At Ram & Rooster in Metuchen, the Chinese-inspired menu includes honey-shrimp toast with passionfruit and caviar. Photo: Arron Andrews
We all share the excitement of finding new restaurants that we love. New Jersey, with its vibrant, ever-expanding restaurant scene, sees new spots opening regularly. These are our favorite restaurants that opened their doors in the Garden State in 2024, spanning North, Central and South Jersey.
To compile the list, our editors and restaurant critics traveled to dozens of new restaurants throughout the year, trying the dishes and cocktails, studying the menus, observing the environments, rating the service. We made sure that every single restaurant on our list features top-notch food, service and atmosphere. You’ll also find a variety of cuisines and some restaurants with truly interesting offerings.
We hope you enjoy these as much as we did!
[RELATED: Vote in New Jersey Monthly’s Jersey Choice Restaurant Poll]
Buy our February 2025 issue here. Cover photo: Arron Andrews
Angeloni’s Club Madrid
Atlantic City
First off, get the meatballs. And a martini. In fact, come on Thursdays for Meatballs and Martini night, a throwback to the restaurant’s forerunner, Angeloni’s II, which held the spot in the 1980s, one of Atlantic City’s many heydays. In the 1930s, it was known as Club Madrid, a sassy speakeasy with a reputation for its entertainment antics. The current-day incarnation steps in with classic Italian dishes and carefully constructed cocktails. There’s a cool vibe achieved by the long, elegant, wood-clad bar with a retro globe-light chandelier above it. The layout is disjointed from additions over the years, but the space is put to good use. There are seats at the bar and a few banquettes for two. The room beyond the bar is the lounge, a sultry space that honors its gin-mill days. Adjacent to that, there’s a dining room/private-party space. Wherever you settle, you’ll leave sated by the traditional red-sauce favorites, with house-made pastas, ricottas and more. —Deborah P. Carter
2400 Arctic Avenue
AP Rooftoop
Asbury Park
As soon as you set foot in this building, unassuming from the outside, and climb the stairs to the restaurant, a problem presents itself. The ocean is calling just beyond the smartly dressed dining room, which is retro Art Deco and charming. Where to feast your eyes first? A new member of the McLoone restaurant family, this spot will likely rise to be the golden child. The food backs this up. A focus on Mediterranean small plates is evident on the menu, where the tapas-style offerings outpace mains. Wherever your appetite takes you, satisfaction will follow. The happy-hour-only serrano-ham croquettes are paired with sweet potato, onion and Manchego in a lightly fried, dumpling-like bundle with a maple-citrus yogurt sauce that signals deliciousness to come from the rest of the diverse menu. AP is sure to become a go-to spot at the Shore. —DPC
1200 Ocean Avenue, 3rd floor; 732-444-2043
Bernadette
Scotch Plains
Bernadette is a little bit of cosmopolitan New York City in New Jersey, with its sleek and glamorous bar and high-end French-Mediterranean cuisine. Owner Melody DeGaetano, who opened Bernadette in February, enlisted Roxanne Spruance, a Michelin-recommended chef from New York and a Chopped winner, to create the menu and consult. Bernadette is ingredient-driven, with a focus on seasonality and the idea that less is more. The menu is comprised of small plates, tapas and entrées that are meant to be shared, making for a fun, communal experience. The food is thoughtfully prepared; even the roasted chicken is a revelation here, served with wild mushrooms and celeriac. Sit at the gleaming bar if you want to chat with the skillful bartenders, who create gorgeous cocktails like Crossing the Line, made with Xicaru mezcal, persimmon and cardamom. —Jacqueline Mroz
387 Park Avenue; 973-671-0848
Butterfish
Rutherford
The trendy Butterfish in Rutherford. Photo: Courtesy of Butterfish
