23 Best Restaurants in Camden, NJ
This article was written by local contributor Dylan King & edited by the Travel Lens team.
Ah, Camden, New Jersey!
My hometown is full of rich history, vibrant culture, and a thriving food scene that never fails to impress and delight my taste buds.
Whether you're a fellow Camden resident or just stopping by for a visit, you're in for a real treat when it comes to our local dining options.
I'm excited to share with you some of the best restaurants in our city, where I guarantee you'll find delicious dishes and friendly faces.
So, without further ado, let's dive in and explore the city's culinary treasures through this list of the best restaurants in Camden, New Jersey.
Blowin' Smoque
I've always been a fan of barbecue, so I was excited to try out this new spot in town, Blowin' Smoque.
To my delight, the yams and mac had a delicious home-cooked flavor.
The generous portions and reasonable prices were a huge plus.
On a different visit, I had their BBQ pork ribs with baked beans and potato salad, and it was much better than my first experience.
The ribs had a great balance of smoke and charcoal flavor.
I also enjoyed their Mac n Cheese, which was cheesy and flavorful.
The best part? I had this fulfilling lunch for under $20!
Just a friendly tip, don't be discouraged by the seemingly locked front door.
Give it a nice tug, and you're in.
Donkey's Place
One of my favorite spots to grab a delicious cheesesteak is Donkey's Place.
It might not be your typical cheesesteak joint, but trust me, the poppy seed bun makes all the difference!
The spicy pepper mix is a must-try, and I always load up my sandwich with it.
Don't forget to add the spicy pickle and stuffed cherry pepper – they're a game changer.
Donkey's Place is a small, down-home counter & bar joint, but it always draws a crowd.
I'd recommend getting there a bit early, especially if you want to grab a table.
The menu is simple, but every bite is packed with flavor.
I love that they offer generous amounts of onions, seasoned fries, and cheese that just enhances the whole experience.
If you're a cheesesteak lover, you really need to give Donkey's Place a try.
Even the late Anthony Bourdain featured it in his Parts Unknown New Jersey episode and raved about their unique take on the Philly cheesesteak.
The Hot Spot
I recently decided to give The Hot Spot a try, as I had been craving a good Cuban sandwich.
Unfortunately, I was quite disappointed with the sandwich I received.
The bread they used just wasn't the authentic Cuban bread I was hoping for, which really impacted the overall taste of the dish.
However, I must say that their tres leches cake was one of the best I've ever had – I highly recommend giving it a try!
Tony & Ruth Steaks
As a Camden resident, I can confidently say that Tony & Ruth Steaks is my go-to spot for a delicious and hearty meal.
Their steak house menu never disappoints, and I find myself coming back for more every time.
Just the other day, I had their amazing French Toast Sandwich with a side of Cheese Fries for breakfast - yes, cheese fries for breakfast!
I know it's not the healthiest option, but I can't help but indulge in this place, even if it does contribute to my waistline.
I've also visited Tony & Ruth Steaks at various times throughout the day, and I've always been impressed with their food and service.
Once, I stopped in for a late lunch and treated myself to a mouth-watering cheesesteak.
Recently, a friend of mine had to organize breakfast catering for a funeral, and I immediately suggested Tony & Ruth Steaks.
The food was excellent, and I couldn't be more grateful for their wonderful service.
If you're ever in need of catering, don't hesitate to look into their offerings.
Corinne's Place
I must admit, I'm a huge fan of soul food, and Corinne's Place has become my go-to whenever I crave a generous plate of comfort food.
The family-owned restaurant has this down-home ambiance that just makes me feel at ease when I walk in.
The food is always delicious, and I can't help but over-order every single time.
My favorites are the beef short ribs platter, the chicken wing platter, and their mouthwatering sweet potatoes.
I remember they catered a party for me about 10 years ago, and they've only gotten better since then.
Santana's Bakery & Cafe
Every morning, I make it a point to stop by Santana's Bakery & Cafe on my way to work.
