Cardinal
Atlantic City
One of the hottest chefs in South Jersey, Michael Brennan returns with his long-awaited (and much delayed) follow-up to his now-shuttered Ventnor restaurant, Cardinal Bistro. His new spot in Atlantic City, known simply as Cardinal, boasts an elegant menu that’s more approachable than the one at his previous venture. Enjoy everything from dressed-up versions of familiar finger foods (duck wings with a peppery hoisin glaze) to a stable of can’t-miss entrees (Parisian gnocchi with crab in a delightful pesto sauce; a pork chop with a wonderful supporting cast of peach chutney, pecans, roasted Brussels sprouts and, last but not least, a sweet corn purée—which is worth the price of the dish alone). —Ryan Loughlin
Fanny’s Restaurant & Bar
Bloomfield
Baked clams at Fanny’s Restaurant & Bar in Bloomfield. Photo: Courtesy of Fanny’s Restaurant & Bar
With its neighborhood vibe and upscale spin, Fanny’s in Bloomfield is less than six months old and already a go-to spot. The menu of modern Italian dishes is full of crowd pleasers, like the shareable plum Wagyu meatballs over polenta, housemade pastas, and sides with complex flavor, like harissa charred carrots with pickled fennel and hazelnuts. Read more about Fanny’s here. —Deborah P. Carter
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Fat Choy
Englewood
Fat Choy in Englewood Photo: Courtesy of Fat Choy/Eddie Larios
This vegan Chinese noodle spot in Englewood was named one of the 50 places in the United States that New York Times critics are most excited about. It has the feel of an upscale diner with surprising menu choices, like General Lee’s cauliflower, battered and fried, sweet and crunchy, and impossible to stop eating. —Jacqueline Mroz
Little Bar
Hoboken
Little Bar in Hoboken Photo: Courtesy of Little Bar/Joshua McHugh
Tucked away on a side street in Hoboken is the aptly named Little Bar, an offshoot of Halifax restaurant. Come for the fabulous cocktails and stay for the delicious snacks, including the outrageously good housemade maple-smoked salmon. Whatever you do, make reservations! This place is tiny. —JM
The Table
Jersey City
The ground-floor restaurant at Three Acres, a luxury apartment building in Jersey City, brings an urban-chic vibe with an on-point menu. At the Table, chef Daniel Latham—previously of the popular Latham House—offers casual American classics. Mains, like the crab cakes with a crispy outer shell and a tender, almost creamy inside, are a showcase for Latham’s expert touch. —DPC
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