If you never thought you could get world-class sushi in a New Jersey suburb that leans more toward traditional Italian food, think again. At this trendy spot in downtown Rutherford, local resident Sherif Salib partnered with famed chef Jeffry Undiarto of the lauded, two-star Michelin restaurant n/naka in Los Angeles to present an omakase (“chef’s choice”) menu that is quite remarkable. (You can also order sushi à la carte.) Butterfish wants to be the best sushi spot in New Jersey, and it might just get there. The space is teeny (only 12 tables), so be sure to make reservations. Ask the gregarious and talented manager, Jojo, to get you a good table. The fish is flown in fresh daily from Japan, and the combinations are unusual and delightful, like seared toro, unagi foie gras, and A5 Wagyu steak sushi. Splurge and order the signature ($59) or premium omakase experience ($96)—you won’t regret it. —J. Mroz
15 Franklin Place; 908-549-2717
Dhamaal
Montclair
This new fusion-Indian spot in downtown Montclair is a feast for the senses, from the playful decor, including a flowering indoor tree and colorful murals on the walls, to the flavorful and sometimes spicy cuisine. Chicken tikka pizza? Saag burrata? Tofu with a Szechuan chili and black bean sauce? Dhamaal’s playfulness is evident throughout any meal here. That even includes the serving pieces. Some dishes are shaped appealingly like a small ship; a delicately spiced salmon appetizer is served in a vintage steam iron. The restaurant even has its own tandoor chef. The combinations of cuisines served are unusual, but they work—and it’s evident that the place is already popular, because it’s always packed. On the weekends, there’s live music or a DJ, with strolling fiddle players performing everything from Bollywood to hip-hop. —J. Mroz
111 S. Fullerton Avenue; 732-234-0040
Dog & Deer Tavern
Stockton
After seven years of dormancy, Delaware Valley residents eagerly anticipated last fall’s reopening of the Stockton Inn, a 200-plus-year-old country inn that inspired a Rodgers and Hart song. The new owners not only remodeled the nine-room inn, but added two restaurants: the pub-like Dog & Deer Tavern, which opened in September, and Finch, the fine-dining venue that opened in mid-December. Our enjoyable visits to Dog & Deer secured its place on this list. Both of the restaurants benefit from the cooking talents of executive chef Bob Truitt, who has worked in top restaurants in New York City, Philadelphia and Spain. The more accessible menu at Dog & Deer features elevated comfort foods, like a cold and crispy iceberg wedge salad with fried onions, heirloom tomatoes and a tangy blue cheese dressing; a juicy patty melt; and a roasted half chicken with a piquant pepper coating. —Jill P. Capuzzo
1 S. Main Street; 609-460-2409
Drift Bar & Restaurant
Weehawken
Drift has a unique rotating dining room that gives patrons a beautiful view of the NYC skyline. Photo: Courtesy of Drift/Scott G. Morris
At this gorgeous new restaurant on the Weehawken waterfront, grab a table facing the iconic New York City skyline if you can—but don’t be surprised if, a few minutes later, you find yourself facing the sleek bar instead. That’s because the center platform of this stunning mid-century modern spot, designed by Vanessa DeLeon Associates, actually rotates, giving everyone a chance to see the breathtaking view. That’s not the only remarkable thing about this restaurant—the food is equally impressive. The arancini are light and delicate and melt in your mouth. My dining companion and I couldn’t decide whose fish was better, her halibut piccata or my miso-glazed black bass, served with a citrus beurre blanc and baby bok choy. (I won.) In warmer months, guests can enjoy the outdoor terrace and bar. —J. Mroz
1200 Harbor Boulevard; 201-430-8488
Finnbar
Frenchtown
