Mexican - The common Mexican food served in the U.S. is actually uncommon in Mexico, but probably originated from New Mexico.  In contrast to Mexican restaurants prevalent in the Western part of the U.S., the Mexican food offered in the NJ and the NYC area may be part of a Latin American menu, which would include food from Peru, Colombia, etc.

Chipotle	An excellent and healthy fast food chain restaurant, available throughout Manhattan.  Very reasonable.
QDoba	Similar to Chipotle, but less generous portions
Toro Loco	A full service restaurant and bar in South Orange, NJ - suprisingly authentic and good.  Order a margarita and relax...

Pizza - The trick to great pizza is a (1) crust that is good to eat by itself, a (2) sauce that is well spiced and balanced, (3) cheese that is fresh and of superior quality, and (4) proper baking process.  Any variety is then based on personal taste, as long as those four requirements are met.

Maplewood Pizzeria & Family Restaurant	Near Columbia High School - 513 Valley Street, Maplewood, NJ 07040  (973) 378-8588
Bunny's Restaurant	Family oriented. Walk through the bar to get to the dining area.  12 South Orange Avenue, South Orange, NJ 07079  (973) 763-1377
Tratoria Gian Marco	Also an outstanding Italian restaurant.  301 Millburn Avenue, Millburn, NJ 07041  (973) 467-5818
Michael's Pizzeria	669 Bloomfield Avenue, West Caldwell, NJ 07006  973-226-8862
Italia Pizzeria	48 Washington Street, Bloomfield, NJ 07003
Alba Ristorante & Pizzeria	There is also a great Italian pastry shop next door and a nice Russian groceries store on the same block - 137-65 Queens Blvd., Jamaica, NY 11435  718-291-1620
Paulies Pizza	34-36 Easton Avenue, New Brunswick, NJ 08901  732-227-0900
Santino's	Brick oven baked. Whole wheat pizza crust that is light! 34 S. Livingston Avenue, Livingston, NJ 973-992-7999

Middle Eastern - Our priorities are great falafel, mediterranian salad, stuffed grape leaves (dolma), baklawa (baklava), strong fresh coffee, and mint tea. 

Jerusalem Restaurant	Also has excellent sushi and pizza.  The noodle kugel is out of this world - never had any better!!!   99 West Mount Pleasant Avenue (Rt. 10) Livingston, NJ 07039  973-533-1424    http://www.jerusalem-restaurant.com/
Ali Baba	Great falafel, etc. 126 Macdougal Street in the Village

Vietnamese - A wonderful cuisine influenced by Asian, Tropical, and French tastes.

The Little Saigon	It was not easy finding this excellent and authentic place - better appreciate it!  Still, wish they had more shellfish offered...  19 Elm St., Montclair, NJ 07042  973-783-3914