FROM SASHIMI TO SIZZLING SAGANAKI, PRIME-CUT STEAKS TO SICILIAN-STYLE SWORDFISH, THE NJ CULINARY LANDSCAPE IS BRIMMING WITH OPTIONS TO SATIATE EVERY TYPE OF CRAVING. BRING YOUR APPETITE AND DIVE INTO THIS DELICIOUS LIST OF 99 MUST-TRY RESTAURANTS THIS FALL
BY AMANDA McCOY
618 RESTAURANT
A true destination restaurant, this romantic rustic-chic eatery and event space is famed for creative hand-crafted cocktails, sizzling prime cut steaks, fresh fish delivered daily, and decadent homemade desserts. Additional highlights include stuffed poblano peppers, lobster ravioli, and Cajun BBQ shrimp and grits. 618 Park Avenue, Freehold Township, 618nj.com
1776 BY DAVID BURKE
Brimming with energy, joviality, and style, this elevated American haunt from the beloved local chef features a global menu, artfully chic décor, and a substantial international wine list. Break bread over unconventional pizzas, creative pastas, and dry-aged meats in the whimsical dining room and bar area. Or, for a more exhilarating dining experience, book the 1776 Top golf Swing Suite, featuring David Burke’s menu, a fully equipped bar, and state-of-the-art golf simulators. 67 E Park Pl, Morristown, 1776bydb.com
ALBARIÑO TAPAS & WINE BAR
Bright and lively Spanish tapas hub serving Galician-inspired staples using locally Garden State sourced ingredients. Think cider-glazed chorizo, roasted garlic hummus, crispy eggplant, and seared octopus, along with a freshly sizzled paella. There’s a stellar wine by the glass selection, too. 508 Broad Street, Shrewsbury, albarinorestaurant.com
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. With views of Main Street as your backdrop, feast on white cheddar cheese curds dusted with sea salt, Blue Point oysters served with a cucumber-mint strawberry mignonette, black truffle lobster mac ‘n cheese, and a sizzling selection of steaks, from a 14-oz NY strip to a thundering Tomahawk ribeye for two. Finish with a post-meal digest if by the fire in the adjacent Lobby Lounge. 18 E Main Street, Freehold, americanhotelnj.com/dining
ANJELICA’S RESTAURANT
The family recipes at this cozy BYOB were inspired by the rich culinary traditions of southern and northern Italy, specifically Avellino, Sicily, and Lombardy, with thoughtful renditions of Italian-American adaptations. Dine indoors or in the charming outdoor garden under the glow of bistro lights as you feast on Italian street sammies by day and baked tagliolini, rigatoni Bolognese, and veal scallopini at night. 1070 Ocean Avenue N, Sea Bright, anjelicas.com
A SALUTE
A 19th century church is reborn as a chic, energetic Italian eatery and cocktail bar in Matawan. Feast on scratch-made pastas swimming in house-recipe sauce, Italian classics, and the most authentic Detroit style pizza outside Motor City. Open for both lunch and dinner. There’s also a 180-seat outdoor bar with live entertainment and daily happy hour. 74 Main Street, Matawan, asalutenj.com
AQUA BLU KITCHEN & COCKTAILS
A convivial family dining destination serving seasonal farm-fresh American fare amid an energetic ambiance with live entertainment every Wednesday through Saturday. The shoreside locale partners with over 120 sustainable farms to source local, organic ingredients for dishes like crispy rock shrimp with Calabrian chili aioli, spaghetti with slow cooked pomodoro and homemade meatballs, and pan-roasted filet mignon. Gerard Esposito performs live every Wednesday. 3410 NJ-37, Toms River, aquablurestaurant.com
AUNT BUTCHIE’S OF BROOKLYN
The iconic Brooklyn-based café expanded first into Staten Island and then the Garden State. This lively, full-service restaurant and bakery features coffee, cakes, and a copious selection of hyper fresh Italian-American dishes. Menu highlights include artichokes stuffed with breadcrumbs, fresh garlic, and Locatelli Romano cheese; satay Chilean sea bass marinated in miso and garlic; and baked spaghetti with shrimp and prosciutto in a creamy cognac sauce. 430 US-9, Englishtown, auntbutchiesofbrooklyn.com
BELMONT TAVERN
A locally loved, quintessential New Jersey Italian restaurant for more than 50 years, serving an iconic menu of home style favorites like escarole salad, fiery hot peppers, simple pasta dishes, seafood, steaks, and espresso. 12 Bloomfield Avenue, Belleville, belmont-tavern. business.site
THE BLACK SWAN
Authentic European-style pub housed in a century-old former bank in historic Asbury Park from chef/ restaurateur James Avery and Sebastian Walker. The menu features all the classics: shepherd’s pie, fish and chips, Scottish eggs, and a piquant chicken tikka masala plus English pints, of course! 601 Mattison Avenue, Asbury Park, theblackswanap.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 Street, Asbury Park, brandosnj.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 like spicy stuffed calamari, fire-charred octopus, and imported sliced dark Mediterranean fresh conch sautéed in spicy marinara. 2825 Atlantic Avenue, Atlantic City, cafe2825.com