Returning to New Jersey after a long stint running the kitchen of California’s legendary Chez Panisse, Cal Peternell has breathed life back into the culinary offerings of the Frenchtown Inn since opening this 100-seat restaurant on the historic inn’s first floor last February. Occupying three art-laden dining rooms, the restaurant takes the same produce-forward approach practiced at Chez Panisse, with Peternell relying on local produce, meat and fish purveyors to source ingredients for the constantly changing menu, while area vineyards supply the natural wines showcased at the bar. Seared scallops in a spicy Romesco sauce, a crisp arugula salad topped with creamy burrata and a sprightly fava bean salsa, plus snack items like the house-made focaccia with whipped goat cheese and the paper-thin, fried shoestring potatoes with herbed mayonnaise, were among the highlights we sampled. —JPC
7 Bridge Street; 908-465-0021
Hadaka
Asbury Park
Typically found in more urban settings, omakase arrived at the Jersey Shore in July with the opening of Hadaka. Omakase means “chef’s choice” in Japanese, and that is what you get when you snag one of the 12 high-top seats and put yourself in the capable hands of the restaurant’s sushi chefs, who, over the course of 90 minutes, treat you to a dizzying array of sushi samplings. It is as much theater as a sublime eating experience, with artfully prepared pieces including king salmon seared with a blow torch and finished with truffle dust, barbecued eel with a quail egg shooter, and mackerel smoked under a dome. You can stick with the 12-piece menu for $85, or expand to 18 courses for $135 (the most popular option for diners), where the chefs really get creative. If you befriend the chef, the meals starts off with a saki toast at this otherwise BYO. —JPC
527 Bangs Avenue; 732-361-0238
Maize Cocina & Cocktails
Westfield
The cool factor is on display at this modern Mexican eatery set in a turn-of-the-century train station. A charming mix of original details blends seamlessly with a rustic, modern aesthetic delivered by contemporary lighting, a sleek stone bar and warm fireplaces. The cuisine follows suit by turning traditional dishes into present-day palate pleasers. Forget heavy sauces; think minimalist savory dips and plates ribboned with fresh-fruit purées. An app plate of perfectly charred octopus comes with dots of puréed mango and simple, delicious roasted plantains. Tacos groove with local ingredients and clever flavor mixes (cornmeal-fried grouper with cheddar, jicama slaw and jalapeño tartare). From the sliced flank steak with light, crunchy maize (masa) fries to the scallops with poblano cream sauce, entrées lean light and flavorful. A rumble outside of this active train station means another delivery of passengers is tempted to stop in. —DPC
301 N. Avenue West; 908-936-4050
Northridge Restaurant
Stockton
Northridge Restaurant is in a restored and expanded 1830s dairy barn. Photo: Courtesy of Northridge Restaurant at the Woolverton Inn
With the opening of Northridge in early December, the historic Woolverton Inn began offering meals to more than just its hotel guests. Situated in a restored and expanded 1830s dairy barn on the inn’s 10-acre property, the stunning atrium-ceilinged dining room features exposed wood beams and a massive fireplace. As he did at Indigo Smoke in North Jersey, chef Lance Knowling brings his Kansas City roots to Northridge, with dishes like a succulent, boneless braised beef in red wine glaze and a wood-smoked salmon, while upping the stakes with sophisticated dishes like a silken Yukon-gold potato soup laden with chunks of lobster and a truffle finish. The 60-seat restaurant is open for dinner Wednesday to Saturday, offering two- and three-course options for $55 or $70 respectively, and for Sunday brunch or supper. —JPC
6 Woolverton Road; 609-397-0802
Ora
Oradell
Ravioletti with honeynut squash and goat cheese. Photo: Arron Andrews
Ora Freestyle Italian restaurant in Oradell has quickly caught the attention of Bergen County foodies. Even on a weeknight, it’s packed. I visited after several people told me I had to check it out—and they were right. At this hot new spot, cofounder and executive chef Tom Silvestri blends Italian traditions with New World techniques, such as the delicious swordfish Milanese; Silvestri pounds the fish flat and breads it, serving it with piennolo tomatoes, olives, capers and lemon. My companion and I fought over it. The homemade fior di latte gelato is creamy, dense, rich and not to be missed. The dining room has soft lighting and comfortable seating. Upstairs, you’ll find a sleek lounge with additional seating for private events and more. —J. Mroz
