December 2, 2024

Canadiannpizza

Cooking Is My World

The Best of New Jersey Restaurant Guide: 2020 Edition

Each month, Best of NJ profiles new eateries in the area to help you find your next great meal. Now, as a special end of the year feature, we’re curating our best profiles on one easy to read page. With this in mind, we are proud to present the Best New Jersey Restaurant Guide 2020. These are the new eateries from throughout 2020 we think you should know about.

These spots caught our eye because of either their unique menu, interesting backstory, community-driven approach, or eco-friendly practice. In short, every New Jersey restaurant on this list is worthy of praise in their own, personal way.

Quick Click Guide: Select an NJ Region below to find the best New Jersey Restaurants near you.
| North Jersey | Central Jersey | Jersey Shore | South Jersey |


North Jersey

Restaurant Exterior

690 Park Bar

Address: 690 Anderson Ave, Cliffside Park
Cuisine: American / Continental
Signature Dish: Rib-eye Steak
Bio: 690 Park is a two-floor space that seats about 47 upstairs as well as 69 downstairs. The restaurant’s vibe is modern, classy, and sophisticated. As a scratch kitchen, the food is as fresh as it gets; in fact, they don’t even have a freezer!
Learn More: Click here to read the full feature.


Alessio’s

Address: 539 Park Ave, Hoboken
Cuisine: Italian
Signature Dish: Paninis (Lunch), Pizza (Dinner)
Bio: Alessio’s is a triple threat, serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The stars of the lunch menu are paninis, which use bread they bake in house; unique choices include veggie, pepperoni, and turkey pesto. Meanwhile, pizza pie favorites include margherita, tricolore, and capricciosa.
Learn More: Click here to read the full feature.


BiancoBlu

Address: 190 River Road, Edgewater
Cuisine: Italian
Signature Dish: Homemade Ravioli
Bio: There’s fine dining, and then there’s fine Italian dining. At BiancoBlu, food is overseen by Chef Enrico Geraldo, who spent 10 years training in Italy. Everything is made from scratch, from the pasta to the veal chops, as well as their signature cocktails.
Learn More: Click here to read the full feature.


Bibillia

Address: 16 Chestnut Street, Ridgewood
Cuisine: Korean
Signature Dish: Bibimbap
Bio: Bibillia lets you create custom Korean food dishes in a similar way to popular spots such as Moe’s and Chipotle. However, the menu focuses on Korean bibimbap, home-style noodles, veggies, and rice which come in biodegradable, fiber bowls.
Learn More: Click here to read the full feature.


Brasserie Mémère

Address: 107 Vervalen Street, Closter
Cuisine: French
Signature Dish: Braised Beef
Bio: At Brasserie Mémère, Chef Ciszak honors French techniques and flavors while also mixing in his grandma’s personal cuisine. (The word mémère translates to “granny” in English.) They serve both lunch and dinner in a classic Parisian setting.
Learn More: Click here to read the full feature.


Brothers Smokehouse

Address: 900 Route 17 North, Ramsey
Cuisine: Southern BBQ
Signature Dish: Smoked Meats (of course)
Bio: As you may suspect, Brothers Smokehouse is owned and operated by brothers, three of them to be exact. Gavin, Jamie, and Chris Farella have two industrial smokers running 24/7 to match their motto, “Smoken All Day”. Their meaty menu is overflowing with brisket, sausage, chicken, and more.
Learn More: Click here to read the full feature.


Casa Don Manuel

Address: 1292 Alps Road, Wayne
Cuisine: Mexican
Signature Dish: Molcajetes
Bio: Casa Don Manuel serves “homestyle” Mexican meals that are perfect for the whole family. In fact, each item on the menu has some personal meaning to the Avalos family, who own the spot. For instance, their daughter Andrea loves the huaraches.
Learn More: Click here to read the full feature.


Clove Garden of India

Address: 353 3rd Street, Jersey City
Cuisine: Indian
Signature Dish: Goan Fish Curry
Bio: The owners of Clove Garden are quick to point out that flavors and traditions wary widely across Indian cuisine. As such, their menu offers a large array of options. But no matter what you order, you can expect an exquisite blend of spices to enhance your meal.
Learn More: Click here to read the full feature.


