FROM COZY ITALIAN TRATTORIAS TO SWANKY, VELVET-CLAD STEAKHOUSES AND MEDITERRANEAN WINE BARS TO ELEGANT, OLD-WORLD SALOONS, THE GARDEN STATE’S RESTAURANT SCENE IS A FETE OF FLAVORS. THIS FALL, FEAST ON EVERYTHING FROM SASHIMI TO STUFFED MEATBALLS WITH OUR MOST COMPREHENSIVE DINING GUIDE YET
BY INDUSTRY STAFF
26 WEST ON THE NAVESINK
Chic, sun-washed eatery on the water that serves up fresh, creative seafood plates for dinner and brunch. Think drunken clams with jalapeno, chorizo, tequila, and garlic, and seared tuna tataki with wasabi mashed potatoes. 26 W Front St, Red Bank, 26westonthenavesink.com
618 RESTAURANT
This romantic, rustic-chic restaurant and event space is famed for creative hand-crafted cocktails, sizzling prime cut steaks, fresh fish delivered daily, and decadent homemade desserts. 618 Park Ave, Freehold Township, 618nj.com
AARZU
Modern Indian. 30 E Main St, Freehold, aarzu.com
ADEGA GRILL
Portuguese and Spanish fare. 130 Ferry St, adegagrill.com
AGRICOLA
Creative farm-to-table fare. 11 Witherspoon St, Princeton, agricolaeatery.com
ALBARIÑO TAPAS & WINE BAR
Spanish tapas. 508 Broad St, Shrewsbury, albarinorestaurant.com
AMELIA’S BY THE SEA
Italian. 1505 Ocean Ave, Spring Lake, ameliasbythesea.com
AMERICANO
Modern Italian. 957 Broadway, Bayonne, americanonj.com
AQUA BLU KITCHEN & COCKTAILS
A convivial family dining destination serving seasonal farm-fresh American fare with live entertainment every Wednesday through Saturday. The shoreside locale partners with more than 120 sustainable farms to source organic ingredients for dishes like crispy rock shrimp with Calabrian chili aioli and spaghetti with homemade meatballs. 3410 NJ-37, Toms River, aquablurestaurant.com
ANEMOS
Get instantly transported to Santorini at this upscale Greek locale, featuring Mediterranean inspired fare in a bright, jovial space. The menu is filled with authentic Greek delicacies like falafel, baked sea bass, grilled swordfish steak, and pastichio, a thin greek pasta with ground beef and lamb, topped with creamy bechamel. 333 US-9, Manalapan Township, anemosgreekcuisine.com
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 Italian street sammies by day and baked tagliolini, rigatoni Bolognese, and veal scallopini at night. 1070 Ocean Ave N, Sea Bright, anjelicas.com
ARTIE’S
Bread bakery and pizzeria. 15 Newark Way, Maplewood, artiesnj.com
ARTISANS BREWERY & ITALIAN GRILL
Italian plus brewery. 1171 Hooper Ave, Toms River, artisanstomsriver.com
THE ATLANTIC HOUSE
Seafood and elevated pub fare. 67 First Ave, Atlantic Highlands, theatlantichousenj.com ASALUTE Italian, seafood. 74 Main St, Matawan, asalutenj.com
AUNT BUTCHIE’S OF BROOKLYN
Italian cuisine/bakery. 430 US-9, Englishtown, aunt butchiesofbrooklyn.com
AVENUE LE CLUB
French brasserie. 23 Ocean Ave N, Long Branch, leclubavenue.com
BAHRS LANDING FAMOUS SEAFOOD RESTAURANT & MARINA
Seafood. 2 Bay Avenue, Highlands, bahrslanding.com
BASILICO
Italian. 324 Millburn Avenue, Millburn, basilicomillburn.com
BATTELLO
Italian, seafood. 502 Washington Boulevard, Jersey City, battellojc.com
BELMONT TAVERN
A locally loved, quintessential New Jersey Italian restaurant for more than 50 years, serving a thoughtful menu of homestyle favorites. 12 Bloomfield Avenue, Belleville, belmont-tavern.business.site
BERNADETTE
French-Mediterranean. 387 Park Ave, Scotch Plains, bernadettenj.com
BIRRAVINO
Italian trattoria plus brewery. 183 Riverside Ave, Red Bank, birravino.com
BISTRO IBERIA
Cradled by terra cotta walls in an historic building along buzzy Bay Avenue, this authentic Spanish eatery whisks Garden Staters across the Atlantic. Feast on a range of zesty Spanish tapas, from Boquerones fritas to lobster crepes. There’s an upscale prix-fixe menu, too. 122 Bay Ave, Highlands, bistroiberia.com
BLACK EYED SUSANS
American, seafood, Italian. 7801 Long Beach Boulevard, Havery Cedars, blackeyedsusanslbi.com
THE BLACK SWAN
European-style pub. 601 Mattison Ave, Asbury Park, theblackswanap.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
BEACH TAVERN
An eclectic dockside eatery serving an array of land and sea favorites, from steak frites and shellfish to sushi and sandwiches. Its Channel Club Marina location provides the perfect spot to dock your boat and kick back with a cocktail and local catch of the day. 33 West St, Monmouth Beach, beachtavern.net
