16 Best Restaurants in Franklin, NJ

This article was written by local contributor Reyna Stevens & edited by the Travel Lens team.

Reyna Stevens

Jun 24, 2023 • 12 min read

As someone who's lived in Franklin, New Jersey, for quite some time now, I've had the pleasure of exploring and discovering some of the most incredible eateries in the area.

From hidden gems to well-known establishments, Franklin boasts a diverse and delectable culinary scene that's sure to delight your taste buds.

In this article, I'll be sharing the best restaurants in Franklin, New Jersey, with you so you, too, can experience the best restaurants that our lovely town has to offer.

Get ready to embark on a flavor-filled journey through Franklin's finest!

Savioli's Ravioli

One of the perks of living in this area is having access to amazing food, and Savioli's Ravioli is no exception.

As a true Italian deli, it's been my go-to spot for mouthwatering sandwiches and delicious Italian treats for years.

My personal favorite is "The Sicilian" sandwich – the high-quality meats, fresh toppings, and savory bread create a symphony of flavors that I can't resist.

I cannot emphasize enough how much I love their house-made roasted red peppers!

They truly elevate any sandwich to another level.

And don't even get me started on their Prosciutto Fresh Moz Sundried Tom sandwich – it's easily the best sandwich I've ever had.

Whenever I have friends or family visiting from out of town, I always make sure to take them to Savioli's Ravioli.

They're always blown away by the generous portion sizes and the incredible taste of the sandwiches.

Franklin Dominick's Pizza

Franklin Dominick's has become my go-to spot for pizza in the city.

Their pizza is always so cheesy and of top-notch quality.

It's hard to resist indulging in their pasta dishes too, which are not only delicious but also reasonably priced.

The first time I tried their Palermo pie, I was blown away by the taste and texture.

The crust was baked to perfection, and it has quickly become my favorite menu item.

Although I wish their garlic knots were a bit better, their garlic bread never disappoints.

The Quarry Grill

I recently stumbled upon The Quarry Grill during one of my evening strolls.

The place looked clean and inviting, so I decided to give it a try.

I ordered the Dirty Burger, a custom hot dog, and some fries to take home.

What sets The Quarry Grill apart from the usual burger joints is its signature smash burgers.

I was delighted to find that they were absolutely delicious and worth every penny.

I've tried popular burger chains like Shake Shack and Five Guys, but The Quarry Grill has a unique edge over them in terms of taste and quality.

Paco's Empanadas

Paco's Empanadas is a Latin American restaurant in our area.

As someone who's lived here for a while, I can genuinely say that the care put into each dish at this local spot really stands out.

I remember going there with a group of friends, and even though we were a large group, the service was fast and incredible.

I tried their jerk chicken, and it did not disappoint at all!

We had the house special empanadas, pulled pork tacos, and a shredded beef rice bowl, each packed with amazing flavors.

Firehouse Bagels Co. 2

Ever since I discovered Firehouse Bagels Co. 2, it has become my favorite place to grab a quick, delicious breakfast.

As a bagel lover, I can confidently say that their bagels are incredibly fresh and tasty.

I often order the 2-egg Taylor Ham and cheese with ketchup, and it never disappoints!

The atmosphere at this bagel shop is always welcoming and clean, which makes it a perfect spot for a morning coffee run or a cozy lunch.

I particularly appreciate their variety of menu items, including different bagel and cream cheese options along with a selection of hot and cold beverages.

The prices are fair for the quality you receive, and the customer service is top-notch.

Brick & Brew

I've been to Brick & Brew several times now, and it has become one of my go-to spots for a great meal and a drink.

The atmosphere is always welcoming, and it's a fantastic place to spend an evening with family or friends.

Last time I stopped in for a late dinner on a Friday night, and as always, everything was delicious.

The moment I walked in, the smell of the pizza oven just drew me in.

I ordered the buffalo chicken pizza, and it was simply fantastic!

I also couldn't resist trying their honey barbecue wings, which were just perfect.

One thing I love about this place is its selection of beers on tap.

They had my favorite fall beer, Pumpking, which was a pleasant surprise.

The additional parking behind the building is also a huge plus.

I had a memorable experience when I visited with my partner and our two kids.

Not only was the food great, but the customer service was outstanding.

Tj's Pizzeria

As someone who has lived in the area for quite some time, I've tried my fair share of pizza joints.

One of my favorite spots has got to be Tj's Pizzeria.

Their food selection goes beyond just pizza, with a mix of Italian and American dishes such as burgers, sandwiches, pasta dishes, and wings.

I recall my first visit to Tj's, where I was blown away by their Antipasta, which was loaded with various meats, mozzarella, and roasted peppers, along with a delightful balsamic dressing.

Their Italian sub also left a lasting impression with its generous amount of meats, cheese, lettuce, and tomato.

But the star of the show was their Margherita pizza, cooked to perfection with a thin crust, just the right amount of sauce, and topped with fresh basil.

Irish Cottage Inn

One of my favorite places to unwind after a long week is the Irish Cottage Inn.

On a recent Sunday evening, there was no wait time for a table, and I was immediately impressed by the swift service.

The food arrived quickly, and I was delighted to find that non-alcoholic drinks come with free refills.

I ordered a chicken pot pie, garlic chicken, and a side of disco fries, which were all incredibly delicious!

The menu has such a great variety of American and Irish comfort fare that I am always eager to go back and try something new.

Other Restaurants Nearby

Blue Spice Kitchen (Hamburg)

Let me tell you about one of my favorite restaurants in the area - Blue Spice Kitchen!

