NAVIGATING NEW JERSEY’S VAST AND VIBRANT DINING SCENE IS A DAUNTING (BUT DELICIOUS) FEAT, THUS WE PRESENT THIS TREASURE MAP OF THE STATE’S TASTIEST HITS, FROM LEGACY LOCALES TO BUZZWORTHY DEBUTS
BY INDUSTRY STAFF
26 WEST ON THE NAVESINK
With stunning river views in the background, this stylish seafood house serves exquisitely plated renditions of ocean favorites like grilled oysters, pan-seared shrimp and lobster, clam linguine, and sesame-crusted tuna. Carnivores, there’s a nightly selection of hand-cut steaks, too. 26 W Front St, Red Bank, 26westonthenavesink. com
618 RESTAURANT
This rustic-chic eatery and event space is famed for creative hand-crafted cocktails, sizzling prime steaks, fresh fish delivered daily, and decadent desserts. 618 Park Ave, Freehold Township, 618nj.com
AARZU
Modern Indian. 30 E Main St, Freehold, aarzu.com
ADEGA GRILL
Portuguese and Spanish. 130 Ferry St, adegagrill.com
AGRICOLA
Creative farm-to-table fare. 11 Witherspoon St, Princeton, agricolaeatery.com
ALBARIÑO TAPAS & WINE BAR
Spanish tapas, vino, and cocktails. 508 Broad St, Shrewsbury, albarinorestaurant.com
AMELIA’S BY THE SEA
Old-school Italian with ocean views. 1505 Ocean Ave, Spring Lake, ameliasbythesea.com
AMARONE RISTORANTE
Italian bistro. 63 Cedar Ln, Teaneck, amaroneristorante.net
ANJELICA’S RESTAURANT
The family recipes at this cozy BYOB were inspired by the rich culinary traditions of southern and northern Italy, with thoughtful renditions of Italian-American adaptations. Dine indoors or in the charming outdoor garden as you feast on baked tagliolini pasta, seared octopus, roasted
ANEMOS
Traditional Greek delicacies and warm, genial hospitality transport diners directly to the sun-drenched shores of Santorini. 333 US-9, Manalapan Township, anemosgreekcuisine.com
Industry Recommends: SPANAKOPITA Savory Greek pastry made with hand-stretched phyllo stuffed with spinach, leeks, greens, feta, and dill, served with the diner’s choice of side dish.
AMERICANO
Ever-changing modern Italian delights and signature cocktails with a side of Old Hollywood glamour. 957 Broadway, Bayonne, americanonj.com
ANGELINA’S KITCHEN
Cozy Italian eatery with a lively bar, featuring a raw bar, housemade pasta dishes, antipasti favorites, and soulful entrees like organic pollo caprese with fresh burrata, creamy risotto smothered with shrimp, and pan-roasted Scottish salmon. 415 Main St, Woodbridge Township, angelinaskitchennyc.com
chicken stuffed with spinach, and other favorites. 1070 Ocean Ave N, Sea Bright, anjelicas.com
ARTIE’S Bread bakery and pizzeria. 15 Newark Way, Maplewood, artiesnj.com
THE ATLANTIC HOUSE
Seafood and elevated pub fare. 67 First Ave, Atlantic Highlands, theatlantichousenj.com
AUNT BUTCHIE’S OF BROOKLYN
Lively, full-service restaurant and bakery. 430 US-9, Englishtown, auntbutchiesofbrooklyn.com
AVA’S KITCHEN & BAR
Thin, crackly crusted pizzas and cocktails, plus other Italian favorites. 1 N 21st Street, Kenilworth, avaskenilworth.com
AVENUE LE CLUB
One part French brasserie, one part St. Tropez-inspired beach club. 23 Ocean Ave N, Long Branch, leclubavenue.com
BAHRS LANDING FAMOUS SEAFOOD RESTAURANT & MARINA
Seafood in a waterfront setting. 2 Bay Avenue, Highlands, bahrslanding.com
BAR MUTZ
This isn’t a typical candlelit, white tablecloth Italian ristorante. Instead, James Beard–nominated chef Robbie Felice serves modern Italian standouts along with signature fresh mozzarella amid in a hip, Brooklyn-style lounge covered in stickers, graffiti, and neon lights. 90 Center Ave, Westwood, barmutz.com
BASILICO
High-end Italian. 324 Millburn Avenue, Millburn, basilicomillburn.com
BATCH BIN BARREL
Bar, lounge, and liquor store, with upscale bites and cocktails. 98 Albany St, New Brunswick, batchbinbarrel.com
BATTELLO
Italian, seafood. 502 Washington Boulevard, Jersey City, battellojc.com
BELMONT TAVERN
A beloved local icon, this homestyle Italian eatery has been serving the Garden State for more than half a century. 12 Bloomfield Avenue, Belleville, belmonttavern.business.site
AQUA BLU KITCHEN & COCKTAILS
Ultra-fresh, organic ingredients sourced from local farms underpin the seasonal menu of this lively American hotspot with a pinch of Italian flair. Everything is made from scratch, with standouts including spaghetti with slow-cooked pomodoro sauce and house meatballs, grilled branzino with white bean salad, and braised short ribs with smoked potato puree. 3410 NJ-37, Toms River, aquablurestaurant.com
Industry Recommends: VEAL CHOP MILANESE A juicy 16-oz veal chop served Milanese style, and finished with a fresh arugula salad, parmigiano, and lemon.