304 Kinderkamack Road; 201-267-4304
Osteria LK
Maplewood
This is the second restaurant by James De Sisto, the owner and chef of Montclair’s celebrated Laboratorio Kitchen. Situated at a prime location in the heart of downtown Maplewood, Osteria LK is an inviting and casual farm-to-table restaurant that offers great service and elevated Italian food, including house-made pasta, brick-oven pizza and seafood. In fine weather, one wall opens to the elements, and diners can enjoy indoor/outdoor dining in a warm and friendly atmosphere. There’s already a buzz here, and the dining room was packed on a recent weeknight. Standout dishes include the satisfying and deliciously cripsy chicken Petroniana (chicken Milanese served with prosciutto, truffle crema and roasted asparagus) and De Sisto’s famous pan-seared New Jersey scallops, served here in a tomato-butter sauce and always perfectly cooked. Hand rolled cavatelli are served with roasted butternut squash, spinach, crumbled sausage and sage. —J. Mroz
180 Maplewood Avenue; 973-327-2871
Park Place Prime
Atlantic City
A tomahawk steak at Park Place Prime. Photo: Felicia Perretti
With one of the best views in Atlantic City, Park Place Prime is a winner in this gambling town in more ways than one. It also could be one of the best steak houses in AC, with its classic vibes and impressive service. This new spot also has an exciting list of specialty cocktails, including five versions of an Old Fashioned. Be sure to ask for a table in the main dining room, which has huge windows with a view of the ocean and all the dazzle of the casinos below. Two of the steaks on the menu are standouts: the giant tomahawk steak and the dry-aged New York strip. Both come perfectly cooked. Also worth ordering are the shrimp ceviche, the ahi tuna crudo with sesame oil and ponzu, and the diver scallop carpaccio, which are almost better than the steak. The New York-style cheesecake is also a good bet for dessert. —Victor Fiorillo
1900 Pacific Avenue; 609-340-2000
Ram & Rooster
Metuchen
Ram & Rooster’s unique dishes include mung bean ice cream. Photo: Arron Andrews
Chef Sean Yan elevates traditional Chinese food and takes it to the next level, blending it with New American cuisine. He offers a chef’s tasting with eight courses of some of the most original and exciting food being served in the state. Some of the dishes include honey-shrimp toast with passionfruit, milk bread, hickory nut and caviar, and a lotus-root croquette served with soy milk and truffle. There’s also a five-course tasting available on limited days. Yan was previously the acclaimed pastry chef at Heirloom Kitchen in Old Bridge, and his desserts here are spectacular and beautiful to look at as well. This is a one-of-a kind experience in the Garden State. —J. Mroz
83 Central Avenue; 732-662-1041
River Pointe Inn
Rumson
Roast chicken for two at River Pointe Inn in Rumson. Photo: James J. Connolly
This dazzling new American-French bistro in downtown Rumson only opened last January, but it already feels like an institution. Come for the French classics, such as tender and succulent chicken au poivre, moules frites or tuna nicoise, or order buttery oysters sourced from the Barnegat Oyster Collective, so fresh they taste like they were just plucked out of the sea. The ambience, courtesy of the Rallo family (Undici Taverna Rustica in Rumson, Birravino in Red Bank) is that of a Parisian eatery on the Left Bank, with leather banquettes, mirrors and brass fixtures. The service is stellar, and the craft cocktails are creative. Their take on the French 75, the Harry 75, is made with cinnamon, vanilla and honey, as well as gin, lemon and sparkling wine. This is a place for celebrations and intimate meals. —J. Mroz
132 East River Road; 732-530-6590
The Roxy
Jersey City
