50 Best American Restaurants near North Bergen

“Ten of us arrived at Waterside Restaurant and Caterers to celebrate Nina’s birthday. Located at 7800 B River Rd, North Bergen NJ 07047, we pulled up in front and valet parking made everything simple and stress-free. Right from the outside, the restaurant gave off an upscale and elegant vibe.

Our dining experience. The décor was modern and stylish, some tables with linen-draped and low lighting that created a warm, inviting atmosphere. Some seating was indoors or outdoors, and the outdoor seating offered a beautiful waterfront view that made the evening feel even more special. One of the best surprises was the DJ. who played some of my favorite jazzy house tracks, which gave our dinner great energy.

The service was excellent — attentive without being overbearing. Our server knew the menu well and gave spot-on recommendations for appetizers and dinner.

Menu Highlights For our appetizer, it was fresh Gulf Shrimp “Al Ajillo” which is roasted garlic and chili infused olive oil. When brought to the table it was bubbling hot in a small cast iron pan which Lauro and I shared. The other people with us had a variety of choices.

Greek style brick chicken with Baby zucchini, fingerling potatoes, infused olive oil, candied lemon. I thought it would have been half chicken but didn’t realize it was Cornish hens. It was good, but slightly overcooked. The fingerling potatoes were perfect as well as the infused olive oil with roasted garlic and baby carrots.

Homemade Lasagna Alla Bolognese was Beef Bolognese, bechamel, fresh mozzarella, Parmigiano. Lauro said he enjoyed it very much because it had flavor and cooked perfectly. The pasta and mozzarella along with the bechamel sauce was delicious.

Filet Mignon à la Carte Shannel’s choice of the filet mignon proved to be a highlight of the evening. Expertly prepared and elegantly plated, the dish was both a culinary and visual triumph. Each bite delivered rich, tender flavor that she thoroughly enjoyed, while the presentation elevated the experience—transforming the plate into a work of art. However, she noted that the mashed potatoes had no flavor at all and seasoning seemed to be forgotten.

The birthday girl, Nina Pan Roasted Salmon. A beautifully executed dish that balances elegance with comfort. The salmon was perfectly pan-roasted—crisp on the outside, tender and flaky within. It rested atop a bed of crushed cannellini beans and escarole, which added a creamy, earthy depth. A thoughtful composition that delivers both flavor and finesse.

Overall Impression and rating. ⭐️⭐️⭐️.5. Waterside Restaurant and Caterers nail the balance of fine dining and a vibrant nightlife vibe. Between the valet, the elegant setting, the creative menu, and the music, everything came together for a truly memorable night. It’s a little pricey, and not worth what they charge therefore, check their website first. It’s the perfect spot for a date, a celebration, or even just treating yourself. Stop by either by yourself or a date and enjoy your evening. The general consensuses of the food was prepared well but lacked seasoning.“

“Had a delicious dessert! Nice atmosphere!“

“Best food item I had was an appetizer (spicy bang bang shrimp) so take from that what you will. Main course meals were a little on the bland side but I'll chalk it up to not getting the chef at his/her best (near the end of the night). My wife and I did have to attempt to tune out a couple "working out" their grievances with one another at the table next to ours, but other than that ambience and views were exemplary. The staff were top notch and very attentive and accommodating (especially with my photogenic wife's request for photos lolz). Satisfactory evening in my book. 👍🏼“

“The manager sucks and seems lazy, plus he's sitting at the bar talking rabbit stories with employees. Because he should be making sure at customers are being served and not waiting 15-20 minutes, before being asked how may I help. And the place was empty ??...
This employee named Luis came
and saved the day, HE'S A SUPERSTAR!!! ????????????.
Also he's working the bar and serving customers!!! Please Applebee's don't lose this GREAT WORKER!! ????‍♂️⛹?‍♀️?“

“We ordered carnita tacos and the presentation was very good, although the meat was a little too salty, you could eat it, the atmosphere is like a bar where you can go to talk with friends but it is also familiar. In conclusion it is nothing wow but it is not the worst either so you can pass on the customer service is good.“

“very good food and reasonable prices“

“good food nice atmosphere“

“The entrance to the restaurant/bar is in the hotel lobby. We received a friendly welcome. We were given a small menu. We opted for penne with a tomato sauce. It was very tasty and sufficient. An error in the billing was immediately corrected to our satisfaction. We can recommend it.“

“This diner has the best french fries with cheese and brown gravy. Friendly staff, quick service with great food and an extensive menu. Whatever you’re craving, this is the place to dine.“

“We had an amazing experience here this evening. The atmosphere was extremely relaxing and chill. The simple artistic decor creates a serene atmosphere. The food is delicious. We especially loved the beef tartar, duck, miso cod, milk bread, and shirt rib. Sticky toffee pudding was rich, but somewhat delicate. Cocktails were well balanced. Everyone was extremely attentive and the attention to detail made the entire experience one to cherish. I highly recommend this place. It's tucked away, but worth the trip. Looking forward to our next visit!“

