One unifying force in New Jersey, something that all of us can agree on, is that there are countless great restaurants here.
Everyone has a favorite neighborhood pub, sushi spot, pizza place—and the list goes on. That’s one reason our annual Best Restaurants list is a must-read for New Jerseyans.
Crafting the list is no simple task. Throughout the year, our editors and critics have checked out hot new restaurant openings, revisited old favorites and tasted countless dishes and drinks—culminating in a meeting of the minds to whittle down our list.
In recent years, the list featured 30 restaurants, but with so many great places to dine in our state, our editors felt that it was time to increase that number to 40. This expanded list reflects the growing diversity of New Jersey and its variety of cuisines. Several recent openings made the cut, too, which shows the vibrancy of our food scene as well as its resurgence since the pandemic.
And new for 2025: We have moved some of our longtime favorites to a classics list, allowing us to celebrate even more restaurants, both old and new, in the Garden State.
What you’ll find below is a list of the 40 restaurants in New Jersey that our editors and critics feel are worthy of being on this selective, annual list.
Each establishment features extraordinary food, service and ambience, and will present an unforgettable dining experience for any New Jerseyan who visits. Enjoy!
Buy our August 2025 issue here. Cover photo: Arron Andrews
Aarzu
Freehold (Monmouth County)
I love when an already fabulous eatery refuses to rest on its laurels. That’s the case with Aarzu, an outstanding Indian restaurant that continues to impress from all angles. The recent overhaul of the menu has proven brilliant, with new additions like the naan and dip, featuring a lusciously complex hummus subtly armed with a pinch of heat, and the simple yet delicious corn bhel, both quickly earning spots on the must-order list. For those who value presentation, Aarzu is a big winner, offering some of the most aesthetically alluring dishes I have ever laid eyes on. —Ryan Loughlin
30 E. Main Street • 732-333-0933
Agricola
Morristown (Morris County), Princeton (Mercer County)
Agricola, Latin for “farmer,” stands as a testament to the farm-to-table movement in both Morristown and Princeton. With a focus on locally sourced ingredients, this modern eatery offers a delightful dining experience from its brunch offerings to its dinner. The menu is a celebration of fresh, seasonal ingredients, evident in its popular dishes such as the inventive flatbreads, Bang Bang cauliflower served with a sweet and sour chili glaze and Fresno chiles, and the Farmer’s Market selections that highlight the best of local produce. For entrées, the Goffle Farms boneless chicken parm, featuring local burrata, grilled romaine and Parmesan focaccia, is a favorite. Agricola’s dining room provides a warm and inviting atmosphere, perfect for a special night out. The attentive and pleasing service contributes to a memorable experience. —Jacqueline Mroz
Morristown: 40 West Park Place • 973-326-9200
Princeton: 11 Witherspoon Street • 609-921-2798
Angeloni’s Club Madrid
Atlantic City (Atlantic County)
The early 1980s were very much the glory days of Atlantic City—keep in mind that the first casinos didn’t open here until 1978—and this restaurant, which reopened in 2024 after a massive overhaul, milks the early 1980s Mob boss Italian-restaurant glory for all it’s worth, complete with mirrored light bulbs, velvet couches, and a chandelier that supposedly came from the home of the late Philly Mob boss Angelo Bruno. This is vibe dining at its finest. Menu standouts include the clams casino, any of the homemade pastas (for something different, try the spicy gochujang rigatoni), and the eggplant Milanese. And who among us can pass up a homemade Chipwich for dessert? —Victor Fiorillo
2400 Arctic Avenue • no phone
Battello
Jersey City (Hudson County)
Take a gorgeous setting with views of the Hudson River and Manhattan, add chef Ryan DePersio’s flawless cooking, and you have Battello. It’s no wonder every prospective bride and groom this side of the Hudson wants to hold their wedding there (which explains why it’s closed every Saturday night for weddings). Go for the fabulous cocktails (the Hightide Tea or the Coastal Castaway), the heavenly, pillowy gnocchi, and the delightful desserts, such as the lemon cake or blackberry cheesecake. And be sure to ask for a table with a view, if you can get one. —J. Mroz
