Some foods taste like home, and a good bowl of matzo ball soup sits right at the top of that list. In New Jersey, a handful of Jewish delis still ladle it out the old-fashioned way, with real broth and matzo balls big enough to need a plan.
These six spots stretch from Newark to Monmouth County to Bergen County, and each one brings its own personality to the table. Grab a spoon, a pickle, and maybe a friend, because some of these bowls are built for sharing.
1. Harold’s New York Deli, Edison, NJ
Bring backup to this one. The matzo ball soup at Harold’s comes in a serving big enough to feed a small crowd, with a matzo ball roughly the size of a volleyball floating in the middle.
Harold’s is a kosher-style deli with diner-style digs, and everything here leans toward supersized. The pastrami and corned beef sandwiches are stacked so high they look like a dare.
The broth is rich and full of flavor, which keeps the giant matzo ball from being just a gimmick. A free pickle bar adds to the fun, and the soup lineup goes beyond matzo ball to include options like pastrami soup.
The menu also covers potato knishes, mini potato pancakes with applesauce, chocolate chip pancakes, and a chocolate fudge layer cake for anyone saving room.
Harold’s sits at 1173 King Georges Post Rd and is open daily from 7 AM to 9 PM. Weekend afternoons get busy, so Monday morning is the calm window.
Expect to spend about $20 to $40 per person, and plan to leave with leftovers.
2. Hobby’s Delicatessen & Restaurant, Newark, NJ
Since 1962, Hobby’s has been feeding downtown Newark, and it still puts pickles right on the table before you even order.
That kind of tradition shows up in the soup, too. The matzo ball soup is a steady favorite, served alongside potato pancakes, knishes, and pastrami on rye in portions that lean generous.
The famous move here is the corned beef and pastrami on rye with slaw and Russian-style 1000 Island dressing. The #5 sandwich has a loyal following, and a chocolate chip cookie makes a sweet finish.
The room has been renovated, but the family feel stays. Hobby’s is also a classic pregame stop before Devils and Nets games at the nearby arena.
Timing matters at 32 Branford Pl. Hours run Monday through Friday from 8 AM to 2:30 PM and Saturday from 11 AM to 3:30 PM, and it is closed Sundays.
Friday and Saturday afternoons draw the biggest crowds.
3. The Pickled Herring, Morganville, NJ
A deli named after a fish in cream sauce clearly takes its traditions seriously. And yes, the Pickled Herring in Cream Sauce really is on the menu.
This Route 9 stop in Morganville brings a New York deli feel to Monmouth County. The matzo ball soup is well seasoned without being too salty, and the matzo ball is big, light, and fluffy.
Fans of the matzo ball alone can order it as a side without soup. Mushroom barley soup is another classic option on colder days.
The menu goes deep with hot corned beef sandwiches, tongue sandwiches, turkey London broil with onions, potato pancakes, and homemade knishes. It is a full-service spot that handles breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Families will find high chairs and a kids’ menu, and reservations are accepted. The Pickled Herring is open daily from 8 AM to 8 PM at 96 US-9, with plenty of free parking.
4. Goodman’s Deli & Restaurant, Berkeley Heights, NJ
Traditional Jewish delis are harder to find than they used to be, which makes Goodman’s a welcome stop in Union County.
The matzo ball soup here has its own twist. The matzo balls arrive in a hearty chicken broth with orzo and vegetables, so the bowl eats almost like a meal.
Freshly roasted meats anchor the sandwich board, and the lean pastrami gets plenty of attention. For something bolder, the Chopped Liver and Pastrami combo pairs two deli icons.
The Smoked Whitefish Salad Platter offers a lighter path. Freshly brewed iced tea and friendly table service round things out.
Goodman’s sits at 400 Springfield Ave and keeps a schedule worth checking. It is closed Mondays, open Tuesday 8 AM to 4 PM, Wednesday through Saturday 8 AM to 8 PM, and Sunday 8 AM to 3 PM.
Free parking makes a quick lunch easy.
5. Kosher Nosh Deli Restaurant & Catering, Glen Rock, NJ
Strip-mall settings can fool you. Kosher Nosh in Glen Rock is a longtime kosher deli with a strong Ashkenazi focus, and its matzo ball soup is often called the gold standard.
The broth is rich and comforting, and the matzo ball comes out perfectly tender.
A small slaw and pickle bar sets the tone. From there, the overstuffed pastrami and corned beef sandwiches take center stage, with corned beef on rye as a top pick.
I like this stop for the deep bench of old-world sides. Kasha knish, stuffed derma, house chopped liver, and old-fashioned rugelach all appear on the menu, plus smoked fish platters and a solid tuna salad.
The room is casual and quiet, with high chairs and a kids’ menu. Reservations are not taken, but the free lot at 894 Prospect St usually has space.
Hours run daily from 8 AM to 7 PM.
6. Foster Village Kosher Delicatessen, Bergenfield, NJ
Some delis chase trends. Foster Village feels happily stuck in a 1965 mood, with a small, no-frills room and warm, friendly service.
The matzo ball soup is the kind people mention to the owner on the way out. The matzo balls are super light, and the soup stands with the other classics here like potato salad and knishes.
Knish fans get choices, including potato, kasha, and a homemade spinach version. Pastrami and corned beef sandwiches lead the menu, and tongue sandwiches are available for traditionalists.
Soup lovers can also try split pea or chicken noodle. Smoked whitefish and cold cuts are easy to take home.
This is also the most budget-friendly stop on the list, at roughly $10 to $20 per person. Find it at 469 S Washington Ave, open Monday through Saturday 8 AM to 6 PM and Sunday until 5 PM.
Saturday mornings get busy, and parking is free.
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