CAFE LUNA
An upscale Italian bistro bringing homemade classics to Old Bridge. Bubbling pizzas, prime steaks, homemade pastas, and local seafood are served in a bright, modern atmosphere, complemented by a robust wine selection from Italy, France, California, Oregon, and more. There’s also a massive 50-oz Porterhouse for two, served with creamed spinach, lobster mac, and frizzled onions. 3679 US-9, Old Bridge, cafelunanj.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 wine. 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
CATCH 19
Sleek, friendly seafood locale covered in local artwork, famed for fresh catches and beautifully presented dishes. Dishes include tuna carpaccio crudo, prime NY strip, fennel dusted cod, blackened swordfish, and a sky-high seafood tower with King Crab, Oysters, Clams, Lobster Tail, and Cocktail Shrimp. 19 Broad St, Red Bank, catch19redbank.com
CATHERINE LOMBARDI
Cloaked in a cozy red interior with two fireplaces, this classic Italian haunt epitomizes old-world glamour. Begin with a pre-dinner champagne cocktail at the long wooden bar before sitting down to feast on grandma-approved favorites: house-made mozzarella, lasagna with meat gravy, wild boar Bolognese, and veal parmigiana. 3 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick, catherinelombardi.com
CENTRADA COCINA & COCKTAILS
Buzzy new pan-Latin hotspot spread over three levels, blending Tulum, Cuba, and Barcelona into one immersive dining experience in Red Bank. Chef Norman Reola leads the menu, which features colorful Latin American favorites like grilled octopus with yellow pepper sauce, coriander crusted tuna, and whole fried snapper with warm tomato salad and caper chimichurri. The sweeping tequila and mezcal library is quite impressive, too. 8 W Front Street, Red Bank, centradarestaurant.com
CHARLIE’S OF LINCROFT
The proprietors of Charlie’s of Bay Head present their newest culinary destination. The 264-seat tavern serves modern American fare amid a stunning backdrop of mahogany, white brick, and vintage chandeliers. Menu highlights include braised pork belly, duck prosciutto pizza, and a 45-day dry-aged prime porterhouse for two. 700 Newman Springs Road, Lincroft, charliesoflincroft.com
CORBO & SONS OSTERIA
Dual-location laid-back Italian eatery serving creative artisanal pies, handmade pastas, and cozy comfort dishes in Shrewsbury and within Bell Market in Holmdel. Standouts include veal ricotta meatballs, wild Atlantic halibut, and slow roasted duck breast. For a pizza love affair, opt for the classic Nonna, made with local mozzarella, pomodoro, grana padano, and Sicilian oregano; or the sausage and peppadew topped with Italian sausage, peppadew pesto, thyme roasted potatoes, ricotta, and fresh mozz. 555 Shrewsbury Avenue, Shrewsbury; 101 Crawford’s Corner Road, Holmdel, corboandsons.com
CUZIN’S SEAFOODCLAM BAR
What began as a quick counter-style concept quickly evolved into one of the most lauded seafood establishments in Marlboro. The 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 Street, Marlboro; 78 Albany Street, New Brunswick, cuzinsclambar.com
ELEMENTS
Chic, clean, and bright, this award-winning fine-dining restaurant is famed for its playful, often edgy renditions of American classics. The menu is constantly changing to reflect the seasonality of its ingredients and whims of its chefs, but expect steak and seafood prepared in innovative ways. Diners can also opt for five-course chef ’s tasting menu. 66 Witherspoon Street, Princeton, elementsprinceton.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 Avenue, Montclair, faubourgmontclair.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. The menu is stacked with the classics; think Littleneck clams baked with garlic, olive oil, and bread crumbs; pappardelle Bolognese smothered in slow cooked meat sauce; and parm crusted veal martini sautéed with mushrooms, sun dried tomatoes, and white wine. There’s a lineup of bubbling pizzas, too. 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 dinner and brunch, the restaurant serves creative interpretations of classic Italian dishes like meatballs, pizzas, pastas, and mainstays. 18 Prospect Street, Ridgewood, felinarestaurant.com
FIORINO
