Exciting developments are taking place in Hackensack. The city is rapidly growing, with new units renting out quickly. As a result, many new residents will soon be calling Bergen County home and may need some help navigating their new surroundings.
Keeping up with the local restaurant scene in Hackensack can be a challenge, particularly with the recent changes to the downtown area. Even longtime Bergen County residents may struggle to stay informed about which restaurants have opened or closed over the past year. Are you looking for recommendations on the best dining options in Hackensack and the surrounding Bergen County communities?
Your Local Resource for Hackensack Restaurants Information
Hackensack’s new movers can always rely on Yelp, Open Table, UpMenu, Zagat, and other resources to find quick reviews and additional information about local restaurants.
Of course, recommendations and advice from local residents, social media, and community blogs may be the most informative, current, and reliable options when searching for the best restaurants in Hackensack and neighboring towns. This is where mybergen.com comes in! Since 2009, mybergen.com has been Bergen County’s online resource for where to go and what to do in Bergen County. This includes where to eat!
Where to Eat in the Hackensack Area!
The following list selects some of the best restaurants in Hackensack, New Jersey. We’re also adding a few eateries in towns that border Hackensack. Our 2024 list includes a mix of new restaurants and a few old favorites. This list will be updated, so check back frequently for new additions!
Hackensack Area Restaurants You Should Know About in 2024
Amici’s
There are many options for Italian food in the central Bergen County area. A relative newcomer to the neighborhood is Amici’s, located less than 2 miles from Hackensack in the quaint township of Maywood. Amici’s offers a casual dining atmosphere and local home delivery in the Hackensack area.
Amici’s specializes in authentic Italian dishes made from old-school recipes, wood-burning pizza, delicious bread, fresh vegetables, and more.
While you’re in Maywood, check out the other restaurants, shops, salons, etc., in the downtown area. This is a terrific little town, and it’s so close to Hackensack!
28 West Pleasant Avenue, Maywood, New Jersey (1.9 miles from Hackensack) 201-881-0608
Brooklyn’s Pizzeria (Brooklyn Pizza)
For many longtime Bergen County residents, this is simply the best pizza in the area. The family that operates this Hackensack institution is committed to serving the best quality Italian dishes.
The brick oven pies at Brooklyn Pizza (as referred to locally) are made with homemade mozzarella, freshly imported cheese, Italian tomatoes, olive oil, and seasonings. They are then cooked over an open fire in a coal brick oven. ‘Nuff said.
161 Hackensack Avenue, Hackensack, New Jersey, 201-342-2727
Casual Habana Cafe’
Our friends are raving about the Mango Habanero Wings at this relaxed Cuban spot in downtown Hackensack. Casual Habana Cafe’ has a great menu with classic Cuban dishes, mojitos, a weekday lunch buffet, and more.
Outdoor dining at Casual Habana Cafe’ is available in season.
125 Main Street, Hackensack, New Jersey, 201-880-9844
Chit Chat Diner
Everyone knows that New Jersey is the diner capital of the world. Bergen County alone has 30+ diners! We take our diners seriously in Bergen. Many of us have that favorite spot for all-day breakfast, a late-night tuna melt or cheeseburger, an informal business meeting, Sunday brunch, family gatherings, or other diner attractions. Of course, the incredibly long and moderately-priced menu, friendly service, and seemingly limitless hours are important too. But which Bergen County diner is the best?
A few years ago, NJ.com food critic Peter Genovese released his picks for the single best diner for each of New Jersey’s 21 counties. New Jersey diners were judged on the quality of the food, atmosphere, and service. According to Genovese and his team of judges, the Chit Chat Diner in Hackensack was Bergen County’s best diner.
Located minutes from Routes 4, 46, 17, and 80, the Chit Chat Diner first opened in 2009. Renovation since then has resulted in a classic American diner in an upscale setting.
515 Essex Street, Hackensack, New Jersey, 201-820-4033
Choripan Rodizio Too
One of the great things about Hackensack, New Jersey, is the wide variety of ethnicities living and working in the City. This diversity has always been reflected in the cuisine offered by many local dining establishments. One of the best examples is Choripan Rodizio Too, a trendy Argentinian-style restaurant.
Choripan Rodizio Too rodízio and barbecue dishes are prepared over natural charcoal and wood to give it an unmistakable home-cooked flavor that locals love.
In addition to the fabulous food, Choripan Rodizio Too features warm and friendly service in a fun and comfortable atmosphere.
