Lyndhurst
After a tour of the wetlands of the Meadowlands Conservation Trust or Skeetkill Creek Marsh Park and a long day of bird watching, a short drive away you will find Piazza Margherita.
Piazza Margherita boasts reasonable prices for traditional Italian cuisine, with large servings and friendly service. The restaurant serves starters and appetizers and makes its own desserts.
Piazza Margherita
775 Riverside Ave.
Lyndhurst, NJ 07071
(201) 933-3900
Toms River
After watching one of the popular sailboat regatta events famous in Toms River, you will need to refuel. Athens Grill creates authentic Greek foods. The small size and excellent quality of the restaurant means you will need a reservation, but the dining is casual. Fresh ingredients, along with hot and cold appetizers, set the tone for classic dishes and specials. They also offer sandwiches, vegetarian-friendly options and a full list of desserts.
Athens Grill
1222 Route 166
Toms River, NJ 08753
(732) 349-2009
Somerset
When Greenway Park and all of the skating, basketball and Raritan River adventures it hosts have helped you work up an appetite, consider a stop at Pooja. Pooja roasts and grinds its own spices to bring out the delicate flavor combinations which make Indian food some of the most rich and complex food in the world. Try one of their charcoal clay oven creations, opt for a vegetarian meal or share one of the dinner combinations and follow your meal with a traditional Indian dessert.
Pooja
1075 Easton Ave.
Somerset, NJ 08873
(732) 220-0051
http://www.poojacuisine.com/
Neptune City
Come inside from hours spent beachcombing and swimming to this Jersey Shore landmark, which offers takeout, fine food and drinks at the well-stocked bar. Thin-crust pizza is the specialty, but they also feature chowder, salads and antipasto; seafood and Italian dinners; and a decadent listing of dessert options. They also offer platters and an incredible choice of hamburgers, steak, fish and hot Italian sandwiches. Top off your meal with a choice of coffee (including cappuccino, espresso and latte).
Pete & Elda's Bar and Carmen's Pizzeria
96 Woodland Ave.
Highway 35
Neptune City, NJ 07753
(732) 774-6010
http://www.peteandeldas.com/
New Brunswick
Following a bike tour or golfing at Tamarack, perhaps you will want to try a bit of New Orleans recreated in New Brunswick. The Old Bay Restaurant features a bar with live entertainment, events and specials. The restaurant serves regional cuisine, Cajun, Creole and steak dishes with mild, spicy and vegetarian versions. They will even let you share a plate, so that you can try a little of everything that catches your eye.
The Old Bay Restaurant
61-63 Church St.
New Brunswick, NJ 08901
(732) 246-3111
http://www.oldbayrest.com/
Iselin
Hike Wolfe's Pond Park down to Staten Island Beach, perhaps try a game of hockey if you are up to it. When the game is over and your friends need to recharge, think of Jose Tejas. Jose Tejas is known for fast service, generous portions and a boisterous atmosphere. Very popular for their consistently great Tex-Mex and Mexican food, the establishment does not take reservations and the lines may be long. The restaurant serves alcohol and their frozen drinks make an excellent pairing with the zesty food.
Jose Tejas
700 US Highway 1 N
Iselin, NJ 08830
(732) 283-3883
