Plus: Clifton welcomes a Dominican-Italian fusion pizzeria, and a coffee shop opens inside Westville Brewery.

By Emily Melvin | | February 22, 2024

Maricel's Kitchen in East Brunswick specializes in Filipino and Asian cuisine at its cooking classes and Chef's Table Dinners. Photo: Courtesy of Maricel's Kitchen

Openings

Maricel’s Kitchen, East Brunswick

After operating in Old Bridge for five years, this Asian cooking studio recently reopened in East Brunswick, where fan-favorite cooking classes, exclusive chef-hosted dinners and catering will continue to be offered in a larger space. Classes with chef Maricel are hands-on and cater to all skill levels, featuring flavors from places like Thailand, Korea and the Philippines. Reserve spots for classes and dinners ahead of time online.
111 Main Street

Wahizza, Clifton

A Dominican-Italian fusion pizzeria based in Manhattan’s Washington Heights neighborhood expanded to Clifton last month. (Its first Jersey location came to Ridgefield Park back in late 2022.) Menu items include oxtail pizza, taco pizza and the classic “Chimipizza”—dough topped with ground beef, cabbage, tomatoes, corn, red onions and chimi sauce. There are also three vegan pizza options, including a vegan Chimipizza made with impossible meat.
150 7th Street

Tiki Bowls, Lincoln Park

Fresh juices, smoothies, banana ice cream and bowls are all on the menu at this tropical-inspired, health-centered eatery, now open in Lincoln Park. (There are also locations in Nutley and Totowa.) The bowls are the stars of the show, with bases of açaí, coconut, pitaya, oatmeal or kale; toppings include fruits, nuts, seeds, honey, peanut butters and more.
200 Main Street

Just Salad, West Windsor

This fast-casual salad spot has been popping up all over the Garden State. The popular NYC-based chain, known for its blue reusable bowls, offers signature and build-your-own salads, plus wraps, warm bowls, soups and smoothies. There are several specials happening in celebration of West Windsor’s grand opening, including $5 meals for qualifying community workers Wednesday, February 28, and $5 meals on Saturday, March 2, when you bring in your reusable bowl.
153 Nassau Park Boulevard

Outpost Cafe, Westville

This new cafe is the love child of Westville Brewery, Hallowed Grounds Coffee and Chara Tea. Brewing a variety of coffees, espressos and teas right inside Westville Brewery’s tasting room, the coffee shop is currently open Friday through Sunday, from 7 am to 1 pm, during its soft-opening phase. Want to mix your brews? The brewery begins serving craft beers at 1 pm on Saturdays and Sundays.
201 Broadway

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