BEACH TAVERN
Uninterrupted marina views set the scene, while Thai chili calamari, Maine lobster rolls, and Scottish salmon with a mint and orange ginger glaze steal the show. 33 West Street, Monmouth Beach, beachtavern.net
BRANDO’S CITI CUCINA
A modern spin on the classic osteria where hosts welcome every guest like family this romantic Italian gem is a cornerstone of Asbury’s vibrant downtown scene, celebrated for its house-made pastas, slow-simmered meatballs, dry-aged prime cuts, and warm, convivial spirit. 162 Main Street, Asbury Park, brandosnj.com
BROTHERS DALEY
Contemporary Irish pub with a massive bar and creative menu. Expect upscale, ingredient driven twists on comfort classics, like deviled eggs with crispy bacon and fresh serrano, corn and mascarpone agnolotti, and fried potato pavé bites with creme fraiche and Kaluga caviar. 1124 Ocean Ave, Sea Bright, brothersdaley.com
BERNADETTE
French-Mediterranean. 387 Park Ave, Scotch Plains, bernadettenj.com
BIRRAVINO
Italian trattoria plus brewery. 183 Riverside Ave, Red Bank, birravino.com
BLACK EYED SUSANS
Casual comfort fare. 7801 Long Beach Boulevard, Havery Cedars, blackeyesusanslbi.com
THE BLACK SWAN
European Gastropub. 601 Mattison Avenue, Asbury Park, theblackswanap.com
THE BLOCK
A farm-to-table butcher shop and high-end restaurant in one rustic-chic setting. All meats are grass fed and sourced from New Jersey and New York farms, then sizzled in a wood-fired oven and served with organic sides. 235 West Ave, Long Branch, thebutchersblocknj.com
BLUE POINT GRILL
Lively seafood joint. 258 Nassau St, Princeton, bluepointgrill.com
BLU GROTTO
Italian plus beer garden. 200 Port Au Peck Ave, Oceanport, blugrottorestaurant.com
BOTTAGRA
Modern Italian. 80 Wagaraw Rd, Hawthorne, bottarga.com
BREAKIN BREAD ON THE BOULEVARD
Cozy Italian BYOB. 115 Boulevard, Seaside Heights, breakinbreadnj.com
BUM ROGERS CRABHOUSE
Seafood. 2207 Central Avenue, Seaside Park, bumrogerstavern.com
CAFE 2825
Classic Italian homestyle eatery, famed for its intimate, genial atmosphere, extensive global wine list, and soul-satiating plates of house-made pastas, deliciously dressed mains, and Sicilian stalwarts. 2825 Atlantic Ave, Atlantic City, cafe2825.com
CAFE LUNA
An upscale Italian bistro bringing homemade classics to Old Bridge. 3679 US-9, Old Bridge, cafelunanj.com
CAFÉ PICASSO
Southern Italian specialties. 81 Main St #1, Somerville, cafe-picasso.com
CAFE RAGAZZI
Traditional Italian elegance with a contemporary spin. 378 George St, New Brunswick, casaragazzinj.com
CARA MIA
Italian. 194 Essex Street, Millburn, caramiamillburn.com
CARPACCIO
Born in Miami’s Bal Harbour Shops 25 years ago, this upscale Italian favorite has long delivered the quintessential Sicilian experience, with comforting classics, authentic flavors, and a well-curated wine list. Now, the iconic restaurant has arrived at East Rutherford’s American Dream, serving its beloved pastas, pizzas, antipasti, and timeless Italian staples to Garden State diners. 1 American Dream Wy, East Rutherford, carpaccioamericandream.com
CHARLIE’S OF LINCROFT
A backdrop of mahogany, white brick, and vintage chandeliers cradle diners as they feast on upscale tavern stalwarts like coffee-rubbed rib-eye, sesame-seared tuna, lobster squid ink linguine, and a stacked house Lincroft burger. 700 Newman Springs Rd, Lincroft, charliesoflincroft.com
BUONA SERA
Housed in a grand vintage warehouse in downtown Red Bank, this legacy Italian restaurant features hundreds of seats across several exquisite dining rooms and special event venues, including the Tuscan room with 15-foot copper ceilings and the lively 35-stool Ubriaco bar, plus one of the world’s most spectacular wine cellars with a 15,000-bottle collection. 50 Maple Ave, Red Bank, buona-sera.com
Industry Recommends: ITALIAN BIRTHDAY CAKE
A juicy bone-in Kansas City strip steak atop a bed of garlic mashed potatoes, crowned with lobster scampi. The dish can be customized with fresh grilled vegetables like asparagus, zucchini, or eggplant.
CUZIN’S SEAFOOD & CLAM BAR
Like its name suggests, every person who walks through the doors of this two-location casual-chic seafood restaurant is treated like a cousin. The friendly, family-owned eatery serves pristine ocean fare and prime steaks in warm, rustic-chic settings. The menus are generous in scope, spanning Maine lobster rolls, Alaskan king crab legs, towering shellfish platters, Faroe Island salmon, and baby lamb chops, plus prime steaks like center-cut cowboy and long-bone tomahawk. 130 S Main St, Marlboro; 78 Albany St, New Brunswick, cuzinsclambar.com
Industry Recommends: SEAFOOD TOWER A Cuzin’s signature, featuring three levels of hyper-fresh ocean favorites like crab, oysters, lobster, and shrimp.
