Fairfield Food Guide: 10 Must-Eat Restaurants & Street Food Stalls in Fairfield

April 14, 2018 Karren Gelb

Discover the best restaurant in Fairfield, United States including Jose Tejas, Palazzone 1960, LuNello's Resturant, Cloverleaf Tavern, Rare the Steakhouse, The Fine Grind, Four J's Bagels, Calandra's Mediterranean Grill, The Cheesecake Factory, Dough Artisan Pizzeria
Things to do in Fairfield

1. Jose Tejas

647 US Highway 46, Fairfield, NJ 07004-1556 Takeout, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Television, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar Mexican, Southwestern, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, Late Night +1 973-808-8201
Excellent
49%
Good
36%
Satisfactory
10%
Poor
2%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 338 reviews

Jose Tejas

Reviewed By Framm617 - Parsippany, New Jersey

Amazing Tex-Mex! Never leave disappointed. The wait can be a little long, but that just shows you how great this place is. It's a cozy and comfortable mardi-gra atmosphere and the margaritas and chips/salsa are top-notch. One of the best in the area!

2. Palazzone 1960

190 State Route 23, Wayne, NJ 07470-6807 Takeout, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Wheelchair Accessible Italian, Cafe, Vegetarian Friendly Lunch, Breakfast +1 973-256-2734
Excellent
75%
Good
18%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
0%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 88 reviews

Palazzone 1960

Reviewed By rex e - Union City, New Jersey

Located on busy route 23 near route 46 east, serving Italian pastries galore, prices are moderate- $1.75 small pastries, $2.75 large; drinks are moderately priced, slightly cheaper than Starbucks prices. Service is friendly and knowledgeable, but I wasn’t impressed by the pastries- good but nothing that would make me want to come back unless I was in the area. Parking in lot, seating inside.

3. LuNello's Resturant

182 Stevens Ave, Cedar Grove, NJ 07009-1149 Reservations, Private Dining, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Valet Parking, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar Italian, Gluten Free Options Dinner, Lunch SGD 33 - SGD 131 +1 973-837-1660
Excellent
64%
Good
28%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 91 reviews

LuNello's Resturant

LuNello Restaurant believes the enjoyment of fine food is among the finer things in life. Since 1990, Chef Seger's use of out-of-the ordinary ingredients, homemade pastas, and innovative specials has created a loyal following. His modern flair mixed with traditional culinary skills has created a whirlwind of praise. The menu has Italian classics as well as contemporary specials featuring the finest ingredients. LuNello has gone right to the source when purchasing ingredients. Each dish reflects the attention placed into its preparation. Chef Seger believes buying local ingredients ensures the ultimate freshness of a dish. Enticing presentation and courteous and professional staff are integral to LuNello's success. The elegant setting is the perfect complement to the menu. Whether dining in the Dining Room or enjoying wine and cocktails in the handsome bar, we work to create the ultimate experience.

Reviewed By P B - Cedar Grove, New Jersey

A NJ CLASSIC. Food is respected and prepared well. Quintessential NJ Italian, which arrivals the homeland. I've traveled a lot throughout Italy and the food here is delicious and reminiscent of classic meals. Make a reservation, it's worth it. You will not be disappointed.

4. Cloverleaf Tavern

395 Bloomfield Ave, Caldwell, NJ 07006-4908 Takeout, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Television, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar American, Irish, Bar, Pub, Vegetarian Friendly Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, Late Night, Drinks SGD 9 - SGD 25 +1 973-226-9812
Excellent
35%
Good
48%
Satisfactory
14%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 248 reviews

Cloverleaf Tavern

Reviewed By TonyK300 - New Jersey

A permanent fixture in the area, this place has been featured on TV as well as earning a great reputation for good food and reasonable prices. Although it's an essentially Irish Pub the menu options are more robust and very tasty.
I've never been able to get past the burger selections they have because they are huge as savory - try the triple Double if offered - then go to the gym.
Lively at night and weekends and parking is sometimes difficult, it's worth the effort especially in the warm season when their delightful rear outdoor seating area is open.
Clientele and staff are friendly and the atmosphere is casual. Always a great place to go in the area.

5. Rare the Steakhouse

440 Main St, Little Falls, NJ 07424-1147 Reservations, Seating, Waitstaff, Valet Parking, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Parking Available, Television, Wheelchair Accessible American, Steakhouse Dinner, Late Night SGD 41 - SGD 66 +1 973-256-6699
Excellent
56%
Good
25%
Satisfactory
13%
Poor
3%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 104 reviews

Rare the Steakhouse

Reviewed By Steve C - Caldwell, New Jersey, United States

It was my birthday.. we told them this on the phone when we made a reservation on a Monday night- hoping to get excellent service and a perfectly cooked steak on a less busy evening over a weekend night.

We were direly wrong. My wife and I look young, however we are business professionals and have been to all of the local (and not so local) steak houses aside from this one. We are prepared to spend a bit of money and we are prepared to tip 30%+ if the service was good. Not excellent, not over the top- just good.

Now that the preface is over:
We arrived to no parking options other than valet, which is fine.. but I'd rather not have a young man behind the wheel of my sports car. That's ok though.

The front entrance is confusing as you are immediately greeted by the bar and people screaming at said bar-and poles - and the host stand is off to the left. Fine.

We were sat down then badgered to buy an alcoholic beverage 3 times the server. I wasn't interested, the wife was. She wanted a moscow mule, a standard. Took 10-12 minutes to be informed that they might not have them. Then they did have them! .. ok. Don- didn't go through the menu and steak cart wasn't presented to us (though he said he would bring it by)

a separate server took our order, medium for the lady, medium to medium rare for me.

