One of the things I love most about living in New Jersey is that our great state might be the most diverse in the country. We have an incredible international dining scene, and many of those top restaurants can still trace their roots back to the old country. That’s definitely the case for The Thistle in Lyndhurst, which might be the best Scottish restaurant in New Jersey. Founded by Annie Bruce Leitch, who immigrated from Edinburgh in 1925, it was first opened in 1963 and has since been operated by three generations of the same family. While the faces in the front and back of the house have changed with the times, a lot of things haven’t – including the cozy atmosphere and the amazing food, which includes some of the best crispy-fried seafood this side of the old sod!

The Thistle is a beloved local institution in Lyndhurst, home to an active Scottish community.
John-Michael Y/Foursquare
This quaint little fish-and-chips shop has been in business since 1963, and the menu is still as classic and nostalgic as ever.
Jodie Cohen/Google Local
The special here is fresh fish and seafood. How fresh? While there is a regular menu, you'll always want to take a look at the dry-erase board to see what's in season.
The Thistle Fish & Chip/Facebook

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One thing that will always be on the menu is the classic fish and chips, always crisp and juicy at the same time and served with traditional condiments.
Thistle/Google Local
Not in the mood for fried food? The sauteed salmon is a lighter choice that's always delicious.
Thistle/Google Local
You'll also find some options for those who don't want fish, including fried chicken, meat pies - and sometimes, classic corned beef and cabbage.
The Thistle Fish & Chip/Facebook
The Thistle is usually busiest when soft-shell crabs are in season. These hotly sought-after crustaceans are given the same crispy treatment, and are bursting with flavor.
Melissa Galluccio/Google Local

Have you visited The Thistle in Lyndhurst? Tell us your favorite traditional dishes at this beloved family-owned Scottish restaurant in New Jersey in the comments section. The Thistle website has the full details, and keep an eye on the Thistle Facebook page to see what seafood is in season now. Thistle isn’t the only restaurant in Lyndhurst that will take you to another time and place – it’s home to the legendary Medieval Times dinner theater. While you’re in town, you’re not far from the acclaimed Renaissance Meadowlands Hotel if you want a place to lay your head.

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Featured Addresses
Thistle, 442 Valley Brook Ave, Lyndhurst, NJ 07071, USA