CATHERINE LOMBARDI
Old-world Italian glamour with ambiance on tap. (There are two fireplaces!) Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick, catherinelombardi.com
CHART HOUSE
Seafood, Italian. 1700 Harbor Boulevard, Weekhawken, chart-house.com
CHATEAU OF SPAIN
Spanish. 11 Franklin Steet, Newark, chateauofspain.com
CHEF VOLA’S
Longstanding cozy Italian BYOB. 111 S Albion Pl, Atlantic City, chefvolas.com
CHEZ CATHERINE
French. 431 North Avenue W, Westfield, chezcatherine.com
CLIFF’S STEAKHOUSE
Contemporary steaks, seafood, pasta. 18 Sylvan Ave, Englewood Cliffs, cliffssteakhouse.com
COCCO BELLO CAFÉ
Cozy Italian. 155 S Livingston Avenue, Livingston, coccobellocafenj.com
COPPER CANYON
Southwestern fare and tequila bar. 51 First Ave, Atlantic Highlands, thecoppercanyon.com
CORBO & SONS OSTERIA
Laid-back, dual-location Italian eatery serving creative artisanal pies, handmade pastas, and cozy comfort dishes in Shrewsbury and within Bell Market in Holmdel. 555 Shrewsbury Ave, Shrewsbury; 101 Crawford’s Corner Road, Holmdel, corboandsons.com
DINO & HARRY’S
The art of old-world dining is thriving at this classic white tablecloth steakhouse, set in a 19th century saloon, featuring a 150-year-old clock, stained glass, and a tin roof. Diners are serenaded by live piano as they feast on ribeye tartare, Atlantic cod, lobster tail, and homemade three-cheese ravioli prepared daily. 163 14th St, Hoboken, dinoandharrys.com
DOCK’S OYSTER HOUSE
Upscale seafood with nightly piano. 2405 Atlantic Ave, Atlantic City, docksoyster house.com
DREW’S BAYSHORE BISTRO
Cajun, New American. 44 E Front St, Keyport, drewsbay shorebistro.com
DRIFTHOUSE RESTAURANT LOUNGE & BAR
This oceanside restaurant is brimming with beach-chic cool, serving stellar water views along with a seafood-forward lineup of lobster dumplings, pretzel-crusted crab cakes, pan-seared halibut, lobster by the pound, and more. Live music ensures dinners stretch long after sunset. 1485 Ocean Ave, Sea Bright, drifthousenj.com
FEAST ITALIAN KITCHEN
Offering a modern spin on old-school Italian cooking, this buzzy Brooklyn-inspired hotspot from hospitality pros Steven Botta and Angelo Bongiovanni blends traditional “red sauce” recipes with a chic, trendy vibe. 3899 US-9, Old Bridge, feastnj.com
Industry Recommends: CHICKEN MILANESE A pounded, breaded, and fried chicken cutlet, topped with fresh arugula, radicchio, and juicy cherry tomatoes. Crispy, fresh, and full of flavor in every bite.
FELINA
One of NJ’s most celebrated restaurant concepts, Felina by Landmark Hospitality first debuted in Ridgewood in 2019 and now encompasses four venues across the state. Each locale boasts its own unique setting, from the industrial chic digs of Ridgewood to the sleek, waterfront scene in Jersey City. 18 Prospect St, Ridgewood; 2 Chapel Ave, Jersey City; 570 Springfield Ave, Summit; 101 S Orange Ave, South Orange, felinarestaurant.com
Wide mafalde noodles are tossed with aged pecorino cheese and freshly cracked black pepper, creating a rich, creamy, and perfectly balanced flavor in every bite.
DUE AMICI
Traditional Italian fare. 420 Higgins Ave, Brielle, dueamicibriellenj.com
EATALY SHORT HILLS
The famed Italian market place is now in Short Hills, offering a vast range of Italian foods, products, and goods, plus several cafes, bars, classes, and special events. 1200 Morris Tpke #112, Short Hills, eataly.com
ELEMENTS
This award-winning fine-dining restaurant is famed for its stellar chef ’s tasting menu think Mongo Ika squid and juicy ribeye. 66 Witherspoon St, Princeton, elementsprinceton.com
ELIA MEDITERRANEAN RESTAURANT
Bright white walls and an open kitchen with a stunning f ish display set the scene for this glamorous Mediterranean eatery, featuring inventive twists on traditional Greek fare. Clink specialty cocktails as you dive into crispy feta sticks, grilled octopus, pan-roasted scallops, and Greek meatballs. 240 Hackensack St, East Rutherford, elianj.com
EMBER & EAGLE
Classy steakhouse tucked within the Suneagles Golf Club. 2000 Lowther Dr, Eatontown, emberandeagle.com
FALCONE
Upscale Sicilian BYOB set in a former church. 623 Newman Springs Rd, Lincroft, falconenj.com
FAUBOURG RESTAURANT AND BAR
A pair of NYC hospitality pros launched this classic brasserie to bring a taste of France to Montclair. The elegant venue boasts massive windows to foster an indoor-outdoor vibe, and the menu is brimming with modern twists on French staples. In true Parisian fashion, there’s also a substantial wine list, too. 544 Bloomfield Ave, Montclair, faubourgmontclair.com
FIORINO
Old-world culinary techniques are honored at this warm Italian locale, serving beautifully presented reinterpretations of Tuscan classics. 38 Maple St, Summit, fiorino.com
FRATELLO’S ITALIAN RESTAURANT & LOUNGE
Italian, seafood, and cocktails. 810 The Plaza, Sea Girt, fratellosnj.com
FRESCO DA FRANCO
Boasting a chic, loft-like interior dressed with white linen, Hollywood chandeliers, and plush red curtains, this glamorous Italian standout serves equally dazzling dishes that’ll make you sing ‘buon appetito!’ 15 Church Street, Montclair, frescodafranco.com
THE FROG AND THE PEACH
Romantic New American date night hotspot. 29 Dennis St, New Brunswick, frogandpeach.com
GABRIELLA’S ITALIAN STEAKHOUSE
A glamorous Italian steakhouse experience in a bright, modern dining room. Dinner highlights include truffle ricotta, classic cacio e pepe, and wasabi-crusted tuna, plus a stacked lineup of prime meats. Be sure to begin each meal with the house garlic bread, and end with a tiramisu martini. 447 NJ-35, Red Bank, gabriellasnj.com
JUDY & HARRY’S
Tucked inside stylish social club The St. Laurent in Asbury Park, this swanky eatery owned and curated by Chef David Viana and Neilly Robinson features a stunning parade of signature plates by the three-time James Beard nominated chef. 408 7th Ave, Asbury Park, thestlaurent.com
Industry Recommends: LATKE A soft potato pancake with a crispy exterior, elegant dressed with sour cream, apple relish, and bagna cauda.
