Bin 14 Trattoria & Wine Bar (Hoboken) International wine list accompanies chef Anthony David’s pizzas, more than fifteen types of bruschetta, cured meats and cheeses, salads, and Italian entrées. 1314 Washington St, 201-963-9463.
Bona Vita Osteria (Summit) Chef Marc Bruzzio’s traditional Italian menu is supplemented by pastry chef Adele DiBiase’s crossover desserts, including chocolate-and-peanut-butter ravioli. 37 Maple St, 908-227-1414, bonavitanj.com.
Boulevard Five 72 (Kenilworth) Ambitious contemporary American cuisine from chef/owner Scott Snyder, with desserts by Diana Plesniarski, formerly of Basking Ridge’s Dolce. 572 Boulevard, 908-709-1200, boulevardfive72.com.
Char Steakhouse (Raritan) The 1800-degree broiler turns out steaks from rare to well done and one step beyond—“charred exterior/rare center.” 777 Route 202 North, 908-707-1777, charsteakhouse.com.
Due Mari (New Brunswick) Due Mari focuses on seafood while also serving the pasta tasting menu popular at its sister restaurant, Due Terre in Bernardsville. 78-80 Albany St, 732-296-1600, duemarinj.com.
Farm 2 Bistro (Nutley) Supporting local farmers’ markets is part of the mission, carried out with a variety of casual chicken dishes, pulled-pork tacos, and salads. 177 Franklin Ave, 973-667-3276, farmtobistro.com.
Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse (Marlton) The upscale national chain adds a second Jersey location. 500 Route 73 North, 856-988-1351, flemingssteakhouse.com.
The Flying Fig (Berkeley Heights) Crispy Fried Octopus, Feta-Crusted Swordfish Bake, Prosciutto-Wrapped Tuna, Rosemary Chicken Peperonata panini, pizza and assorted cheeses. 538 Springfield Ave, 908-508-1400, flyingfigrestaurant.com.
Halcyon (Montclair) Chris Egan’s stylish seafood brasserie adjoins his popular Egan & Sons pub, sharing its liquor license and an expanded kitchen. 114 Walnut St, 973-744-4450.
Il Vecchio Café (Caldwell) The Calandra family’s Italian Village includes a bakery, gelateria, winery, market, and this traditional Italian cafe with bar. 234 Bloomfield Ave, 973-226-8889, calandrabakery.com.
LaPrete’s Italian Table (Belleville) Any of four pasta shapes are available with seven different sauces. Watermelon salad, orange salad, and Italian meatloaf share the menu with traditional appetizers and entrées. 973-450-1555, lapretes.com.
Larison’s Steak House (Chester) Richard Varga—formerly executive chef at the Heldrich Hotel in New Brunswick—reopens the former Puddingstone Inn as a steakhouse. 2 West Main St, 908-879-6007.
The Lawrenceville Inn (Lawrenceville) New chef/owner Christine Busch brings her French bistro cooking to an 1892 Vicfarmhouse. 2691 Main St, 609-219-1900, lawrencevilleinn.com.
Mattar’s Bistro (Allamuchy) Eclectic menu features pizzas, pastas, salads, sandwiches, ribs, steaks, seafood, and a children’s menu. 1115 Route 517, 908-852-2300, mattars.com.
McCormick & Schmick’s (Atlantic City) Harrah’s is the site of the national chain’s latest Jersey branch. 777 Harrah’s Blvd, 609-441-5579, mccormickandschmicks.com.
Porterhouse Grill (Old Bridge) Pan-seared duck breast with fig glaze, brioche-encrusted Chilean sea bass in yellow tomato broth, plus steaks and salads. 3679 Route 9 North, 732-591-8290, theporterhousegrill.com.
Resto (Madison) After stints in France, Italy, California, and New York, chef Robert Ubhaus, a native Jerseyan, has opened his own restaurant, serving contemporary French cuisine. 77 Main St, 973-377-0066, restonj.com.
Rome Italian Tavern (Cedar Grove) Pastas, chicken, veal, and steak in a rustic dining room with exposed wood beams. Live jazz. 30 Pompton Ave, 973-571-9484, giambotta.com.
Shalom Bombay (Teaneck) Inhabiting the former home of Taj Palace, Shalom Bombay continues the Indian theme, but its meat, seafood, and vegetarian dishes all pass glatt-kosher muster. BYO. 166 Cedar Lane, 201-357-8505, shalombombay.com.
The Stable (Ridgewood) Chef/owner Marcello Czernizer serves rodizio—all-you-can-eat Argentinean mixed grill, cooked over charcoal—in a space with a horse-stable theme. 20 East Ridgewood Ave, 201-444-1199, thestablerestaurant.com.
Steakhouse 85 (New Brunswick) Chef/owner Brian Karluk serves Premium Gold Angus beef, plus pastas and traditional sides in a large space with a masculine, wood-and-leather look. 85 Church St, 732-247-8585, steakhouse85.com.
Yokohama (Brick) Sushi and Japanese food, including hibachi cooking, are featured at this BYO along with fusion entrées. A children’s menu can be served in Japanese bento boxes. 506 Brick Blvd, 732.262.8188, yokohamabrick.com.
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