BLU ON THE HUDSON
Sushi, seafood, and cocktails. 1200 Harbor Boulevard, Weehawken, bluonthehudson.com
BOTTAGRA
Italian. 80 Wagaraw Rd, Hawthorne, bottarga.com
BOULEVARD FIVE
72 Swanky New American, great wines. 572 Boulevard, Kenilworth, boulevardfive72.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. The Butcher Blend Block Burger, featuring house ground meat, aged cheddar, house-cured bacon, signature black sauce, fried onions, and beef fat fries, is the stuff of legends. 235 West Ave, Long Branch, thebutchersblocknj.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
BRANDO’S CITI CUCINA
A modern interpretation of the classic “Osteria” (a place where an owner personally hosts his guests), this romantic Italian hotspot from chef Steven Botta and Christine Benton is revered for its scratch recipes, dry-aged prime meats, slow simmered meatballs, and genial atmosphere. The pasta is made by hand in small batches, the bufala mozzarella is imported from Italy weekly, and the seasonal produce is hand-picked at the peak of freshness. 162 Main St, Asbury Park, brandosnj.com
CAFÉ PICASSO
Southern Italian specialties. 81 Main St #1, Somerville, cafe-picasso.com
CARA MIA
Italian. 194 Essex St, Millburn, caramiamillburn.com
BUONA SERA
Located in the heart of Red Bank and featuring live entertainment every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, Buona Sera aims to capture the spirit of authentic Italian cooking by combining the freshest ingredients possible. Enjoy a drink from their extensive wine list on the 120-year-old tiger oak bar, or enjoy pizza with perfectly crispy crust made in a traditional brick oven. 50 Maple Avenue Red Bank 732.530.5858 buona-sera.com
CARPACCIO
Since its birth in Miami’s Bal Harbour Shops 25 years ago, this upscale Italian haunt has been providing the quintessential Sicilian experience: home-cooked comfort dishes, fresh authentic flavors, and great wines. The iconic restaurant recently debuted in East Rutherford’s American Dream, bringing its famed pastas, pizzas, antipasti favorites, and Italian main stays to the Garden State. 1 American Dream Wy, East Rutherford, carpaccioamericandream.com
CATHERINE LOMBARDI
Classic Italian. 3 Livingston Ave, New Brunswick, catherinelombardi.com CE LA VIE Café. 16 Monmouth St, Red Bank, celaviecafe.com CHARKOL Contemporary steakhouse. 38 South St, Freehold, charkol.com
CHARLIE’S OF BAY HEAD
Longstanding waterfront favorite featuring contemporary American cuisine in upscale digs, with panoramic views of Twilight Lake. Begin with the expansive drink selection 20 handles of beer, hundreds of wines from California and around the world, or a classic cocktail before diving into a menu of blue claw crab cakes, Belgian steamed mussels, gourmet burgers, and cumin dusted lamb chops. 72 Bridge Ave, Bay Head, charliesofbayhead.com
CHART HOUSE
Seafood, Italian. 1700 Harbor Boulevard, Weekhawken, chart-house.com
CHEF VOLA’S
Longstanding cozy Italian BYOB. 111 S Albion Pl, Atlantic City, chefvolas.com
CHEZ CATHERINE
French. 431 North Ave W, Westfield, chezcatherine.com
COPPER CANYON
Southwestern fare and tequila bar. 51 First Ave, Atlantic Highlands, thecoppercanyon.com
CORBO & SONS OSTERIA
Italian. 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 blackened salmon, grilled whole branzino, and homemade ravioli along with an assortment of steaks and chops.163 14th St, Hoboken, dinoandharrys.com
CHARLIE’S OF LINCROFT
Sleek, modern American eatery that serves creative dishes amid a stunning backdrop of mahogany, white brick, and vintage chandeliers. Menu highlights include lobster carbonara, braised pork belly, duck prosciutto pizza, and a 45-day dry-aged prime porterhouse for two. 700 Newman Springs Rd, Lincroft, charliesoflincroft.com
CENTRADA COCINA & COCKTAILS
Bright, buzzy pan-Latin hotspot spread over three levels, blending Tulum, Cuba, and Barcelona into one immersive dining experience in Red Bank. The menu features colorful Latin-American favorites like chicken tinga tacos with mango salsa, PEI mussels with romesco tequila lime sauce, and whole fried snapper with warm tomato salad and caper chimichurri. The sweeping tequila and mezcal library is quite impressive, too. 8 W Front St, Red Bank, centradarestaurant.com
DOCK’S OYSTER HOUSE
Upscale seafood with nightly piano. 2405 Atlantic Ave, Atlantic City, docksoysterhouse.com