Cork and Crust

Address: 90 La Roche Ave, Harrington Park
Cuisine: Italian / Mediterranean
Signature Dish: Stuffed Jumbo Mushrooms
Bio: The menu at Cork and Crust presents Italian and Sicilian dishes with a Mediterranean twist. They can also make Gluten-free versions of each dish. Their dessert menu changes weekly, but tiramisu and cannoli are always available to order.
Learn More: Click here to read the full feature.


El Turco Grill

Address: 270 Main Street, Hackensack
Cuisine: Turkish
Signature Dish: Adana Kebab
Bio: El Turco Grill serves traditional Turkish food with a modern twist. Husband and wife team Yusuf and Tess Ural offer a menu inspired by the food they grew up eating. To make their popular adana kebab, they grill and mince lamb with a mix of peppers.
Learn More: Click here to read the full feature.


Fork Hill Kitchen

Address: 201 16th Street, Union City
Cuisine: Modern American
Signature Dish: The Fork Hill Sandwich
Bio: At Fork Hill Kitchen, Executive Chef Eric Clemente cooks up dishes that are simple and casual with global flavors. He uses fresh, local ingredients – many of which are from nearby farmer’s markets – to produce a unique and tasty menu.
Learn More: Click here to read the full feature.


Franklin Social

Address: 292 Barrow Street, Jersey City
Cuisine: Rustic American
Signature Dish: Wild Game Skewer
Bio: When you think about the birth of America, it’s not hard to imagine important meetings taking place in a tavern. That’s why Franklin Social in Jersey City mixes historic decor and a menu that draws inspiration from early Colonial days. (And of course, plenty of drinks.)
Learn More: Click here to read the full feature.


Freetown Road Project

Address: 640 Newark Ave, Jersey City
Cuisine: West Indian
Signature Dish: Oxtail with Rice and Beans
Bio: Freetown Road Project presents an island getaway vibe and a noble cause. Two days a week, the team works as a stationary or mobile soup kitchen, serving the homeless and the needy. The rest of the week, Chopped Champion Chef Claude Lewis serves modern West Indian cuisine.
Learn More: Click here to read the full feature.


Hearth Tavern

Address: 791 Midland Ave, Garfield
Cuisine: American/Italian
Signature Dish: Wood-Fired Pizzas
Bio: If you can’t decide between classic American dinners and homemade Italian dishes, Hearth Tavern is the best of both. From wings and skirt steak to penne vodka and pizza, this spot has a menu you don’t want to miss. (We say to give their Chicken Cutlet Ranch pizza a try.)
Learn More: Click here to read the full feature.


Home Made

Address: 269 Main Street, Hackettstown
Cuisine: Polish
Signature Dish: Pierogies
Bio: Are you a fan of kielbasa, pierogies and chrusciki? If so, you can now get Polish favorites the way your grandma makes them at Home Made in Hackettstown. This spot serves authentic homemade Polish dishes and desserts, all made from scratch using family recipes.
Learn More: Click here to read the full feature.


Hot Kebabs City

Address: 228 Paterson Ave, East Rutherford
Cuisine: Turkish
Signature Dish: Gyro Kebab
Bio: Hot Kebabs City freshly prepares every meal, all of which is halal. The spot offers one of the best lunch deals around. For instance, lunch with a salad or soup plus a drink and pita bread is just $10. (Lunch items include chicken nuggets, chicken shish kebab, and falafel.)
Learn More: Click here to read the full feature.


Littlechef

Address: 279 Pascack Road, Washington Township
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Signature Dish: Chicken Pesto Panini
Bio: True to its name, Little Chef is a tiny eatery that seats 16 guests at full capacity. They serve homemade Mediterranean food with an American twist. For instance, breakfast options include omelets and breakfast wraps; lunch, meanwhile, offers wraps, paninis, and salads.
Learn More: Click here to read the full feature.


Marty’s Burgers

Address: 2024 Center Ave, Fort Lee
Cuisine: American
Signature Dish: Rocket Man
Bio: At Marty’s Burgers the décor resembles a classic burger shop, with vintage ads, high-contrast colors, and stainless-steel counters. Stop by to try their “Rocket Man” burger with arugula, balsamic, tomatoes, and Parmesan cheese; all over a signature 5.5-ounce premium beef burger.
Learn More: Click here to read the full feature.