There's just something about the authentic Latino bakery goodness that I can't resist.
And let me tell you, I'm not alone in this. As a matter of fact, the cafe is practically a hotspot for everyone living in the area.
Yes, the lines can get long. But the speedy service more than makes up for it.
Within moments of stepping in, I usually find myself walking out with a breakfast sandwich in hand, ready to take on the day.
And if I'm in the mood for something a little sweeter, their Avena or cereal is a must-try.
It's so reminiscent of the ones I've had in the Dominican Republic.
On one occasion, I needed to place a fairly large order for a gathering, and the folks at Santana's Bakery were nothing short of amazing.
The Panzarotti Spot
One day, I decided to try out a new place in town, and I stumbled upon The Panzarotti Spot.
I had heard mixed reviews about their cheesesteaks, but I was eager to try their panzarottis as I'd heard good things about them.
When I walked in, I noticed there was no seating available, but that didn't bother me too much.
I ordered a cheese panzarotti, chicken tenders, and a soda for only $20, which felt like a good deal.
Since there was no place to eat inside, my partner and I decided to take our food to a nearby park to enjoy our meal in the open air.
As I took my first bite, I was pleasantly surprised by how fresh and hot my panzarotti was.
My partner tried the chicken bacon ranch panzarotti and loved it.
Although we didn't try the cheesesteaks on this visit, I can say that the panzarottis alone are worth the trip.
The Burger Bar
Ever since the Burger Bar opened in my neighborhood, I've been curious to try it out.
After hearing mixed reviews from friends and neighbors, I decided to see for myself.
The first thing I noticed upon walking in was their interesting variety of homemade drinks, which I found to be a refreshing change from the usual soda options.
I ordered one of their specialty drinks, and it was definitely a highlight of my experience.
As for the food, I wanted to try both their burgers and wings, so I decided to order a beef burger and a side of wings.
I found the wings to be quite good, but I was disappointed when I wasn't allowed to order a double patty for my burger; apparently, that's not an option here.
Upon receiving my order, I noticed that the presentation was a bit sloppy.
My chicken cheese steak fries were crammed in the same box as my burger, making for a messy eating experience.
I also had an issue with the portion size of my sides – they were crammed into a small box with the sandwich, not really giving me the full amount I was expecting.
I've heard other locals complain about the phone line always being busy, making it hard to place orders.
Luckily, I didn't have to deal with that issue, but it's definitely something the Burger Bar should look into.
A Little Slice of New York
I can confidently say that A Little Slice of New York is hands down one of the best Italian restaurants around.
Their thin-crust cheese pizza is absolutely mouthwatering, and I find myself craving it more often than I'd like to admit.
But it's not just the pizza that keeps me coming back.
I've also tried their hoagies, and they are just as incredible as the pizza.
I even heard a story about a guy traveling all the way from Michigan just to try their pizza – and I can't blame him!
Having tried pizza from various places up and down the east coast, I have to say that A Little Slice of New York offers the best NY-style pizza I've ever had.
The crust, sauce, and toppings are all top-notch, and the pepperoni is truly something special.
If you happen to find yourself in the area, do yourself a favor and give this place a try.
You won't be disappointed!
La Chamoyada Jalisco
I often find myself craving some delicious Mexican food, and La Chamoyada Jalisco never disappoints.
It's a great place to grab a quick, affordable meal without breaking the bank.
One of the things I appreciate the most about La Chamoyada Jalisco is that they accept cash, credit, or debit cards.
They see to it that it's convenient for customers like me who don't always carry cash.
Munchy Time
When I heard about the delicious baked potatoes at Munchy Time, I knew I had to give it a try.
The place is quite small, with only two tables, so I decided to call in my order and take it to-go.
I ordered a baked potato with bacon bits, mozzarella, broccoli, and sour cream, while my friends went for one with buffalo chicken, mozzarella, broccoli, and sour cream.
