Diners' Choice: Best Overall restaurants in Middlesex

OpenTable

Updated June 05, 2025

Looking for the best overall restaurants in Middlesex? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyzes nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favorite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

Labebe Prime - Steak & Seafood

4.9

4.9 (1202)

$50 and over

Steak

New Brunswick

About the restaurant

At Labebe Prime, we honor our culinary matriarch, Labebe—a beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother to our family. Her passion for the culinary arts has been passed down through generations. One of life’s greatest joys is sharing an incredible meal with family and friends which is something she took pride in.

Labebe Prime's commitment to farm-to-table excellence is unwavering. Each dish unfolds a narrative of our agricultural heritage, a blend of Mediterranean and American splendor delivered straight to your table. Indulge in the delight of fresh, wholesome, locally sourced ingredients, brought together in a feast that beckons you to relish every moment.

We welcome you to partake in this culinary voyage, inspired by the heart and soul of Labebe while taking it to the next level with our award-winning chefs. Cheers to good company, great memories and incredible food in a magical setting at Labebe Prime. Life is delicious! Eat it up!

Top review

Tina

Dined 2 days ago

Our party of 4 experience was very nice. The food, service and atmosphere was outstanding.

Mezcal

4.8

4.8 (385)

$50 and over

Steakhouse

Old Bridge

About the restaurant

Mezcal blends authentic Mexican flavors with steakhouse sophistication, offering exceptional dining and a vibrant, refined atmosphere in Old Bridge, NJ.

Top review

Melvin

Dined 5 days ago

Amazing Birthday Dinner, Great Service, ambience thanks to all the great staff from beginning to end everything was perfection

Luca's Ristorante of Somerset

4.8

4.8 (1219)

$31 to $50

Italian

New Brunswick

About the restaurant

If you are seeking not just a great meal, but a great dining experience, you need look no further than Luca’s Ristorante Somerset. Tucked away on Rt. 27 between Princeton and New Brunswick, Luca’s Somerset is an oasis of authentic regional Italian cuisine. Offering modern adaptations of traditional dishes from Ischia, here you can enjoy hand-cut ravioli stuffed with Chef Andrea’s latest mouth-watering combinations, a selection of fish entrees so fresh that they evoke the Mediterranean Sea, or a filet of such quality that it is paralleled only by the accoutrement that accompany it. Our dining room décor is uniquely Ischitana, and goes to show that here at Luca’s Somerset, we understand that the difference is in the details. When you are done with it all, take in the cozy setting with a delicious dessert made from scratch, and the perfect cup of locally micro-roasted espresso or cappuccino. So please, be our guest.

Top review

Matthew

Dined 6 days ago

Some of the best, most authentic Italian food anywhere around. Always fantastic

Salt Seafood & Oyster Bar

4.8

4.8 (3036)

$31 to $50

Seafood

New Brunswick

About the restaurant

We are excited to bring our dream to a reality along with friends and family. We plan to share our love and knowledge of an industry that we are so passionate about and proud to be a part of in our hometown of New Brunswick. Here at Salt, we are creating a modern oyster bar with a hip vibe serving up a large variety of fresh local oysters, as well as oysters from around the US. We will offer a seafood inspired seasonal menu both in our casual bar and our elegant dining room. We will also offer many innovative dishes including a variety of local meats along with plenty of vegetarian options. We aim to create an inviting atmosphere for everyone with our warm décor and friendly staff. Our full bar will feature a variety of signature cocktails and revolving creative small plates. Chef Chris’ passion for food promises consistent exceptional quality and to awaken the palate with bold, fresh flavors in every bite!

Top review

JackieVIP

Dined 2 days ago

We had a wonderful dinner with friends before a show across the street. Everything was wonderful as always!

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4.8

4.8 (3820)

$31 to $50

American

Edison

About the restaurant

Seasons 52 is a Fresh Grill and Wine Bar offering a seasonal menu that is naturally lighter and always flavorful. Our seasonal menus feature ingredients at their peak of freshness, oak-fire grilled or brick oven roasted (without a fryer in sight) to be naturally lighter and more flavorful. We also offer an extensive list of wines by the glass and bottle. Here, you'll always feel free to enjoy every bite, every sip, every moment. Lunch and dinner daily with happy hour Monday-Friday from 3-6PM.

Top review

MaryVIP

Dined 5 days ago

Lunch was delicious. Matt, our server, was attentive and made sure we had whatever we needed.

