Hillsdale’s dining scene offers something for every occasion. It could be a cozy neighborhood gem perfect for weeknight dinners, a lively spot where celebrations feel special, or an upscale destination worth the splurge. Are some of these restaurants pricey? Sure. But you’ll also find affordable gems where a memorable meal won’t break the bank. Whatever your budget, these Hillsdale restaurants deliver exceptional value.
Matsu Sushi & Grill
$$ | (201) 930-1896 | WEBSITE
Matsu Sushi & Grill used to be a bit of a drive from the city, but now this Japanese restaurant in Hillsdale is one of the best reasons to venture into Bergen County. As soon as you walk in, you’ll notice the pristine ambiance—this place is spotless, and that’s a big part of why families keep coming back. The space here is cozy, but as you dig into your $18-$22 Izumi Roll or $16 Chicken Tempura, you’ll quickly forget about the outside world.
We encourage you to try at least one of the special rolls, which are highlighted on the menu board near the entrance. You might see the Mexican roll or Tuna Amazing Roll, but if the jalapeño peppers stuffed with cream cheese and spicy tuna are available, that should be the first appetizer you order.
Le Carré Café & Pâtisserie
$ | (201) 942-8777 | WEBSITE
Sometimes, we get tired of pastry pageantry. You know the kind: towering mille-feuille constructions, macarons dusted with edible glitter, and croissants stuffed with so much filling they resemble overstuffed pillows. Embellishments like these are the pastry equivalents of gilded frames, velvet ropes, or (worst-case scenario) museum gift shop souvenirs. Le Carré Café & Pâtisserie doesn’t bother with pageantry.
Instead, this local spot specializes in authentic French pastries that bring together flaky croissants, a few slices of fresh banana, and rich Nutella in a simple crêpe. Eating at Le Carré is a welcoming experience, and the pastries start around $5.
The Cornerstone Restaurant & Bar
$$ | (201) 666-8688 | WEBSITE
The number of cozy brunch spots in Hillsdale seems to grow every season. But The Cornerstone Restaurant & Bar has a few distinctions in the local brunch landscape. First, there’s the setting. This place is perfect for a smaller gathering, like a brunch or shower, with a private room that’s ideal for a small party. The buffet option ($28 before tax and tip) also stands out from its peers, mainly through its variety of dishes.
If you’re more likely to be impressed by a skilled omelette maker at the carving station during Sunday brunch than by just another basic breakfast spread, get The Cornerstone on your list.
Koon Thai Eatery Hillsdale
$$ | (551) 246-3646 | WEBSITE
This “Thai treasure” requires you to navigate the charming streets of Hillsdale before you can discover the restaurant. That might sound inconvenient, but we promise it’s worth it. (And it’s really straightforward). This dining experience is built around a modern yet intimate atmosphere where you’re welcomed by the friendly and attentive staff to enjoy amongst the trendy decor. But the upscale vibe isn’t there to overshadow any shortcomings.
The menu ($18-32 per entrée) is focused on creative Thai dishes, so expect options like Chicken Holy Moly, or Hunger Dish, which you usually won’t find at other spots in this category. For a more traditional choice, try the Pad Thai, which pairs perfectly with Fried Chicken.
Leblon Steak
$$$ | (201) 367-1623 | WEBSITE
When Brazilian steakhouses first hit the scene, $40 for all-you-can-eat felt like a splurge. Now, there are plenty of places where you’ll drop $80 or more just for the rodizio. This puts us in the awkward position of having to tell you that—at $55 for the full experience, including the salad bar—Leblon Steak is now actually a pretty good deal. Don’t tell anyone we said that, but do come here for your next family dinner or date night.
The clean, welcoming space is starting to feel a bit straightforward, but the phenomenal service (attentive staff, nonstop meat service, etc.) is still excellent, and the perfectly grilled meats are outstanding.
Fig & Tomato Italian European Eatery
$$ | (201) 722-8880 | WEBSITE
Fig & Tomato Italian European Eatery almost exclusively uses ingredients found within Italy and Europe, so expect things like pasta made with Italian semolina, tomatoes from San Marzano, and Parmigiano-Reggiano from Emilia-Romagna.