When I finally got my baked potato, I was not disappointed!
The toppings were generously added, and the bacon bits were nice and large.
The combination of flavors was simple yet absolutely delicious and filling.
I've returned to Munchy Time several times since then, always opting for the same baked potato, and I've never been disappointed.
The price point is unbeatable at around $10, and they accept both cards and cash as payment.
My mom loves their tuna hoagie and salads, so there's something for everyone.
Cafe el Colombiano
I've been to Cafe el Colombiano several times.
I have nothing but positive experiences about this place.
Their food is actually very authentic and delicious.
I particularly enjoy their empanadas and fresh bread.
It's always a treat to have those warm and soft breads right out of the oven.
Sophie's Lounge
I decided to visit Sophie's Lounge again after a long break due to the pandemic, and I was pleasantly surprised by the changes they had made.
The atmosphere now feels like you're on a relaxing cruise, and the food was absolutely delicious!
The food at Sophie's Lounge is definitely worth mentioning – it's fantastic!
I tried the shrimp and grits, and they were perfectly cooked and seasoned.
I also heard great things about the lamb, though it might be a bit rare for some.
The great food and atmosphere definitely made the experience memorable.
Taco Loco
As someone who grew up surrounded by authentic Mexican cuisine, it's always a challenge to find a place that truly captures those flavors and memories.
Well, I found it in Taco Loco!
The moment I walked into their restaurant, the aroma of delicious Mexican food filled the air, and I just knew I was in for a treat.
Their menu offers a variety of tasty options, but I highly recommend their birria tacos.
They are juicy, flavorful, and an absolute must-try!
My partner and I also enjoyed their tinga (chicken) tacos, tripitas (shitlings) tacos, and a birria (beef) burrito, not to mention the esquites, a delightful Mexican corn dish served with cheese, tajin, lemon, crema, and butter - simply divine!
Their food is worth every penny, and I guarantee that you'll be ordering more before you even leave.
Bert's Steak & Sub House
Whenever I'm in Camden, I always make it a point to stop by Bert's Steak & Sub House.
It's one of those places that I've been going to for years, and it never fails to satisfy my cravings.
I've seen some mixed reviews about the place, but for me, it's truly a hometown gem.
What keeps me coming back to Bert's is their Philly Cheesesteak.
Honestly, it's pretty much the best I've ever had.
The beef is flavorful, and the spiciness is just right.
Even the bun is top-notch.
The prices are reasonable, which makes it even better.
Fresh2go Fusion Restaurant
The other day, I decided to give Fresh2go Fusion Restaurant a try.
I had heard mixed reviews about the place, but I wanted to experience it for myself.
I ordered the large oxtail platter with yellow rice, which, to my disappointment, had mostly fat on the oxtails.
The rice was pretty good, but I was shocked to find a roach in my food!
I immediately called the restaurant, and they offered to give me a refund and a new platter.
I accepted the refund but denied the platter, as I had lost my appetite.
However, not all my experiences at Fresh2go have been negative.
I once tried their curry chicken, and it was absolutely delicious!
The portion size was generous, and I can't wait to go back and have it again.
La Calpeña
One of my all-time favorite spots to grab a bite is La Calpeña, a Mexican restaurant tucked away in a cozy corner.
I have taken numerous friends and family members there, and we always enjoy the A+ service and delicious food.
One thing that sets La Calpeña apart from the numerous Latin restaurants in the area is the quality of their food and the kindness of their employees.
This is definitely one of the best Mexican restaurants I have ever eaten at, and I find myself coming back time and time again.
Other Restaurants Nearby
Park Place
I've had the pleasure of dining at many restaurants in our town, but none have left a lasting impression quite like Park Place.
I still remember the first time I visited this American restaurant—the atmosphere transported me to a small European eatery, complete with old-school jazz playing on a turntable and beautiful wildflowers on each table.
She described each dish with such passion and enthusiasm that I wanted to order everything on the menu!
