Jordan and Joelle Hernandez 
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is right around the corner, and the final matches will be held at New York/New Jersey Stadium in East Rutherford. The highly anticipated sporting event is expected to bring thousands of fans from all over the world to New Jersey, and they will, undoubtedly, want to get a taste of true Jersey culture, which, of course, is best reflected in the food. The Garden State nickname isn’t for nothing – New Jersey is filled with some of the country’s best food and food experiences, and NJG rounded up some of the top foods + food experiences out-of-towners should take advantage of while in the greatest state in the country. Keep reading for a list of must-have New Jersey food experiences for World Cup visitors.
A Pork Roll (Taylor Ham) Sandwich
No trip to New Jersey is complete without the age-old staple: a pork roll sandwich. Whether it’s on a roll with egg and cheese, on a bagel or eaten on its own, pork roll is quintessential New Jersey. A stop by pretty much any bodega or reputable bagel shop will do the trick.
A New Jersey Bagel
New Jersey bagels are just as good (read: better) than New York ones, and there are so many spots to try out if you want to satisfy that breakfast craving. One of our favorites is O’Bagel, which has locations in Hoboken, Montclair, New Brunswick, Basking Ridge, and Stirling – see its full locations list here.
Also check out our bagel roundups, sorted by location:
- Best Bagels in Hoboken
- Best Bagels in Jersey City
- Best Bagels in Montclair
- Best Bagels at the Jersey Shore
Read More: A Sports Fan’s FIFA World Cup Guide for Normies
Disco Fries
New Jersey is the diner capital of the world, with more than 400 options with extensive menu options at all hours of the day. Perhaps one of the most iconic dishes to come out of the NJ diner scene is the Disco Fries. Crispy fries topped with mozzarella cheese and gravy, it’s a sight to behold. While some out-of-towners may just call it a version of poutine, locals know it’s so much better.
Italian Hot Dogs
Not a regular hot dog…a Jersey Hot Dog. Italian hot dogs were born in Newark, New Jersey and are a must when visiting. Some of the most popular North Jersey joints that are a short drive from East Rutherford are Rutt’s Hut in Clifton, and Texas Weiner in Plainfield and Dunellen. For those unfamiliar with the delicacy, the dish consists of a deep-fried hot dog that is often served with peppers, onions, and fried potatoes on a soft bun.
Farmers’ Markets | Throughout New Jersey
The Garden State truly lives up to its name, and the summer is the best time to experience all it has to offer. There are hundreds of local farmers’ markets throughout the state selling staples like Jersey corn, tomatoes, and the fruit New Jersey is best known for – the blueberry. Each farmers’ market is filled with local vendors and artisans, which is a great way to support the local economy when in the area.
New Jersey Pasta
One of the perks of New Jersey’s dining scene is that there are quality Italian spots just about everywhere. The Garden State has plenty of locations for a good pasta dish, from classic-style meals to creative spins on local favorites. Check out our roundups on Italian spots in Hoboken, Jersey City, Montclair, and the Jersey Shore.
A Jersey-style Sloppy Joe
Sloppy Joes are common all over the United States, but the New Jerseyian approach is a bit different – when you try one, expect to enjoy a combination of deli meats, Swiss cheese, cole slaw, and dressing on a Reuben and Cuban–rye bread. Its origins are a bit unclear, but it is believed that the mayor of Maplewood, New Jersey, fell in love with a multi-layered cocktail sandwich in Havana, Cuba, and brought the idea back home to local delis to recreate the dish. If you want to try it out, visit one of NJ’s many delis, whether in Hoboken or Essex County.
Fat Sandwiches
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Fat sandwiches are widely agreed upon as being the byproduct of a late-night intoxicated snack craving, supposedly created in the 1970s by a drunken Rutgers University student who asked a food truck chef to compile several greasy items into one roll. Today, fat sandwiches are a common part of many food truck and American diner menus, and even breakfast versions can be ordered. NJG recommends checking out R U Hungry, the originator of the Fat Sandwich, located at 95 Hamilton Street in New Brunswick + 164 University Avenue in Newark.
