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    Tops Diner

    4.4 (5.1k reviews)
    Open 8:00 am - 11:00 pm

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    TOPS DINER ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Casual
    Moderate noise
    Outdoor seating
    Good for groups

    Recommended Reviews - Tops Diner

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    Reviews With Photos

    Crab & Shrimp Bisque
    Camille R.

    I've eaten at Tops Diner several times over the years, and I always order the same thing: Penne alla Vodka with grilled shrimp. It's my favorite dish there, and it's consistently been excellent. As a special treat while driving back to New York from South Jersey, my family and I decided to stop at Tops Diner for dinner. Since it was a Saturday night and I know how busy they can get, I made a 9:30 PM reservation. After a two-hour drive, we arrived on time and were looking forward to a great meal. I ordered my usual Penne alla Vodka with grilled shrimp, while my kids decided to try something new: Pasta Alfredo with grilled shrimp and Amazon Fried Rice. The food arrived fairly quickly, but when the server brought my dish to the table, it came with grilled chicken instead of grilled shrimp. I informed the server that the order was incorrect, and he promptly took it back. A few moments later, the waiter who had taken my order came to the table with the dish and insisted that he had repeated my order twice and that I had confirmed it. I respectfully disagreed and explained that I never order chicken. Even my husband chimed in and confirmed that I always order the shrimp version. Despite this, the waiter continued to insist that the mistake was mine. It was frustrating because I didn't drive two hours and make a reservation to eat something I didn't order. Eventually, I received the correct dish, and as always, the Penne alla Vodka with grilled shrimp was delicious and exactly what I was looking forward to. Unfortunately, the interaction with the waiter left a sour note on an otherwise enjoyable meal. The food remains excellent, but being challenged over an obvious ordering mistake was disappointing and unnecessary.

    Crispy Catfish & Grits
    Evin G.

    The absolute best diner I've been to. The place itself is stunning. It's newly renovated but still has a diner feel, just with some upgrades like a live DJ and a solarium-like addition. Parking is also highly convenient. The menu is extensive and I can't wait to go back to try everything they have. There are the classic breakfast items of course, but they also have some innovative dishes or familiar dishes with a spin. I ordered the jerk chicken pasta which was spicy, so flavorful and also a great portion size. Others in our party ordered pancakes, which were so fluffy, eggs, fried chicken, fried catfish and more. Everything was fried to perfection and the catfish tasted like it had literally just jumped out of the ocean. Our waiter was super nice and we had a big party so I'm sure it wasn't easy. My only suggestion is that they make their hot drinks hotter. Other than that, I'd seriously come back every weekend.

    Chicken parm with pasta (big enough to serve two)
    Peter K.

    Tops is the tops of all NJ diners. We had a special event near by, needed a good place to celebrate and eat well. Based on prior experiences, we made a reservation which saved us. Place gets packed despite the many tables. Service was amazing, food was great (slightly higher prices than others, but the quality execution and quantity balanced it out). We had cornbread (very good), fries (was fine), chicken parm with pasta (we asked for vodka sauce which they accommodated for small charge), fried chicken (must have), churrasco steak breakfast and turkey club. No false notes that we could tell. Some standouts were mashed potatoes (really good), cornbread (toasted and slight sweet, with strawberry butter which was wild), whole wheat bread toasted (it was good I tell you) and fried chicken (it will haunt me in my hungry moments). Didn't think a diner would impact me as much, but they over delivered. Go, but make a reservation unless you want to wait.

    Crab and Shrimp Bisque
    Julian R.

    Top tier experience from a diner with great food. Was very surprised when even looking at the menu. In had steak and eggs and my family had the Rasta Pasta, Some drinks and our server was the vibe. I will definitely search this place out everytime I get to Jersey.

    Spinach & Artichoke Dip App
    Luckens L.

    The new Tops Diner is everything you want from a diner and then some! If you haven't been yet you're missing out The wait was longer than expected but being a Saturday afternoon that's understandable. Menu is filled with great cocktails, lemonades, and delicious bites from you to choose from. 4

    Cappuccino
    Rhea Z.