Mexican Spice

Address: 149 Main Street, Chatham
Cuisine: Mexican
Signature Dish: Enchilada Casserole
Bio: The owner of Mexican Spice, Jennifer Teutli, was born and raised in Mexico City. So it’s no surprise she has a passion for Mexican food. You’ll find tacos, enchiladas, quesadillas, empanadas, and chilaquiles on the menu here, as well as many other Mexican dishes.
Learn More: Click here to read the full feature.


Mimas Cuban Cantina

Address: 850 Paterson Ave, East Rutherford
Cuisine: Cuban
Signature Dish: The Elena Ruth
Bio: Kass Gutierrez — aka Chef Kass — is 29-year-old Culinary Institute of America alum; her new restaurant, Mimas Cuban Cantina, is her way of sharing her love of Cuban food with North Jersey. Whether you come for breakfast or dinner, you’re sure to find something delicious.
Learn More: Click here to read the full feature.


Narruto Bowl

Address: 461 Cedar Lane, Teaneck
Cuisine: Asian Fusion
Signature Dish: Korean Hot Chicken
Bio: Narruto Bowl is far from just some ramen shop. Co-owners Joshua Massin and Jason Rosenblatt offer a diverse menu; one which includes a mix of Asian and Latin American street foods, soul foods, comfort foods, and homestyle cooking. They are also a kosher restaurant.
Learn More: Click here to read the full feature.


Nukkad

Address: 105 Greene Street, Jersey City
Cuisine: Indian
Signature Dish: Curry Mac and Cheese
Bio: Nukkad hopes to satisfy Desi nostalgia for Indian cuisine. You’ll find classic menu items like dosas in flavors ranging from traditional to pizza. They prepare batters in-house using secret recipes straight from south-Indian kitchens; and their Biryani in the popular Andhra style.
Learn More: Click here to read the full feature.


OISO BBQ Pit

Address: 124 Main St, Fort Lee
Cuisine: Texas BBQ
Signature Dish: Hickory-Wood Smoked Brisket
Bio: At Oiso BBQ Pit, their signature BBQ dish is the hickory-wood smoked brisket; they smoke the meat for 10 hours and use a rub that consists only of salt and pepper. Of course, they serve this authentic Texas-style dish juicy and tender with a strong, beefy flavor.
Learn More: Click here to read the full feature.


Porter

Address: 110 Ave (Port Imperial), Weehawken
Cuisine: Modern American
Signature Dish: “Mott Street” Pizza
Bio: The menu at Porter features seasonal, shareable small plates, coal-fired entrees, wood-fired pizzas, and homemade desserts. The menu may sound fancy, but kids are welcome, too. Meanwhile, their robust bar offers handcrafted cocktails, wine options, plus domestic and imported beer.
Learn More: Click here to read the full feature.


Pren Kitchen

Address: 52 Main Street, Suite 1, Chester
Cuisine: American
Signature Dish: Pastured Pulled Pork
Bio: The owner of Pren Kitchen, Kraig Kalashian, wants his restaurant to be the kitchen table of the neighborhood. He also hopes to help families connect more while eating; that’s why Pren Kitchen has an unofficial “no electronics in the dining room” rule. (They have board games instead.)
Learn More: Click here to read the full feature.


Ramsey Tap Room

Address: 1315 Route 17 South, Ramsey
Cuisine: American
Signature Dish: RTR&G Burger
Bio: Most of the food at Ramsey Tap Room is made in house from scratch. But their signature dish is the RTR&G burger; which blends short ribs, chuck, and ribeye with smoke house bacon, lettuce, tomato, pickles, red onion, and melted cheese on a toasted brioche bun.
Learn More: Click here to read the full feature.


Sender’s Smoke Joint

Address: 190 West Englewood Ave, Teaneck
Cuisine: New American
Signature Dish: OG Meat Pizza
Bio: If you’ve ever felt hungry without craving something in particular, Sender’s Smoke Joint in Teaneck is for you. Their truly eclectic menu features barbecue, tacos, sandwiches, pizza, duck nuggets, and more. Plus, as a bonus, the entire menu is glatt kosher.
Learn More: Click here to read the full feature.