502 Washington Boulevard • 201-798-1798
Black Sheep Bar & Provisions
Garwood (Union County)
Succulent dry-aged prime rib eye with fresh chimichurri. Photo: Cayla Zahoran
If you eat out a lot, the details of good-but-not-extraordinary meals blur a bit over time. When a dish stays crisp in your mind, you know you’ve found a place worthy of return. And each time you do, the chef’s offerings will charm you again. Recent wows from the daily menu include prime bone marrow with buttered peas, and sourdough and peaches with whipped ricotta, fried speck and balsamic. —Deborah P. Carter
514 North Avenue • 908-518-9463
Blu on the Hudson
Weehawken (Hudson County)
As soon as you step into Blu on the Hudson, you know you’re someplace special. The views of the NYC skyline from this New American restaurant are stunning, and so is the ambience. A sleek bar, soft lighting and a modern aesthetic complement the dazzling food. From the delicate hamachi crudo to the gold Kumamoto oysters to the homemade pasta to the sushi and steak, the attention to detail is apparent. The cocktails are also delightful and fun, but the showstopper is the house-made tiramisu-—it’s impossible not to finish every bite. —J. Mroz
1200 Harbor Boulevard • 201-636-1200
Café 2825
Atlantic City (Atlantic County)
What’s the secret to getting a table at the best Italian restaurant in Atlantic City? That’s the question we’re asked all the time. And the answer is that there is no secret. You just leave your name, phone number, and preferred reservation date and time on their voicemail—and then you wait. Once you’re through the door, you’ll find servers doing dramatic tableside preparations of cacio e pepe, Caesar salad and burrata. From the kitchen, you can’t do better than the delicate fried squash blossoms, seafood-stuffed squid, homemade pastas, and the amusingly named chicken parmigiana Bolognese a la vodka fra diavolo. Now if you can only get in. —VF
2825 Atlantic Avenue • 609-344-6913
Clemmy’s
Waretown (Ocean County)
Orange cake with vanilla gelato. Photo: Rebecca McAlpin
Chef/owner Allen Walski and his wife, Carolyn, had an instant hit with Clemmy’s, which opened in August 2023, attracting vacationers from LBI as well as Ocean County locals. The tiny BYO quickly outgrew its 26 seats, expanding its domain last summer to accommodate 40 seats. But chef Allen stayed true to his mission to stay small and local. Clemmy’s only takes reservations on certain holidays, so pack your patience along with your appetite, which will be duly rewarded with a menu that leans heavily on Viking Village seafood (scallops! tuna!) and produce and cheese from New Jersey farmers. Sourdough bread from Evengrow in Forked River is paired with house-made ricotta; Jersey asparagus takes center stage as a starter. The setting is as fresh and bright as the food, with plants and cheerful depictions of clementines, a nod to the couple’s daughter. —Kelly-Jane Cotter
290 Route 9 • 609-891-4066
De Floret
Lambertville (Hunterdon County)
Chocolate Royale with hazelnut praline and chocolate sauce. Photo: Felicia Perretti
After more than a decade at the helm of this intimate 28-seat restaurant in bustling Lambertville, Dennis Foy has firmly established his position not only as a mainstay in this artsy riverfront community, but also in the club of top chefs in New Jersey. Having cooked at Michelin-starred restaurants in New York City and France, Foy has carved out a niche here, along with his wife, Estella Quinones, who oversees the dining room. Together, they attract many repeat customers with their warm personalities and the culinary wonders of Foy’s ever-changing menu, from the butter-and-chive-bathed house-made gnocchi to the dry rub-coated spring lamb loin to the seasonal fruit tarts, with ingredients sourced from local farmers markets. De Floret is BYO and accepts only cash or checks. —Jill P. Capuzzo
18 S. Main Street • 609-397-7400
Ember & Eagle
Eatontown (Monmouth County)
Owner/chef Ryan DePersio operates Ember & Eagle out of a former mansion. Photo: Courtesy of Ember & Eagle/Ciara Perrone Cowell
