This was an amazing find just a walk away from the Hilton hotel. I have some memories of great NY style delis when visiting family and hearing from my dad about specific sandwiches that you cannot find anywhere else in NY/NJ. Well I found the best corn beef sandwich, pickle bar, and a classic root beer without even a drive. It looked like the ice cream and cakes were amazing but no room to try. Great service and local atmosphere! It is a must if you are in the area!!

Harold’s New York Deli has always been a special place, and with Harold’s recent passing, I sincerely hope the restaurant continues to thrive for many years to come. During our visit, we ordered the hot pastrami and tongue combo sandwich on rye, which came with a side of cole slaw — absolutely perfect. We also enjoyed a potato knish that was massive and satisfying, as well as delicious kasha varnishkes that tasted just like homemade comfort food. The hot open brisket, paired with a generous side of French fries, was tender and flavorful. Every dish was phenomenal, and the portions were enormous — true to Harold’s legendary reputation. Our party of four left completely stuffed, with enough leftovers to enjoy several more meals at home. On top of the incredible food, the waitstaff was friendly, attentive, and made us feel truly welcome throughout our meal. Harold’s remains a true gem of a restaurant. I’m grateful for the memories we made there and hopeful it continues to serve its amazing food for another 50 years and beyond.

I was expecting much higher quality pastrami given their steep prices. While the sandwich was heavily packed, it only tasted average at best. Katz Deli, despite its high prices, offers better, more flavorful, and thicker slices of pastrami. Harold's salad bar was excellent, with a wide variety of condiments. My server was attentive, checking on me regularly. The restaurant is spacious and clean, but it was pretty empty when I visited for lunch. Overall, it's more of an experience than a dining destination, and I likely won't return.

New Jersey food culture is a byproduct of the Garden State functioning as a giant suburb for the 2 greatest food cities in America, New York City and Philadelphia. You’ll find Italian sub & cheesesteak shops, bagel shops, and legendary Italian restaurants and pizzerias that will rival some of the most famous in Brooklyn, Manhattan, and South Philly. If you want something different, New Jersey is perhaps the most ethically diverse state in America with so many different cuisine options from across the world. We’re also considered the diner capital of the world. But one thing that hasn’t carried over, at least when it comes to New York food culture in particular, are those great Jewish delis. And no, I’m not talking about Jewish bagel shops but rather those that specialize in true Eastern European Jewish comfort food, like hot pastrami and corned beef on rye, matzo ball soup and borscht, kreplach and cabbage rolls, latkes and knishes, among other delightful delicacies. Outside of a couple handful of places, they really aren’t that prominent in New Jersey, as the Jewish community in the garden state is a bit more scattered compared to New York. But with every rule, there comes an exception, and in this case, it’s Harold’s in Edison. By far, the most well-known Jewish deli in New Jersey alongside Hobby’s in Newark, Harold’s was started up by a former manager of the legendary and now defunct Carnegie deli in New York. Their massive sandwiches, particularly the pastrami, has been compared with the likes of Carnegie and Katz’s in New York. While I’ve never tried those legendary New York establishments, just a couple bites into their hot pastrami and cured tongue sandwiches that I ordered and I could see why they have garnered such high praise. By far better than any pastrami sandwich I’ve had before, and legitimately one of the best sandwiches I’ve ever had of any kind. Some Jersey diners make a quality hot pastrami or corn beef sandwich, but nothing quite of this caliber. The most famous deli I’ve been to prior to this is the Millburn deli, and their sandwich's aren’t even on the same planet as Harold’s. In addition, I ordered a cup of their cold borscht, which I must admit I might like even better than the hot borscht I’ve tried in the past at several polish restaurants and delis. Their knish is the size of a dinner plate, and absolutely fantastic. Harold’s also has an incredible pickle bar, which I’m told is one of a kind. Outside of the food, the service was great and the atmosphere was clean and overall incredible. It felt like I was in one of those iconic places in Manhattan with all the incredible New York themed memorabilia scattered throughout the walls, along with displays of all the different rewards, they’ve won and the shows they’ve been on. I must say as a lifelong New Jerseyan of almost 30 years with a Jewish mother, i’m almost embarrassed how long it’s taken me to come here but I’m so glad I did. I can’t wait to come back and I also can’t wait to eventually try Katz’s and Hobby’s to properly compare them all. 10 out of 10 experience all around.

Fantastic spot. We were seating right away when we arrived at 5pm on a Saturday. We all ordered junior sandwiches and each one would have been enough for 2 people to share. Star of the evening was our amazing server Cherry Anne, who was so lovely and attentive. Highly Recommend!!