Simply Stix

Address: 163 Main St, Hackensack
Cuisine: Greek Street Food
Signature Dish: Bifteki Stix
Bio: Simply Stix is mostly a takeout spot that cooks items to order all in house. Owner Katerina Romnios says the idea comes from her favorite childhood treats. While spending summers with her family in Greece, her grandmother taught her to cook traditional Greek dishes.
Learn More: Click here to read the full feature.


Sirenetta

Address: 1039 Washington St, Hoboken
Cuisine: Coastal Italian
Signature Dish: Swordfish Milanese
Bio: Sirenetta – which means “little mermaid” in Italian – is the sister restaurant to Sorellina Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar; which you will find right across the street. Though the menu and setting are very different, patrons can expect the same level of first-class hospitality.
Learn More: Click here to read the full feature.


Sol

Address: 42 Kinderkamack Road, Woodcliff Lake
Cuisine: Spanish/Latin
Signature Dish: Homemade Tamales
Bio: As a family-run business, Sol treats you like one of the family every time you come in. The menu includes traditional Mexican favorites like tacos and enchiladas, and everything is homemade. Fan favorites so far include beef empanadas, steaks, paella, and seafood.
Learn More: Click here to read the full feature.


Sonny T

Address: 259 Johnson Ave, River Edge
Cuisine: Southern Italian
Signature Dish: Margarita Pizza
Bio: The new Sonny T restaurant and bar in River Edge serves up Southern Italian cuisine starring family recipes. For instance, the Sonny T Sunday Dinner features nanny’s gravy with sausage, meatballs, and braciola, with either spaghetti or rigatoni. Buon Appetito!
Learn More: Click here to read the full feature.


Summer and Autumn Cafe

Address: 17 Summer St, Lodi
Cuisine: Brunch
Signature Dish: Grilled Cheese with Tomato Soup
Bio: Summer and Autumn Cafe is the result of Marisa Sudol’s stage 3 cancer recovery and second child’s birth; both serving as inspirations for her and co-owner/Chef Chris Paolello to follow their dreams and live for the moment. You’ll find brunch classics at this BYOB spot.
Learn More: Click here to read the full feature.


Sushi Kai

Address: 206 Main St, Fort Lee
Cuisine: Sushi
Signature Dish: Omakase (chef’s choice)
Bio: The new Sushi Kai restaurant in Fort Lee is not your average sushi joint; it’s an authentic, high-end omakase experience using fish straight from the Tovosu Market in Japan. In addition, this smaller spot seats just 25 patrons at full capacity, giving it an air of exclusivity.
Learn More: Click here to read the full feature.


The Boil

Address: 8 Erie Street, Jersey City
Cuisine: Cajun
Signature Dish: “The Whale” seafood bucket
Bio: The Boil is a lively restaurant and bar that serves Cajun-style shellfish by the pound; which you can, of course, pair with your choice of spices and sauces. With two successful locations already in Manhattan, their first New Jersey locale is now open in Jersey City.
Learn More: Click here to read the full feature.


The Cheese Bar

Address: 322 B Wanaque Ave, Pompton Lakes
Cuisine: American / Italian
Signature Dish: Buffalo Chicken Mac n Cheese
Bio: The Cheese Bar offers all things cheese, from artisan grilled cheese sandwiches to homemade Italian cheesecake. They also promise each bite is full of a unique combo of cheesy ingredients. Their grilled cheese sandwiches also come loaded with pulled pork, chicken, skirt steak, and more.
Learn More: Click here to read the full feature.


Tito’s Mexican Street Eats

Address: 11 Outwater Lane, Garfield
Cuisine: Mexican
Signature Dish: Carne Asada
Bio: Tito’s Mexican Street Eats is the product of two longtime friends with a shared dream; to start a business and bring people together through a unique food experience. In particular, they serve low-cost, large portion meals with the bold and robust flavors of Mexican Street foods.
Learn More: Click here to read the full feature.


