If you’re going to Sicklerville, New Jersey, and want to see more of the town than just the tourist spots, you’re in for a treat. Most travel books focus on chain restaurants and well-known places, but the best places to eat are the ones that locals love but aren’t well-known. These little-known restaurants have tastes that will stick with you, friendly service, and a feeling of community that you won’t get at major chains.
These 13 local eateries around Sicklerville provide more than simply food. They serve stories, traditions, and culinary art that make the area what it is. This carefully chosen guide gives you exclusive access to the greatest locations that visitors don’t usually find. It’s perfect for foodies seeking their next great meal or travelers who want to eat like a local. For good reason, each restaurant on this list has a dedicated following. Now it’s your time to taste their deliciousness.
1. DiBartolo Bakery & Café
DiBartolo Bakery & Café in Collingswood is a real institution that people adore for its old-world charm and artisanal way of making baked products. People come here for more than just the fancy wedding cakes. Their homemade cannoli, Italian sweets, and seasonal pies taste like they came from the past. DiBartolo is very unusual since it has a small café section where you may enjoy an espresso with your pastry while enjoying the cozy atmosphere.
They are proud to use high-quality products and old Italian recipes that have been passed down through the years. The family-owned feel makes it a friendly place, and the proprietors are often seen talking to regulars or giving out samples of their newest invention. DiBartolo has a real, homey vibe that commercial bakeries don’t have because it is a little off the beaten road for tourists. This is a great place to have breakfast or a sweet fix in the afternoon.
2. Phở Eden
Phở Eden in Lindenwold is a Vietnamese restaurant that most people who live there or who like Asian food know about. This quaint, family-run restaurant is known for its thick, fragrant bowls of phở that cook for hours to bring out their full taste. You may choose from beef brisket, tendon, or rare steak for each bowl. They are all full of fresh herbs, lime, and delicious broth. People in the area also love their fresh spring rolls, vermicelli bowls, and boba teas, all of which are served with great warmth.
Phở Eden is different from other restaurants that want to get people in and out quickly. Instead, it encourages a slower pace so that guests can enjoy every meal. The small space and simple decor make the cuisine the star of the show. Phở Eden is the type of comfort cuisine that locals keep hidden, and for good reason. If you want a cheap, substantial, and completely gratifying dinner near Sicklerville, this is the place to go. This jewel is even more amazing because tourists don’t often find it.
3. Kitchen 519
Kitchen 519 in Glendora is a popular local establishment that combines the high-end culinary inventiveness of a fine dining restaurant with the homey ambiance of a neighborhood diner. It feels like a gastronomic oasis away from the noise, even though it’s only a short drive from Sicklerville. Kitchen 519 is known for putting new spins on American classics. Some of their best dishes are short rib grilled cheese, seafood mac & cheese, and a changing list of seasonal specialties that use local products.
The cooks here come from fine dining backgrounds, yet the atmosphere is relaxed, making it great for both weeknight dinners and large events. What makes them different from other eateries is their focus on quality and presentation. Locals love the personal service and distinct tastes. The open kitchen design makes the restaurant more open and fun, letting guests see how much care goes into each meal. Tourists may never discover it, but people who live there hope it remains that way.
4. Corinne’s Place
Corinne’s Place is worth the trek to Camden for anyone who wants Southern comfort food created with love. For decades, this inconspicuous establishment has been a favorite of residents who come for the fried chicken, smothered pork chops, mac & cheese, and collard greens. The friendly, church-basement-style environment makes you feel like you’re at a family reunion. Corinne herself regularly welcomes customers and checks on the kitchen to make sure that every meal meets her high standards.
Corinne’s is different from other fancy places since it focuses on heart and history. Every mouthful feels personal. This is a must-see for anybody who wants to try real soul cuisine done well since the quantities are big and the prices are low. It’s not only about feeding people; it’s also about keeping a cooking culture alive. Not many people from out of town know about it, but those who do locate Corinne’s immediately see why locals love it so much.
5. Villari’s Lakeside Restaurant & Lounge
Villari’s Lakeside Restaurant & Lounge is a unique place to eat and drink since it has views of a beautiful lake and serves Italian-American food. This charming place that locals enjoy is great for date nights, anniversaries, or simply a night out to unwind. The menu has classic delicacies like chicken parmigiana, shrimp scampi, and homemade pasta. The peaceful environment makes them even better. The interior eating space is nice, but the outdoor deck is the best part, especially after sunset.