I stumbled upon this hidden gem in a small shopping plaza, and it has become my go-to spot for great Asian cuisine.

The first time I visited, I was amazed by the quality of the food and the fantastic service.

The Korean dishes served here are not only authentic but also generously portioned for the price.

My personal favorites are the dumplings and the Korean fried chicken, both of which are incredibly tasty.

I've also tried their Hawaiian chicken, which was a bit sweet for my taste but still enjoyable.

Acquaviva Restaurant and Bar (Hamburg)

Acquaviva Restaurant and Bar has consistently remained one of my go-to spots when I want an incredible Italian meal for special occasions or just a regular night out.

The chefs here are truly skilled, and their unique dishes leave a lasting impression.

I recently attended a friend's 30th-anniversary party at Acquaviva, and the entire experience was just as fantastic as my past visits.

The party room was beautifully decorated, the service was attentive and warm, and the food was absolutely amazing.

My personal favorite dish is their shrimp scampi, but it's hard to go wrong with anything on the menu.

In addition to the exceptional food and service, Acquaviva's atmosphere is always welcoming.

One time, I even had the pleasure of dining at Acquaviva on Mother's Day with my mom, and it was a memorable experience for all of us.

Granny's Pancake House & Grill (Hamburg)

Granny's Pancake House & Grill is always a delight to visit with its modest space, traditional American mains, and delicious breakfast options.

The atmosphere of this small-town diner is warm and welcoming, making it a perfect place to start the day.

One of my favorite dishes to order at Granny's is their Strawberry Pancakes.

While there might be a few bites that are plain, the strawberries cooked inside the pancake provide a delightful flavor that keeps me coming back for more.

And as their name suggests, you can't visit Granny's without trying their pancakes!

Additionally, their home fries and toast are always satisfying and provide a great side to any meal.

Milano (Hamburg)

Last week, I decided to visit Milano for dinner, which is just a few minutes away from my home.

As someone who loves Italian food, I was excited to try this simple white-tablecloth restaurant that offers Italian standards like pasta and shrimp marinara.

When I arrived, the place was bustling with energy as they were hosting two wedding parties.

I started my meal with their delicious stuffed mushrooms appetizer and then savored every bite of the pasta dish I ordered.

I also appreciated that Milano is a BYOB establishment, which just added to the overall great experience.

Cravin Thai (Hamburg)

One of my favorite spots to dine in town is Cravin Thai.

Their spiced-to-order Thai cuisines, like curries, noodles, and rice dishes, never disappoint.

I remember one evening when my husband called pretty late on a Friday afternoon to make reservations.

We were seated close to the kitchen, and it was evident how incredibly busy they were with both takeout and in-house orders.

The curry puffs with cucumber sauce were amazing, and we couldn't resist their martinis – they were just too good!

Nonna Vita Trattoria (Hamburg)

My love for pizza has taken me to countless restaurants, but no place has ever left such a lasting impression on me as Nonna Vita Trattoria.

The cozy and warm atmosphere of this hidden gem in our town makes me feel right at home each time I visit.

Every visit here is a delightful experience, and I've made it a personal challenge to try out all their different pizzas.

I still remember the first time I took a bite of their cauliflower crust veggie lovers pizza.

It was a perfect combination of flavors, and I couldn't believe how delicious it was.

The chicken franchise pizza also left me speechless with its amazing taste.

But it doesn't stop there. Their Nonna Pie is my all-time favorite, and I can't resist ordering their chicken parm sandwich, which is absolutely to die for.

Atlantic Manor (Ogdensburg)

I have been living in this neighborhood for quite some time now, and one of my favorite spots to visit is Atlantic Manor.

This Portuguese restaurant offers a delightful mix of Portuguese cuisine and Brazilian-style rotisserie-grilled meats, all in a casual setting that's perfect for a night out with friends or family.

The first time I came to Atlantic Manor, I was absolutely blown away by the quality of the food.

The unlimited meat options from the Rodizio are mouthwatering, and the fish and paella dishes are equally delicious.

On top of that, the bar is fully stocked with a wide variety of cocktails and beverages, including the smoothest dirty martini I've ever had.

I particularly enjoyed their pistachio coquito martini and their sangrias – they were truly a treat!

Krogh's Restaurant & Brew Pub (Sparta Township)

Being a local, I've always enjoyed visiting Krogh's Restaurant & Brew Pub to unwind with friends and family.

Their homebrews are phenomenal, and the pub grub never disappoints.

One of my favorite things about Krogh's is the building itself, boasting an old-world charm that makes me feel like I'm stepping back in time.

During my last visit, I ordered the Brisket burger, which was, hands down, one of the best I've ever had.

The French onion soup is another must-try item on their menu.

What truly stands out, however, is the exceptional customer service.

From the hostess giving us a mini history lesson about the restaurant (it's been around since 1927!) to the attentive and friendly waitstaff, I couldn't have asked for a better experience.

Final Thoughts

Franklin truly offers a diverse and delicious mix of dining options for both locals and visitors alike.

From satisfying our early morning cravings with fresh bagels at Hamburg Hot Bagels or Firehouse Bagels Co.2 to enjoying mouthwatering dinners at Acquaviva Restaurant and Bar or Nonna Vita Trattoria, there's something for everyone in this charming city.

Don't miss out on the opportunity to explore these fantastic eateries, and I'm sure you'll be as satisfied as I am with the culinary delights Franklin has to offer.

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