CUZIN’S SEAFOOD-CLAM BAR
Born in Marlboro, this family-owned eatery has since expanded into New Brunswick, and both locales offer hyper-fresh ocean fare and prime cut steaks in rustic-chic digs. The menus are expansive, offering everything from Maine lobster and shellfish towers to crispy calamari, elegantly dressed fish dishes, and Alaskan king crab legs. Seafood might be the star of the show, but don’t miss the steaks, chops, and pastas, either. 130 S Main St, Marlboro; 78 Albany St, New Brunswick, cuzinsclambar.com
DREW’S BAYSHORE BISTRO
Cajun, New American. 44 E Front St, Keyport, drewsbayshorebistro.com
DUE AMICI
Traditional Italian fare. 420 Higgins Ave, Brielle, dueamicibriellenj.com
ELEMENTS
American classics. 66 Witherspoon St, Princeton, elementsprinceton.com
ELIA MEDITERRANEAN RESTAURANT
Bright white walls and an open kitchen with a stunning fish display set the scene for this glamorous Mediterranean eatery, featuring inventive twists on traditional Greek fare. Clink specialty cocktails as you dive into pan-fried saganaki cheese, domestic lamb chops, and whole grilled fish. 240 Hackensack St, East Rutherford, elianj.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
FEAST ITALIAN KITCHEN
Offering a modern spin on old-school Italian cooking, this 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
FELINA
Landmark Hospitality’s inaugural restaurant, Felina is housed in a former neoclassical bank and features gorgeous marble columns, towering ceilings, exposed brick, massive windows, and a wraparound terrace for sipping cocktails at sunset. Open for both dinner and brunch, the restaurant serves creative interpretations of classic Italian staples like from-scratch meatballs, pizzas, pastas, and mainstays. 18 Prospect St, Ridgewood, felinarestaurant.com
FIORINO
Old-world Italian. 38 Maple St, Summit, fiorino.com
FOX & FALCON BY DAVID BURKE
This modern American tavern in South Orange features the celebrity chef ’s signatures from the cult-favorite Clothesline bacon to juicy cuts of his famous U.S. patented Pink Himalayan Salt Aged Beef all served in a bright, rustic-chic dining room. Begin with shareables like chickpea and herb hummus and a gorgeous meat and cheese board before diving into zesty plates of bubbling chicken pot pie and butternut squash ravioli. 19 Valley St South Orange, thefoxandfalconbydb.com
DRIFTHOUSE BY DAVID BURKE
This iconic shoreside locale is lauded for its hyper-fresh seafood served with a side of sunset views. Choose from a large menu of a la carte options, including braised short rib cavatelli, skirt steak with polenta fries, and whole lobster. Every Tuesday is burger and taco night, featuring specials on the house’s gourmet comfort classics, from the surf-n-turf burger topped with lobster to the beef-battered fish tacos. 1485 Ocean Ave N, Sea Bright, drifthousedb.com
GABRIELLA’S ITALIAN STEAKHOUSE
The classic steakhouse is redefined for the modern diner at this gorgeous property, featuring a bright, contemporary atmosphere accented with a wood paneled ceiling, indoor trees and hanging plants, and a massive glass-sided wine cellar. The menu is filled with premium steaks, raw bar favorites, and Italian staples like cacio e pepe, truffle lumache, and chicken alla parmigiana. 447 NJ-35, Red Bank, gabriellasnj.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 in white linen, Hollywood chandeliers, and plush red curtains, this glamorous Italian haunt serves equally dazzling dishes. Gnocchi Bolognese with “secret meat” ragù, angus short rib ratatouille, pan-seared branzino, and red snapper swimming in a zesty lemon caper emulsion buon appetito! 15 Church St, Montclair, frescodafranco.com
THE FROG AND THE PEACH
New American date night hotspot. 29 Dennis St, New Brunswick, frogandpeach.com
THE GABLES RESTAURANT
American. 212 Centre Street, Beach Haven, gableslbj.com
GIRASOLE
Traditional Italian hospitality. 502 W Union Ave, Bound Brook, girasoleboundbrook.com
THE GOAT BY DAVID BURKE
This 110-seat Italian American bistro features an open kitchen and wood-burning oven for a sizzling selection of upscale comfort eats. Highlights include “Made Here Daily” fresh mozzarella, bubbling signature pizzas, and inventive mains like beef short rib mushroom mac ‘n cheese and a cheeseburger “Royale” with hand-cut fries. 1411 NJ-36, Union Beach, thegoatbydb.com