Read More: The Best Diners in Bergen County, New Jersey
Iconic NJ Foodie Spots
Fiore’s House of Quality | 414 Adams Street, #2693, Hoboken
Fiore’s House of Quality has been serving up fresh mozzarella (if you want to sound like a local, call it mutz) since 1913. For over 100 years, people have come from near and far for this sandwich spot that is best known for its roast beef and mutz sandwiches with homemade gravy. The famed sandwich is only sold on Thursdays and Saturdays, so be sure to stop in on either day. Be prepared to wait in line a bit, especially during the lunchtime rush, but the food is well worth it.
Harold’s New York Deli | 1173 King Georges Post Road, Edison
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Despite the name, Harold’s is actually a New Jersey staple. It’s not your average deli, but more of a dining experience. Harold’s, located in Edison, is known for its larger-than-life, over-the-top NY deli-style food. The menu even comes with a disclaimer, “most items can serve two or more people.” Diners can’t go wrong with anything on the menu, but Harold’s is best known for its pastrami and corned beef sandwiches and monster-sized pancakes.
Holsten’s | 1063 Broad Street, Bloomfield
This iconic New Jersey ice cream spot + restaurant is famous for being the spot where The Sopranos’ series finale was filmed. If old-school if you’re style, it’s certainly worth the visit, with plenty of dishes and sweet treats to select from. NJG pro tip: If you want to recreate Tony Soprano’s last meal, grab an order of onion rings and sit at the middle row, third booth.
Mike’s Giant Submarines | 700 8th Avenue, Belmar
This Belmar staple is a must-visit for its classic neighborhood vibes and deli subs, and fun fact: it is also the origin of the popular United States sandwich franchise Jersey Mike’s. Bob Pable, the owner, worked alongside Peter Cancro, who offered Bob a job making sandwiches and later set out to franchise the sandwich shop. Pete removed the Giant Submarines part of the title (hence Jersey Mike’s), but years later, the original shop is still standing as a family-run gem.
Razza Pizza | 275 Grove Street, Jersey City
Visitors should definitely take part in the tri-state pizza debate, only to learn that NJ’s is superior. There are dozens of pizza joints to try, ranging from family-owned pizzerias and artisan pies to grandma slices and creative toppings. Razza Pizza in Jersey City is consistently ranked amongst some of the best pizzas in the country, and it’s relatively close to the stadium. The restaurant uses local, seasonal ingredients to keep the menu fresh, but always has classics like the tomato pie and East Coast margherita.
White Manna | 358 River Street, Hackensack
This tiny Hackensack diner is a true Jersey institution, serving up mini sliders from its iconic counter since 1946. Order a stack, watch them sizzle on the griddle, and enjoy a North Jersey classic
Belmont Tavern | 12 Bloomfield Avenue, Belleville
Belmont Tavern opened in 1967 and, from the decor to the menu, has remained unchanged. The talk-of-the-town Chicken Savoy, Pork Francaise, and Shrimp Beeps are what make this place feel like home, even if you’re not a regular. It’s open for dinner only and is first-come, first-served with no reservations, but if there’s a wait, it’s worth it. Many celebrities — most recently the Jonas Brothers, who visited while filming for their newest album — can attest to Belmont’s overall intimate, Grandma ’s-house-and-pasta feel.
Bonus
15 Fox Place | 15 Fox Place, Jersey City
This is a bonus because the reservations seem to be one in a million. 15 Fox Place is a classic in dining experiences. Think what seems like endless courses of homemade Italian food while seated in an actual house. There’s no menu, it’s BYOB, and the vibes give a cozy Grandma’s living room. Visitors should be warned that this is a very tough reservation to snag, but it’s worth a try.
See More: Italian, Indian, Seafood, + More: MG’s 50 Best Restaurants in North Jersey
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