N.J.'s 5 Best Specialty Food Markets

If you're looking for that rare, particular food item that may not be found in your local grocery store, place no more special orders at the courtesy counter—New Jersey has a selection of fine food markets that specialize in various products that often hard to come by. These 5 specialty markets line their shelves with the exceptional items for that delicious looking recipe you can't wait to try. By Emily Tamburri.

The Cheese Store

720 Monroe Street
Hoboken, NJ 07030
201-683-8162
thecheesestorehoboken.com

Boasting one of New Jersey's finest selections of cheese, The Cheese Store carries some of the world's best artisan and farmhouse cheeses. The 20 year cheese mongering vets hand select over 100 varieties of every cheese you can think of, both imported and domestic. Stop in for a quick sandwich to go, which they make with high quality meats and breads on a daily rotating schedule, or, have them arrange a perfect platter for your next get together. Best of all, the Cheese Store offers monthly tasting classes, where you can BYO bottle of wine and sample a themed cheese selection while the owners educate you on it's particular history and craftsmanship.

Mitsuwa

595 River Road
Edgewater, NJ 07020
201-941-9113
mitsuwa.com/english

This small chain market is the only one of its kind on the east coast, and serves hundreds of new Japanese goods in their large supermarket. If you are interested in tasting authentic Japanese cuisines, stop by Mitsuwa to experience the flavors of different soba, ramen, sauces and sushi. As you walk through the market, employees will be sampling up their products for purchase and teaching you how to use them in your own kitchen. The food court is a diverse display of Japanese culture, with interesting flavor combinations, like green tea and black sesame soft serve ice cream. And, not to be outdone by the delicious food, Mitsuwa also offers informative cultural sections of their market such as a travel agency, book store, clothing and accessory gift shops, as well as Japanese inspired health and pharmaceutical locations.

Organic Basic Food, LLC

204 Washington Street
Hoboken, NJ 07030
201-610-1100
facebook.com/OrganicBasicFood

If you follow a specific diet, have a food allergy or are interested in fresh, organic produce, Organic Basic Food carries all of this and more! There are many options of Gluten, dairy and soy free products, as well as a wide organically grown produce section. The food that you will find at this market is both healthy and delicious—if you're not sure what a particular item is, and would like to try it, just reach out to one of the helpful staff employees, who can guide you to new food explorations. Help yourself to the prepared meals counter or the self service nuts and grains aisle, where you'll be sure to pick up something quick and easy for dinner. Don't forget, Organic Basic Food is also home to a bounty of vitamins, and natural skin care products!

Maywood Marketplace

78 West Pleasant Ave
Maywood, NJ 07607
201-843-8361
maywoodsmarketplace.com/

The gourmet foods available at Maywood Marketplace are excellent choices for your everyday meal with their reasonable prices and perfect for catering a special occasion event; the full catering menu includes delicious hot and cold appetizers, sandwiches, entrees and even sushi! Each catered item can be found within the confines of the Maywood Marketplace specialty departments, such as the fresh picked produce, high quality cuts of pork and beef at the meat counter, specialty sandwiches from the deli and an excellent imported cheese selection. Alongside the rows of cheeses, you're likely to find an assortment of spreadable cheese samplers and crackers; a nice treat while you make your way through the aisles!

Morris Gourmet Farm

30 Lafayette Ave, Ste 2
Morristown, NJ 07960
973-292-1711
sites.google.com/site/morrisgourmetfarm/

Morris Gourmet Farm is a one stop shopping farmer's market with grocery, deli, produce, fish and floral departments, all carrying unique items. Discover a new favorite fish from their wide selection and dress it up with the elusive ethnic spices and condiments found in their cultural foods aisle. The large produce department offers great prices on plenty of fruits and veggies not found in the average grocery store, and is always stocked with fresh herbs. If you're not in the mood to cook for yourself, stop in for some of their highly acclaimed sushi rolls, which are stuffed with the freshest ingredients, right off the ice in the seafood department.