    Amazing! If only I lived closer..I'd probably be here once a week lol. Service was great. Our server was so sweet and was always checking up on us. The interior is so retro, but like an upgraded modern retro if that makes sense lol. They have a full bar and a take out area. Huge parking lot. Food was so good. I got the Dominican breakfast which was yummy. I'd love to come back to try more of the menu--just overall a great experience for a diner.

    Karina F.

    I don't come to Tops Diner very often, but every time I do, I'm reminded why it's so popular. One of my favorite things is the huge variety on the menu. It's perfect when you're with a group because everyone can order something completely different and still leave happy. They also offer both indoor and outdoor seating, which is a nice option depending on the weather or your preference. The service has always been friendly and attentive , and the food never disappoints.

    Tops breakfast sandwich - turkey bacon, avocado, lettuce, and the freshest eggs you'll ever have. On brioche.
    Christie S.

    This food is stupid good, y'all. Best French toast I've ever had. (Soaked in a vanilla bourbon custard.) Best hash browns I've ever had. (Don't let the modest name scare you. Crispy crunchy tasty goodness.) Best cold-pressed juice I've ever had. (Californication - nice 90s reference btw = Orange, carrot, apple, celery, ginger) Best server I've ever had. When you come, ask if Virginia is working and get seated in her section. (Dear Tops manager, please give Virginia a raise and have her train new staff.) She was warm, funny, helpful, attentive, and sweet. Pro Tip: Ask to sit in "the garden," the new three-season patio, which is super pretty, cozy, and a lot quieter than the main restaurant. But only if Virginia is working there, otherwise go to her section. I'm a NJ native. My diner bar is pretty damn high. So it's no small thing that we are already thinking about cancelling our dinner reservations and coming back here tonight. Husband's take pretty much says it all: "People should come to Newark just to eat."

    Kale Salad
    Grace Nicole C.

    I've always heard good things about this place so I decided to give it a try! I went on a Monday afternoon/night, we made a reservation so we were seated right away, but it did take them some time to come to our table to take our order. Our waitress didn't check on us, so we had to call her over to put in one more order and to get the check, which wasn't great as you could see other tables were getting checked in on regularly. The kale salad was okay. Nothing impressive, especially for the price (it was over $20 as I added chicken). They have a pretty big space, so it is good for bigger groups. However, they have a limit on your reservation, so you can only have the table for an hour and a half, which I understand is to continue people moving, but it makes the experience feel rushed.

    Nick S.

    Tops Diner is a modern take on the classic American diner, combining the familiar comfort food menu with a much larger and more polished restaurant experience. We walked into a space that feels very different from a traditional neighborhood diner, with a spacious layout, updated design, and a lively atmosphere that makes it feel more like a full-service restaurant. The room has a contemporary energy, with bright lighting and a bustling crowd that adds to the sense of occasion. The menu is also much larger than expected, covering everything from breakfast classics to burgers, seafood, pasta, and desserts. The biggest highlight is the variety of food options. There is a lot to choose from, and the portions are noticeably generous. The diner classics are where the restaurant feels most comfortable, with dishes like chicken and waffles and French toast fitting naturally into the concept. The chicken and waffles arrived with a crispy exterior and a juicy interior, the syrup adding a sweet contrast that balanced the savory notes. The French toast was rich and well executed, with a custardy interior and a caramelized exterior that made it a satisfying choice. The menu also has more elevated options like lobster mac and cheese and pasta dishes, which give it more range than a typical diner. The lobster mac and cheese was creamy and indulgent, with generous chunks of lobster that made it feel more substantial than a standard side. The atmosphere is one of the strongest parts of the experience. The restaurant is large, modern, and has a lot of energy, especially during busy hours. It can get loud when crowded, but that also adds to the lively diner feel. The space is well designed and feels like a place where you could come for a casual meal or a bigger celebration. Service was efficient during our visit, and the staff kept things moving despite the size and popularity of the restaurant. The team handled the steady flow with a practiced rhythm, and the pacing of the meal stayed comfortable even as the dining room filled up. The biggest thing to plan for is the wait. Tops Diner is extremely popular, especially during peak times, so making a reservation can save a lot of time. The restaurant is large, but the demand matches the reputation, and the turnover moves quickly enough that even without a reservation, the wait does not feel excessive. The pricing is higher than a traditional diner, but the portions and overall experience help justify it. Some menu items can add up quickly with upgrades or extras, so it is worth paying attention when ordering. Still, the combination of food variety, atmosphere, and service makes it stand out. Tops Diner is a great example of how a classic diner concept can be expanded into something much bigger. It keeps the comfort food appeal while adding a more modern restaurant experience. The large menu, generous portions, and energetic atmosphere make it a spot worth visiting, especially if you plan ahead for the crowds.