Old-world culinary techniques are honored at this warm Italian locale, serving beautifully presented reinterpretations of Tuscan classics. Spread over several rooms, the restaurant’s interiors pay homage to the romanticism of Siena and Florence, from the rich 20-seat mahogany bar to the murals encasing the primary dining room. Guests can also opt to feast in the wine room surrounded by thousands of vintage labels. 38 Maple Street, Summit, fiorino.com
FOX & FALCON BY DAVID BURKE
This recently debuted 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. Leave space for sticky toffee pudding for a post-meal delight. 19 Valley Street, South Orange, thefoxandfalconbydb.com
FRESCO DA FRANCO
Boasting a chic, loft-like interior dressed with white linen, Hollywood chandeliers, and plush red curtains, this glamorous Italian hotspot 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 Street, Montclair, frescodafranco.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, BBQ pork chop with peach chutney, and a cheeseburger “royale” with hand-cut fries. 1411 NJ-36, Union Beach, thegoatbydb.com
GRISSINI RESTAURANT
This plush Italian bistro brings the authentic flavors of Northern Italy to the Garden State with festive old-world staples of 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. 484 Sylvan Avenue, Englewood Cliffs, grissinirestaurant.com
HEARTHLY BURGER
Fast casual is reimagined at this high-quality hotspot, featuring comfort classics like burgers, chicken sandwiches, fries, and shakes, all crafted of clean, organic, non-GMO ingredients. Top your burger patty (beef, chicken, vegan, or seafood) with a variety of creative add-ons like kimchi, pickled peppers, and homemade specialty sauces. 520 Broad Street, Shrewsbury, hearthlyburger.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 celebrated dishes. The three-course prix-fixe dinner includes elegantly dressed options like grilled swordfish with black truffle polenta, duck with beluga lentils, and a dry-aged rib-eye with charred shishito. 408 7th Avenue, Asbury Park, thestlaurent.com
THE HIGHLAWN
This fine-dining restaurant and private event space boasts one of the most sweeping panoramic views of NYC from its home atop the Eagle Rock Reservation in West Orange. Expect dishes that are as exquisitely presented as they are delicious, from jumbo crab cakes with Calabrian chiles and beef carpaccio to miso glazed Chilean sea bass and Faroe Island salmon with wood grilled asparagus. 1 Crest Drive, West Orange, highlawn.com
IL CAPRICCIO
This upscale Italian eatery serenades diners with its red pinstriped seating, soaring arched ceiling, and magnificent artworks by painters Anatoly Ivanov and Patrizia Scarpellini. The vegetables are grown on the chef ’s personal farm, and the line-caught fish is delivered from all over the world. Beef and veal meatballs, imported bufala mozzarella, octopus salad, handmade ancient grain spaghetti, and more. 633 Rt. 10 East, Whippany, ilcapriccio.com
IL COLOSSEO RISTORANTE
Authentic Italian excellence served on white tablecloths: imported burrata with homemade caponatina; homemade ravioli stuffed with broccoli rabe and sausage; swordfish with artichoke hearts; 16-oz veal chop with creamy truffle cognac sauce, and more. 500 NJ-35, Red Bank, ilcolosseoristorante.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 breadth of antipasti, fresh cheeses, local salads, homemade pastas, chops, seafood, and prime dry-aged beef. 184 Route 9 North, Marlboro, ilnidonj.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. Dishes span fiery apps like beef-filled fried potatoes, tamarind and aji panca-glazed wings, and crispy chicken chicharrons, followed by authentic causas, a Peruvian delicacy featuring layers of creamy potato, sauce, and fillings like chicken, shrimp, or tuna. Mahi-mahi is also a menu mainstay, available in a variety of presentations. 1 American Dream Way, East Rutherford, jaranarestaurant.com
LA LUPA
Romantic, BYOB Italian bistro serving scratch-made staples on dark wooden tables. Feast upon fresh focaccia and Roman-style rice balls to start, before exploring a world of creative mains like rigatoni carbonara, Dutch County chicken, East Coast grouper, and a selection of Neapolitan pizzas. 123 NJ-33, Manalapan Township, lalupanj.com
LE MALT LOUNGE
A fête extraordinaire from chef Antonio Carballo, this lively tapas and lounge concept serves creative American small plates, like New Bedford scallops and fungi risotto fritters, alongside a lengthy wine and spirits list. On Thursdays, sip cocktails to the melodies of live jazz from talented local musician Melanie Marod and her jazz band. 1021 St Georges Avenue #2, Colonia, lemaltlounge.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 Place, 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, from hot honey chicken and pork chop cobbler to halibut Caprese and filet mignon agnolotti with brown butter cream and pecorino. Liquid pairings are equally creative, spanning pistachio espresso martinis and brown butter Old Fashioneds to the Let’s Spoon, a blend of Nolet’s gin, Chambord, raspberry jam, and lemon. 108 Schanck Road, Freehold, loaded-spoon.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 Avenue, Cedar Grove, lunello.com