GRAIN HOUSE
American comfort fare in a charming colonial setting. 225 Morristown Rd, Basking Ridge, oldemillinn.com
THE GREEK SPOT
Greek / Mediterranean. 15 Bridge Ave 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 like antipasti, pizza, house-made pasta, steaks, and mains. Menu highlights include rack of Colorado lamb, loin of veal chop, pan-seared scallops, and squid ink pasta with assorted seafood. The Sunday family dinner is an Englewood Cliffs institution. 484 Sylvan Ave, Englewood Cliffs, grissinirestaurant.com
JASPER STONE ITALIAN STEAKHOUSE
Elegant BYOB famed for its robust steak menu, featuring a vast array of top-end cuts. Seared rare A5, filet mignon, bone-in cowboy, Allen Brothers porterhouse, Miyazaki A5 striploin, and more are all on tap. Non-cow alternatives include NJ sea scallops, glazed black Cod, and roasted organic chicken. 399 Spotswood Englishtown Rd, jasperstonenj.com
HEARTHLY BURGER
Fast casual/organic burgers. 520 Broad St, Shrewsbury, hearthlyburger.com
THE HIGHLAWN
New American / Modern Steakhouse. 1 Crest Dr, West Orange, highlawn.com
IL CAPRICCIO
Upscale Italian. 633 Rt. 10 East, Whippany, ilcapriccio.com
IL COLOSSEO RISTORANTE
Authentic Italian excellence served on white tablecloths: baby octopus served grilled or sautéed in garlic and oil; Bolognese topped with slow simmered ground beef ragu; veal medallions sautéed in lemon butter wine; shrimp sautéed in homemade spicy marinara sauce, and more. 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
Peruvian fare. 1 American Dream Way, East Rutherford, jaranarestaurant.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 DOLCE VITA
Italian. 400 Ocean Avenue, Belmar, ladolcevita.com
IL NIDO
Upscale yet cozy, this modern Italian restaurant sets the bar in sustainability, sourcing only all-natural, non-GMO ingredients from local purveyors, plus a few staples straight from Italy. Dishes are served amid rustic farmhouse décor
, and include a medley of antipasti, fresh cheeses, local salads, homemade pastas, chops, seafood, and prime dry-aged beef. 184 Route 9 North, Marlboro, ilnidonj.com
LA LUPA
Romantic, BYOB Italian bistro serving scratch-made staples on dark wooden tables. Feast upon fresh focaccia to start before diving into creative mains like Tuscan fried chicken with fennel, rosemary, and hot honey, or Berkshire pork baby back ribs with balsamic glaze. There’s a selection of Neapolitan pizzas, too. 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 DOLCE VITA
Italian. 408 Ocean Ave, Belmar, laterrazzabelmar.com
LEFKES ESTIATORIO
This Santorini-inspired concept serves traditional Greek flavors with a trendy twist. 495 Sylvan Ave, Englewood Cliffs, lefkesnj.com
HEIRLOOM AT THE ST. LAURENT
Stylish social club boasting a sleek cocktail bar, restaurant, boutique hotel, and pool. James Beard Award-nominated chef David Viana leads the menu, pulling from hyper-fresh, seasonal ingredients to craft the lunch and dinner selects. The three-course prix fixe dinner includes elegantly dressed options like pork belly with black currant, cacao, and thyme, and jerk-spiced duck with collard greens and mango. $89 per person. 408 7th Ave, Asbury Park, thestlaurent.com
LE MALT LOUNGE
American tapas, cigar lounge. 1021 St Georges Ave #2, Colonia, lemaltlounge.com
LITA
Modern Iberian. 1055 NJ-34, Aberdeen Township, thelovelylita.com
LITTLE BUCA RESTAURANT
This charming BYOB brings a taste of Manhattan to Little Silver, famed for 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 THE LOADED SPOON Swanky new American dining experience featuring upscale art and décor served alongside refreshing craft cocktails and imaginative mains. 108 Schanck Road, Freehold, loaded-spoon.com
LORENA’S
French-inspired bistro. 168 Maplewood Ave, Maplewood, restaurantlorena.com
LUNA STELLA
Italian. 5 Highland Place, Maplewood, restaurantlunastella.com
LUNELLO
A Cedar Grove institution since 1900, this romantic fine-dining bistro from chef Louis Seger serves a mix of Italian classics and innovative specialties. The pastas are made from scratch, and the fish is flown in from the Mediterranean and Hawaii. Creative presentation and a gregarious staff complete the experience. 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. Menu standouts include citrus grilled shrimp, Liberty house-blend burger, and the stacked Maddy Rose Tower. 76 Audrey Zapp Dr Floor 1, Jersey City, libertyhousejc.com