Twisted Tulip

Address: 277 Eisenhower Parkway, Livingston
Cuisine: Cafe
Signature Dish: Coffee
Bio: Twisted Tulip is an upscale cafe that focuses on sourcing local ingredients. In fact, they buy all their coffee from Jersey City. In addition, they hand craft all drinks without the use of any machines. Though the process takes longer, the end result is a higher quality cup of coffee.
Learn More: Click here to read the full feature.


Uncle Louie’s Pizza

Address: 14 West Grand Ave, Montvale
Cuisine: Italian
Signature Dish: The Grandma Pie
Bio: Uncle Louie’s is “the place that you can get the best of the best for a reasonable price”; that’s according to owner David Brancato. Their new location aims to serve as a middle ground between high-end Italian restaurants and typical pizzerias. (There is also one in Franklin Lakes.)
Learn More: Click here to read the full feature.


Vibe Burger

Address: 92 Route 23 North, Riverdale
Cuisine: American
Signature Dish: Wagyu Beef Hot Dogs
Bio: Vibe Burger is more than just a restaurant. The space also houses arcade games, a mini-golf course, and even virtual reality rides. Their fresh, never frozen menu — including signature burgers — comes courtesy of award-winning Owner and Partner/Executive Chef Darryl Harmon.
Learn More: Click here to read the full feature.


Willow and Whisk

Address: 319 Franklin Ave, Wyckoff
Cuisine: American
Signature Dish: Mini Brioche French toast
Bio: Willow and Whisk takes classic diner dishes and turns them on their head with a unique and signature flair. The true family restaurant is owned by siblings AJ and Rich DiBenedetto, along with their cousin Evan D’Auge. The carefully curated menu boasts breakfast favorites and more.
Learn More: Click here to read the full feature.


The Yacht Club

Address: 541 River Rd, Edgewater
Cuisine: Seafood
Signature Dish: Lobster BLT sandwich
Bio: You can’t miss The Yacht Club along the Edgewater Commons Shopping Center pier, with its white lighthouse-shaped façade. The restaurant serves American seafood dishes courtesy of Executive Chef Gregory Zapantis, and also employs Sushi Chef Steve Song.
Learn More: Click here to read the full feature.


Central Jersey

Just Chill Exterior Entrance

Butcher 360

Address: 360 Georges Road, Unit A, North Brunswick
Cuisine: Korean BBQ
Signature Dish: Butcher Boneless Prime Galbi
Bio: Butcher 360 serves all-you-can-eat Korean BBQ. Once you hand pick your preferred cuts, the cook grills them right at your table over burning charcoal; providing a fun lunch or dinner for groups and dates alike. As they say, it’s more than meat, it’s an experience.
Learn More: Click here to read the full feature.


Chef Jason at 1275

Address: 1275 South River Road, Cranbury
Cuisine: American
Signature Dish: The “Soul Food” family meal
Bio: Chef Jason Dilts has an impressive list of culinary achievements to his name, despite his young age. Latest on the list is his first restaurant, Chef Jason at 1275, which features a rotating, seasonal menu. But at just 27 years old, Dilts is only just getting started.
Learn More: Click here to read the full feature.


Ciro’s Restaurant

Address: 273 High Street, Perth Amboy
Cuisine: Italian
Signature Dish: Lasagna Pizza
Bio: If you want something beyond your basic pizza pie, Ciro’s is the right place. Of course, they offer all the traditional toppings; but you’ll also see gourmet options like the “Taco Pie” with ground beef, lettuce, cheddar, and more. One familiar favorite, however, is the Chicken Parm pie.
Learn More: Click here to read the full feature.


Fat Cactus Mexican Cantina

Address: 350 George Street, New Brunswick
Cuisine: Mexican
Signature Dish: Table-side Guacamole
Bio: Fat Cactus Mexican Cantina gives guests a unique restaurant experience. For instance, they do table-side, made-to-order guacamole from a cart. They also have their own taco truck, and guests can fill out an order to create their own custom tacos.
Learn More: Click here to read the full feature.


Just Chill

Address: 47 Main Street, Clinton
Cuisine: Dessert
Signature Dish: Frozen Yogurt
Bio: It’s easy to feel like part of the family when you visit Just Chill; partly because many of the workers you’ll see are owner Alice DiGiambattista’s daughters, nieces, and nephew. Besides froyo, they offer vegan sorbet, ice cream, milkshakes, sweet crepes, pudding, and acai bowls.
Learn More: Click here to read the full feature.