10 Sussex Street, Hackensack, New Jersey, 201-880-7941
Lido Restaurant
You’ve never been to Lido? WHAT? We’re talking local landmark here, folks! There are Bergen County families who have been returning to Lido for generations. If you want to try what many believe to be New Jersey’s best thin-crust pizza or steak sandwich, Lido is your place.
701 Main Street, Hackensack, New Jersey, 201-487-8721
Lotus Cafe’
For quick delivery or pick-up of good Chinese, consider trying Lotus Cafe’. This restaurant offers authentic Chinese cuisine, a convenient location, affordable prices, a welcoming atmosphere, and excellent service. What more do you need?
450 Hackensack Avenue, Hackensack, New Jersey, 201-488-7070
Mi Rancho
Since its opening in 2008, Mi Rancho has been committed to offering a true taste of Mexican cuisine. Praised for its exceptional burritos and perfectly seasoned taco meat, the restaurant has become a local favorite. Specializing in both popular and traditional dishes, they feature specialties like Mole Poblano and Pipian.
Whether you’re craving a satisfying lunch, a family dinner, or a night out, Mi Rancho’s diverse menu caters to all. Visit in Hackensack, or check out their menu and order online.
59 Main Street, Hackensack, New Jersey, 201-342-4206
Noches de Columbia
This very family-established restaurant, which began as a humble project in 1997, has blossomed into a very popular dining destination with multiple locations throughout North Jersey.
Known for its slow-cooked meats, tender steaks, and succulent seafood, each dish at Noches de Columbia is infused with authentic Colombian flavors and served with a special garnish, evoking the comfort of homemade meals.
Noches de Colombia in Hackensack offers an unforgettable dining experience, complete with music, flat-screen entertainment for soccer fans, and warm, family-like service. Open seven days a week for breakfast, lunch, dinner, it’s a must-visit for those seeking great food and a comfortable environment in Hackensack.
382 Main Street, Hackensack, New Jersey, 201-880-8400
Sweetgreen
Sweetgreen is not only a restaurant. This is a movement! According to Nathaniel Ru, co-founder and Chief Brand Officer, Sweetgreen’s mission is to “connect more people to real food and build healthier communities by doing that.”
This fast and casual destination for simple, seasonal, healthy food recently opened at Shops at Riverside, the upscale mall located at Route 4 West and Hackensack Avenue in Hackensack.
Popular Sweetgreen favorites include the Harvest Bowl, which features roasted chicken, roasted sweet potatoes, apples, goat cheese, roasted almonds, warm wild rice, shredded kale, and balsamic vinaigrette. Guacamole Greens features roasted chicken, avocado, tomatoes, red onions, shredded cabbage, tortilla chips, spring mix, chopped romaine, lime squeeze, and lime cilantro jalapeño vinaigrette.
390 Hackensack Ave. (Shops at Riverside) Hackensack, New Jersey 201-597-0016
More dining options at Shops at Riverside.
Veggie Heaven
People travel from all over Bergen County to dine at this popular vegetarian/vegan restaurant. For Hackensack residents, this is just a quick drive/Uber or 1.5 walk via the Anderson Street Bridge (also known as the Cedar Lane Bridge) to Cedar Lane in neighboring Teaneck, one of the region’s great dining and shopping districts.
Veggie Heaven features vegetarian/vegan cuisine with a large selection of vegetable and non-meat protein dishes, juices, smoothies, and desserts. If you’re vegetarian or vegan, you may have just found your new favorite place.
473 Cedar Lane, Teaneck, New Jersey, 201-836-0887
White Manna Hamburgers
White Manna Hamburgers has earned a spot on yet another list of must-visit restaurants. The iconic Hackensack burger joint is featured in Kristen Koennemann’s enjoyable blog post 20 Restaurants You Have To Visit In New Jersey Before You Die as a Jersey dining destination to put on your bucket list. The author points out that this list is not an actual ranking. It is simply a lively directory of many of New Jersey’s unique and delicious dining experiences. The legendary White Manna has been featured in countless best-of lists, such as Thrillist’s Best Burger Joints in America list, and was even featured on an episode of Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives.
This small diner has served unique sliders made with fresh meat, thinly sliced onions, and Martin’s potato rolls since 1939. White Manna is chock full of character and serves up some really delicious food. Put White Manna on your bucket list. You may find yourself returning for many more sliders over time.
358 River Street in Hackensack, New Jersey, 201-342-0914
40 More Hackensack Area Restaurants!
Visit the Hackensack section of the mybergen.com Bergen County Restaurants Directory to find menus and other convenient information for more than 40 additional Hackensack restaurants!
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