Food in Bowls: The NJ Trend That’s Here to Stay

The food bowl trend is no newcomer to New Jersey, and is spreading from fruity treats to salty eats. Quite frankly, we love it. Restaurants, cafés, and pop-up shops continue sprouting up throughout the state to serve anything from acai to ramen, while creating cult-like followings with their delicious bowl offerings. Simply put, it makes eating easier and more fun with the added bonus of being an activity you can enjoy with your little ones. These 26 New Jersey restaurants are ones you and your whole clan can surely sink your fork, spoon or hand into.

26 Local Food Bowl Restaurants in NJ:

When visiting these spots around New Jersey, don’t forget to hashtag #NJMOM and tag @njmomhq and your little cuties could be featured in our next photo round-up.

1. Big Bowls, Little Plates Noodle House

If you’re craving spicy chicken or chunky lo mein noodles, look no further than Big Bowls, Little Plates in Rutherford. This Asian-fusion restaurant is unlike any other ramen or poke spot around; their menu is completely customize-able to satisfy even the most specific of cravings.
16 Glen Rd, Rutherford, NJ 07070

2. Mitsuwa Marketplace

A visit to Mitsuwa is stepping into a Japanese marketplace loaded with snacks, desserts, seafood, beauty products, and more. After browsing and shopping, dine at the various Japanese-style restaurants within the marketplace. Try a traditional “Sanuki” style udon with a soup, and end your meal with some green tea soft serve ice cream.
595 River Rd, Edgewater, NJ 07020

3. So Gong Dong

Whether you love Korean barbecue or have always wanted to try it, So Gong Dong is the place to go. With many restaurants throughout New Jersey, So Gong Dong is a staple for quick Korean food, including their famous Dubu stew. (Bubbling and piping hot, Dubu stew is a spicy stew usually featuring Kimchi and tofu, served with a side of rice and an egg.)
Locations in Palisades Park, Hartsdale, Glenview, Hanover, and Cherry Hill.

4. Playa Bowls 

Get yourself a piece of the hot, new summer tradition at this Jersey-grown chain that has literally gone viral. In addition to its popularity on Instagram, Playa Bowls is famous for making healthy food look pretty. Perfect for a snack on the beach or casual lunch on the go, don’t forget to try one of the Green Bowls or Chia Pudding Bowls.
Locations in Belmar, Montclair, Morristown, New Brunswick, Brick, Jackson, Toms River, Seaside Park, Bay Head, Long Branch, Manasquan, Ocean Grove, Red Bank, and Asbury Park. (Millburn location coming soon.)

5. Creations Frozen Yogurt and Acai Bowls

Bubble tea and frozen yogurt are just a couple of the delicious “Creations” available at this sweet Lodi shop. Stop by for smoothies, protein shakes, and of course, their famous acai bowls. With mouthwatering options like the peanut butter banana bowl and the tropical bowl, there’s something for every palette.
170 Main St, Lodi, NJ 07644

6. The Juice House

As a restaurant dedicated to bringing wellness, happiness, and health into their customer’s lives, The Juice House provides many bowl-friendly options. No matter your dietary lifestyle, their fresh-pressed juices, smoothies, and frozen fruit bowls are sure to fit your every desire.
510 North Ave, Garwood, NJ 07027

7. The Soup Café

We haven’t forgotten about soup! If you’re looking for something to warm you up on a rainy day, head to The Soup Cafe in South Orange for everything from lobster bisque to Pepper Pot. There is always something new on the menu at this lunch destination with daily, rotating soups.
61 Academy St, South Orange, NJ 07079

8. Shaka Bowl

Aloha! If you and your Ohana want to try something different, stop by Shaka Bowl for Hawaiian-themed food bowls. With Poke bowls featuring fresh ahi tuna and pineapple to Pitaya bowls flavored with organic cocoa powder, these are bowls themed to perfection and perfect for any summer staycation.
720 Monroe St e103, Hoboken, NJ 07030

9. Frutta Bowls 

Another pioneer of food bowns in New Jersey is Frutta Bowls. Now with multiple locations, this shop specializes in healthy fruit bowls that are so delicious, they can also be eaten for dessert. Frutta also offers a variety of kale bowls that are topped with fresh fruit, peanut butter, and granola.
Locations in Howell, Freehold, Robbinsville, Asbury Park, Marlboro, Livingston, and Middletown.

10. Blackbeard Ramen

Welcome to Blackbeard Ramen, home of themed and specialized ramen bowls fit for every preference. Do you like your ramen noodles soft or more on the firm side? Is the ramen broth too salty for your taste? Let your servers know every desire, and they will make your ramen dreams come true.
607 Gorge Rd, Cliffside Park, NJ 07010

11. Pho Nomenon Noodle & Grill

Pho Nomemon Noodles in Hoboken is the spot to visit for authentic pho dishes. Enjoy a big bowl of their seafood or vegetable soup, or try their unique bowls of pho with fresh rice noodles and beef bone broth.
516 Washington St, Hoboken, NJ 07030

12. Sang Kee Noodle Café

If you’re a family searching for flavor on a budget, come to Sang Kee’s Noodle Café. Broth noodle soups, “hot pots,” and traditional Chinese recipes are just a few of the options that grace the menu at this Cherry Hill restaurant.
1601 Kings Hwy S, Cherry Hill, NJ 08034

13. Noodle Fan

Locals in New Jersey never tire of Noodle Fan. this local chain strives for authenticity and quality with each bowl served. Try their beef noodle recipe, with ingredients like a spicy beef stew, rice noodles, Chinese broccoli, bean sprouts, and crispy pork skin.
Locations in Union, Jersey City, Monroe Township, South Orange, and Elizabeth.