THE GABLES RESTAURANT
American. 212 Centre Street, Beach Haven, gableslbj.com
GIRASOLE
Traditional Italian hospitality. 502 W Union Ave, Bound Brook, girasoleboundbrook.com
GRAIN HOUSE
American comfort fare in a charming colonial setting. 225 Morristown Rd, Basking Ridge, oldemillinn.com
THE GREEK SPOT
Serving a feast of authentic once-secret family recipes, this lively Mediterranean masterpiece in Red Bank is celebrated for bringing the energy and flavors of Greece to NJ. Don’t miss the scratch-made tzatziki. 15 Bridge Avenue N, Red Bank, thegreekspotnj.com
GRISSINI RESTAURANT
This plush Italian bistro brings the authentic flavors of Northern Italy to the Garden State with festive yet classic old-world staples of antipasti, pizza, house-made pasta, steaks, and mains. The Sunday family dinner is an Englewood Cliffs institution. 484 Sylvan Ave, Englewood Cliffs, grissinirestaurant.com
HALF MOON POINT
Hyper-fresh seafood, steaks, burgers, and more with live music and daily specials. 2154 Bridge Ave, Point Pleasant, halfmoonpoint.com
HARPOON WILLIE’S
Lively American restaurant and seafood house with live music and a great happy hour. 2655 River Rd, Manasquan; 2360 NJ-33, Robbinsville Twp; 537 US-9, Waretown, harpoonwillys.com
HEARTHLY BURGER
Organic burgers and bites. 520 Broad St, Shrewsbury; 1080 Ocean Ave Unit 1, Sea Bright, hearthlyburger.com
THE HIGHLAWN
Feast on refined New American cuisine with a side of show-stopping panorama, as this hilltop hotspot affords one of the best views of NYC in town. 1 Crest Dr, West Orange, highlawn.com
IL CAPRICCIO
Upscale Italian celebrating La Dolce Vita with house-made pastas, rich Northern Italian classics, and a wine list that reads like a love letter to Italy. 633 Rt. 10 East, Whippany, ilcapriccio.com
IL COLOSSEO RISTORANTE
Authentic Italian excellence in generous portions; think fresh pastas, wood-fired pizzas, hearty meat and seafood entrées, and homemade desserts. 500 NJ-35, Red Bank, ilcolosseoristorante.com
ILLIANO’S CAFÉ
Italian comfort fare.1 Corbett Way, Eatontown, illianoscafe.com
IRON WHALE
Seafood and creative New American. 1200 Ocean Ave Unit 504, Asbury Park, ironwhalenj.com
JARANA
Featuring splashy décor, hand-painted murals, and sizzling Peruvian fare, this lively concept in the shopping and entertainment hub American Dream is bringing a Latin American party to East Rutherford. 1 American Dream Way, East Rutherford, jaranarestaurant.com
JASPER STONE ITALIAN
Steakhouse, Italian. 399 Spotswood Englishtown Road, jasperstonenj.com
JOE BELLA’S
Italian. 781 Fischer Boulevard, Toms River, joebellasitaliankitchen.com
KNIFE & FORK INN
Landmark locale serving steaks, chops, and fresh seafood. 3600 Atlantic Ave, Atlantic City, knifeandforkinn.com
LA COURRONE
Italian. 23 Watchung Plaza, Montclair, lacouronnerestaurant.com
LA DOLCE VITA
Italian. 400 Ocean Avenue, Belmar, ladolcevita.com
LITTLE BUCA RESTAURANT
This charming BYOB brings a taste of Manhattan to Little Silver, famed for genuinely warm hospitality and scratch-made Italian favorites nurtured by a romantic setting. The menu is constantly changing with the seasons, but the chicken parm is a staple – and a must try! 125 Markham Pl, Little Silver, littlebuca.com
LA LUPA
Romantic, BYOB Italian bistro serving scratch-made staples on dark wooden tables. Feast upon fresh focaccia and fried calamari to start, before exploring a world of creative mains like 40-day dry-aged cowboy ribeye, sweet corn caramelle, and a selection of Neapolitan pizzas. 123 NJ-33, Manalapan Township, lalupanj.com
LA MONDINA
Italian. 110 Union Avenue, Brielle, lamondinabrielle.com
LaNOMA
Italian steakhouse. 2010 Hudson St, Fort Lee, lanomarestaurant.com
LA TERRAZZA
Italian. 408 Ocean Avenue, Belmar, laterrazzabelmar.com
LEFKES ESTIATORIO
This Santorini-inspired concept serves traditional Greek flavors with a trendy twist. 495 Sylvan Ave, Englewood Cliffs, lefkesnj.com
LE MALT LOUNGE
This swanky tapas and lounge concept serves creative American small plates alongside a lengthy wine and spirits list, including more than 1,000 whiskies, bour bons, cognacs, tequilas, and brandies. 1021 St Georges Ave #2, Colonia, lemalt lounge.com
LITA Modern Iberian. 1055 NJ-34, Aberdeen Township, thelovelylita.com
THE BISTRO AT IPLAY AMERICA
Lively, family-friendly locale serving up an all-day menu of classic American eats like loaded nachos, juicy burgers, stacked sammies, personal pizzas, and more, plus weekend brunch. 108 Schanck Road, Freehold, thebistronj.com
