Last Updated: March 26th, 2026
The best food courts in New Jersey malls have come a long way. These are no longer just a place to grab a slice between stores. From H Mart’s massive HMarket food hall at American Dream to Eataly at Short Hills, NJ mall dining now competes with standalone restaurant destinations. We ranked these nine based on variety, real shopper reviews, atmosphere, and value.
1. American Dream Mall – East Rutherford
The American Dream Mall food court isn’t a single court — it’s a multi-venue food destination. The centerpiece is HMarket Eatery, H Mart’s largest food hall in the Northeast. It offers Korean BBQ, dim sum, sushi, wok bowls, and a wide lineup of Asian specialties. The separate Coca-Cola Eats food court adds pizza, desserts, American staples, and international quick-service in a spacious modern space.
Yelp and TripAdvisor reviewers highlight the atmosphere near the ice rink and Nickelodeon Universe. It feels more like a theme park than a mall food court. Some reviewers note inconsistency on busy days. But the variety earns it the top spot by a wide margin.
Best for: Families, groups with varied tastes, Korean food fans. Bergen County Blue Laws close retail on Sundays — but food and entertainment stay open 7 days.
→ American Dream Mall guide — hours, stores, parking, and map.
2. Westfield Garden State Plaza – Paramus
Garden State Plaza replaced its traditional food court with the Garden State Public Market food hall. The upgrade is real. Fast-casual vendors, small-business operators, international street food, and playful seating with games make it feel like a destination. It’s one of the best food courts in New Jersey malls for variety and energy.
Yelp reviews praise the fast-moving lines and lively vibe even on busy Saturdays. Beyond the food hall, the mall also has Shake Shack and Grand Lux Cafe for sit-down dining. One of the largest and most convenient dining setups in North Jersey.
Best for: North Jersey shoppers and families. Note: GSP is closed on Sundays due to Bergen County Blue Laws. See the North Jersey mall route guide to plan around this.
→ Garden State Plaza guide — hours, stores, and map.
3. Newport Centre – Jersey City
Third floor. Over 1,000 seats. Waterfront energy that no other NJ mall food court can match. The Newport Centre food court lineup covers the full range: Chick-fil-A, sushi, poke, dosa, burgers, and a solid mix of ethnic quick-service options.
Yelp and local reviewers call it the best food court in Hudson County. Clean facilities, ample seating for large groups, and steps from the PATH train. The Jersey City location means a diverse customer base — and the food selection reflects that. Skyline views from the upper level are a bonus.
Best for: NYC day-trippers and groups using public transit. Open Sundays — no blue law restrictions in Hudson County.
→ Newport Centre Mall guide — hours, stores, and directions.
4. Cherry Hill Mall – Cherry Hill
The Cherry Hill Mall food court is compact and efficient — pizza, quick Asian options, and fast-casual staples on the lower level. What sets Cherry Hill apart is the sit-down tier. Bistro Row includes Seasons 52 and Maggiano’s Little Italy. The Capital Grille near the Nordstrom wing is one of the best restaurants attached to any NJ mall.
TripAdvisor and Reddit reviews praise the clean facilities and reliable value for a 130-store South Jersey mall. It’s not flashy. But it works — and the dining options here go well beyond typical mall fare.
Best for: South Jersey shoppers and Philadelphia-area visitors. Open 7 days — no blue law restrictions in Camden County.
→ Cherry Hill Mall guide — hours, stores, parking, and map.
5. Willowbrook Mall – Wayne
The Willowbrook Mall food court is a reliable North Jersey staple. Pizza, Asian options, burgers, and familiar quick-service chains in a well-maintained upper-level court. It earns consistently positive reviews for variety and manageable crowds — noticeably less packed than American Dream or Garden State Plaza on weekends.
For families doing a practical shopping day in Passaic County, the food court delivers without drama. Restaurants near Willowbrook Mall on Route 46 add sit-down options for a longer stay.