14. Inspiration Roll

At Inspiration Roll, foodies can find the mythical Sushi Burrito (the unicorn of the food world). In addition to Poke Bowls, Inspiration Roll is taking all the ingredients from your sushi recipes, wrapping them up, and building massive burritos with them. Customize your own meal by choosing the meat, toppings, and even the sauce.
83 Summit Ave, Summit, NJ 07901

15. Ani Ramen

Whether you like classic Ramen or speciality flavors, Ani Ramen in Montclair is changing the Ramen game, one bowl at a time. The Mazeman is a brothless bowl featuring chashu chicken, chashu pork, kakuni, ajitama, tsukemono & scallions.
401 Bloomfield Ave, Montclair, NJ 07042
218 Newark Ave, Jersey City, NJ 07302

16. Tidal Poke Co. 

Enjoy Poke with a view at Tidal Poke Co., where a delicious, sashimi grade poke ball is steps away from the Jersey City waterfront. Still hungry? Tidal Poke Co. also makes smoothie bowls for a convenient and delicious dessert.
34 Exchange Pl, Jersey City, NJ 07302

17. MixStirs 

Ranked  #21 on Entrepreneur Magazine’s Top New Franchises for 2012, this restaurant is quickly becoming a Jersey a favorite place for your Acai Bowl fix. Try their classic fruit stirs, or upgrade to a protein infused Power Stir. Perfect for an active family on the go!
202 Main Ave, Clifton, NJ 07014

18. Beets Juice Bar 

You can’t beet the ambiance and flavorful juices at Beets Juice Bar in Park Ridge. With organic ingredients and a mission of providing fresh food, these fruit and acai bowls are any health-nut’s dream. Try their Buddha Bowl, made with kale and coconut, topped with chia seeds and cubed pineapple.
21 Hawthorne Ave, Park Ridge, NJ 07656

19. Green Seed

Nestled within the beloved ice cream shop, Denville Dairy, Green Seeds is a “fresh and delicious” stop for acai or smoothie bowls. Green Seed encourages you to B.Y.O.S., that is, “build your own smoothie” or acai bowl. Start with a purple or green base and let you imagination run wild.
38 Broadway, Denville, NJ 07834

20. Alpha Organics Café

Who says organic, healthy food has to taste bland? At the Alpha Organics Café, they are dedicated to basic foods with epic taste. Their menu changes with the seasons to provide the freshest ingredients possible. Busy day? Snag one of their “Grab ‘n Go Jars” for a healthy alternative to the fast food drive-through.
8 Whitehall Rd, Towaco, NJ 07082

21. Acai Ya Later 

Whether you have a plant-based or adventurous lifestyle, this Acai and Pitaya shop in Hoboken can keep up with your eclectic taste. Try their Sinatra bowl, inspired by the legend who grew up in this square-mile city.
203 Washington St, Hoboken, NJ 07030

22. Tori Ramen & Chicken

Enjoy Ramen broth made from scratch and the “highest quality of ingredients.” Tori Ramen & Chicken makes unique Ramen flavored with spinach, bamboo shoots, and even tea soba. For something different, try their fan favorite “soy wings” at this Asian fusion haven.
40 Chestnut St, Ridgewood, NJ 07450

23. Batten Ramen

As a self-proclaimed “ramen pioneer,” Batten Ramen has been flavoring the city of Fort Lee since 2003. As one of the first ramen restaurants in the United States, their broth is flavored both traditionally and with pork bone. Ingredients vary from eggs to fish cakes and even squid for daring eaters.
2024 Center Ave, Fort Lee, NJ 07024

24. Ozu Foods

If you’ve never had a donburi bowl, you are missing out on the true food bowl experience. This traditional rice bowl dish features seasonal vegetables and a beef or vegetable curry. (Azu also offers salmon and tuna poke bowls, for those looking for a fresh seafood dish.)
106 Hutton St, Jersey City, NJ 07307

25. Q Tea Tapas

If your family likes small treats and bubble tea, Q Tea Tapas is the place to be. Whether its poke bowls, crepes, or ice cream, this Fort Lee restaurant’s varied menu is ideal for a family of varied tastes.
242 Main St, Fort Lee, NJ 07024

26. Kali-O’s Juice Box

Acai, Kale, and Pitaya bowls have arrived at the Jersey Shore, thanks to Kali-O’s. With juices and smoothies created with love from only whole and fresh ingredients, visitors leave this local chain feeling rejuvenated, refreshed, and nourished. Try the “Not-tella” Bowl for a homemade/ gluten-free alternative to Nutella.

Don’t forget to hashtag #NJMOM and tag @njmomhq and your little cuties could be featured in our next photo round-up.