LOCALE LITTLE SILVER
Rustic Italian with locally sourced ingredients. 51 Oceanport Ave, Little Silver, localenj.com
LORENA’S French-inspired bistro. 168 Maplewood Avenue, Maplewood, restaurantlorena.com
LUNA STELLA Italian. 5 Highland Place, Maplewood, restaurantlunastella.com
LUNELLO Italian. 182 Stevens Ave, Cedar Grove, lunello.com
MADDY ROSE AT THE LIBERTY HOUSE
Reborn as the Maddy Rose, this Jersey City icon along the Hudson River rises from the lush gardens of Liberty State Park with views of NYC, Ellis Island, and the Statue of Liberty. The restaurant and bar offers a fresh spin on Mediterranean fare from the farm and sea. 76 Audrey Zapp Dr Floor 1, Jersey City, libertyhousejc.com
MADISON MODERN SOCIAL
Contemporary high-dining restaurant that transitions into a glamorous late-night lounge with live DJs, all in a swanky supper club-like atmosphere. 3801 US-9, Old Bridge, madisonmodernsocial.com
MANGIA TOSCANO
Contemporary-chic Tuscan restaurant touted for stunningly plated (and equally delicious) modern Italian cuisine, plus award winning local and global vino. 422 Main Street, Metuchen, mangia-toscano.com
MANOLO’S TRESTAU RANT
Spanish, Mediterranean. 91 Elizabeth Avenue, Elizabeth, manolosrestaurant.com
MARCUS LIVE! BAR & GRILLE
Helmed by celebrity Chef Marcus Samuelsson, this upbeat haunt and entertainment venue serves an eclectic spread of American plates, plus colorful cocktails. Don’t miss the Fried Chicken & Cornbread Waffles. 1 American Dream Wy, East Rutherford, marcuslivebarandgrille.com
MAUKA INDIAN CUISINE
Buzzy Indian eatery inspired by the magic of the family dinner table. 78 Main Street, Eatontown, maukaindiancuisine.com
MEDITERRA RESTAURANT & TAVERNA
Seasonal Mediterranean in rustic-chic digs. 29 Hulfish St, Princeton, mediterrares taurant.com
METROPOLITAN
CAFÉ Jetset to the Pacific Rim at this stylish American bistro, sushi bar, and lounge in Freehold, featuring a staggering spread of creative global bites like tuna nachos and filet mignon spring rolls to start, followed by mains of scallop risotto and twice cooked Cuban steak. 8 E Main St, Freehold, metro cafenj.com
MASSERIA ITALIAN STEAKHOUSE
Chef and restaurateur Joseph Cetrulo’s latest project in Morristown blends old-world Italian elegance with a contemporary steakhouse experience. The menu spotlights house made pastas like pappardelle Bolognese with filet mignon and pork sausage, and prime cuts of meat like a 16 oz. bone-in strip and 38-oz porterhouse for two, all dry-aged in house. The wine list is impressive, but don’t sleep on the signature cocktails, including the Masseria Adriatique, made with Amaro Nonino, Aperol, and fresh OJ, garnished with lemon twist. 28 Headquarters Plaza Mall, Morristown, masseriamorristown.com
MOLLY PITCHER INN RESTAURANT & BAR
Elegant new American dining for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and brunch inside the historic Molly Pitcher Inn, boasting a menu of fresh local fare amid lovely surrounds. Begin with filet tartare with raw quail egg and finish with jumbo crab cakes with black bean avocado salsa, pan-seared halibut, or Molly Pitcher’s signature chicken pot pie. 88 Riverside Ave, Red Bank, themollypitcher.com
Industry Recommends: TUNA TOSTADA A fresh and flavorful bite of sesame-marinated ahi tuna sitting on a crisp tostada with creamy wasabi avocado, pickled mango and onion, cilantro, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds.
MEXIMODO
Le Malt Hospitality Group’s latest is a convivial, modish twist on classic Mexican cooking, featuring the tri-state’s largest tequila selection. Ingredients are painstakingly selected from local farms and gardens to create vibrant, flavor-packed updates on Mexican main stays, all served amid colorful murals and Instagrammable décor. 5 Pearl Street, Metuchen, meximodo.com
MEZCAL
Modern Mexican steakhouse. 292 County Rd 516, Old Bridge, mezcalnj.com
MOONSTRUCK
American-Mediterranean and live music. 517 Lake Ave, Asbury Park, moonstrucknj.com
MOSSUTO’S MARKET & RESTAURANT
Italian, café. 2029 NJ-35 #4, Wall, mossutosmarket.com
MOXIE MODERN
Contemporary American plates, sushi, and raw bar in stylish digs. 202 Broadway, Long Branch, moxiemodern.com
MULBERRY STREET
Italian. 739 Rahway Avenue, Woodbridge, mulberrystreetrestaurant.com
NAUVOO GRILL CLUB
Upscale New American in cozy digs. 121 Fair Haven Rd, Fair Haven, nauvoogrillclub.com
NEAPOLI ITALIAN KITCHEN
Traditional Italian. 10 Wallace St, Red Bank, neapolinj.com
NERO’S GRILLE Italian.