I ended up trying the foie gras crepe with reduced red maple syrup and truffles—a dish that was nothing short of life-changing.
The entire meal was a delightful experience, right down to their house-roasted coffee.
Since that memorable evening, I've also had the chance to enjoy their exquisite brunch offerings, which include both classic options and unique creations.
Albertino's Italian
I must say, Albertino's Italian has quickly become a favorite of mine in town.
Their family-oriented atmosphere is truly a delight, and it's always a pleasure to dine here.
The Albertino's Italian menu offers a wide variety of authentic and mouth-watering dishes that never disappoint.
One of my favorite things about this place is their artichoke appetizer.
It's so flavorful and delicious that I can't help but order it every time I go.
And don't even get me started on their strawberry shortcake, which has become a must-have dessert for me.
The fact that it's a BYO restaurant also adds to the charm, as it allows me to enjoy my favorite wine with my meal.
If you're ever in the area, I highly recommend giving Albertino's Italian a try.
Trust me when I say that it's well worth the visit, even if you're coming all the way from Philly.
Sagami Japanese Restaurant
One of my favorite spots to dine at is Sagami Japanese Restaurant.
It's been here since the 70s, and I can see why it managed to withstand the test of time.
The ambiance of the place transports you straight to a Tokyo-style dining space, complete with wooden interiors that make me feel like I'm in my grandma's house.
One thing I love about Sagami is the amazing service they provide.
When you go there, you should definitely try the age tofu – it's a must-have!
And the best part is that it's a BYOB, so you can bring your favorite bottle of wine or beer to enjoy with your meal.
The quality of the food is top-notch, and I believe it's the best Japanese restaurant in South Jersey.
The prices are reasonable, and I always leave feeling satisfied.
Caffe Aldo Lamberti
Caffe Aldo Lamberti has become one of my go-to Italian restaurants.
The ambiance is cozy and romantic, making it a perfect spot for date nights, family gatherings, and even anniversaries.
The food is always top-notch, from the warm and comforting Pasta e Fagioli soup on a chilly day to the delicious crab on pasta loaded with huge lumps of crab meat.
I personally can't get enough of their house-made gnocchi – it's to die for! The service is excellent, too.
Seasons 52
I recently visited Seasons 52 to celebrate my birthday, and I must say, it was a fantastic experience!
They offered a complimentary starter to mark the occasion, which was a pleasant surprise.
The menu has a rotating selection of American dishes that change with the seasons, which I personally love since it keeps the dining experience fresh and exciting.
During our visit, we decided to uncork our own bottle of wine.
It cost $15, but it was worth it considering their excellent service and upscale atmosphere.
The food was phenomenal – I tried their crab and shrimp stuffed mushrooms, and it was to die for.
I also had the chance to taste rainbow trout for the first time, and it was absolutely delicious.
My partner couldn't stop raving about the perfectly cooked Chilean sea bass that melted in the mouth while my mom enjoyed the BBQ chicken salad.
Los Playeros Restaurant
Los Playeros Restaurant LLC is a gem when it comes to finding authentic Puerto Rican cuisine.
It's not always easy to find Puerto Rican food in the city, so stumbling upon this place was a pleasant surprise.
From the moment I walked in, the warm and friendly atmosphere made me feel right at home.
The food, on the other hand, is nothing short of amazing.
Every dish I've tried has been full of flavor and reminiscent of the Puerto Rican cooking I've enjoyed during my travels to the island.
Not only is the food excellent, but the prices are also quite reasonable, making Los Playeros a go-to spot for a satisfying meal that won't break the bank.
Final Thoughts
Camden truly offers a diverse and exciting culinary scene that caters to a wide range of tastes.
From mouth-watering Italian dishes at Albertino's Italian to the must-try steaks at Tony & Ruth Steaks, there is something for everyone.
So, whether you're a long-time resident or just visiting, don't miss out on the incredible food experiences waiting for you in Camden. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you!
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