The amuse bouche were superb! A variety of breads, butter and balls of meat (not sure what this was as nothing was explained to us wtf I could be eating)

The order was taken, the order was delivered. 12 minutes went by and not a soul came to check to see if we were good. We had to flag down an busser, an indian man- who was very nice to grab the server.

BOTH STEAKS were undercooked, mine was extra rare and hers was rare (i had asked for medium rare and she medium) we sent hers back to be recooked and i don't send steaks back so i powered through it.

The steaks on their own were bland and needed plenty of sauce, salt and pepper.
The sides- macaroni and cheese and whipped potato were the shining light of the meal!

Someone came through to ask how everything was not sure if he was a manager or a host or whoever-- we said it was, "just okay" in reality it was the worst steak house experience we've ever had.

As we were writhing to get a check and leave Don was presenting the meat cart to an adjacent table, going through the menu.. we were not amused.

At that point we just wanted to leave, but the dessert man came by! Really excellent looking desserts and we would have gotten one had we not been upset. The gentleman was very nice.

They then gave us complimentary strawberries with whipped cream because.. it was my birthday and had i not mentioned that it was my birthday they would have never acknowledged this. Told them the service was not great and we would never be returning.
I will not recommend this place to anyone and I will be posting this review on all media.

6. The Fine Grind

101 Newark Pompton Tpke, Little Falls, NJ 07424-1167 Takeout, Seating, Waitstaff, Wheelchair Accessible American, Cafe Breakfast, Lunch, Brunch +1 973-837-0199
Excellent
82%
Good
14%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
2%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 34 reviews

Reviewed By Tom S - Verona, New Jersey

I'm a freelance Graphic Designer, so I'm always looking for public places to work during the day when the solitude gets to be a bit much. The Fine Grind is the perfect place to do so. The staff is very accommodating, but will also let you be if they see you are deep in focus. Their coffee is superb, and if you get hungry, they have the best food of any coffee shop I've ever been to (get the Thanksgiving panini, you won't be dissapointed). Also, the ambience is warm and inviting, making this a delightful place to spend a rainy day. I highly recommend it... just don't take the small table next to the door, that's mine;) Just kidding!

7. Four J's Bagels

16 Little Falls Rd, Ste 3, Fairfield, NJ 07004-1944 +1 973-276-1260
Excellent
84%
Good
16%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 6 reviews

Reviewed By amitra1 - new jersey

I just moved into the area and was looking for a place for a quick bite. Four Js offers breakfast and lunch sandwiches. The food if fresh and cheap. What more can one ask for? I have been there few times already.

8. Calandra's Mediterranean Grill

118 U.S. 46 East, Fairfield, NJ 07004 Takeout, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Free Off-Street Parking, Television, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Accepts American Express, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Free Wifi, Accepts Discover, Reservations, Accepts Credit Cards Italian, Mediterranean, Vegetarian Friendly, Gluten Free Options Lunch, Dinner SGD 26 - SGD 66 +1 973-575-6500
Excellent
51%
Good
34%
Satisfactory
12%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 129 reviews

Calandra's Mediterranean Grill

Reviewed By rayej - Clifton, New Jersey

I was a guest here for a 60th birthday party. The establishment was impeccably clean and beautifully decorated. Our food was served buffet style. Everything was delicious! The dessert platter of Italian pastries was to die for. This restaurant is inside of Hampton Hotel and nearby are two other Calandra's businesses so be sure to get the address for the right establishment. TIP: For some odd reason, the hosts were not allowed to bring home the leftover food that was paid for. So, establish this with management before booking in order to prevent any issues.

9. The Cheesecake Factory

1700 Willowbrook Mall, 1700 Willowbrook Boulevard, Wayne, NJ 07470 Takeout, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar American, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, Late Night +1 973-890-1400
Excellent
35%
Good
39%
Satisfactory
18%
Poor
6%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 187 reviews

The Cheesecake Factory

The Cheesecake Factory offers something for everyone featuring a wide variety of over 200 menu items prepared fresh to order each day, plus over 30 legendary varieties of the Finest Cheesecake.

Reviewed By Linda S

We were a party of seven. Some came from experiencing the Hackensack Cheesecake Factory and the Hackensack franchise was much better. Food came undercooked and cold in the middle. Grilled cheese was stale. My salad came with no dressing. There was gum on the seat.

Appetizers took more than 20 minutes to arrive. Incredibly slow.

10. Dough Artisan Pizzeria

437 Bloomfield Ave, Caldwell, NJ 07006-5423 Takeout, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Reservations Italian, Pizza, Gluten Free Options, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options Lunch, Dinner +1 973-226-3300
Excellent
56%
Good
39%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 89 reviews

Dough Artisan Pizzeria

At Dough, we have a deeply rooted passion for hand-crafted cuisine. Our philosophy means sourcing the finest & freshest local ingredients to provide our patrons with an authentic dining experience. We are proud to partner with local farmers & promote sustainability within our community. Our approach to food is simple: Use fresh ingredients, use the best techniques, & remain focused on the smallest details.

Reviewed By Quinnscommentary - Chatham, Massachusetts

Great service, friendly people from start to finish. Very well organized. Soup of the day was delicious, but a tad salty.

Pizza was different, true wood burning oven. Very tasty; thin and crisp. You have to have a taste for this type of pizza.

Unfortunately, very noisy.

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