618 S Livingston Ave, Livingston, neros.com
NETTIE’S HOUSE OF SPAGHETTI
Pasta lovers: welcome to paradise. This Tinton Falls spaghetti house features a wondrous lineup of home made noodles prepped in a panoply of ways. 5119 Asbury Ave, Tinton Falls, nettiesrestaurant.com
NICHOLAS’S BARREL & ROOST
Chic but non-fussy locale that whips up classic American comfort fare, from creative bar snacks like crispy pork belly and fried house made pickles to cozy mains like butter poached Nova Scotia lobster and bourbon braised suckling pig. There is also a variety of pizzas, pastas, and sammies on the menu, too. 160 NJ-35, Red Bank, barrelandroost.com
NINETY ACRES AT NATIRAR
This sweeping culinary destination harbors a 12-acre sustainable farm, world-class cooking school, and fine-dining restaurant. The latter features in-room and outdoor dining, offering a European American menu of house made pastas and pizzas, crisp salads, and decadent mains like duck breast with plum sauce, dry-aged striploin, and smoked pork rack. 200 Natirar Dr, Peapack, natirar.com
NONNA’S CITI CUCINA
With a crackling fire in the background, this rustic Italian haunt serves modern renditions of beloved classics. A warm, genial vibe complements the menu, which includes soul-comforting pastas, chops, steaks, and fresh seafood. 448 Route 9 North, Englishtown, nonnasnj.net
OLD HOMESTEAD STEAK HOUSE
Outpost of the 1860s NYC icon. 1 Borgata Way, Atlantic City, borgata.mgmresorts.com/en/restaurants/ old-homestead
OSTERIA CUCINA RUSTICA
Old-world hospitality meets modern sensibilities in this upscale Italian restaurant from chef Steve Botta and Angelo Bongiovanni. The menu is filled with family recipes passed down through the generations, including scratch-made meatballs, pizzas cooked in a 900-degree wood oven, and butterflied branzino stuffed with crab and shrimp. 91 S Main Street, Marlboro, osterianj.com
ONE WILLOW
Seafood. 1 Willow St, Highlands, onewillowhighlands.com
ORCHARD PARK BY DAVID
BURKE Tucked within the Chateau Grande Hotel, chef Burke’s modern American eatery serves refined fare in a relaxed setting, with weekday theme nights and an excellent Sunday brunch. Standouts include the chef’s patented Himalayan salt-aged steaks, charred corn and burrata ravi oli, and miso-glazed sword fish. 670 Cranbury Road, East Brunswick, orchardparkbydb.com
ORIGIN FRENCH THAI
Thai with a French twist. 25 Division St, Somerville, originthai.com
OSTERIA MORINI
Emilia-Romagna cuisine. 107 Morristown Rd, Bernardsville, osteriamorini.com
OSTERIA PROCACCINi
Italian. 50 Main Avenue, Ocean Grove, osteriaprocaccini.com
PASCAL & SABINE
French brasserie. 601 Bangs Ave STE 401, Asbury Park, pascalandsabine.com
RAMEN
Japanese and Italian flavors team up in this creative fusion concept from Chef Robbie Felice. Think cacio e pepe gyoza and ramen shrimp scampi. If you can’t decide, sit back and let the master do all the work with a f ive-course omakase option. 6 S Fullerton Avenue, Montclair, pastaramen.com
PATRICIA’S OF HOLMDEL
At this inviting Holmdel trattoria, owner Frank Brusco shares his family’s recipes, from wood-fired pizzas and handmade pastas to his nonna’s beloved meatballs. Highlights include brick oven-roasted octopus, Hot & Sweet pizza with truffle honey, and a grown-up mac ‘n cheese topped with bread crumbs (pro tip: add the lobster). 2132 NJ-35, Holmdel, patriciasofholmdel.com
PAZZO MMX
Rustic Italian. 141 W Front St, Red Bank, pazzoredbank.com
PEARL RESTAURANT AT OYSTER POINT HOTEL
Set inside the iconic Red Bank boutique hotel, this chic restaurant and bar pairs sweeping water views framed by floor-to-ceiling windows with contemporary American fare touched by Asian influences. Menu highlights include crab cakes, quesadillas, chopped salads, juicy burgers, fish and chips, and more. 146 Bodman Place, Red Bank, theoysterpointhotel.com
PEKING PAVILION
A longtime Monmouth County favorite, this hip Asian hotspot blends a chic, relaxed vibe with heaping portions of classics, from skirt steak over ginger lomein to honey miso salmon and its famed Peking duck. 110 NJ-33, Manalapan Township, pekingpavilion.com
PENANG
Malaysian, Thai, Indian. 200 NJ-10, East Hanover, penangcuisine.com
POLO CLUB
Contemporary American. 216 Route 34, Holmdel, thepoloclubholmdel.com
PORTA
Lively pizzeria. 135 Newark Ave, Jersey City, pizzaporta.com/Jersey-City
PROVING GROUND
Modern pub fare, waterfront. 56 Shrewsbury Ave, Highlands, theprovingground.com
RAILS STEAKHOUSE
White tablecloth steakhouse and New American. Whitehall Rd, Towaco, railssteakhouse.com
RED AGAVE
Modern Mexican plates, plus an impressive tequila bar. 211 Applegarth Rd #102, Monroe Township, redagavenj.com
RED HORSE BY DAVID BURKE
A modern-American steakhouse from celebrity chef David Burke, where signature dry-aged, thick-cut steaks enhanced by his patented Himalayan dry aging process take center stage. 26 Ridge Road, Rumson, redhorsebydb.com
PRIME & VINE
Inside Eagle Oaks Golf Club, this adults-only steakhouse rewinds to the Roaring ’20s with an Art Deco mural, crisp white tablecloths, and a dramatic glass wine cellar. A private dining room and a waterfall-view terrace add to the glamour. 20 Shore Oaks Drive, Farmingdale, eagleoaks.com
RISTORANTE LUCCA
In Bordentown, Italian favorites shine at this upscale ristorante and piano lounge, from potato gnocchi served with asparagus tips, baby shrimp, and yellow tomato to slow-roasted porchetta served with a white wine peach reduction. 144 US-130, Bordentown, ristorantelucca.com
Industry recommends: CACIO E PEPE This longstanding Italian delicacy comes with dinner and show, as servers prepare the creamy, cheesy, peppery goodness tableside.