Open for just a year and a half, Ember & Eagle, chef Ryan DePersio’s newest venture, has already become a go-to dining destination in Monmouth County and beyond. This Italian steakhouse serves all of its award-winning chef’s favorites, including his signature ricotta gnocchi and pappardelle with smoked pork shoulder, but recently, he added a 42-ounce bone-in, dry-aged tomahawk steak and a veal saltimbocca to the menu. Located in a former mansion at Suneagles Golf Club, Ember & Eagle recently added a new dining room downstairs near the gorgeous stone fireplace. —J. Mroz
2000 Lowther Drive • 732-443-3009
Felina Steak
South Orange (Essex County)
Landmark Hospitality is well known in the New Jersey restaurant world for delivering must-go venues, each with its own personality, with attractive interiors and reliably good food. When Felina Steak was introduced in 2023, the Jersey City-based restaurant stepped securely up to that plate. Earlier this year, Landmark’s South Orange location (originally opened as Village Hall, in a refurbished historic building) was rebranded as Felina Steak and found its niche. Classic picks like hand-tossed pizza pies and creamy meatballs carry on Felina’s red-sauce tradition, while it also earns its chops as a steak house with dry-aged meats and top-notch accompaniments, like crispy brussels sprouts topped with garlicky breadcrumbs, and blistered shishitos with cottage Kewpie and toasted sesame seeds. —DPC
101 South Orange Avenue • 973-996-8969
Finch
Stockton (Hunterdon County)
Since the reopening of the historic Stockton Inn last year, discerning diners in the Delaware River Valley have gained two new restaurants: the clubby Dog & Deer Tavern, and Finch, a paean to inventive cuisine in a modernist setting. At Finch, executive chef Bob Truitt turns out some of the most complex and delicious dishes I’ve ever eaten, following in the footsteps of of the Michelin-starred chefs he worked with in New York and Spain. To fully appreciate Truitt’s talents, opt for the Finch Experience, a $155 prix-fixe six-course culinary journey, featuring dishes like a sweet pea panna cotta, cold asparagus and crab soup, and house-made ravioli filled with celery root purée. —JPC
1 S. Main Street • 609-460-4209
Fiorentini
Rutherford (Bergen County)
Named for the people of Florence, where owners Antonio and Brenda De Ieso hail from, Fiorentini is a delight. Not only is the authentic Italian food at this downtown Rutherford spot expertly crafted, but the service is impeccable, and the dining room is beautiful. Chef Antonio’s cooking doesn’t disappoint; the menu changes seasonally, and the dishes make you feel like you just crossed the Ponte Vecchio for your favorite Italian meal. They get much of their produce from local New Jersey farms and sustainably design the menu based on what’s available. “We don’t even have a walk-in freezer here,” says chef Antonio. “All of our food is fresh.” It shows. —J. Mroz
98 Park Avenue • 973-721-3404
F1rst
Hawthorne (Passaic County)
Tucked away on an unassuming street, F1rst offers a transformative culinary journey. Step into chef/owner Adam Weiss’s elegant BYO haven and be prepared for his creative vision to bring forth a symphony of flavors and textures, from the vibrant burst of arugula pesto with warm artisanal rolls to the comforting richness of the tableside-served leek-and-potato soup. The delicate foie gras and the exquisite Parmigiano Parisienne gnocchi, with its silken texture and vibrant ramp pesto, are true melt-in-your-mouth experiences. Weiss also crafts his own decadent desserts, including the signature Mounds Bar. Watch as the molten Valrhona chocolate is poured over homemade coconut ice cream, then wait a tantalizing 30 seconds for the perfect shell—a pure taste sensation. —J. Mroz
112 Lincoln Avenue • 973-830-2119
Gioia Mia
Montclair (Essex County)
Marking two years in this quick-turnaround restaurant town speaks volumes for this eatery’s New American menu. Located on Bloomfield Avenue, Gioia Mia is at the outer boundary of Montclair’s walkable downtown. The menu lends itself to a varied palate. Terrific small plates are mix-and-match treats, like chimichurri Spanish octopus with smashed fingerlings, and mussels in fragrant coconut broth with red Thai curry. An elevated burger crowned with Nueske’s bacon and caramelized onions and flanked by house-made fries is another crowd pleaser. Pasta offerings are plentiful and anything but ho-hum: semolina cavatelli with white Bolognese and grana Padano; and creamy, squid-ink fettuccini with seafood and Calabrian chili in pomodoro. —DPC
331 Bloomfield Avenue • 973-233-0350
Girasole
Atlantic City (Atlantic County)
