
The Hudson Rose
Nutley
This place has it all: great shareables like wood-grilled wings, delicious salads, and entrées that range from simple burgers ($20) to Piedmontese ribeye ($68). The Ibérico Secreto, a tender cut of pork shoulder, is worth the trip alone. There are two bars, as well as desserts that will take you back to your childhood. Try the cookies and milk or the birthday cake, a seven-layer Funfetti creation. —Jacqueline Mroz
Landmark Tavern at the Ryland Inn
Whitehouse Station
Although the Ryland Inn has been around for years, its restaurant just reopened this fall with a new name and a new, elevated tavern-style menu. A night here is a special one. Built in 1796, it beautifully blends elegance with rustic vibes and serves top-notch fare, like a terrific New York strip steak, cozy seafood stew, and sublime herb focaccia with cultured butter (a must to start). A piano player and beautifully appointed bar add to the vibrant mood. —Julie Gordon
Parkside Tavern
Morristown
This spot for tavern food and cocktails is a fine addition to Morristown’s bustling dining scene. Burgers and wings, plus large plates like butternut squash ravioli and steak frites, are nicely done and served to patrons at roomy banquettes and tables. The spot also has two eye-catching bars. —JG
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Romana European Tapas
Newark
At this hybrid restaurant, bar and lounge, the white decor nods to Rome with fun, well-executed details—a mural of Michelangelo, a bust of Caesar, and plenty of gold wing motifs. The menu is a fusion of Mediterranean and Latin tastes, with small plates like pigeon peas with plantain chips, and mains like grilled branzino. —Deborah P. Carter
Oso Felipe
Montclair
After being shut for more than a decade, the spacious location that used to be Richie Cecere’s has finally reopened with a new concept and owners. Oso Felipe brings authentic and contemporary Mexican cuisine, with classics like tacos, enchiladas and tamales, as well as oysters flavored with tomatillo sauce, fajitas from the wood-burning grill, and fresh corn tortillas. It’s casual and seats more than 200 guests; reservations aren’t required. —J. Mroz
Faubourg
Weehawken
Offering French-inspired cuisine paired with unique cocktails, this modern brasserie-inspired spot on the waterfront is a welcome addition to the dining scene on Jersey’s Gold Coast. It’s a sister restaurant to the hugely successful Montclair location, and its menu is similar. Don’t miss the famous coq au vin and the tarte flambée. —J. Mroz
[RELATED: Vote in New Jersey Monthly’s Jersey Choice Restaurant Poll]
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