Kuo Social

Address: 2360 NJ-33, Robbinsville Township
Cuisine: Chinese
Signature Dish: Peking Duck
Bio: Kuo Social pays homage to 1920s Shanghai chic with its vibrant, Chinese ambiance. The restaurant offers fancy interpretations of modern Chinese dishes; as well as what Chef Steve Kuo declares “the best Peking duck in New Jersey, New York, and Philadelphia”.
Learn More: Click here to read the full feature.


Lobster Alley

Address: 18 West Somerset Street, Raritan
Cuisine: Seafood
Signature Dish: Lobster Rolls
Bio: If you’re craving fresh lobster but can’t make it to Maine, we have good news! Lobster Alley serves up hot and cold lobster rolls right in New Jersey. In fact, Lobster Alley has fresh lobsters flown overnight from Maine to the restaurant twice a week; so this is as fresh as it gets.
Learn More: Click here to read the full feature.


The Meeting House

Address: 277 Witherspoon Street, Princeton
Cuisine: American
Signature Dish: Boneless Short Ribs
Bio: For owners Amanda Maher and Amar Gautam, the purpose behind The Meeting House is to create their ideal eatery; one where they can either dine out with friends or enjoy a lively family meal with their three young kids. For parents, this means kids are always welcome here.
Learn More: Click here to read the full feature.


Nature’s EnerQi

Address: 7 Main Street, Flemington
Cuisine: Tea and Small Bites
Signature Dish: Steamery Sampler
Bio: What’s unique about Nature’s EnerQi is that they cook all their food using only water. They only ever use small amounts of oil for taste or texture. Their menu offers healthy teas — such as bubble tea and “bubble fruities” (their signature smoothies) — as well as light snacks.
Learn More: Click here to read the full feature.


Nauti Cajun Crab

Address: 7 New Street, Metuchen
Cuisine: Seafood
Signature Dish: The “Sea Festival” seafood boil
Bio: There’s a time and place for forks and knives, but sometimes, you just have to eat with your hands; which is exactly what you’ll do at Nauti Cajun Crab in Metuchen. With a seafood fork and claw cracker in hand, Nauti serves up Creole seafood boil that’s finger-licking good.
Learn More: Click here to read the full feature.


Orchard Park by David Burke

Address: 670 Cranbury Rd, East Brunswick
Cuisine: Modern American
Signature Dish: Clothesline Bacon
Bio: Orchard Park features a modern American menu. These gourmet dishes are thoughtfully crafted by Celebrity Chef David Burke, a New Jersey native with international acclaim. The menu offers large portions of signature dishes, with appetizers, entrees, and desserts.
Learn More: Click here to read the full feature.


Stateside Tap and Tavern

Address: 149 Pierce Street, Franklin Township
Cuisine: American
Signature Dish: Stateside Burger
Bio: Stateside caters to sports fans, as well as families and friends, with a number of dinner, drink, and dessert options. With 13 big-screen TVs and more than two dozen beers and bottle options, it’s great for game night. But they also offer family-style meals as well.
Learn More: Click here to read the full feature.


Tio Taco and Tequila Bar

Address: 1003 US-1, Edison
Cuisine: Mexican
Signature Dish: Truffle Guacamole
Bio: At Tio Taco and Tequila Bar, you’ll find festive street fair Mexican food using quality ingredients at affordable prices. Right now the Baja shrimp tacos are a big hit, as are the carne asada tacos. True to their name, they boast over 50 tequilas from many popular brands.
Learn More: Click here to read the full feature.


Wood Stack Pizza Kitchen

Address: 259 Lake Ave, Metuchen
Cuisine: Italian
Signature Dish: The Popeyev Pizza
Bio: There’s no shortage of pizza places and Italian restaurants in NJ. But the Wood Stack Pizza Kitchen in Metuchen offers something you don’t find often; in addition to their traditional dine-in restaurant, they can bring a mobile pizza kitchen to your next pizza party.
Learn More: Click here to read the full feature.