    Hungry!
    Hayre D.

    Tops Diner continues to set the standard for what a modern diner experience should be--elevated, consistent, and service-driven. On this visit, Peter was exceptional. Attentive without intrusion, polished yet personable, and genuinely engaging. His energy carried the experience in a way that felt effortless, not performative. It's rare to encounter service that feels both refined and warm, but he struck that balance perfectly. The menu continues to impress. The warm butter lobster roll was indulgent and beautifully executed--buttery, tender, and rich without being overwhelming. The ube shake was equally memorable--luxurious in texture, subtly sweet, and a standout for anyone looking for something beyond the expected. I also appreciated the Meditation cold-pressed juice, which was clean, vibrant, and thoughtfully composed--a refreshing counterpoint to the richness of the meal. Tops Diner doesn't just serve food--it curates an experience. From service to execution, it consistently delivers at a level that keeps me coming back.

    Lil Caesar Salad Very fresh and bright! Not little at all.
    Amanda G.

    I just feel like if you ain't dropping 5 stars on this piece of culinary Eden you're a hater. I've been dying to go here for years even before the remodel and yesterday my cousin made it happen. We met up after my doctors appointment in West Orange (btw it's DIABOLICAL my doc said he'd get me for an endoscopy and a colonoscopy on the same day. From the rooter to the tooter ya feel me?!?). We arrived at the same time - EARLY. That's what we we call ::growth:: as we're both chronically late to everything. Look at us growing up in our late 40s lmmaaoooo. Apparently this restaurant considers the 3 season room as "part of the restaurant" when you ask for a table which is cute but baybeh it was 30 degrees yesterday. Ain't enough heat lamps in the world to make a sunroom ok in that weather. We waited for another table which put us back in the queue. Except the bar stools were open so we posted up to eat and drink there. Here's the rundown: --Sit at the bar. The service was outstanding. The bar is beautiful and gives a deco vibe. The stools were high, firm, and super comfortable. Even with no back support 3 hours sitting (mind your business) was super comfortable. Related, --My fellow fats: a variety of seating options. The booths looked alright but I'm unclear if the tables in them were movable. They had high bar tables and high chairs with generous seats. They also had tons of table height chairs with half circular arms. The sunroom chairs were almost like patio furniture with arms so even if the weather was warmer I likely would have asked for different seating. If I'm enjoying a night out I would like to Fat in Peace and not have to worry about hard plastic or metal digging in my thighs. Food: Followed their IG for years and still menu panicked. I opted to start with a lil Caesar salad and the General James honey wings and a cocktail with the idea to reassess as the night went on. Girl please I was stuffed to the gills. Sensational. My cousin ordered fries, a salmon kale Caesar and a lemonade with vodka sidecar. I love her. For dessert (omg I just remembered as I lay in bed yeessssss) I got the blueberry cornbread special to go. Bout to heat it up with my coffee ret now for brekkie. This place was awesome. I know long time Newark residents have feelings about the revamp so I won't debate that but it was an incredible experience and I look forward to returning! Good to know: AMPLE FREE ONSITE PARKING DEDICATED TAKE-OUT WINDOW DJ BOOTH SPAGHETTI WITH CATFISH I will not elaborate iykyk

    Tiramisu
    Gerald N.

