8 Best Restaurants in Hoboken, NJ

Hoboken packs more great restaurants into one square mile than almost anywhere in Hudson County, NJ. From Cuban breakfasts on Washington Street to dry aged steaks uptown, these are the best restaurants in Hoboken for a dinner out, a date night or a meal with visiting family.

Looking for something more specific? See our guides to the best brunch in Hoboken and Jersey City, the best pizza in Hudson County and Hoboken Restaurant Week. Planning a full day in town? Check out things to do in Hoboken this weekend.

1. La Isla

Address: 104 Washington St., Hoboken

La Isla has been the go-to spot for Cuban cooking at the south end of Washington Street for years, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner most days, with brunch on Sunday. What to order: Omar’s Stuffed French Toast, the dish that took on Bobby Flay on Food Network’s Throwdown, plus El Cubano, ropa vieja and lechon asado. Why it’s great: it is cozy, warm and BYOB friendly, and specials like Taco Tuesday and Paella Thursdays give regulars a reason to keep coming back. Learn more at laislarestaurant.com.

2. The Brass Rail

Address: 135 Washington St., Hoboken

This Hoboken landmark at the corner of Second Street has been restored to its early 1900s elegance, with a second floor dining room, a lively bar and an outdoor cafe. What to order: seasonal New American dishes, paired with a bottle from the international wine list or a drink from the premium-only bar. Why it’s great: dinner runs seven nights a week and weekend brunch lasts until 3 p.m. Friday through Sunday, so it works for date night and a lazy Saturday alike. Learn more at thebrassrailnj.com.

3. Anthony David’s

Address: 953 Bloomfield St., Hoboken

Chef Anthony Pino has run this neighborhood Italian trattoria for more than 25 years, serving brunch and dinner seven days a week plus an afternoon antipasto menu. What to order: ricotta gnocchi pomodoro, truffle carbonara, wild boar ragu over house-made pappardelle, charred octopus and, on weekends, the house-made apple cider donuts. Why it’s great: the patio is one of the nicest in town, and a private room and Chef’s Counter make it easy to plan a small celebration. Learn more at anthonydavids.com.

4. Bin 14

Address: 1314 Washington St., Hoboken

Anthony David’s uptown sister is an industrial chic wine bar with exposed brick and a menu built for sharing. What to order: a few small plates, the homemade mozzarella, a pasta and a glass from a list of more than 40 wines. Why it’s great: almost every dish can be made gluten free, and with daily dinner and weekend brunch it is an easy pick for a group that cannot agree on one entree. Learn more at bin14.com.

5. Karma Kafe

Address: 505 Washington St., Hoboken

Open since 1999, this Indian bistro is known as much for its look as its food, with brass temple bells over the bar and a seven foot gold leaf Devi on the ceiling. What to order: the Kabab Sampler, Karma Crab Cakes, a biryani and fresh bread from the tandoor. Why it’s great: it is open for lunch and dinner every day and until 11:30 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, so it handles a late dinner after a night out. Learn more at karmakafe.com.

6. Dino & Harry’s

Address: 163 14th St., Hoboken

Hoboken’s classic steakhouse sits in a late 1800s longshoreman’s saloon with a hand-carved cherry bar, a 150-year-old clock, a tin ceiling and the original tile floor. What to order: steaks dry aged for 28 days, including the porterhouse, rib eye and tomahawk for two, and the Oysters Maxwell to start. Why it’s great: the old Hoboken atmosphere and live music on select nights make it a special occasion favorite. Learn more at dinoandharrys.com.

7. Lola’s Tapas and Wine Bar

Address: 153 14th St., Hoboken

Just down the block from Dino & Harry’s, Lola’s has been pouring sangria and serving Spanish small plates since 2000, with more than 80 regional dishes and 100 wines. What to order: avocado stuffed with lobster and shrimp, gambas a la sal gorda, chorizo al vino and a Spanish cheese board. Why it’s great: it stays open late most nights, so a round of tapas can easily turn into the whole evening. Learn more at lolastapasbar.com.

8. Ali Baba

Address: 912 Washington St., Hoboken

This longtime Middle Eastern spot uptown is the place for a casual dinner that still feels like a night out. What to order: the signature falafel sandwich, hummus, fattoush, kabobs and fried halloumi. Why it’s great: the halal menu is generous, the room is welcoming and the kitchen stays open until 11 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. Learn more at alibabahoboken.com.

More Places to Eat in Hudson County

Hungry for more? Explore the best restaurants in Bayonne, Harrison NJ restaurants and the best bakeries in Hudson County.

Have a favorite Hoboken restaurant we should know about? Cast your vote in the Best of Hudson County ballot, and subscribe to the Shop Hudson County newsletter for new local food picks every week.

Featured photo: Dino & Harry’s Steakhouse / website.