MANGIA TOSCANO
Contemporary-chic Tuscan. 422 Main St, Metuchen, mangia-toscano.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
Indian. 78 Main St, Eatontown, maukaindiancuisine.com
MCLOONES BOAT HOUSE
New American and seafood. 9 Cherry Lane, West Orange, mcloonesboathouse.com
MEDITERRA RESTAURANT & TAVERNA
Seasonal Mediterranean in rustic-chic digs. 29 Hulfish St, Princeton, mediterrarestaurant.com
METROPOLITAN CAFÉ
Jetset to the Pacific Rim at this stylish American bistro, sushi bar, and lounge, featuring a dizzying selection of sea-centric delicacies like crab cakes, sauteed clams, and scallops. 8 E Main St, Freehold, metrocafenj.com
MEXIMODO
Modern Mexican. 5 Pearl St, Metuchen, meximodo.com
MOONSTRUCK
American-Mediterranean and live music. 517 Lake Ave, Asbury Park, moonstrucknj.com MOSSUTO’S MARKET Italian, café. 2029 NJ-35 #4, Wall, mossutosmarket.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
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. Lighter options span berry, quinoa, and skirt steak salads plus American sturgeon caviar and a shrimp cocktail. For the famished, feast upon a buttermilk chicken sand wich, jumbo crab cakes, or classic chicken pot pie. 88 Riverside Ave, Red Bank, themollypitcher.com
NERO’S GRILLE
Italian. 618 S Livingston Ave, Livingston, neros.com
NETTIE’S HOUSE OF SPAGHETTI
This Tinton Falls spaghetti house features a wondrous lineup of homemade noodles prepped in a panoply of ways: butter, 24-month parmigiano reggiano, and cracked pepper, perhaps, or maybe red sauce, butter, Calabrian chili, and basil is more your jam. 5119 Asbury Ave, Tinton Falls, nettiesrestaurant.com
NICHOLAS 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. 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 offers a European-American menu of house-made pastas and pizzas, crisp salads, and decadent mains like pan-seared salmon, grilled swordfish, New England scallops, and roasted duck breast. 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 burrata mozzarella, clam pizzetta topped with garlic and mozz, and classic spaghetti and meatballs, plus chops, steaks, and fresh seafood. 448 Route 9 North Englishtown, nonnasnj.net
ONE WILLOW
Seafood. 1 Willow St, Highlands, onewillowhighlands.com
ORCHARD PARK BY DAVID BURKE
Tucked within the exquisite grounds of the Chateau Grande Hotel, this mod American eatery from the gregarious celebrity chef features a lively open kitchen, 1,500-bottle wine cellar, and cool mid-cen tury modern décor. Dine under a glowing pink Himalayan salt wall, which chef Burke uses to dry-age steaks like filet mignon, New York strip, rib-eye, and a tender Chateaubriand for two. Creative pizzas, pastas, and surf-n-turf round out the menu. 670 Cranbury Road, East Brunswick, orchardparkbydb.com
NINO’S COAL FIRED PIZZA
Cozy pizza haunt famed for its vast selection of sizzling, coal-fired pies, including its award-winning signature Tomato Pie, topped with San Marzano tomatoes, mozz, pecorino, fresh basil, and imported olive oil. Plate and fork options include scratch-made pastas, hot Italian sandwiches, and classics like pollo Milanese, veal pizziaola, and chicken parm. 66 Brick Blvd, Brick Township, ninoscoalfiredpizza.com ORIGIN THAI T hai 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, Suite 401, Asbury Park, pascalandsabine.com
OSTERIA CUCINA RUSTICA
Old-world hospitality meets modern delights 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 pappardelle with wild mushrooms and shaved black truffle. 91 S Main Street, Marlboro, osterianj.com
PASTARAMEN
Billed as the first Italian ramen house, this creative fusion locale marries Japanese and Italian cultures. 6 S Fullerton Avenue, Montclair, pastaramen.com
PATRICIA’S OF HOLMDEL
Owner Frank Brusco brings his family recipes to his Holmdel neighbors at this cozy Italian spot, from pizzas and handmade pastas to his nonna’s famous meatballs. Menu standouts include the namesake pizza, topped with fresh seasonal figs, fig jam, baby arugula, and goat cheese with a balsamic and truffle oil drizzle; and the pappardelle Bolognese topped with veal, pork, and beef meat sauce. 2132 NJ-35, Holmdel, patriciasofholmdel.com
PAZZO MMX
Rustic Italian. 141 W Front St, Red Bank, pazzoredbank.com
