Choosing the right spot near Cresskill can turn a simple meal into a memorable escape—think crisp autumn air, cozy fireplaces, and flavors that chase away the chill. But a mediocre restaurant is like watching leaves fall without a warm drink in hand. You deserve better this season. Here are the top restaurants near Cresskill, NJ, for every craving and occasion.
Ray’s Traditional Pizza
$ | (201) 266-6660 | WEBSITE
Take your classic neighborhood pizzeria and give it a serious upgrade, and you have Ray’s Traditional Pizza in Cresskill. This traditional spot serves amazing buffalo chicken, BBQ chicken, and grandma’s slices. And unlike your typical pizza joint, the service here is consistently attentive. What it lacks in fancy décor (think straightforward booths and checkered tablecloths), it makes up for in exceptional quality that makes it the best pizza in town.
Olive Tree Restaurant
$$ | (201) 292-3434 | WEBSITE
Olive Tree Restaurant is a bright and pretty spot in Cresskill, known for its high-quality, fresh, and flavorful food. And since it has both a sleek yet warm atmosphere and superb attentive service, it’s good for a casual dinner or a special occasion. There’s a long menu of appetizers, entrees, desserts, sides, and drinks, with dishes like the Olive Tree salad, Lamb Kebab, stuffed grape leaves, and shrimp casserole.
It’s all delicious, but our favorite activity here is to eat and be glad we’re not going to one of those overpriced chain restaurants in the area.
Build your yogurt Cresskill/BYY
$ | (201) 399-7342 | WEBSITE
Not only does Build Your Yogurt have great yogurt, but it also has a great chill, happy vibe. This place serves delicious tart yogurt and mango blend, plus other flavors satisfying different tastes. Come here for a treat after a long day, a casual stop with friends, or enjoying the fun toppings with family. The staff is friendly and helpful, with Saydeh especially enhancing the experience with her warm attitude.
While the yogurt is always enjoyable, some might note the prices can be high, with a recent visit costing around $23 for yogurt for children. Even when minor issues arise, they handle them politely. Overall, Build Your Yogurt remains a favorite for many seeking tasty yogurt and friendly service.
Samdan Mediterranean Restaurant And Bar
$$ | (201) 816-7343 | WEBSITE
Samdan is tucked away in Cresskill, and since it’s a Mediterranean gem, it’s unsurprising that the food is incredible. Along with serving attentive service and pleasant music, there’s a full menu with delicious dishes like shepherd salad, branzino fish, and the mezze combo with Pink Queen, babaghanoush, and fried eggplant. Come here with anyone you want to impress with consistently the best Middle Eastern-style rice and meat lover’s dreams like the lamb shish and fried calf’s liver.
The remodel was a pleasant surprise, and the outdoor area surrounded by trees makes it an upscale family restaurant where people of all ages enjoy themselves over wonderful desserts like kadayif and kazandibi.
Early Bird Coffee & More
$ | (201) 266-4577 | WEBSITE
It’s not the Hamptons, but this place is perfect for when you need a quick escape or don’t want your work-from-home routine to feel too mundane. Early Bird Coffee & More, a charming cafe in Cresskill, has an outdoor seating area that’s just steps from the door, so you get a lovely breeze, a solution for your caffeine cravings, and the chance to enjoy a delicious Matcha Yuzu drink or Cortado outside.
The real plants covering the walls and big beautiful French style windows create an aesthetically pleasing atmosphere that makes it feel like a getaway. With WiFi and outlets available, it’s a great spot to work or relax, whether in the morning or afternoon, and the friendly staff ensures you feel welcome from the moment you walk in. The menu offers a variety of pastries, sandwiches, and hot food options, all served with consistently amazing service.
Overall, it’s a delightful spot with something for everyone, making it a warm and inviting place to start your day or unwind.
Hanami Restaurant Cresskill
$$ | (201) 567-8508 | WEBSITE
The patio at Hanami Restaurant Cresskill is delightful. It’s perfect for al fresco dining, the BYOB policy makes it relaxed, and the whole space has an intimate, inviting feel. Plus, the food is consistently top-notch—you should make sure to get the crispy fried shumai appetizer, and any dish that includes their fresh yellowtail sashimi or creative Hanami Roll.