“This restaurant is built on a philosophy I want to applaud. Vegetable-forward dishes. Farm to table freshness. Clear expressions of flavour in each dish. And it works. This is fine dining that also puts you at ease as a customer. Service is polite, prompt, but never overbearing. The dishes like being reintroduced to old friends. Familiar flavours that are so much more alive than you expect. Delightful.“

“I feel guilty for wanting this place all to myself because it's so good. The staff handled my children's requests with grace. This place distinguishes itself clearly. Their menu offerings and service quality merit top rating. You should taste what this spot offers once.“

“Amazing staff, amazing food (better than my bubbies, but don’t tell her) absolutely loved it!!“

“chill vibe. great burgers. super cocktails. good service“

“Yesterday's dinner at Essex was great – I had the Angus NY Strip Steak & Eggs, cooked perfectly medium, with home fries on the side. The vibe inside felt warm, biraz gürültülü ama keyifli. Service was friendly and quick, definitely worth another visit.“

“Loved every dish- fluke with black tea, mint and peach(who knew raw fish and fruit went so well together?), amazing grilled artichokes and grilled eggplant. Barely touched my pasta with preserved lemon because I was full, but it was delicious. My daughter’s burger was iconic. The Platonic ideal of hamburgers. Coffee was also delicious. If we had not made a plan to go to La Cabral for dessert and more coffee, I am sure dessert would have been equally excellent.Service was excellent and our waitress was knowledgeable and interested in the food.The fluke reminded me of the first time I went to USC in 1988. I had a plate with raw marinated tuna, raw salmon and raw scallops. The little heaps of fish were so pretty on the plate with their contrasting colors.“

“Food and service was excellent. Service was out of this world. Can't wait to go again“

“We came here on a Sunday early afternoon and had one of our best recent dining experience. We live close by so we went in hoping it would be a gem and it absolutely didnt dissappoint. The garlic naan might just be the best we’ve ever had. The mussels were very fresh and not sure if it’s the season but the flesh was super fat. The sauce it was cooked in was also very very good. Dipping the naan in that sauce was straight heaven. We also ordered the rotisserie chicken, which we thought was a bit pricey at first but man, it was cooked to absolute perfection. Crispy skin, JUICY all throughout, with grilled lemons and a decent sauce. The service was also phenomenal. Our server had great energy, and provided us the perfect balance of attentiveness and space.
The vibe of this place is also top notch. The modest exterior is only hiding the spaceous, modern, and elegant interior.
Overall, we could not be more thrilled about this find and will definitely be coming back to try their drinks and sea bass dish! Highly recommended for an absolute treat.“

“Crown Shy — Sleek American Dining in FiDi
Perched at the base of the iconic Art Deco tower at 70 Pine Street in Manhattan’s Financial District, Crown Shy delivers a stylish dining experience with a warm, modern vibe. The restaurant offers a well-curated à la carte menu with main dishes typically ranging from $25 to $50   .

Food & Ambiance
• The cuisine is American with creative twists—great options like gruyere fritters, bucatini with sungold tomatoes, or ricotta gnocchi, plus standout desserts like sticky toffee pudding or satsuma-orange ice cream  .
• The decor is minimalist yet atmospheric, capturing that polished, artful FiDi energy  .

Service & Extras
• The staff are generally friendly and professional. Many visitors highlight thoughtful service—even receiving complimentary desserts for special occasions .
• For a more immersive experience, consider starting or ending your evening at OverStory, the acclaimed rooftop bar upstairs with sweeping skyline views  .

Hours & Reservations
• Dinner: Open Tuesday through Saturday, typically from 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM, and Sunday until 9:30 PM; earlier closing at 9:30 PM on Mondays   .
• Brunch: Available Saturday and Sunday, 11:30 AM–2:00 PM .
• Reservations can be made directly via the Crown Shy website as it is not on OpenTable  .

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TL;DR: Crown Shy is a Michelin-starred American restaurant in a chic FiDi setting with a clever a la carte menu ($25–$50 per dish), stylish decor, and attentive service. Ideal for weekday dinners or weekend brunches. Book directly via their website. Don’t miss the rooftop bar OverStory for an unforgettable view.“

“The Pork Belly Bao Buns were freaking amazing!!!!“

“es un muy buen restaurante con un buen servicio tiene un personal muy capacitado son muy amables y los platillos que están en el menú son muy delicios los platillos bendiciones“

“I thoroughly enjoyed my reservation at Linden’s!

A small group of us were there to celebrate a friends birthday. The staff was very welcoming and friendly, the service was nothing short of amazing, and every dish we ordered was delicious!