Whereas most Italian restaurants in Atlantic City lean into the old-school, chicken parms and lasagnas, Girasole, which has been a staple of Atlantic City dining since 1992, offers a fresher, lighter, more summery approach, as is evident in the four crudos (the sea bass with citrus, avocado and capers is the best of the bunch) and four filet mignon carpaccios on the menu. They also turn out the best blistered pizzas in town, with the fra diavolo and sausage-and-broccoli rabe versions among our favorites. Elsewhere on the menu, you’ll find less-seen dishes like branzino baked whole inside a salt crust, and squid ink spaghetti with lump crabmeat and artichokes. If you’re in town on a Tuesday, stop by for the porchetta special. —VF
3108 Pacific Avenue • 609-345-5554
Hadaka
Asbury Park (Monmouth County)
Kumamoto oyster with marinated salmon roe and Japanese Hokkaido uni. Photo: Shilpa Iyer Photography
With last year’s opening of this curated sushi house in downtown Asbury Park, the trendy omakase experience has at last made its way beyond the outskirts of New York City. Seated at a countertop, a dozen patrons have a 90-minute adventure sampling a dozen or more chef-created sushi treats, mostly made from raw fish flown in from Japan. Along with showing off their knife and garnishing skills, the chefs also provide a fair amount of theatrics, from using a blowtorch to finish the seared salmon to lifting a smoke-filled dome to reveal a sublime slice of mackerel. You’ll leave sated, not only from the rich array of fish sampled, but also from the enjoyable evening you’ve just experienced. —JPC
527 Bangs Avenue • 732-361-0238
James on Main
Hackettstown (Warren County)
Tiny but mighty, this completely unassuming BYO is like a magician with many surprises up his sleeve. Choose from two- or three-course prix-fixe menus or a five-course chef’s tasting (call in advance for this one). Each course shows off the deft hand of chef/owner Bill Van Pelt, who began wooing patrons here in 2016. Today, memorable and mesmerizing culinary feats, like black-tiger prawns in a bright relish of papaya and mango, topped with micro cilantro and a peanut-scallion vinaigrette, still prompt awe and wonder, and maybe a standing ovation. —DPC
105 Main Street • 908-852-2131
June BYOB
Collingswood (Camden County)
Escargot in a distinctive spiral plate. Photo: Rebecca McAlpin
With many Americans’ palate for foreign food not extending beyond Italian or Chinese, this corner storefront restaurant’s classic French cuisine might have faced some wariness. But soon after opening June BYOB four years ago, Richard and Christina Cusack found that many South Jerseyans were willing to give their Gallic fare a whirl. The 42-seat restaurant’s warm Rococo decor lends the perfect setting for classically trained chef Richard’s exceptional output, including French mainstays like a shellfish-laden bouillabaisse, escargot, and a flaky beef Wellington en croute, and more experimental dishes like quail ballotine with asparagus and poached egg, or a lemongrass-infused soup made from Jersey corn and wild ramps. On Sundays, the restaurant offers a four-course tasting menu at the bargain rate of $55. —JPC
690 Haddon Avenue • 856-240-7041
Landmark Tavern at the Ryland Inn
Whitehouse Station (Hunterdon County)
This storied spot has recovered fully from a series of setbacks that put it out of commission in the Covid era. And, as before, there is much to swoon over, from the setting on a historic equestrian estate to chef Daniel Brunina’s way of parking a fancy burger on a brioche bun. Throwback charm abounds, so much so that Gen-Zers might be tempted to skip the Aperol spritz in favor of an old-school mimosa at Sunday brunch. Warm, attentive service and a beautifully restored bar area round out the country-club atmosphere. —Tammy LaGorce
115 Old Highway 28 • 908-534-4011
Lita
Aberdeen (Monmouth County)
Persimmon pudding with buttermilk and mandarin semifredo. Photo: James Worrell
Lita, a modern Iberian restaurant with a prix-fixe menu, combines family recipes with luxurious ingredients to create a special-occasion destination that is warm and approachable. Executive chef David Viana and managing director Neilly Robinson’s elevated take on Iberian cuisine yields tidbits such as the garlicky, succulent shrimp in camarão alhinho and hearty courses such as galinha da avo con masa, braised chicken with saffron spaghetti and Manchego. Viana, a multiple James Beard nominee, can transform braised leeks, a deviled egg or chunks of crisp potatoes into delicacies. The all-chef waitstaff alternates between serving and cooking roles. Lita now offers four seats at its Chef’s Counter, where diners can gather around the hearth to enjoy a five-course tasting menu and the stories behind each dish as the team creates the meal. —KJC