    4.75 stars. My 11 year update! Last here 6/11/15 (rated 3.5 stars). Since then, Tops Diner has had a major overhaul and redesign. Still with lots of parking spots. Was told our wait would be 1.5-2 hours but the line moved quickly and ended up being 1 hour. Most impressive - Service was noticeably better, more timely, friendly and a lot of workers. Even the table turnover service was very quick and efficient. Hostess did a great job with crowd management as well since there were literally people coming in and out every minute. Whoever the manager/owner is and retrained staff did an EXCEPTIONAL job! Vibe - Had a DJ in house for V-day. Setting was beautiful with ample walking space inside, space between tables, and a ton of tables. Bathrooms were upscale as well. This reminded me of an expensive NYC restaurant. 1. Firecracker Shrimp - Delicious, hint of spice, came with some greens, tons of flavor. 2. Hong Kong Fried Rice - Large portion, good to split between 3-4 people. Salty, which is the drawback to dishes here. Lots of ingredients mixed in. 3. Lobster Mac - Good sized pieces of lobster. Creamy and full sized macaroni. Also salty. Didn't taste salty eating it but afterwards was super thirsty at night. 4. Tiramisu - 3/5. Not that great, was too dry and the ingredient mix was not right. Had way better elsewhere. 5. Chocolate cake - 5/5. Sweet, heavy, packed with chocolate flavor, loved the shaved pieces on top. Got a size of vanilla ice cream with this and it was very creamy and deliciouls. Overall, would love to come back here to chomp away at their huge menu! Great redesign and retraining of staff!

    Shanghai Steak Bowl

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    Tops Diner Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Tops Diner

    Good day! I was wondering if you accept American Express credit card as a form of payment? Thank you.

    Yes. I used Amex here.

    Are there any gluten free options & do they take any precautions to prevent cross contamination?

    I'm not sure but you can check their menu online in order to see any Gluten free food.

    Do you guys have bottomless mimosas?

    No they do not.

    My two boys are on birthday today, I would like to know if the restaurant can prepare something for them?

    Let your server know (you'll get a birthday song at dessert) or you can use their reservation system and add a note about the birthday.

    I would like to know when are some of the items that was my favorites will be on the menu? Items ( Strawberry Shortcake, Braised Short Ribs, Pork Chops and Stir Fry)? All the…

    They Scaled Back The Menu ALOT!!! I Think The SB SCake Is Still There.

    Any way to make a reservation?

    Call them.

    Are you they doing indoor dining?

    Yes

    Is there outdoor dining after the remodel? I read there was an outdoor patio being added?

    Yes, actually they have some benches and tables set up and also a pick up window on the outside. Looks really cool. I checked the website and they are only doing Uber eats for this week but I stumbled on their new menu as well. Looks more or less… 

    Ia this location open as of September 2021?

    I don't think that previous answer is correct. They are in the process of remodeling. Been calling everyday lol and no answer and they haven't made any announcements on the IG page. Every other source says temporarily closed.

    Do they have outdoor dining?

    Only Indoor dining.

    Do they offer anything gluten free?

    They have rice and beans, corn tortillas, non-breaded potatoes, hash browns, grilled veggies and salad. I am not sure if they have gluten free pasta/bread.

    Did the location complete the announced expansion and renovation?

    looked the same the last time I stopped by back in September

    Is there off street parking?

    Yes, they have a large parking lot ☺️

    Do they serve any vegan options?

    Yes! They serve Beyond burger, besides other vegan dishes as well, salads and rice/pasta dishes without meat. I usually ask for the Burger Salad with Beyond burger replacement.

    Do they have any keto friendly food?

    Seriously? It's a diner! Go away, fool!

    How is it being a vegetarian here?

    Reasonable, you can def make it work. Salad, eggs Benedict, home fries, toast etc. you can make it work.

