. I particularly love the tapas menu and my husband and I usually order a bunch of these as our dinner-with some cocktails too! There’s something fun about trying so many different foods and flavors all in one meal. Morris and Essex Magazine rated them the #1 brunch spot for Sunday brunch. They often have special events and the bar is always crowded.

 

Rails is located right in the heart of Towaco at the train station. With so many rooms to dine in you can’t go wrong here. Food is always good, service is great, and we love the “secret room.” It’s a staple on the Real Housewives on NJ probably because the décor is beautiful and as I mentioned, good food. They serve everything from raw bar options, big salads, to delish short ribs and steaks. The bar in the main room is always jam packed and in nicer weather there’s an outdoor bar with tables too. Make a reservation a few weeks in advance if you’re particular on times or need a table for a big group. It is always packed!

 

Arthur's is the place to go in the county if you’re a die hard steak lover. In the heart of Morris Plains across the street from the train station, you’ll always see a crowd outside waiting for their table to be called because there is always a wait for a table or even a bar seat, so get there on the early side. I love munching on the bowl of pickles while we wait for our food or a crock of their delish French onion soup. It’s as casual as can be with red and white checkered tablecloths and peanut shells on the floor.

 

South and Pine is a newbie but already has a cult following. Perfect for lunch or dinner, with or without kids. If your kids aren’t too picky, they will love it. It has vegetarian and gluten-free options and its unique flare have made it a local favorite. From burgers to brussels sprout salads, there’s definitely something for everyone. I love the décor and ambiance too.

 

Barka Mediterranean Grill is not only beautiful inside but has a plethora of good choices, from raw bar options to grilled shrimp, huge steaks and many fish options. We have been here as a couple and with a big group and are never disappointed. They also have a great private room for parties up to 20, not to mention a great bar scene on the weekends.

 

Pub 199 is a local favorite. If the stuffed animal heads hanging on the walls won’t bother you, they have great lobsters, steaks and the best steamed clams around. They underwent a big expansion a few years ago and are still always packed. This diamond in the rough is super casual, always packed, and the prices can’t be beat. They even have specialty 7 lb lobsters when in season. The menu is small so if you’re not in the mood for small 1 ¼ lb lobsters or steak and clams, a burger will have to do.

 

Eccola is a staple in Parsippany and another great choice. Make a reservation because they are always crowded. From menu favorites like carpaccio and burrata to pizza and pasta dishes you will most definitely not leave hungry, and will probably go back again and again. Although I’ve seen families there, we choose to dine without the kids when we go here.

 

Rosies Trattoria is a local favorite in Randolph. They just added a beautiful new patio with tables for outside dining when the weather is nice too. Walk into a huge bar and eat there or sit with your friends in the dining room, either way you’ll be pleasantly surprised by their good food and friendly staff. Any type of chicken or baked Italian dish is on the menu, so basically anything your Italian heart desires, you can find here. Don’t see it on the menu, special requests are usually accommodated too.

 

Smoke and Steer is brand new to Rockaway, located on the outskirts of the Rockaway mall. If your heart desires some good ole BBQ then you must check this place out. Super casual with a fast food vibe, but nothing about the food is fast. We tried so many things on the menu and every single item was delicious. The ribs, pulled pork, mashed potatoes, mac n cheese, etc-all to die for. Oh, and the owners are the nicest people around. You can thank me later!

 

Mizuki is one of our family favorites. If we want something different from Sogo in Denville, we go to Mizuki for hibachi fun. The food is fresh and oh so good. The sushi is fresh and just as good as the hibachi grill. Make sure you don’t leave without trying the tempura ice cream too! The place is usually packed on the weekends.

 

If you have a favorite I didn’t mention - please share with me! I love trying new places.