1055 Route 34 • 732-696-8517
Lula
Ridgewood (Bergen County)
Roasted chicken with smashed confit and baby potatoes. Photo: Arron Andrews
This new Bergen County hot spot, which opened in January, is by first-time restaurateur Conor Browne, who is already showing a sure hand in the kitchen. Serving New American cuisine, the restaurant offers sophisticated fine dining that’s done simply, letting the food speak for itself, says Browne, who previously cooked at Turtle + the Wolf in Montclair. He uses seasonal, sustainable ingredients and delivers the kinds of dishes that people keep coming back for, such as the chicken-liver mousse with amarena cherry and fennel-pollen crackers, and the flavorful prime coulotte steak with pomme purée. His desserts are delectable—I’m still dreaming about the heavenly lemon meringue tart. —J. Mroz
28 Oak Street • 201-301-0301
Madame
Jersey City (Hudson County)
Chef Jamie Knott continues to impress with this cozy, modern French bistro and cocktail parlor. Tucked away in a speakeasy-style subterranean spot, Madame is romantic, charming, and feels like a little bit of Paris in downtown Jersey City. From the foie gras mousse to the ham and cheese gougères to the steak pommes and the black bass en papillote, the food here is a Gallic dream. The vibe is trendy and fun, and it’s a perfect late-night spot to hit after a show at nearby White Eagle Hall. —J. Mroz
390 Fourth Street • 201-876-8800
Ninety Acres
Peapack-Gladstone (Somerset County)
The fact that the Pendry Natirar was unveiled last year as a world-class spa and 68-room hotel hasn’t distracted its signature eatery from its mission to please and tease the palate. Along with the hospitality expansion on this property, the restaurant received a redesigned interior and menu, which continues to draw from its on-site farm for fresh produce and herbs. Expect expert treatment on new innovations, as well as foundations like the Griggstown chicken, pan-seared salmon and Maine lobster. —DPC
200 Natirar Drive • 908-901-4710
Ocean Steak
Atlantic City (Atlantic County)
We never thought of topping a steak with shrimp scampi until chef Romeo DiBona suggested we do so here and, well, there’s no turning back. DiBona will also top your steak (we suggest the 48-ounce tomahawk chop for two) with foie gras, a combination of jumbo lump crabmeat, or double-smoked bacon. But the steaks are so good and expertly prepared that you really don’t need all that fuss, which will allow you to save room for the to-die-for appetizers, like New Jersey diver scallops in a Jersey corn purée, or spicy tuna served on crispy rice cakes and topped with black sesame seeds, tobiko and sriracha aioli. —VF
500 Boardwalk • 609-783-8000
Ora
Oradell (Bergen County)
Chef Tom Silvestri performs culinary alchemy, transforming traditional Italian dishes with a fresh, innovative approach. Explore new seasonal menu additions like the delicate flounder Milanese, accompanied by a vibrant heirloom-tomato bruschetta, peppery arugula and a zesty lemon aioli. Don’t miss the robust chicken ala mattone—a butterflied half chicken pressed and cooked on a plancha to achieve incredibly crispy skin, served with roasted mashed potatoes and a flavorful salsa verde. And rest assured, their renowned fior di latte gelato remains a menu staple. —J. Mroz
304 Kinderkamack Road • 201-267-4304
Osteria Crescendo
Westwood (Bergen County)
Chef Robbie Felice and his father, Joe Felice, made their footprint at Viaggio in Wayne in 2016 before bringing their brand of authentic Italian flavors to this tony enclave in Bergen County. Here, an old-world Italian cuisine is presented in a spiffy, modern setting with chalk-white, vintage-brick pillars, swanky swagged chandeliers, and a bank of windows for abundant natural light. The restaurant’s exemplary service and upscale, comfortable vibe extend to the menu. Think gooey burrata paired with carrot caponata, candied pecans and golden raisins; house-made pastas; and high-quality proteins from practiced hands, including Wagyu short ribs, Berkshire pork chops and Lancaster Amish chickens. —DPC