PEARL RESTAURANT AT OYSTER POINT HOTEL
Located inside the famed Red Bank boutique hotel, this glamorous restaurant and bar is surrounded by oversized windows to bathe diners in views of the water as they dish on contemporary American cuisine with sprinkles of Asian influences. Crab cakes, quesadillas, chopped salads, burgers, and more. 146 Bodman Place, Red Bank, theoysterpointhotel.com
PITHARI TAVERNA
Greek. 28 Woodbridge Avenue, Highland Park, thepithari.com POLO CLUB Contemporary American. 216 Route 34, Holmdel, thepoloclubholmdel.com
PORTA
Lively pizzeria. 135 Newark Ave, Jersey City, pizzaporta.com/jersey-city P
ROVING GROUND
Modern pub fare, waterfront. 56 Shrewsbury Ave, Highlands, theprovingground.com
PEKING PAVILION
For decades, this upscale Asian hotspot has been satiating appetites for authentic Chinese fare in Monmouth County. The ambiance is elegant yet relaxed, and the menu features beloved favorites like crispy steak with tangy tangerine sauce, honey miso salmon, and (of course) a slow roasted Peking duck served with steamed crepes. 110 NJ-33, Manalapan Township, pekingpavilion.com
RAILS STEAKHOUSE
White tablecloth steakhouse and New American. Whitehall Rd, Towaco, railssteakhouse.com
RED HORSE BY DAVID BURKE
A modern American steakhouse and sushi bar featuring chef Burke’s signature whimsy and award-winning dry-aged meats. In addition to juicy prime cuts (including a 4-oz A5 Miyazaki Wagyu on salt brick), the menu spans oysters, Asian-inspired apps, and upscale surf-n-turf. The on-site Sushi Loft serves a selection of nigiri, sashimi, and maki rolls. Be sure to visit on Sundays for the three-course prix fixe brunch or on Tuesdays for burger night. 26 Ridge Road, Rumson, redhorsebydb.com
RESTAURANT SERENADE
Refined French bistro. 6 Roosevelt Ave, Chatham, restaurantserenade.com
RISTORANTE MV
Lovely, old-world Italian. 1 Mill St, Bernardsville, ristorantemv.com
THE RIVER PALM TERRACE
Bergen County steakhouse famed for in-house 28-day dry-aged meats, hand-selected and cut by the restaurant’s resident butcher. Local seafood and sushi are also served alongside the steaks, in addition to expertly crafted cocktails and international wines. 1416 River Road, Edgewater, riverpalm.com
PRIME & VINE
Set in Eagle Oaks Golf Club, this adults-only steakhouse and wine bar takes patrons on a time capsule back to the roaring ‘20s. An Art Deco mural serves as the focal point of the glamorous space, offset by white tablecloth-topped tables, edged glass doors, and a glass-sided wine cellar. There’s also a private dining room for up to 16 guests along with an outdoor terrace with a waterfall view. 20 Shore Oaks Drive, Farmingdale, eagleoaks.com
THE ROBINSON ALE HOUSE
American bistro fare. 26 Broad St, Red Bank, therobinsonalehouseredbank.com
RIVER POINTE INN
A retro-chic, French-American hybrid bistro dripping in glamour. Feast on Michelin starred chef Josh Laurano’s indulgent plates of moules fritas, roasted North Atlantic salmon, and goat cheese and onion tarts. There’s also a decadent Wagyu burger for heavier appetites, plus classic French escargots. Be sure to start your meal with the signature oysters accompianed by a glass of bubbles. 132 E River Rd, Rumson, riverpointeinn.com
ROONEY’S
Seafood with stellar views. 100 Ocean Ave N, Long Branch, rooneysocean.com
ROSALITA’S ROADSIDE CANTINA
This lively Tex-Mex extravaganza is famed for its farm-to table, slow roasted meats, sizzling fajitas, massive hungry-man burritos, and top-notch margarita menu. 180 US-9, Englishtown; 1048 Cedarbridge Avenue, Brick Township, rosiescantinanj.com
RISTORANTE LUCCA
Italian excellence is served at this Bordentown hotspot, from grilled veal chops topped with Porcini sauce to a decadent double cut Berkshire pork chop with apple compote. There’s also a selection of prime steaks, wild-caught seafood, and home made pastas. Be sure to check the entertainment schedule for live music performances, including jazz nights. 144 US-130, Bordentown, ristorantelucca.com
ROOTS STEAKHOUSE
Steakhouse. 401 Springfield Ave, Summit, rootssteakhouse.com
RUOCCO’S RESTAURANT
Italian-American. 345 rt 9 South, Manalapan Township, ruoccoson9.com
THE SADDLE RIVER INN
Rising from the banks of the Saddle River, this chateau-chic restaurant rests in a former sawmill and basketweaving factory circa 1840. Today, it lives on as a contemporary French eatery. 2 Barnstable Ct, Saddle River, saddleriverinn.com SAFFRON Modern Indian. 31 W Front St, Red Bank, saffronred bank.com