Chef Mediterranean
$$ | (201) 367-9565 | WEBSITE
Chef Mediterranean is a Turkish spot from the local team, who’ve proven they know what’s required of a satisfying neighborhood restaurant: generous portions, fresh ingredients, and friendly service. That all applies to Chef Mediterranean, including incredible hummus that’s a must-order and succulent kabobs cooked to perfection. The mixed grill is a standout, and the calamari from takeout is described as the best ever.
The atmosphere is warm and never rushed, with kind staff and a manager who sometimes offers a festive traditional Turkish drink. The restaurant is clean, and the weekday lunch special is worth returning for. It’s a popular spot for well-seasoned meals, whether dining in or ordering out.
Jersey Mike’s Subs
$ | (201) 244-4133 | WEBSITE
We love Jersey Mike’s year-round for its top-notch sub experience. But the fresh, well-prepared sandwiches make it one of the best quick-service spots in Cresskill. The menu focuses on quality ingredients, with delicious subs that are enjoyed quickly before they get soggy. The friendly staff provides excellent customer service, even accommodating special dietary needs. The atmosphere inside is great, with many nice posters along the walls and a clean, comfortable environment.
While the outdoor seating area could use more chairs and umbrellas, the overall experience remains consistently satisfying.
Wonder
$ | (855) 818-5755 | WEBSITE
This takeout spot is tucked behind a strip mall in Cresskill, with convenient parking in the back. The ordering process is quick and easy, and the food is even better. The menu isn’t extensive (the limited selection ranges from solid cheesesteaks to decent pizzas like Fred’s cheesesteak and Difara pizza), but gourmet dining isn’t why you’re here. It’s to grab reliable takeout, enjoy some straightforward favorites, and feel like you’ve found a no-fuss spot for good food.
Dunkin’
$ | (201) 567-0025 | WEBSITE
This coffee and donut shop in Cresskill has a convenient location and friendly staff after the recent renovations. And it’s a great spot for breakfast, as the menu offers a wide selection of vegetarian bakery options. Stop by in the morning for a quick coffee and donut, or grab a pastry during your evening visit. The food won’t blow you away, but the speedy service and clean store make up for it.
C U Latte
$ | (201) 266-8404 | WEBSITE
This Cresskill coffee spot reminds us a lot of a neighborhood version of a cozy living room—meaning unassuming decor, lots of comfortable seating, and things like a carefully selected music playlist. Their food and drink menu is coffeehouse-themed, so you can find things like expertly crafted lattes, fresh crepes, and delicious paninis.
Golden Garden
$ | (201) 568-2887 | WEBSITE
Golden Garden is in a strip mall in Cresskill, and since you’re not literally in a fancy dining district, you have a nice view of the local neighborhood. It also has a long menu full of Chinese classics and lunch specials, and plenty of tables and booths.
Dante’s
$ | (201) 567-3935 | WEBSITE
Dante’s is decked out in red and white checkerboard tablecloths, warm lighting from mini tea lights, and has a cozy, inviting atmosphere. They also serve some very good pizza. The best things here are the specialty pies—the Drunken Grandma Pie is a standout—and the calamari with hot honey, which comes with a perfectly balanced sweet-spicy sauce. The veal piccata is tender and flavorful, and the sauce on everything is rich, savory, and bursting with just the right sweetness and tang.
It’s a gem for pizza lovers, whether you’re dining in, taking out, or catering.
Keremo Cakes
$$$ | (201) 399-7373 | WEBSITE
Yes, Keremo Cakes can be kind of a splurge. Thankfully it’s one with amazing cakes and a cozy shop full of sweet aromas and cheerful displays. And as with its custom creations, a lot of things (like the vanilla cake with créme chantilly and strawberries filling) on the menu are meant to be celebrated.
CAFE RX
$ | (201) 627-8800 | WEBSITE
A lot of cafes talk about offering a relaxing atmosphere, but Cafe Rx takes this one step further. Meaning they play chill jazz music throughout the space, and with their high ceilings and beautiful decor, the whole place has this calm, unhurried vibe. It’s as close to finding a peaceful study spot in Cresskill as you’re likely to get. In other words, this is the kind of cafe that feels like a real escape from the daily grind.
Just check their hours to see when they’re officially open for breakfast or lunch.