36 Jefferson Avenue • 201-722-1900
Osteria LK
Maplewood (Essex County)
This neighborhood haunt draws diners from well beyond the quaint village of Maplewood. Chef James De Sisto, who also helms the well-loved Laboratorio in Montclair, opened this, his second eatery, last August, and it already has patrons waiting in long but convivial queues for seats indoors (or out) at this cozy, no-reservation BYO. The menu of wood-fired pizzas, house-made pastas, salads, meats, seafood, and a surprisingly long list of well-conceived vegetable dishes, like charred beets with mascarpone and mint, and fire-roasted carrots with gorgonzola, pistachios and salmoriglio, make this place worth the wait. —DPC
180 Maplewood Avenue • 973-327-2871
Park Place Prime
Atlantic City (Atlantic County)
Tomahawk steak. Photo: Felicia Perretti
For a city by the sea, Atlantic City offers surprisingly few opportunities to enjoy fine dining and ocean views simultaneously, perhaps because casinos were designed to make you forget about the outside world. This year-old restaurant on the sixth floor of Bally’s is one of those few. Insist on a window booth and feast on hulking USDA Prime steaks, plus seafood specialties like scallop carpaccio and citrus-spiked ceviche, accompanied by a classic wedge salad, decadent lobster mac-and-cheese and a loaded (and we do mean loaded) baked potato. Old-fashioned lovers, take note: The specialty cocktail menu features five versions of the drink. —VF
1900 Pacific Avenue • 833-576-0836
PastaRAMEN
Montclair (Essex County)
At just 34, culinary whiz kid Robbie Felice has established a vibrant restaurant presence in New Jersey, with popular ventures like Viaggio, Osteria Crescendo and Bar Mutz. However, it’s his groundbreaking PastaRAMEN that truly solidified his status as a superstar. This dynamic eatery continues to captivate diners with its ever-evolving, imaginative menu, showcasing the fusion of Italian and Japanese flavors in the distinct Wafu style. Meanwhile, Felice’s exclusive, invitation-only speakeasy, Next Door, is set for an expansion, introducing five innovative Italian pasta dishes alongside Japanese-style sandwiches (sandos). The ambience remains lively and inviting, while the cuisine ascends to even greater heights of creativity and sophistication. —J. Mroz
6 South Fullerton Avenue • no phone
The Poached Pear Bistro
Point Pleasant Beach (Ocean County)
A beloved Shore institution, this restaurant is a culinary standout. Each plate, from the delicate pear pizzetta to the rich jumbo lump crab cake and the perfectly seared sesame-crusted ahi tuna served with teriyaki soba noodles, reflects the exceptional talent of executive chef Scott Giordano, who honed his skills under the tutelage of acclaimed chef Hans Egg at the Saddle River Inn. Since opening its doors in 2014, the restaurant has earned a reputation for its consistent excellence, packing the house even on a quiet Tuesday evening. Chef Giordano crafts New American dishes with a Shore flair, and this summer he promises exciting new specials utilizing locally sourced ingredients, especially fresh fish. Be sure to save room for dessert; chef Giordano is now creating these in-house, adding another layer of artistry to the dining experience. —J. Mroz
816 Arnold Avenue • 732-701-1700
Ram & Rooster
Metuchen (Middlesex County)
The plates are as beautiful as they are tasty. Photo: Arron Andrews
A meal at this restaurant is a culinary journey unlike any other—earning it the first four-star restaurant review from NJM in 13 years. Chef Sean Yan’s eight-course tasting menu ($128) is a masterful fusion of New American innovation and time-honored Chinese techniques. His breathtaking, imaginative cuisine will captivate your senses, showcasing dishes such as the delicate red snapper crudo, the savory sliced beef shank, and the exquisitely flavored tea-smoked duck. His creations offer a unique taste of something truly special for any New Jersey foodie. The artistry extends beyond the palate, with presentations as beautiful as the dishes are delicious. For an immersive experience, secure a seat at the counter and witness the chefs as they weave their culinary magic. Wednesdays and Thursdays now feature a special four-course prix-fixe menu for $89. —J. Mroz
83 Central Avenue • 732-662-1041
Razza
Jersey City (Hudson County)
Razza has been churning out terrific pizzas since 2012. Photo: Arron Andrews