Jersey Shore

Dune 18 Exterior Seating

Dune 18

Address: 1916 Long Beach Boulevard, Ship Bottom
Cuisine: American
Signature Dish: Pan-seared Bluefin Tuna
Bio: Dune 18 serves American cuisine with Asian influences. For instance, they serve starters such as lobster flatbread or smoked salmon pizza. You’ll find vegan and gluten-free options, as well as a number of decadent desserts; including a chocolate tower, cheesecake, and tartufo.
Learn More: Click here to read the full feature.


La Casetta

Address: 3054 Route 9, Ocean View
Cuisine: Italian
Signature Dish: Homemade Gnocchi
Bio: La Casetta seats 40-50 guests at a time, and offers homemade Italian cuisine at fair prices. The owners recommend either the veal or chicken La Casetta, as well as the homemade gnocchi. But be sure to save room for homemade desserts such as tiramisu or crème brulee.
Learn More: Click here to read the full feature.


No Limits Cafe

Address: 418 NJ-35, Red Bank
Cuisine: American
Signature Dish: Steak Sandwich
Bio: Local businesses support their towns in different ways. Some source their food from nearby farmers, while others donate to local charities. No Limits Café, however, serves both delicious lunches and employment opportunities for adults with intellectual disabilities.
Learn More: Click here to read the full feature.


OC Grilled Cheese & Quesadilla Co.

Address: 621 East 8th Street, Ocean City
Cuisine: American
Signature Dish: Four-Cheese Grilled Cheese
Bio: What is the saddest cheese? Blue cheese! That’s just a little cheese humor for you, courtesy of OC Grilled Cheese & Quesadilla Co. in Ocean City. The restaurant aims to be a cheese lover’s dream, even nicknaming itself “Cheese Heaven”, in fact.
Learn More: Click here to read the full feature.


Salina’s Cafe & Restaurant

Address: 2 Bridge Ave, Suite 311, Red Bank
Cuisine: American / Italian
Signature Dish: Salinas Tequila Chicken
Bio: Salinas is a cozy eatery in the Galleria section of town. The menu consists of Italian, American comfort, Mediterranean, and Salvadoran food (because of the owners’ background); but not matter what you order, these classic dishes come with a Latin twist.
Learn More: Click here to read the full feature.


Sun Harbor Seafood & Grill

Address: 451 East Bay Ave, Barnegat
Cuisine: Seafood
Signature Dish: Grilled Shrimp Taco
Bio: Sun Harbor is a unique dining experience because they offer 14 slips to dock a boat or jet ski. Once you arrive, you can choose between dining at Sun Harbor or eating right on your boat. They also offer clear views of the Barnegat Lighthouse and other LBI towns.
Learn More: Click here to read the full feature.


Wright Taste

Address: 1006 Main Street, Belmar
Cuisine: Soul, Italian, Hispanic, and Caribbean
Signature Dish: Jerk Chicken
Bio: When you visit the new Wright Taste restaurant in Belmar, you can expect a little bit of everything. So far, popular menu items include oxtails, curry chicken, and escovitch fish (red snapper). They also have family-style options that are perfect for groups of four.
Learn More: Click here to read the full feature.


Yolk’s on You Kitchen

Address: 1132 East Ocean Ave, Sea Bright
Cuisine: Breakfast
Signature Dish: Avocado Benedict
Bio: Whether you’re craving a healthy or an over-indulgent breakfast, head to Yolks on You Kitchen. You’ll find options like Avocado Benedict, avocado that’s cut in half and topped with two poached eggs and Hollandaise sauce; as well as their homemade chocolate French toast.
Learn More: Click here to read the full feature.


South Jersey

Boodle FIght

Bistro Pizzeria

Address: 602 West Collings Ave, Collingswood
Cuisine: Italian
Signature Dish: The “Kings” Pie
Bio: Bistro Pizzeria offers a range of pasta options in addition to their pizzas. But the Pizza is the star of the show here. The “Kings” pie features pepperoni, sausage, mushrooms, and extra cheese; other unique pies include the cheesesteak hoagie pie and chicken florentine pie.
Learn More: Click here to read the full feature.