MANGIA TOSCANO
Contemporary-chic Tuscan restaurant touted for stunningly plated (and equally delicious) modern Italian cuisine, plus award winning local and global vino. Begin with bufala mozzarella from Campania before diving into a lineup of house-made pastas and scintillating entrées like Florentine grilled T-bone, mustard-marinated cod accompanied with celery root and lemon risotto, and filet mignon served with truffle potato puree. 422 Main Street, Metuchen, mangia-toscano.com
MAUKA INDIAN CUISINE
Buzzy Indian eatery inspired by the magic of the family dinner table. Dishes are saporous, authentic, and generously sized: half a chicken simmered in traditional tandoori spices, red snapper filet blanketed in malabar coconut and lemon gravy, and spicy lamb curry prepared Maharashtrian style perfect for sopping up with fresh naan! 78 Main Street, Eatontown, maukaindiancuisine.com
METROPOLITAN CAFE
Jetset to the Pacific Rim at this stylish American bistro, sushi bar, and lounge in Freehold, featuring a dizzying selection of sea-centric delicacies like crab cakes, sauteed clams, and scallop pinwheels. Landlubber highlights include Asian skirt steak, BBQ glazed short ribs, and center cut pork chop with apricot mustard sauce. 8 E Main Street, Freehold, metrocafenj.com
NETTIE’S HOUSE OF SPAGHETTI
Pasta lovers: welcome to paradise. This Tinton Falls spaghetti house features a wondrous lineup of homemade noodles prepped in a panoply of ways: butter, 24 month parmigiano reggiano, cracked pepper, perhaps, or maybe red sauce, butter, Calabrian chili, and basil is more your jam. Antipasti options span buttermilk ricotta, fried meatballs, and pan-roasted fluke. 5119 Asbury Avenue, 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 EuropeanAmerican 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 Drive, 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 with heirloom tomato, prosciutto, and roasted peppers; a clam pizzetta topped with garlic and mozz; and classic spaghetti and meatballs, plus chops, steaks, and fresh seafood. Parties of four or more can also opt to dine family style. 448 Route 9 North, Englishtown, nonnasnj.net
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-century modern décor. Dine under a glowing pink Himalayan salt wall, which chef Burke uses to dryage 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
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
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
PRIME & VINE
The newest dining destination 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
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 either the three-course prix fixe brunch or burger night in the Sushi Loft. 26 Ridge Road, Rumson, redhorsebydb.com
RISTORANTE MV
Channeling the essence of Italian culture, cuisine, ambiance, and service, this lovely, old-world restaurant is brimming with charm. Feast on home-cooked classics amid towering brick walls, hand-painted murals, and indoor trees. The menu flows from antipasti and small plates to rich, hearty portions of chicken, seafood, and veal. Pair your meal with a glass of vino, just be prepared to choose from a menu of hundreds. 1 Mill Street, Bernardsville, ristorantemv.com
RUOCCO’S RESTAURANT
A bright, friendly, family-run restaurant lauded for its fresh Italian-American cuisine with global influences. The menu is a nod to old-world comforts with a contemporary twist, from starters like Italian egg rolls and Sicilian rice balls to mains of honey roasted salmon and double cut pork chop. 345 rt 9 South, Manalapan Township, ruoccoson9.com
THE SADDLE RIVER INN
Rising from the banks of the Saddle River, this chateauchic restaurant rests in a former sawmill and basket weaving factory circa 1840. Today, it lives on as a contemporary French eatery, serving elegant dishes like Wagyu steak tartare, Spanish octopus, and smoked salmon. 2 Barnstable Court, Saddle River, saddleriverinn.com
SCALINI FEDELI
Embark on a culinary journey through Tuscany at this Chatham fine-dining restaurant, featuring soaring vaulted ceilings, antique pine floors, and tablecloth-topped tables inside a 260-year-old farmhouse. The four-course prix-fixe menu features Tuscan staples like butternut agnolotti, duck in a port and truffle reduction, veal Milanese, and more. 63 Main Street, Chatham, scalinifedeli.com