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Popular dish

Ahi Tuna Tartare

Popular dish

Wood-Grilled Filet Mignon

Popular dish

Brick Oven-Roasted Chilean Sea Bass

Steakhouse 85

4.8

4.8 (4213)

$31 to $50

Steakhouse

New Brunswick

About the restaurant

Steakhouse 85 is a 21st century rendition of the classic American Steakhouse. The menu at Steakhouse 85 is comprised of fresh and inspiring modern day interpretations of classic American cuisine, served alongside the traditional steakhouse classics we all know and love. The back bone of our menu is without a doubt our beef. Our mouth watering dry aged steaks are rubbed with a simple yet luscious combination of sea salt, black pepper and fresh herbs. They are seared on a 1200 degree cast iron grill and then broiled to your liking. Paired with a large classically designed bar, complete with savvy cocktails and a Wine Spectator award winning wine list, this steakhouse is sure to please.

Wine Spectator Award of Excellence

Official Steakhouse of Rutgers Athletics

Top review

Leslie

Dined 1 day ago

The food was amazing! Paul, our server, was knowledgeable in the menu and choices and made recommendations that satisfied everyone at the table! Definitely try the gelato!! Will return and hopefully get Paul again!!!!

Catherine Lombardi

4.8

4.8 (2463)

$31 to $50

Italian

New Brunswick

About the restaurant

Upscale Italian restaurant with homey fare & 2 fireplaces plus a cozy red interior & lively bar.

Serving Menus from Stage Left Steak & Catherine Lombardi in the Same Dining Room Mondays-Saturdays. Spring and Summer months seating will be in Stag Left Steak. Fall and Winter in Catherine Lombardi

Top review

AdrienneVIP

Dined on May 30, 2025

My husband and I had a wonderful dining experience from beginning to end! The staff were very friendly and extremely attentive! To start off, the complimentary bread was the best I’ve ever tasted and I’m a big bread lover who has frequents lot of upscale restaurants, so that’s saying a lot. The calamari for our appetizer was fresh and tasty. I had the crab and shrimp fettuccine that lacked enough sauce but still enjoyable. My husband had the filet mignon, which was out of this world. I’m not a big steak lover at all but next time I will be sure to order it for myself! It was served with a hot Himalayan salt block and their house steak sauce - just yummy! We had the chocolate cake for dessert and ordered to go their delicious chocolate cookies baked right out the oven! Drinks were also very good and the ambience I would describe as very classy vintage! We’ll be back for sure!

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Start the night off right with Glenfiddich

Il Leone

4.7

4.7 (95)

$31 to $50

Italian

Old Bridge

About the restaurant

Il Leone: A Culinary Journey in Matawan

Il Leone is more than just a restaurant; it's an experience. Nestled in the heart of Matawan, this farm-to-table haven celebrates the freshest, locally sourced ingredients, crafting each dish with passion and artistry.

Step inside and be enveloped by the warm, inviting atmosphere. The aroma of wood-fired pizzas mingles with the laughter of friends and family, creating a sense of community and joy.

The menu is a testament to Il Leone's commitment to quality and creativity. From hand-crafted pasta to succulent seafood, every dish is a symphony of flavors, showcasing the bounty of the region.

Indulge in the signature wood-fired pizzas, each topped with a unique blend of seasonal ingredients. Savor the melt-in-your-mouth gnocchi, tossed in a rich, creamy sauce. Or embark on a culinary adventure with the chef's tasting menu, a curated journey through the finest flavors Il Leone has to offer.

Top review

Joanne

Dined 3 days ago

What a beautiful decorated restaurant with great outdoor space!! So pleasantly surprised how wonderful it was. The staff was attentive, kind and helpful. Pizza was great, bread on table terrific…dinners just as good and big portions. I don’t mind paying for good food with nice sized portions. We will definitely be back!!! Thank you for helping celebrate my adult children’s birthdays ❤️

Jasper Stone Italian Steakhouse

4.8

4.8 (1091)

$31 to $50

Italian

Spotswood

About the restaurant

Top review

Kristen

Dined 2 days ago

We went to celebrate our anniversary and had a great experience. It was early on a Thursday evening so it wasn't busy yet, and the staff was very accommodating. They made our anniversary feel extra special .

Portuguese Fisherman

4.8

4.8 (1342)

$30 and under

Portuguese

East Brunswick

About the restaurant

Established in 1976, We are one of the oldest Portuguese and Spanish restaurants on the east coast. Attentive service, delicious authentic food, generous portions and refreshing sangria—these are the hallmarks of the Fisherman. Since our opening in 1976 we have consistently upheld the traditions of fine Portuguese and Spanish dining in central New Jersey.

A variety of fresh seafood and fish, as well as organic meats, all made with the finest ingredients available, await you at our tables. Our seasonal menu and daily specials include delectable dishes prepared to satisfy many tastes.

We invite you to visit us in the historic town of South River, New Jersey.

Top review

Rona

Dined 7 days ago

Food, service was great. Noise level was bit high. I have always liked coming here. It’s been awhile but still as good as I remember.

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