By Land or Sea

Address: 150 Delsea Drive South, Glassboro
Cuisine: Surf and Turf
Signature Dish: St. Louis-Style Pork Spare Ribs
Bio: The menu at By Land or Sea combines the flavors of classic BBQ and seafood. For instance, they offer St. Louis-style pork spare ribs. Meanwhile, snow crab legs include broccoli, corn, and potatoes. They also serve a family pack for $49 that comes with meats, drinks, and sides.
Learn More: Click here to read the full feature.


Express Shish Kabab

Address: 2673 Haddonfield Road, Pennsauken
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Signature Dish: Cheez Whiz Cheese Steak
Bio: Owner Jack Ahmad always felt like something was missing from his town. And he would know; Ahmad had his wedding in town, raises his kids in town, and has been living in town since 1995. What did it need? Good takeout with fresh, high-quality food.
Learn More: Click here to read the full feature.


Jane’s Tea House

Address: 602 Station Ave, Haddon Heights
Cuisine: Coffee (just kidding… it’s Tea)
Signature Dish: Buckingham Palace Garden Party
Bio: Jane’s Tea House was meant to be a classic tea time experience. However, the COVID-19 pandemic forced them to take a new approach, or “Reinvent Tea Time” as they put it. Now they also serve an a la carte breakfast and lunch menu, in addition to over 50 teas.
Learn More: Click here to read the full feature.


Mare Monte

Address: 1 Kings Highway East, Haddonfield
Cuisine: Italian
Signature Dish: The Mare Monte
Bio: Mare Monte — “sea mountain” in Italian — is the product of three friends and their dream to offer fine Italian dining with a modern twist. Stop by and order “The Mare Monte”; homemade fettucine with calamari, shrimp, crabmeat, and asparagus in a saffron white wine sauce.
Learn More: Click here to read the full feature.


Marlton Bistro

Address: 300 East Greentree Rd, Marlton
Cuisine: American
Signature Dish: Lobster Ravioli
Bio: The eatery once known as Marcello’s Marlton has both a new name and a new menu. The main focus of the rebrand is the exclusive dining room menu, available only for dining in. You’ll still find all the specials you love in addition to new dishes and a brunch menu.
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Que Ricas

Address: 46 A Haddon Ave, Haddon Township
Cuisine: Venezuelan
Signature Dish: Empanadas
Bio: If you are a fan of Venezuelan food, Co-owner/Chef Sahar Soleymani says you will love Que Ricas. As she puts it, her family recipes help bring people together and spark joy. Fan favorite menu items include Rica Arepa, empanadas, and homemade churros.
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Reyta’s

Address: 1490 Haddonfield Berlin Road, Suite 102, Woodcrest Plaza, Cherry Hill
Cuisine: Filipino
Signature Dish: Palabok
Bio: At Reyta’s Filipino Cuisine, all recipes come from co-owner Mark Reyta’s grandmother. They prepare each dish from scratch using local ingredients, such as the Palabok; a rice noodle dish with shrimp gravy, shrimp, pork, and fresh egg slices.
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Valente’s Cucina

Address: 7 Kings Court, Haddonfield
Cuisine: Italian
Signature Dish: Cheesesteak
Bio: Valente’s Cucina mixes “South Philly comfort food” with small Italian plates. The casual lunch menu offers mainly salads and sandwiches; likewise, the dinner menu features small plates, flatbreads, and seasonal farm-to-table dishes such as Short Rib Meatballs.
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Versi Vino

Address: 461 38 West, Maple Shade
Cuisine: Wine / Small Plates
Signature Dish: Wine with Cheese and charcuterie boards
Bio: How many times have you enjoyed a bottle of wine at dinner, only to wish you could easily bring it home? Versi Vino in Maple Shade solves this problem with its unique business concept: They’re both a wine bar/restaurant and a wine shop.
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The Wing Kitchen

Address: 114 High Street West, Glassboro
Cuisine: American
Signature Dish: Chicken Wings
Bio: The Wing Kitchen’s menu boasts one-of-a-kind chicken wings; Chef Timothy Witcher slow roasts wings with a special seasoning blend before either grilling or deep frying them. But don’t forget about their Buttermilk fried donuts for dessert!
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Top (Hero) Photo: Sirenetta
Other Photos (in Order)
The Yacht Club
Just Chill
Dune 18
Reyta’s