People who go there often love the personal service, the unique drinks, and the live music events that make the room come alive on weekends. Villari’s is still doing well, even though travel guides don’t talk about it much. This is because of word-of-mouth and devoted customers who come back. It’s one of those sites where residents take their family and friends who are coming to show them the finest of their town. Villari’s is a hidden gem because it has comfort cuisine, a peaceful atmosphere, and local character.
6. Ming’s Kitchen
People in Sicklerville know that Ming’s Kitchen has some of the greatest Chinese takeout in the area, even though it doesn’t appear elegant from the outside. Ming’s is different because its ingredients are always fresh, the servings are big, and the quality is always good. If you choose sesame chicken, shrimp lo mein, or pig fried rice, every meal is cooked to order and has strong, real tastes.
There are a lot of options on the menu, including old favorites and chef’s specials that regulars swear by. The service is quick and pleasant, so it’s a great place to go on busy weeknights or when you need something right away. Even though Ming’s is in a small space, it has a lot of devoted patrons who won’t go anyplace else for Chinese food. Tourists might not notice it since there are better restaurants around, but smart residents know that Ming’s has the best value and flavor. It’s the type of place that every community should be lucky to have.
7. Dadz Bar & Grill
Dadz Bar & Grill in Lumberton is a fun, no-frills place that seems like home to many of its regulars. It’s a short trip from Sicklerville, and everyone knows your name. The wings are famous, and the beer is always cold. There are a lot of substantial pub foods on the menu, such as burgers, nachos, ribs, and wings coated with sauces created in-house. The joyful and inviting atmosphere of Dadz is what makes it stand out.
There are karaoke, trivia nights, and live music every week. The staff treats customers like family, and the laid-back atmosphere makes people want to stay and unwind. Even though it doesn’t try to be a culinary utopia, the cuisine is always better than expected, and regulars enthuse about it. Tourists don’t often go in, but that’s how the locals prefer it. Dadz is a communal hub that brings together comfort, laughter, and delicious cuisine in one unique place.
8. Little Tuna
Little Tuna is a secret seafood paradise in the middle of Haddonfield that serves huge tastes in a little space. It specializes in seafood, such as seared scallops, crab-stuffed flounder, and pan-roasted Chilean sea bass. But it also has a great selection of steaks, pastas, and small plates. Little Tuna has a relaxed, BYOB-friendly atmosphere that locals love, as well as fine dining skills.
The service is attentive but not too much, and the cooks are noted for their gorgeous, precise plating. People love to go here for dates since it is both classy and welcoming. The name of the restaurant is silly, but the cuisine is some of the greatest seafood around Sicklerville. If you’re simply passing by, you could miss it, but locals say it’s one of their best-kept secrets. Little Tuna is a hidden gem that offers a dining experience that is both distinctive and pleasant.
9. Norma’s Eastern Mediterranean Cuisine
Norma’s in Cherry Hill does a great job of bringing the tastes of Lebanon and the Eastern Mediterranean to life. People in the area love this family-run place for its fresh hummus, seasoned shawarma, crispy falafel, and aromatic rice dishes. The warm dining room and kind personnel make customers feel like they are in a friend’s house instead of a restaurant. The food is fresh, the spices are strong, and the quantities are big.
Norma’s dedication to quality and cultural purity is clear in every dish, from the slow-roasted lamb to the luscious baklava. They also provide options for vegetarians and vegans, which makes them more appealing to the community. People who know about Norma’s keep coming back, even if tourists might avoid it for more exciting foreign places. It’s the type of establishment where every meal feels like a celebration of the past, and every visitor is treated like family.
10. The Jug Handle Inn
The Jug Handle Inn in Cinnaminson is more than just a dive pub; it’s famous for its chicken wings. The Jug Handle is famous for its wings, which are often named the finest in South Jersey. People who love its distinctive flavors say they are crispy and spicy. The wings are nicely cooked, and every sauce is spicy, from garlic parmesan to nuclear hot. In addition to wings, the menu has bar favorites including burgers, sandwiches, and loaded fries. The atmosphere is relaxed and filled with music.