    Jimmy G! What happened to the coconut custard man!?? It was phenomenal but it's discontinued?

    The next time I go, I can take a look and let you know.

    Is this in east Newark or Harrison nj?

    East Newark. They boarder each other, Harrison is about 6 blocks away right where Harrison ave. intersects 280.

    What happened to the non sauce buffalo wings? Used to get them all the time several years ago because of the great flavor and recipe but they just stopped selling them cold turkey?

    Tops is the kind of diner that will guve you anything you request if you just ask be it on the menu or not.

    Don’t See Your Question? Ask Away!

    La Fiamma - Linguini Con Vongole

    La Fiamma

    4.5(214 reviews)
    0.5 mi
    $$

    We found this place by accident a few years ago on a work trip and had to come back again. It is an…read more"old school" family recipes, incredible service, fantastic food, and simply an amazing restaurant. My only concern is that they don't see to be busy enough for how good they are! We had 6 of us. Every single thing everyone ordered looked incredible. (I mean, I don't really care for muscles, but I could absolutely see the love cooked into even that dish.) I wish them every success and I'm already looking forward to visiting again next time I'm in the area!

    "Would you like some lemoncello? Orangcello? Anythingvello?"…read more Angelo, one of the owners, is talking to the table next to us, but already I know I've found a second home. "You won't want to cook anymore" he tells us a bit later. He's not wrong. I had the fish special, cod, served puttanesca, with mash potatoes and spinach. He had the rigatoni bolognese. Perfectly cooked pasta. "Everything is homemade," Angelo explained later. Smart and fairly well-priced wine list. We asked why the 2020 Carparzo Brunello di Montalcino was so low priced, and learned the wine has been priced the same since their father closed their Upper East Side location and the kids opened in Newark. "New York food at NJ prices," Angelo explained. "I've never had tiramisu I've liked better", husband told me. "I've never had flan Ive liked better" I told him. (It is coconut flan.) Great service. Wonderful spot. And Bon Jovi has been in twice, most recently he brought his wife. Enough said.

    Photos
    La Fiamma
    La Fiamma - Chicken Parmigiana sandwich

    Chicken Parmigiana sandwich

    La Fiamma - We were coming from a Jets game and looked up good Italian restaurants on Yelp. Everyone mentioned La Fiamma. It's great!

    See all

    We were coming from a Jets game and looked up good Italian restaurants on Yelp. Everyone mentioned La Fiamma. It's great!

    Hamburgao - Large fries

    Hamburgao

    2.8(143 reviews)
    1.0 mi
    $

    Have been here a few times before and have never been disappointed. They have two location, one in…read moreNewark and the second one here in Kearny. I saw some complaints about service here but our experience was just fine. Quick and extra helpful. I had the cheeseburger and an order of fries. To drink I had an orange smoothie mixed with condensed milk. The cheeseburger was very good, it had mayo, corn, mozzarella cheese, lettuce and tomato. The fries were very good as well, huge portion. The drink was good but the only complaint I have was that it was a bit warm. Other than that it was good. The place is aging a little but the food is very good. As far as fast food goes this is a pretty good option. Parking is tough but there is a town lot across the street.

    I came in expecting a pleasant dining experience, but unfortunately, the service left a lot to be…read moredesired. We sat down to take a moment to decide what we wanted, and the woman attending to us immediately came across as rude and unwelcoming. Unfortunately, the experience didn't improve when we placed our order--the staff member at the front was equally dismissive and unpleasant. Good food can only go so far when the hospitality is lacking. The attitude we experienced made us feel uncomfortable and unwelcome, which is especially disappointing in the food-service industry. Professionalism and basic courtesy should be part of the experience, regardless of how busy the establishment may be. Based on this visit, the service needs significant improvement.

    Photos
    Hamburgao
    Hamburgao - Cheeseburger

    Cheeseburger

    Hamburgao - Orange smoothie

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    Orange smoothie

    Tops Diner - diners - Updated August 2026

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