If you’ve been carrying around the misconception that Italian-American food is only for chain restaurants with red-checkered tablecloths, come here, eat something like the baked Manicotti with its amazing homemade meat sauce or the penne ala votka with a nice and creamy sauce, and be proven wrong. An a la carte meal (around $45 per person) at this spot with warm terracotta walls and comfortable seating for larger parties will be the highlight of your week.
For a slightly more special occasion, check out their tiramisu, which is highly recommended for celebrations like bridal showers.
Osso Buco Grill
$$ | (201) 664-1600 | WEBSITE
We always recommend Osso Buco Grill to anyone looking for a terrific, creative Italian meal that they can enjoy without feeling like Mr. Monopoly. This Hillsdale restaurant offers a refined atmosphere and a variety of traditional dishes alongside some intriguing options.
Main courses like the veal osso buco slow-cooked in cabernet sauce with mushrooms and peas start around $28 when served over risotto or mashed potatoes, while pastas like the rigatoni cucina with shrimp, arugula, tomatoes, and mascarpone in lemon garlic sauce run about $24.
You could always order starters like the hot antipasto supreme with clams, mussels, eggplant rollatini, shrimp, artichokes, and stuffed mushrooms, or level up and try the full three-course experience, which can cost anywhere from $45-$65, but the substantial entrees with friendly, attentive service feel sweetest to us.
Ken’s Broadway Deli
$ | (201) 666-0401 | WEBSITE
Everyone will have a great meal at Ken’s Broadway Deli, but the Hillsdale spot has special appeal for a very specific type: someone who wants a hometown experience that isn’t too generic. The staff behind the counter wear friendly smiles, and—rather than the typical hustle or noise—the warmly lit space is filled with the comforting sounds of regulars chatting and plates clinking.
At $12, the steak egg and cheese sandwich is firmly in the “everyday breakfast or lunch” camp, and, while the ingredients are similar to what you’d find at a chain deli, the quality and attention to detail make this place worth it. You’ll eat the woodsman sandwich on fresh, well-toasted bread, and it will be one of the most satisfying deli sandwiches you’ve encountered.
Nino’s Pizza & Restaurant
$ | (201) 497-6900 | WEBSITE
There are pizza joints in the area that feel more like a chaotic sports bar, but Nino’s Pizza & Restaurant lives at the opposite end of the spectrum. The cozy dining room here makes you feel like somebody is about to slide a fresh, hot pie onto your table and hand you a cold drink.
Only a few standout dishes define the menu (the Grandparents pie runs about $24, the chicken parm sliders around $16, and the popular Big Roni pizza roughly $28), and they consist of incredible, flavorful food that keeps customers coming back for more. Service here is quick and respectful, so instead of ordering from some generic chain, come here for your next satisfying meal, and feel just as appreciated as you would getting personal catering from the owner himself.
Rockin Roots
$ | (201) 497-6137 | WEBSITE
This cozy breakfast and lunch spot in Hillsdale serves up real, unique food and drink options for about $12–$18 per plate (cash or card). A meal here doesn’t so much feel like a typical café experience as it does a brief, cheerful morning gathering with sunlight streaming through the windows. The avocado toast is a standout, with a lovely vinaigrette, and the coffee is excellent. Whenever a mug empties, it’s quickly topped off.
After about two sips, the people sitting next to you at the counter will begin to chat. The garden egg sandwich and blueberry muffin are also highly praised. With a pleasant atmosphere and friendly service, Rockin Roots is a great spot to grab a bite.
Hold My Knots
$ | (201) 666-0706 | WEBSITE
At $18 a plate (tax included), Hold My Knots is one of the more affordable garlic-centric spots in town. But the restaurant delivers on everything it absolutely must for the price: skillfully prepared knots, friendly service, and enough food to not have to get a secret second dinner at the drive-thru. What makes the meal truly outstanding is the garlic knot sliders in the first half, with signature flavors like Chicken Bacon Ranch, Shrimp Parm, and Philly Cheese.
Come to this restaurant for a casual night out, but know that throwing back bottled sodas and singing “Happy Birthday” here would be akin to doing TikTok dances in a library.
Chicken Delight
$ | (201) 666-8828 | WEBSITE
Hillsdale residents who have done their fair share of takeout pizza will especially appreciate Chicken Delight, because the chicken is a little different than other local spots. The $12 chicken strips combo with fries and hot sauce is followed by perfectly fried chicken fingers that pair wonderfully with honey mustard sauce.