The inside looks beautifully rustic, with license plates, neon signs, and an old-fashioned feeling of roughness. People of all kinds, from motorcyclists to families, get together at this venue because of the cuisine and the friendly atmosphere. If a local doesn’t send them in the right direction, tourists can miss it completely. But once they try those wings, they’ll get the excitement. The Jug Handle is a local legend for a good cause.
11. Scarpinato’s Cucina & Catering
If you want to eat Italian comfort cuisine, Scarpinato’s Cucina & Catering in Turnersville is the place to go. This family-owned jewel is hidden away in a little strip mall, yet it dishes up enormous tastes and even larger warmth. The menu has everything from substantial lasagna and chicken marsala to fresh-baked garlic knots and delicious tiramisu. Everything is made with love. Scarpinato’s is exceptional because it finds a good balance between history and invention. Classic dishes are maintained, yet they are given subtle, delectable changes.
Their catering service is particularly popular for family gatherings and community events, which makes them a neighborhood favorite. The environment isn’t luxurious, but you can taste the love and affection in every meal. The proprietor recalls your name, and the cuisine tastes like Grandma’s Sunday supper. Tourists don’t usually notice it, but those who live there know it’s one of the best locations to have a handmade Italian lunch.
12. Blackbird
Blackbird in Collingswood is a fancy restaurant that serves current American food with a French twist. Blackbird is known for its beautiful presentations and seasonal cuisine. The food is as good as it looks. Duck confit, filet mignon with truffle butter, and delicate seafood dishes with creative sauces are some of the most popular dishes. The simple decor and attentive staff provide for a calm, classy setting that is great for intimate dinners or parties. People love Blackbird because the chef is in charge, and locals love the attention to detail and commitment to quality.
Because it’s in a less touristy section of town, a lot of people miss this great restaurant. But for those who discover it, Blackbird offers a dining experience that is just as good as great dining in a large metropolis. No matter how many times you’ve been here, every meal seems like a special event because of the care and talent that goes into each plate.
13. Fat Jack’s BBQ
Fat Jack’s BBQ in Turnersville is a meat lover’s dream come true, with slow-smoked meats, savory sauces, and Southern sides. This simple place has a lot of fans because its brisket, pulled pork, ribs, and burnt ends are smoked for hours until they are so good they melt in your mouth. The sides, such as baked beans, coleslaw, and cornbread, add to the experience with real tastes. The atmosphere is relaxed, and the inside smells of hickory and warmth.
Fat Jack’s is proud to do BBQ the old-fashioned way, with real wood smoke and a lot of time. Many people have made it a weekly habit to get their dose, and locals line up for it. Fat Jack’s is still doing well because of word-of-mouth and repeat customers, even if people from out of town might not see it since there are better places to dine. One mouthful is all it takes to make first-time visitors everlasting admirers. This hidden gem is what BBQ should be.
Last Thought
The eateries in Sicklerville may not have bright signage or be well-known, but they have something far more valuable: authenticity, passion, and local character that tourists typically miss. These 13 hidden jewels show off the region’s culinary character and the wide range of foods that make South Jersey a food lover’s dream. If you want to dine like a local and have meals that you’ll remember for a long time, shun the chains and find these popular places on your own.
FAQs
What kind of food is popular in Sicklerville?
Sicklerville and its surrounding areas offer a mix of Italian, American comfort food, barbecue, and international cuisines like Vietnamese and Mediterranean.
Are these restaurants family-friendly?
Yes, most of the restaurants listed are great for families, with casual atmospheres and menus that appeal to all ages.
Do these places offer vegetarian options?
Several spots, like Norma’s and Little Tuna, offer excellent vegetarian dishes alongside their meat-based entrees.
Are reservations required at these restaurants?
Not always, but it’s a good idea to call ahead, especially for places like Blackbird and Kitchen 519, which can get busy during peak hours.
Jimmie S. Medina is a seasoned food enthusiast and writer known for his vibrant takes on global cuisines. With a knack for blending culture and creativity, Jimmie’s articles offer more than recipes—they tell delicious stories. Whether it’s street food or gourmet dining, he captures the essence of food in every piece.