SALT CREEK GRILLE
Bar and grill, seafood. 4 Bingham Ave, Rumson, saltcreekgrille.com SALT Seafood and oyster bar. 103 Church St, New Brunswick, saltrestaurantnj.com
SALY G’S RESTAURANT & TAVERN
Warm, Italian-American dining. 169 Washington Valley Rd, Warren, salygsrestaurant.com
SAVINI RESTAURANT
Classic Italian fine-dining. 168 W Crescent Ave, Allendale, savinirestaurant.com
SCALINI FEDELI
Embark on a culinary journey through Tuscany at this f ine-dining restaurant, featuring soaring vaulted ceilings, antique pine floors, and white tablecloth-topped tables inside a 260-year-old farmhouse. 63 Main Street, Chatham, scalinifedeli.com
SETTE
Upscale Tuscan-inspired BYOB draped in white linen and soothing earth tones. 7 Minebrook Road, Bernardsville, settenj.com
SHIPWRECK GRILL
Casual seafood. 720 Ashley Ave, Brielle, shipwreckgrill.com
SOFIA
An eclectic Italian steakhouse concept housed in a trendy bi-level space with floor-to ceiling windows, a garden room with retractable roof, and a ventilated, speakeasy-style cigar lounge and bar. 36 Engle Street, Englewood, sofiaenglewood.com
SOLO TRATTORIA
Italian. 7 South Street, Freehold, solotrattoria.com
SON CUBANO
Overlooking the Manhattan cityscape, this trendy Cuban supper club is an ultra-luxuri ous dining and entertainment destination with two dining rooms, two bars, a lounge area, and outdoor patio with sweeping NYC views. 40-4 Riverwalk Place, West New York, soncubanonj.com
SPANISH TAVERN
Bites from Spain. 103 McWhorter St, Newark, spanishtavernnewark.com
SIRENA RISTORANTE
Ultra-chic white tablecloth dining in Long Branch’s Pier Village, offering classic Italian dishes inspired by chef/owner Joseph Cetrulo’s travels throughout Italy. All ingredients are meticulously selected from either local or Italian purveyors, or otherwise made in house. Meatballs, homemade pastas, Neapolitan pizzas, fresh fish, chops, steaks, and more. 27 Ocean Avenue N, Long Branch, sirenaristorante.com
STELLA MARINA
Chic Italian-forward eatery on the Asbury Park Boardwalk featuring floor-to-ceil ing windows that overlook the ocean along with an outdoor patio. Fare spans all the mainstays: creamy burrata, homemade spaghetti, linguini with fresh clams, charred bottom pizzas, and whole grilled branzino, plus steaks, chops, and veal. 800 Ocean Ave N, Asbury Park, stella marinarestaurant.com
STEAKHOUSE 85
The quintessential American steakhouse reimagined for the modern appetite. Since 2008, owner Matthew Terranova and team have been serving accolade-winning dry-aged steaks, rubbed with sea salt, black pepper, and fresh herbs and seared on a 1,200-degree cast iron grill. 85 Church Street, New Brunswick, steakhouse85.com
STAGE LEFT
American. 5 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick, stageleft.com
STONE HOUSE AT STIRLING RIDGE
This stunning restaurant and event space from Landmark Hospitality stretches across ten acres in the Watchung mountains. An open kitchen, commanding wine tower, and hearth fireplace set the ambiance, while the menu attempts to steal the show with upscale renditions of farm to fork classics. 50 Stirling Rd, Warren, stonehouseatstirling ridge.com
STONEY BROOK GRILLE
Upscale New American. 1285 NJ-28, North Branch, stoneybrookgrille.com
STRICKLAND’S STEAKHOUSE
Steakhouse, fine-dining. 106 Main St, Woodbridge, stricklandssteakhouse.com
SUSHI KAI
A classic omakase experience featuring sleek, minimalist Japanese architecture and a daily tasting menu, filled with hyper-fresh bites of sushi, sashimi, nigiri, and more. Two-hour experience, reservations required. 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
TRE PIZZA, PASTA, BEER GARDEN
Bringing two iconic concepts under one industrial-chic roof, this pizzeria-meets-beer garden offers fresh, affordable Italian eats in a hip, welcom ing hangout with bocci, ski ball, and an outdoor garden with firepit. 611 Park Avenue, Freehold; 1048 Cedarbridge Ave, Brick Township, trerestaurant.com
TRIUMPH BREWING COMPANY
Sip a refreshing pilsner while feasting on elevated pub staples like mole short rib quesadillas, yellowfin tuna burgers, or Texas hot smoked sausage at this lively brewery-plus-res taurant in Red Bank. The entertainment schedule is stacked with live music and events, and there’s a killer happy hour, too. 1 Bridge Ave, Red Bank, triumphbrewing.com