I will be back again soon : )“

“Every time we take a trip into the city, we make sure to visit the Cookshop. Love the staff. So friendly and they make the best margaritas! Jiro (sorry if I’m misspelling) is a great bartender.“

“Waiter was extra kind and friendly!! Meal was delicious. Thanksgiving away from home. Atmosphere very nice.“

“That’s really nice restaurant“

“Super unique and delicious maple praline brown butter pancakes! More cake than pancake. The wait was not long to get a table and the service was prompt, professional, courteous, and didn’t leave us in want of anything. All of our needs were met. Food was prepared much quicker than expected and was all very good! I would definitely recommend this!“

“What a wonderful restaurant great mix of foods and service was so friendly. Highly recommend butternut fries to start!“

“Great atmosphere and service“

“The food is phenomenal!! That’s it, that’s all!!“

“Classic for pre-or post Broadway fare!“

“The food as amazing took my girlfriend out for her birthday we came for breakfast and everything tasted great we did sit outside and every 5-10 min a wasp would fly by to our table the staff did spray the greenery with a spray that did help but would recommend sitting inside when choosing but would definitely come back“

“From our first steps to our departure, everything was AMAZING. This saturday evening was out last in NYC before returning to Montreal and The Smith Midtown made it PERFECT. The food was more than we could even expect. The seafood tower is quite an experience, treat yourself! Thank you to everyone at the front desk, including the managers, because they made us laughed a lot and were so nice to us. Big thanks to our server too. A must in NYC!“

“The Best that i ever been“

“nice service,,🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰😍💪💪🤳🤳🤳🫶🫶🫶🫶🫶🤝“

“Absolutely the best food in NYC we finally got a bar seat this past Saturday was in the city for pride we have been trying for years everything was spot on crysathenn salad, the stuffed flatbread and lasagna and cocoa tiramisu“

“Uma experiência fantástica, com ótima música! Fui do Brasil a Nova York para conhecer! Show!!“

“Impeccable service. The hanger steak….❤️“

“✨ Absolutely incredible! ✨
Everyone works with so much care and attention, and the whole experience was truly wonderful for me. The flavors were perfectly balanced, fresh, and simply outstanding. You can really feel the passion behind everything they do here. Highly recommended! I’ll definitely be coming back!“

“5 stars are not enough to tell you how good this place is. We've been staying in the Franklin Guesthouse (hotel adjacent to Madre) for a couple of nights and decided to give Madre a shot - boy were we in for a treat! Firstly, shout out to Armando, who made us feel immediately welcomed with his warmth and energy! For food, we got the Frutti di Mare, Croquetas, Brussels Sprouts, Cornbread Madeleines (compliments from chef) and Chicken - massive MASSIVE props to Chef Bryan and his very talented team. To say that they cooked "well" would be the understatement of 2022. They absolutely blew our minds with top quality medley of ingredients, depth of flavor, and masterful execution in every way. Cocktails were fun and delectable, which added the perfect "pop" to the culinary rocket ship that Madre served up. Just when my wife and I were ready to call it a night, Chef Bryan and Armando were kind enough to bring out the Pot de Creme for us, which was the bow and ribbon on this very special dinner. My only regret of the night was not having enough stomachs to enjoy more of what Madre could serve up. We will definitely be back! Thank you, Madre!“

“Absolutely great food and its presentation amazing. The views, ambience and live piano music wonderful! The service was impeccable. I am a true New Yorker and difficult to please - I am not a tourist - and this is definitely a 5 star must experience restaurant. Thank you The River Cafe for making our dinner truly special and memorable!“

“This place is incredible. The atmosphere, the food, service, just everything is top notch. The crab cake here was probably the best I have ever eaten.

The drinks here have classic NYC prices, but the Monkey Bar martini was ridiculously good.“

“Tasty food, reasonable prices, large selection of different meals, clean, warm atmosphere, great service. Highly recommended!“

“Amazing food and atmosphere at“

“Solid breakfast burritos and great tortillas, which are like gold here. I haven’t tried anything else on the menu yet, but it’s just a matter of time - the salads look awesome. I moved here from Texas a year ago and love everything about the city (except for the rent), but I do miss Tex Mex and good tortillas. New Mexican is its own cuisine and sure hits the spot while also being healthier, and those tortillas are a game changer. So glad to have found this place, just had breakfast from here, and am already looking forward to going back.“

“The best Georgian restaurant in NYC“

“My friends, check out the chefs menu.
Come hungry and leave delightfully pleased. Chef was a legend and everything was cooked to perfection.
Took my lady here for her bday and decided with the sampler/chefs choice. Could not be more pleased.
Professional, delicious, and attentive.
Love this place and will be taking friends and work folk here soon.
Check it out you will not be disappointed unless you are a little puss.
Really great stuff and orange hat chef you killed it. Thanks again.“

“The waiter was always there but not intrusive, had a wealth of knowledge about the dishes and wines, and recommended the best pairings for my taste, perfect!“

“We are always pleasantly surprised by Parker + Quinn and today was no exception! I am a huge fan of their kale Caesar (add hangar steak!) and today it was perfectly made yet again. Amazing!“

“We sat at the chef’s table, and everything was amazing. Zucchini, shortbreads, pork chop, all the sides — and I’ve never been somewhere with such a focus on chartreuse. We got a flight of vintage chartreuse and it was so fun. I can’t wait to go back.“

“After all these years this old flame still has it.
Fun flirty staff crew, on top of their game.
Great French classics.
Foie gras, escargots, soupe L'oignone, Canard, Bone marrow, Steak frites, And of course, the dry aged prime beef Black Label Burger.
Good martini, great wine.
Perfect Soufflé.
Bon appétit !“