SETTE
Upscale Tuscan-inspired BYOB draped in white linen and soothing earth tones. Exalted at as “One of the Top 100 Best Restaurants in the United States” by OpenTable, the Italian eatery features heartfelt recipes like wild gulf shrimp with braised savoy cabbage, Sicilian-style eggplant ragu, and Australian grass-fed loin of lamb chop topped with fresh thyme and Sicilian salmoriglio jus. 7 Minebrook Road, Bernardsville, settenj.com
SOLO TRATTORIA
A chic, romantic dining room marked by linen-topped tables and fresh roses sets the stage for the main event: authentic Italian gastronomy. Fried veal meatballs, Sicilian octopus carpaccio, house-made fusilli with seafood, center cut pork shanks, classic eggplant parm, and scoops of fresh mozzarella molto delizioso! 7 South Street, Freehold, solotrattoria.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-tofork classics like salmon tartare, roasted Amish chicken, and a signature burger with white cheddar and a bacon and onion jam. 50 Stirling Road, Warren, stonehouseatstirlingridge.com
TRE PIZZA, PASTA, BEER GARDEN
Bringing two iconic concepts under one industrial-chic roof, this pizzeria-meetsbeer garden offers fresh, affordable Italian eats in a hip, welcoming hangout with bocci, ski ball, and an outdoor garden with firepit. All Neapolitan-style pizzas arrive bubbling from the brick oven, designed to pair with the local ales and Italian wines. There’s also an assortment of apps, salads, pastas, and entrees, too. 611 Park Avenue, Freehold; 1048 Cedarbridge Avenue, Brick Township, trerestaurant.com
UPROOT RESTAURANT
Upscale but inviting new American dining experience inspired by the laughter and joy surrounding food. The menu is crafted of locally sourced ingredients and line-caught fish, and features creative dishes like tuna noodles with smashed avocado and puffed rice chip, miso butter glazed pork belly, goat cheese and bacon pizza, and tinga wontons with spicy roasted chicken. Steaks, chops, chicken, and fish dishes are on deck, too. 9 Mt Bethel Rodd, Warren, uprootrestaurant.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, such as the Milano with artichokes, garlic, mozzarella, provolone, basil, ricotta, and EVOO; or the Sweet Heat, topped with sweet sopressata, goat cheese, mozzarella, and hot honey drizzle. 2 Bridge Avenue, Red Bank; 515 Route 70, Brick; 116 14th Srreet, Hoboken, urbancoalhouse.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. Arancini, stuffed mushrooms, baked clams, spaghetti and meatballs, veal parm, and more. Third location in Colts Neck is now open. 3857 County Road 516, Old Bridge; 20 Broad Street, Red Bank; 323 NJ-34, Colts Neck, viasposito.com
VENTANAS RESTAURANT AND LOUNGE
From chef David Burke and restaurateur Alex Duran, a 7,000-square-foot, three-inone vibe-dining destination in Fort Lee illuminated by hanging chandeliers and moody lighting. The menu is a melting pot of American, Asian, and Latin flavors, conceptualized by chef Burke. Think lobster dumplings, “K-town” wings and calamari rings, tuna tartare tacos, and octopus and chorizo kebabs. Live musicians or DJs on the weekends. 200 Park Avenue, Fort Lee, ventanasatthemodern.com
VERANA
Chef/owner Giuseppe Agostino leads the kitchen of this lively Italian hotspot, who whetted his skills in feted locales throughout Italy before bringing his authentic home style recipes to Norwood. Menu exceptionals include Milanese pork cutlet topped with a dijon Calabrian chili dressing, classic chicken parm with a six-hour tomato stew, and grilled Atlantic swordfish dusted with toasted peanuts. 530 Livingston Street, Norwood, verananorwood.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 with cherry bomb relish, heart-roasted salmon, pork Milanese, and Wagyu flat iron steak frites. There’s also a robust raw bar selection, too. 101 S Orange Avenue, South Orange, villagehallnj.com
WHITECHAPEL PROJECTS
Inspired by the vibrancy of London’s White capel District, this urban haunt is a farm-to-table restaurant, brewery, artist’s showcase, event venue, outdoor bar, and community incubator, all in one mural-wrapped package. Feast on fresh European American selects like poutine, French onion burger, beer braised short rib, and a famous Hungarian flatbread topped with mushrooms grown on site. 15 2nd Avenue, Long Branch, whitechapelprojects.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. Menu rock stars include herb panko-crusted rack of lamb, 20-oz dry-aged bone-in rib eye, pan-roasted salmon, and jumbo lump crab cakes with creamy cabbage slaw. 57 Witherspoon Street, Princeton, witherspoongrill.com