UNDICI
Rustic Italian. 11 W River Rd, Rumson, undicirestaurant.com
VARKA RESTAURANT
A large fresh fish display teeming with aquatic delicacies is the centerpiece of this chic Greek eatery, showcasing the owners’ commitment to hyper-fresh and authentic Mediterranean magic. A swanky ambiance sets the stage for the main event: plates of lobster gyros, feta-stuffed calamari, swordfish kabobs, and Icelandic arctic char. 30 N Spruce Street, Ramsey, varkarestaurant.com
UPROOT RESTAURANT
Upscale but inviting American dining experience inspired by the laughter and joy centered on food. The menu is crafted of locally sourced ingredients and line-caught fish, and features creative dishes like duck tacos with crispy wontons, za’atar spiced salmon, and crispy chicharron crusted risotto balls. 9 Mt Bethel Rodd, Warren, uprootrestaurant.com
THE STANDARD AT AMERICAN HOTEL
This former stagecoach stop turned boutique hotel in the heart of Freehold features a charming, old-world bistro reminiscent of a Manhattan steakhouse. Feast on egg-battered artichoke fritters, crispy calamari, Blue Point oysters, lobster mac ‘n cheese with black truffle, and a sizzling selection of steaks. 18 E Main Street, Freehold, americanhotelnj.com/dining
VERVE RESTAURANT
Cozy French bistro. 18 E Main St, Somerville, vervestyle.com
VENTANAS RESTAURANT AND LOUNGE
From chef David Burke and restaurateur Alex Duran, a 7,000-square-foot, three-in one vibe-dining destination illuminated by hanging chandeliers and moody lighting. The menu is a melting pot of American, Asian, and Latin flavors. Think lobster dumplings, “K-town” wings and calamari rings, tuna tartare tacos, and octopus and chorizo kebabs. 200 Park Avenue, Fort Lee, ventanasatthemodern.com
VERANA
Modern Italian. 530 Livingston Street, Norwood, verananorwood.com
VIA SPOSITO
Charming, family-run Italian bistro serving old-world staples along with a few modern surprises. Pizzas are sizzled in a coal-fired oven, cheeses and cured meats are imported from Italy, and all pastas and fresh mozz are made in house daily. Third location in Colts Neck is now open. 3857 County Rd 516, Old Bridge; 20 Broad St, Red Bank; 323 NJ-34, Colts Neck, viasposito.com
VIA VENETO
Italian. 2410 Highway 35, Manasquan, viavenetoris torante.com
URBAN COALHOUSE PIZZA + BAR
Tri-location pizzeria and lively bar, famed for creative pies that arrive bubbling and hot from the 800-degree coal-fired oven. Patrons can customize their pies or choose from a menu of artisan pre-selects, like the Milano with arti chokes, garlic, mozz, provolone, basil, ricotta, and
EVOO. 2
Bridge Ave, Red Bank; 515 Route 70, Brick; 116 14th St, Hoboken, urbancoalhouse.com
VILLA AMALFI
Upscale Italian classics. 793 Palisade Ave, Cliffside Park, villaamalfi.com
WAHOO’S
Hip counter-style seafood joint. 1147 NJ-35, Middletown Township, wahoos.com
VILLAGE HALL RESTAURANT AND BEER GARDEN
Landmark Hospitality’s Village Hall restaurant was inspired by the gritty glamour of old-world NYC taverns. Boasting a 40-seat bar and rustic open-kitchen concept, the vibrant eatery serves hearty portions of crispy calamari, house pastas, and fish and chips with house cut fries and smoked remoulade. 101 S Orange Avenue, South Orange, villagehallnj.com
WATERSIDE RESTAURANT
American. 7800 River Rd B, North Bergen, watersiderestaurant.com
WHITECHAPEL PROJECTS
Farm-to-table. 15 2nd Avenue, Long Branch, whitechapelprojects.com
WHISPERS
Elegant, Victorian-style fine dining. 200 Monmouth Ave, Spring Lake, whispersrestaurant.com
WITHERSPOON GRILL
Swanky steakhouse concept with plush leather booths, sultry lighting, and a booming bar scene where top-dollar deals are sealed with the clink of Belvedere martinis. 57 Witherspoon Street, Princeton, witherspoongrill.com
XINA SUSHI
Japanese, sushi. 3430 New Jersey 37, Toms River, xinarestaurant.com
YELLOWFIN
Seafood-focused American with an Asian spin. 104 24th St, Surf City
WOLFGANG’S STEAKHOUSE
This Somerville outpost of the Manhattan staple serves 28-day dry-aged steaks along with Canadian bacon, Ahi tuna tartare, grilled Chilean sea bass, and more. The signature dish is the Porterhouse, aged 28 days then sizzled in a 1,600-degree broiler. 119 W Main Street, Somerville, wolfgangssteakhouse.net