Fort Lee has long been known as the gateway to the George Washington Bridge, but ask anyone who lives here what they actually love about the borough, and the answer almost always starts with food. The restaurant scene is extraordinary — a reflection of the town's incredible cultural diversity, with Korean cuisine taking center stage alongside Italian, Japanese, Latin American, and modern American dining.
Living in Fort Lee means you are minutes from dozens of excellent restaurants. Here is a curated guide to the best places to eat right now, organized by cuisine and style.
Korean BBQ: The Crown Jewel of Fort Lee Dining
Fort Lee is home to one of the best concentrations of Korean restaurants outside of Manhattan's Koreatown. The main dining corridors along Bergen Boulevard and Lemoine Avenue are lined with authentic Korean spots that draw food lovers from across the region.
- Obaltan (4.5 stars, 576 reviews) — The gold standard for Korean barbecue in Fort Lee. Generous portions of marinated beef short ribs, pork belly, and seafood. The banchan (side dishes) alone are worth the trip.
- Wooga (4.3 stars, 432 reviews) — Fort Lee's go-to for Korean BBQ with a lively atmosphere. Perfect for group dinners and celebrations.
- Q Grill (4.5 stars, 67 reviews) — Korean BBQ with a seafood twist. The grilled scallops and octopus are standouts.
- ONGA (4.7 stars, 62 reviews) — Specializing in galbijjim (braised beef short ribs) and authentic Korean soups. A newer addition that has quickly earned a following.
- Sa Rit Gol (4.4 stars, 378 reviews) — A beloved local institution serving classic Korean dishes. Consistent, comforting, and always busy.
Korean Soul Food: Soups, Noodles, and Home-Style Cooking
Beyond the grill, Fort Lee's Korean culinary scene offers incredible depth in soups, stews, and home-style cooking:
- BCD Tofu House (4.2 stars, 61 reviews) — 1640 Schlosser Street. The go-to spot for soon tofu (silken tofu stew). Expect bubbling hot pots, perfectly cooked rice, and all the classic banchan.
- So Kong Dong — Another popular destination for Korean tofu stew and seafood pancakes.
- Ahjae Gookbap — Traditional Korean soup and rice dishes. The name literally translates to "soup and rice," and they deliver on both.
- Grandma's Bapsang — Classic Korean home-style cooking, exactly the kind of meal you would get at a family dinner table.
- Busan Gukbap — 2444 Lemoine Avenue. Traditional Korean soup from the Busan region. Hearty and deeply flavorful.
- Myung Dong Noodle House (4.1 stars, 64 reviews) — 2013 Lemoine Avenue. Authentic Korean noodles, including japchae and cold buckwheat noodles.
- Boom Boom Chicken — Korean fried chicken at its finest. Crispy, saucy, and perfect with a cold beer.
Modern and Elevated Korean Dining
Fort Lee's dining scene is not just about traditional Korean food. Several restaurants are pushing Korean cuisine in new, creative directions:
- Sikgam (4.7 stars) — Modern, elevated traditional Korean cuisine. Beautiful plating, seasonal ingredients, and a refined atmosphere that makes it perfect for date night.
- Bada Story — Korean-style sushi and seafood featuring fish imported from South Korea. The omakase experience here rivals anything in Manhattan at a fraction of the price.
Italian and Steakhouse Dining
Fort Lee's Italian heritage runs deep, and the borough has several excellent Italian restaurants:
- LaNoma Italian Steakhouse — 2010 Hudson Street. Fine Italian dining with a modern steakhouse twist. The dry-aged steaks and house-made pasta are exceptional. LaNoma is also featured in our local business spotlights.
- Prime & Beyond — Main Street steakhouse offering prime cuts in an elegant setting.
- Franco's Metro Restaurant (4.5 stars, 132 reviews) — 1475 Bergen Boulevard. Italian classics, pizza, and a warm neighborhood bar atmosphere.
- In Napoli — Classic Italian restaurant and banquet hall that has been a Fort Lee staple for years.
Japanese: Ramen and Sushi
Fort Lee's Japanese food scene may be smaller than its Korean counterpart, but the quality is outstanding:
- Menya Sandaime — Authentic Japanese ramen with rich, deeply flavored broths. The tonkotsu and shoyu ramen are the standouts.
- Sushi Aoki — An intimate 10-seat sushi restaurant that offers an omakase experience showcasing the freshest fish. Reservations are essential.
Casual and Global Flavors
Fort Lee's dining scene extends well beyond Asian cuisine. Here are some more excellent options:
- Ventanas Restaurant and Lounge — 200 Park Avenue. Upscale dining and cocktails with a modern American menu. The rooftop views are a bonus.
- Cap't Loui — 210 Main Street. Cajun seafood boils in the New Orleans style. Crawfish, shrimp, crab legs, and housemade sauces.
- Soup Dumpling Plus — Shanghainese soup dumplings that rival the best in Chinatown. Also serves excellent noodle dishes and pan-fried buns.
- Hiram's Roadstand (4.4 stars, 206 reviews) — A Fort Lee institution. Classic American hot dogs, burgers, and fries in a no-frills setting that has been serving the community for decades.
- It's Greek To Me — Greek dining with fresh ingredients and generous portions.
- El Asadero Mexican Grill — 2052 Hudson Street. Authentic Mexican cuisine with excellent tacos, burritos, and margaritas.
Where Are the Best Dining Corridors?
Fort Lee's restaurants are concentrated along three main corridors. Bergen Boulevard is the epicenter of Korean dining, especially between Lemoine Avenue and Main Street. Lemoine Avenue offers a mix of Korean, Japanese, and Italian restaurants. Main Street is where you will find many of the newer, trendier spots, including Prime & Beyond and Ventanas.
For a broader look at the area's dining scene, check out our brunch guide and local business spotlights.
The Bottom Line: Fort Lee Is a Food Lover's Town
For anyone who loves eating out, Fort Lee is one of the best towns in Bergen County to call home. The Korean dining scene alone is worth the move, but the diversity of cuisines — Italian, Japanese, Mexican, Greek, American, and more — means you will never run out of new places to try.
Whether you are a long-time resident or considering a move to Fort Lee, the restaurant scene is one of the borough's greatest assets. And if you are planning a move to the area, I would love to help you find a home within walking distance of your new favorite restaurant.