To say a new restaurant in Jersey City is a hip place may be redundant, but what is fresh here is the modern-Deco aesthetic, the lean but ambitious menu, and the lively drinks. The seasoned team behind this effort also runs Corto, an Italian BYO in Jersey City Heights. Roxy is not a spinoff; it has its own identity, with culture-bending dishes culled from Mediterranean cuisines and realized with a seasoned hand. Starters like octopus paired with white beans, pickled okra and chorizo showcase an adept hand at blending seemingly incongruent ingredients. Mains like the beef short ribs, which come with gem lettuce for wrapping, sweet pickle and basil, and are topped with a house sauce, provided more examples. Dessert are also fun fusions—consider the Pavlova with Concord grape jam, passionfruit custard and Chantilly cream. —DPC
66 Monitor Street; 347-460-3332
Sola Osteria
Ridgewood
Sola Osteria’s gnocchi. Photo: Courtesy of Sola
This Italian trattoria in the heart of Ridgewood has only been open since March, but it’s already become the go-to place to dine in this trendy town. Chef Massimo Sola has an impressive pedigree; a Michelin-starred Italian chef, he has cooked all over the world, including for celebrities like Beyoncé and Madonna. Here, he elevates traditional Italian cuisine using high-quality ingredients, such as the cavatelli Napoli style, served with Maine scallops and langoustines, and the braised beef ribs, which come with a turmeric potato purée. The dining room is usually packed and bustling, and the service is professional and entertaining. If you’re lucky, Sola will bring you some homemade limoncello while you’re waiting outside for your table. —J. Mroz
13 Broad Street; 201-857-5100
Spring House
Tenafly
This New American dazzler is located in a historic three-story mansion that some people say is actually haunted (it’s Tenafly’s oldest home). With multiple rooms, including two gracious dining rooms, and an Art Deco lounge upstairs, dining here is a unique experience. Culinary director Pasquale “Paco” Frola’s dishes impress, including his grilled octopus served with hummus and Calabrian peppers, and his homemade pasta dishes, including lasagna Bolognese and pappardelle with wild-boar-and-truffle-essence ragù. For dessert, don’t miss the spectacular Fireside Smoked S’mores, which come with roasted marshmallows and with Nutella rather than chocolate. It’s the perfect ending to a special meal. —J. Mroz
91 W. Clinton Avenue; 201-353-0080
Tasca
Montclair
This tiny and intimate restaurant in downtown Montclair offers elevated, modern Iberian cuisine that is nothing like the Portuguese and Spanish food you’ll find in Newark’s Ironbound district. At this unique, prix-fixe, three-course meal, expect the unexpected: the garlic shrimp comes with curried lupini beans and Meyer lemon, and the wild-boar tenderloin is served with quince mustard and jus made from sobrasada (a cured pork sausage from Spain). Main courses include piri piri quail and farm-bean feijoada. For dessert, the choices are equally unusual and interesting, such as the Madeira panna cotta served with fruit and mint, or the pastel de nata bread pudding, topped with bay-leaf ice cream. The atmosphere is warm and friendly, and the classic rock soundtrack playing in the background is quirky, but it fits. —J. Mroz
377 Bloomfield Avenue; 973-415-0001
87 Sussex
Jersey City
87 Sussex’s beautiful dining room and bar. Photo: Courtesy of 87 Sussex
This globally inspired restaurant in the bustling Paulus Hook neighborhood of Jersey City has a beautiful dining room that emphasizes the natural light, and a sophisticated menu. Executive chef Brian Walter creates seasonal, exciting dishes, such as the surprising, crispy escargot wontons; octopus carpaccio; and succulent frog-leg drumsticks with a Korean barbecue glaze. Don’t miss the braised short ribs, which come with white sweet-potato mousseline. The expansive list of cocktails is worth the visit alone. —J. Mroz
87 Sussex Street; 551-256-7864
No one knows New Jersey like we do. Sign up for one of our free newsletters here. Want a print magazine mailed to you? Purchase an issue from our online store.