RESTAURANT SERENADE
Refined French bistro. 6 Roosevelt Ave, Chatham, restaurantserenade.com
RISTORANTE
MV Old-world Italian. 1 Mill St, Bernardsville, ristorantemv.com
THE RIVER PALM TERRACE
This chic chophouse serves a dizzying selection of fresh seafood, pastas, sushi, and its calling card in-house dry-aged steaks, hand selected and cut by the restaurant’s very own butcher. The wine list dazzles, too. 1416 River Road, Edgewater, riverpalm.com
RIVER POINTE INN
At this classy French American bistro, glamour meets indulgence. Think halibut with corn ragu, Black Angus steak frites, and Ossetra caviar with potato and chive doughnuts with oysters and bubbles to start, of course. 132 E River Rd, Rumson, riverpointeinn.com
THE ROBINSON ALE HOUSE
American bistro fare. 26 Broad St, Red Bank, therobinsonalehouseredbank.com
ROONEY’S Seafood with stellar views. 100 Ocean Ave N, Long Branch, rooneysocean.com
ROSALITA’S ROADSIDE CANTINA
Famed for slow-roasted meats, sizzling fajitas, giant burritos, and endless margaritas, this lively Tex-Mex favorite uses local organic ingredients to fuel a menu with momentum. 180 US-9, Englishtown; 1048 Cedarbridge Avenue, Brick Township, rosiescantinanj.com
ROOTS STEAKHOUSE
Steakhouse. 401 Springfield Avenue, Summit, rootssteakhouse.com
RUOCCO’S RESTAURANT
Italian-American. 345 rt 9 South, Manalapan Township, ruoccoson9.com
THE SADDLE RIVER INN
Fine French dining in a former sawmill. 2 Barnstable Ct, Saddle River, saddleriverinn.com
SALT CREEK GRILLE
Bar and grille, seafood. 4 Bingham Ave, Rumson, saltcreekgrille.com
SALT STEAKHOUSE
Steakhouse, sushi. 15 Morris Ave unit 106, Long Branch, saltsteakhouse.com
SALY G’S RESTAURANT & TAVERN
Italian-American. 169 Washington Valley Rd, Warren, salygsrestaurant.com
SAVINI RESTAURANT
Classic Italian fine dining. 168 W Crescent Ave, Allendale, savinirestaurant.com
SCALINI FEDELI
You’re invited to dine in Tuscany at this Italian standout, housed in a beautifully restored 260-year old farmhouse. 63 Main Street, Chatham, scalinifedeli.com
SETTE Upscale Tuscan-inspired BYOB. 7 Minebrook Road, Bernardsville, settenj.com
SHIPWRECK GRILL
Casual seafood. 720 Ashley Ave, Brielle, shipwreckgrill.com
SOFIA
Trendy dual-story spot serving dry-aged steaks and Italian renditions amid stunning surrounds. Dine indoors or out, but be sure to nab a drink in the speakeasy style cigar lounge. 36 Engle Street, Englewood, sofiaenglewood.com
SIRENA RISTORANTE
Set against the backdrop of Long Branch’s Pier Village, this refined Italian restaurant brings chef Joseph Cetrulo’s culinary journeys to life. Expect impeccable ingredients, all locally sourced, imported, or crafted in house, showcased in dishes like meatballs, fresh pastas, Neapolitan pizzas, seafood, chops, and steaks. 27 Ocean Avenue N, Long Branch, sirenaristorante.com
THE STANDARD AT AMERICAN HOTEL
A modern American bistro wrapped in old-world poise, this downtown Freehold spot dazzles with refined comfort dishes like trout risotto and NY strip steaks, plus daily specials, live Thursday-to-Saturday entertainment, and a popular Sunday brunch with complimentary mimosas. 18 E Main Street, Freehold, americanhotelnj.com/dining
Industry Recommends: FAROE ISLAND SALMON Glazed with bourbon and served with sweet corn and zucchini succotash, smoky bacon, tender potatoes, and a fresh corn salsa.
