It’s official. LeBron James will bring his talents to Philadelphia.
And though the Sixers might play in the city of brotherly love, they practice in nearby Camden—meaning James will spend extended time in New Jersey. Maybe he’ll even choose to live here as many Philadelphia athletes do.
So, as a LeBron fan first and a New Jersey food writer second, I consider it my duty to help the King out. Here’s where LeBron James should dine in the Philly suburbs of South Jersey.
Zeppoli – Collingswood
Years ago, I called Zeppoli the best Italian restaurant in Philly. I stand by that. Home-style Sicilian cooking by Chef Joey Baldino, served in an unfussy setting. Bring your own wine, order the braised rabbit, and revel in what is one of the nation’s best Italian dining experiences.
As a bonus, Baldino owns a members-only bar and restaurant called Palizzi Social Club in South Philly. I have a membership and can bring a guest. Just saying.
Bricco – Haddon Twp.
Bricco is your move for artisan coal-fired pizza that blurs the line between old-school Neapolitan and contemporary options alike. Earlier this year, Bricco was named the No. 31 pizza in the country by 50 Top Pizza.
Gass & Main – Haddonfield
Chef Dane DeMarco keeps regulars coming back at this New American BYO, which serves everything from deviled eggs with smoked cheddar cheese and juicy hand-formed burgers made with grass fed beef, to char-grilled pork chops and lemon pepper pollock “wings.”
Jersey Kebab – Collingswood
Passed down Turkish recipes are the heart and soul of Jersey Kebab, anchored in Collingswood. Enjoy a variety of classic dishes like cheese borek, char-grilled eggplant, tomato-smothered iskender kebab, and lamb shish kebab.
June BYOB – Collingswood
Chef Richard Cusack goes all in on haute dining at his posh French restaurant in downtown Collingswood. Dine spiral-plated escargot with bordelaise and mushroom, lobster thermidor, and beef wellington, but if you really want a treat, book the Duck a la Presse—a three-course meal centered around a tableside roast duck. It’s one of the only restaurants in the country doing this classic preparation.
Dolsot House – Cherry Hill
Who doesn’t like Korean food? Bubbling stone pots, filled with Korean bibimbap, and spicy stir-fired pork are just the start at this low-key authentic Korean outpost in a Cherry Hill strip mall. Pro tip: get the chicken wings.
Donkey’s Place – Camden
This is New Jersey’s most sought after cheesesteak—and it’s nothing like a typical cheesesteak you’ll find in Philly. Instead, Donkey’s Place piles thin-sliced ribeye high on a poppy seed round roll, topped with slow-cooked onions and cheese. But don’t take my word for it: It was the late Anthony Bourdain’s favorite cheesesteak. That’s high praise.
Radin’s Delicatessen – Cherry Hill
Classic Jewish deli fare made by a James Beard-nominated chef? That sounds pretty great to me. And Chef Russ Cowan is still doing things the old-school way, serving spreads of house-smoked pastrami, corned beef, chopped liver, kishka (meal sausage), and a variety of smoked fish.
Hearthside – Collingswood
The Collingswood BYOB is best known for Chef Dominic Piperno’s contemporary take on live-fire cooking. The flavors lean into Piperno’s Italian roots without constricting to them—boasting a combination of ingredients and techniques found across the globe on an rotating seasonal menu.
Nan Xiang Soup Dumplings – Cherry Hill
This is the go-to for dim sum in the area. Nan Xiang first opened in Queens in 2006, quickly earning a reputation for NYC’s best soup dumplings. Since, they’ve expanded to South Jersey. The Cherry Hill location boasts the same hand-made dumplings, shredded pig ears, stir-fried rice cakes, pan-fried noodles, and more.
Haddon Culinary – Collingswood, Haddonfield
This boutique grocer is a one-stop shop for everything from chef-made prepared meals—perfect for meal prep—hand-butchered meats, cheese, charcuterie, specialty items, and more. Their Haddonfield location even features a cutlet bar, allowing diners to customize chicken and eggplant cutlets as they see fit.
Peter Candia is the Food + Drink Editor at New Jersey Digest. A graduate of The Culinary Institute of America, Peter found a passion for writing midway through school and never looked back. He is a former line cook, server and bartender at top-rated restaurants in the tri-state area. In addition to food, Peter enjoys politics, music, sports and anything New Jersey.
