NJ Restaurant On List Of Nation's Top Family-Run Spots

NEW JERSEY - Known for diners, it may be a surprise for many to hear that the number one family-run restaurant in New Jersey is not a typical "breakfast for dinner" style spot.

Digital food journal, loveFOOD, released their list of the top family-run restaurants in the United States for 2025, slotting the Garden State at number 28 with a flair of Cuban flavor.

Highlighting Hoboken's entrepreneurial small business scene is "La Isla," the Cuban eatery that has been serving diners since 1970.

The term "small business" takes on an extra meaning in the case of La Isla, which has available seating for just 39 visitors. According to loveFOOD, the tender ropa vieja (stewed beef and tomatoes) and traditional Cuban sandwich are both staples that are well worth any kind of wait.

La Isla welcomes diners to bring their own alcohol to their BYOB restaurant that also has a brunch menu on Sundays.

"With a staff that averages over 10 years at La Isla, it’s an organic place where you will always run into a familiar face both in front and behind the counter," the restaurant's website proudly says of its atomosphere.

La Isla is located at 104 Washington Street in Hoboken, and serves guests every day of the week.

This year, Maine's "Isa Bistro" topped the loveFood rankings for family-run restaurants. Since 2015, the husband and wife ownership team has been known for their fresh, farm-to-table seafood like grilled shrimp and polenta, and lobster linguine.

The loveFOOD rankings are based on verified user reviews, awards and recognitions received by the restaurants and loveFOOD's first-hand evaluations.

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