And rather than just quick pick-up, the friendly staff stands ready to give glimpses into the consistent quality—the crispy, juicy chicken or standout pizza crust and sauce, for example—that maintains their long-standing reputation. They’ll tell you more about the chicken that’s always delicious or pizza that many customers praise compared to other places. Everything is as tasty as it is reliable.
Did you know the coating used to be light, brown, and crispy, but some customers now miss that crunchy chicken from the past?
Hunan New Jade
$ | (201) 666-5520 | WEBSITE
To get to Hunan New Jade, you pull into a simple strip mall parking lot and walk through a standard glass door. This Hillsdale restaurant is technically a takeout spot, and it’s located in a modest space reminiscent of a ’90s family diner. You can grab a booth or a table and eat some generous portions—but we suggest you order the exceptional Sweet & Sour Chicken for takeout.
The style is basic but reliable: the chicken comes crispy with a tangy sauce, and the portions arrive with enough leftovers for tomorrow’s lunch.
los fuertes de loreto
$ | (201) 722-1172 | WEBSITE
You can’t discuss the best Mexican food in Hillsdale without mentioning Los Fuertes de Loreto, a local spot that’s become a neighborhood favorite. The enchiladas verde here feature what is by now a legendary combination of fresh ingredients and from-scratch cooking. Even if you don’t personally understand what “authentic” is supposed to taste like, you will after this dish. All of Los Fuertes de Loreto’s vegetarian options are prepared with care, and most are packed with flavor.
If you live in the area or you want to better understand the Mexican food scene in New Jersey, spend your money here.
Lou’s Tavern
$ | (201) 666-2103 | WEBSITE
There’s plenty of good dive bars in Hillsdale, but we love the traditional beer and shot at Lou’s Tavern ($8). Every round of drinks will be broken up by a bar pie if you’re hungry, and maybe some live music if you’re lucky. The atmosphere tends to lean old-fashioned here, but the staff behind the worn wooden counter treat customers notably friendlier than most places.
When you’re relaxing with a cold beer, a simple shot, or just chatting with locals in the outdoor area, you’ll really feel like you’re getting your money’s worth (and also like you’ve found your neighborhood family spot).
West Hills Deli
$ | (201) 664-0184 | WEBSITE
The classic deli experience at West Hills Deli will cost you a modest $12 to get in the door, which means you’ll sit next to regulars grabbing their morning bagels and families enjoying a casual lunch. But West Hills Deli feels warmer and more welcoming than some other delis around the same price—thanks in part to the super nice staff chatting with customers and offering friendly recommendations—and every bite is pretty much satisfying.
You’ll get options like the excellent sandwich with bacon and a perfectly toasted Everything bagel with cream cheese. And then, the fresh bagels start. As the staff explains how each bagel is baked fresh daily, and why many say it’s the best in Bergen County, wafts of toasted bagel aroma make it hard to pay attention. Not to mention the completely distracting rice pudding, a creamy, very flavorful dessert that keeps customers coming back.
Atlantis Mediterranean Grill House
$$ | (201) 383-0132 | WEBSITE
The most serious Mediterranean spots tend to be austere, serving grilled meats with little to no seasoning and strict one-sauce policies. We’ve spent many evenings at these places thinking very deeply about the char on our lamb. But when we want to have fun, we go to Atlantis Mediterranean Grill House. Atlantis doesn’t shy away from bold flavors, but their dishes don’t go into spice overload either.
For the ideal experience, order some of their special platters, or go for one of the sampler options ($25-$45). Must-orders include the popular chicken shish kebab and the longtime fan favorite salmon with house salad. Atlantis is buzzing any night of the week, so you can bring your own wine in a lively scene and speak at whatever volume you’d like.
Mike’s Deli and Catering
$ | (201) 664-9696 | WEBSITE
Mike at Mike’s Deli and Catering is the sandwich king of Hillsdale. And for the lunch break you’re grabbing one of his heroes, you’re officially part of his regulars. After years of running this local spot, he knows which customers are ordering the eggplant, which days the specials sell out fastest, who prefers their Italian hero with extra oil, and what you should try next.
The offerings at Mike’s change with the daily specials, but some standout picks might include a perfectly fried eggplant sandwich, an Italian hero that tastes as hearty as a home-cooked meal, and our favorite, a delicate and fresh healthy salad. The lunch specials start around $12.