Best for: North Jersey families who want a lower-key alternative to the bigger malls. Open Sundays — Willowbrook is in Passaic County with no blue law restrictions.
→ Willowbrook Mall guide — hours, stores, and map.
6. The Mills at Jersey Gardens – Elizabeth
Right by Newark Airport, the Jersey Gardens food court delivers international variety that matches its diverse shopper base: sushi, pizza, cheesesteaks, Cajun, Chick-fil-A, and Sbarro in a spacious layout. TripAdvisor reviewers pair the food court with “fantastic bargain shopping” — the combination keeps people here for hours.
Fast-moving service is a consistent highlight. Elizabeth’s Urban Enterprise Zone reduces sales tax on many purchases — another reason to make a full day of it. Newark Airport layover shoppers regularly list the food court as part of the visit.
Best for: Outlet shoppers, airport layovers, anyone who wants global variety at value prices. Open 7 days.
→ Jersey Gardens Mall guide — hours, stores, and map.
7. Hamilton Mall – Mays Landing
Hamilton’s upper-level food court is a South Jersey staple — pizza, cheesesteaks, Cajun, and quick-service options at fair prices. The surrounding context lifts it: a kids’ carousel and play area on the lower level make this a full-day family destination. TripAdvisor reviewers note the easy layout right off the Garden State Parkway and reliable, no-frills value.
The nearby Regal Hamilton Commons 14 turns a shopping-and-lunch trip into a proper day out for Atlantic County families.
Best for: Atlantic County families and Atlantic City day-trippers. Open 7 days.
→ Hamilton Mall guide — hours, stores, and directions.
8. The Mall at Short Hills – Short Hills
Short Hills takes a different approach to mall dining. The standout is Eataly — a 17,000 sq ft Italian marketplace and food hall. It offers pizza counters, fresh pasta, parmigiano, gelato, a 230-seat restaurant, and retail grocery. Recent reviews celebrate the authentic flavors and premium quality you’d expect at this address.
Prices reflect the Short Hills context — this is not value dining. But Eataly consistently wins over reviewers who make the trip for the food alone. It turns a luxury shopping day into a culinary experience.
Best for: Foodies and Italian food fans. Pairs well with the North Jersey mall route on a weekday or Saturday.
→ The Mall at Short Hills guide — hours, stores, and directions.
9. Freehold Raceway Mall – Freehold
Freehold Raceway Mall rounds out the best food courts in New Jersey malls with a reliable Central Jersey lineup. The Cheesecake Factory is the flagship — one of the busiest locations in the state. Chick-fil-A and a quick-service food court handle the faster end. Yelp reviewers cite the variety, comfortable seating, and the AMC theater nearby.
The racetrack-themed mall has a lively energy. It’s a natural full-day destination for Monmouth County families who want shopping and dining without driving to two different places.
Best for: Central Jersey shoppers and families combining shopping and a movie. Open 7 days.
→ Freehold Raceway Mall guide — hours, stores, and map.
Pro Tips for NJ Mall Dining
- Weekday afternoons beat weekends. Lines at American Dream’s HMarket, Cherry Hill’s Bistro Row, and Freehold’s Cheesecake Factory get long on Saturday afternoons. Weekday evenings are the sweet spot — light crowds, full menus.
- Bergen County Blue Laws close GSP and Paramus Park on Sundays. Restaurants inside often stay open — check ahead. See the North Jersey mall route guide for the full picture.
- NJ charges zero sales tax on clothing. Stack that with outlet pricing at Jersey Gardens or coupon books at Woodbury Commons. See the full NJ tax-free shopping guide.
- Eataly at Short Hills is worth a dedicated trip. It’s a full Italian food market — not just a food court. Plan around it.
For hours, store directories, parking, and maps, the individual mall guides on OutletsNewJersey.com have everything you need to plan your next NJ Shopping trip!