SOL-MAR RESTAURANT
Classic Italian. 267 Ferry Street, Newark, solmar-restaurant.com
SOLO TRATTORIA
A sublime setting for feasting on old-world Italian favorites, from fusilli all’Ammiano and Fiochetti filled with pear in walnut sauce to Solo’s famous patatine fritte (homemade potato chips with Gorgonzola truffle sauce). 7 South Street, Freehold, solotrattoria.com
SON CUBANO
A stylish, open-air gem on the Hudson, this modern Cuban eatery scores extra points for its dazzling skyline views, live rhythms, and bold flavors, from embroidered ceviche and ropa vieja to skirt steak and empanadas mixtas. 40-4 Riverwalk Place, West New York, soncubanonj.com
SPANISH TAVERN
Bites from Spain. 103 McWhorter Street, Newark, spanishtavernnewark.com
STAGE LEFT
American. 5 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick, stageleft.com
STONE HOUSE AT STIRLING RIDGE
A stylishly restored 19th-century lodge set within Landmark Hospitality’s portfolio, it offers spacious event environments from The Lodge’s gallery-like midcentury-modern vibe to the soaring-ceiling Grand Ballroom all wrapped in rustic mountain charm. 50 Stirling Road, Warren, stonehouseatstirlingridge.com
STRICKLAND’S STEAKHOUSE
Steakhouse, fine-dining. 106 Main St, Woodbridge, stricklandssteakhouse.com
SUSHI KAI
This intimate omakase-style gem centers around a sleek, minimalist sushi bar with just 12 seats crafted for a highly personalized, chef-driven experience. 206 Main Street, Fort Lee, sushikainj.com
TAKA
Japanese, sushi. 660 Cookman Ave, takaasbury.com
TOCA VEZ
Mexican-inspired steakhouse. 95 Morristown Rd, Basking Ridge, tocavez.com
TRATTORIA BOLU
Authentic Italian peasant food. 100 Marketplace Center, 25 Mountainview Blvd, Basking Ridge, trattbolu.com
TRE PIZZA, PASTA, BEER GARDEN
A lively casual Italian eatery where authentic Neapolitan style brick-oven pizzas, fresh pasta, and a rotating lineup of craft beers come together in a rustic beer garden with a fire pit and vintage games like bocce and skee-ball. 611 Park Avenue, Freehold; 1048 Cedarbridge Ave, Brick Township, trerestaurant.com
TRIUMPH BREWING COMPANY
This Red Bank hangout delivers house-brewed traditional beers, a seasonally rotating menu, live bands every weekend, and an unmistakably cool yet cozy ambiance. 1 Bridge Ave, Red Bank, triumphbrewing.com
UNDICI
Rustic Italian. 11 W River Rd, Rumson, undicirestaurant.com
UPROOT RESTAURANT
Modern American. 9 Mt Bethel Rodd, Warren, uprootrestaurant.com
URBAN COALHOUSE PIZZA + BAR
Old-world pizza and cocktails. 2 Bridge Ave, Red Bank; 515 Route 70, Brick; 116 14th St, Hoboken, urbancoalhouse.com
VARKA RESTAURANT
Nestled in downtown Ramsey, this modern Mediterranean fish house transports diners to the Aegean with its sleek taverna-style setting and fish by the pound: whole, premium selections prepared grilled, baked, or in Mediterranean style for a refined yet relaxed sea-to table experience. 30 N Spruce Street, Ramsey, varkarestaurant.com
VERVE RESTAURANT
Cozy French bistro. 18 E Main St, Somerville, vervestyle.com
STELLA MARINA
This award-winning, rustic-chic Italian gem sits right on the boardwalk, serving seafood-forward stunners backed by ocean views and breezy, casual elegance. 800 Ocean Avenue N, Asbury Park, stellamarinarestaurant.com
STEAKHOUSE 85
This fresh take on the classic American steakhouse proudly known as the Official Steakhouse of Rutgers Athletics sizzles with dry-aged cuts like the Delmonico, cowboy ribeye, and a garlic-blue-cheese encrusted tomahawk chop, plus upscale raw-bar staples such as a jumbo lump crab martini and colossal shrimp cocktails. 85 Church Street, New Brunswick, steakhouse85.com
Industry Recommends: TENDERLOIN MEATBALLS A comfort classic with a refined touch, featuring tender meatballs served in a rich housemade tomato gravy, finished with creamy ricotta and fresh baby arugula.
VIA SPOSITO
This tri-location Garden State staple brings old-world Italian warmth to modern appetites through fresh, quality ingredients, cozy ambiance, and a passion for unhurried, soul-comforting food — just like Sunday dinner at Nonna’s. Everything is made from scratch, from the pizza dough to the mozz. 3857 County Rd 516, Old Bridge; 20 Broad St, Red Bank; 323 NJ-34, Colts Neck, viasposito.com
Industry Recommends: MARGHERITA PIZZA A classic perfected, crafted with pomodoro sauce, creamy homemade mozzarella, aged pecorino Romano, fresh basil, and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. Simple, authentic, and full of flavor.
VENTANAS RESTAURANT AND LOUNGE
From the power duo restaurateur Alexander Duran and culinary icon David Burke this 7,000-square-foot destination restaurant shimmies and shines with Modern American, Asian, and Latin fusion cuisine in a seductive, lounge-meets-dining atmosphere featuring floor-to-ceiling windows, dramatic chandeliers, and three distinct spaces under one roof: a tapas lounge, cosmopolitan bar, and full-service dining room with a chef’s table. 200 Park Avenue, Fort Lee, ventanasatthemodern.com
VERANA
Contemporary, ingredient forward Italian fare amid an elegant, vineyard-chic atmosphere. 530 Livingston Street, Norwood, verananorwood.com
VIA VENETO Italian. 2410 Highway 35, Manasquan, viavenetoristorante.com
VILLAGE HALL RESTAURANT AND BEER GARDEN
Historic meets happy hour in this rustic-glam South Orange gastro-pub. Dive into classic pub plates like crispy calamari or pork Milanese while soaking in the charm of the old municipal landmark, complete with a fire-pit fueled beer garden and a generous craft-beer lineup. 101 S Orange Avenue, South Orange, villagehallnj.com
WHITECHAPEL PROJECTS
London’s Whitecapel District inspired this urban farm-to-table, featuring a brewery, event venue, outdoor bar, and artful surrounds. 15 2nd Avenue, Long Branch, whitechapel projects.com
WHISPERS
Elegant, Victorian-style fine dining. 200 Monmouth Ave, Spring Lake, whispersrestaurant.com
WITHERSPOON GRILL
A lasting local favorite that balances sophisticated dining with neighborhood comfort think hand-cut steaks, fresh seafood, and flavorful classics. 57 Witherspoon Street, Princeton, wither spoongrill.com
WOLFGANG’S STEAKHOUSE
A New York–style steakhouse brought to downtown Somerville by a former Peter Luger headwaiter, known for perfectly seared porterhouse and dry-aged USDA Prime cuts no frills, all flavor. 119 W Main Street, Somerville, wolfgangssteakhouse.net
XINA SUSHI
Japanese, sushi, sustainable fish dishes in bright, airy digs. 3430 New Jersey 37, Toms River; 415 Main Street, Bradley Beach, xinarestaurant.com
ZYLO RESTAURANT
Italian steakhouse. 225 River St, Hoboken, zylorestaurant.com