Is Razza’s pizza worth the hype? Quite simply, yes! The wood-fired, handcrafted pizza is heavenly, from the burrata pie to the pepperoni to the spinach. Not many pizza places offer a bread-and-butter tasting, with homemade bread and a selection of cultured homemade butters—and this one is impressive. It’s evident that chef/owner Dan Richer and his team use only the highest quality ingredients, bringing attention to detail to every dish, including the salads and delicious desserts. —J. Mroz
275 Grove Street • 201-356-9348
River Pointe Inn
Rumson (Monmouth County)
Experience the glamour of a French-American bistro at the Jersey Shore. This striking spot offers a curated menu of oysters crudo and updated classics, perfectly paired with fabulous cocktails, all within a glamorous setting reminiscent of a New York City chophouse. Father-and-son team Victor and Jake Rallo, along with the Diaco family, wanted to create a vibrant atmosphere for gathering with family and friends. Indulge in a delicious Wagyu cheeseburger, savor the ratatouille, or delight in classic moules frites. Their expertly crafted cocktails are a must-try. Lunch specials are now available Friday-Sunday. —J. Mroz
132 East River Road • 732-530-6590
Saddle River Inn
Saddle River (Bergen County)
This renowned restaurant is located in a beautifully restored barn dating back to 1840, providing a romantic and rustic setting. It’s celebrated for its contemporary French fine dining under the guidance of acclaimed chef Jamie Knott, with a menu reflecting influences from Japanese and American cuisines. Knott emphasizes the use of fresh, seasonal ingredients whenever he can, including the freshest sustainable seafood, and local organic produce. Appetizers such as the Wagyu beef tataki, All Dressed Up Oysters and jumbo lump crabcake demonstrate his innovative and elevated approach to classic French techniques. This gorgeous spot is also known for its impeccable service and elegant ambience. —J. Mroz
2 Barnstable Court • 201-825-4016
Shumi
Leonia, Ridgewood (Bergen County)
This sleek, modern restaurant offers a wide range of Japanese fare, specializing in sushi. A collaboration between master chef Kunihiko Aikasa and his protégé, chef David Seo, Shumi is famous for omakase, a chef’s tasting menu featuring the freshest, best-quality fish available, often sourced daily from Japan. They also offer Japanese appetizers, entrées like A5 Wagyu beef and ramen, and a wide selection of sushi and sashimi. The restaurant is warm and welcoming, and the Leonia location features a luxurious private omakase room. —J. Mroz
Leonia: 354 Broad Avenue • 201-272-6577
Ridgewood: 70 E. Ridgewood Avenue • 201-345-0808
Summit House
Summit (Union County)
Offering a sophisticated dining experience, this spot focuses on elegant, well-executed American cuisine. Under the direction of executive chef AJ Capella, the restaurant emphasizes seasonality and fresh, locally sourced ingredients. The menu features house-made pastas, a seafood tower with East Coast oysters, shrimp cocktail, crab salad and more, as well as dishes like maccheroni with house-made Bolognese. The service is attentive and knowledgeable, helping to create a warm and lively dining experience. They even mill their own flour and churn their own butter using cream from a local dairy farm—don’t miss the butter tasting that wonderfully showcases these. —J. Mroz
395 Springfield Avenue • 908-273-6000
Sushi by Sea
Ridgefield (Bergen County)
No password, no service! Photo: Courtesy of Sushi by Sea
This exclusive speakeasy-style omakase restaurant focuses on exceptional sushi within a unique communal setting. This invite-only destination, seating a mere dozen guests, promises an intimate and unforgettable evening. To gain entry, you’ll need a password, adding a thrilling element of anticipation. (Readers can exclusively use the registration code New Jersey Monthly 25 on the restaurant’s website.) Once inside, be prepared for a dazzling 17-course tasting menu by chef C. Highlights include the exquisite negi toro hand roll and the masterfully smoked salmon nigiri. The cozy ambience creates a memorable dining adventure. —J. Mroz
632 Bergen Boulevard
Undici
Rumson (Monmouth County)
Heading to an Italian restaurant on the heels of a trip to Italy might not bode well for some establishments, but Undici delivers like a loving nona. Stone walls and dim lights set a romantic, rustic tone, and you feel as if you’ve been invited to dine in an ancient grotto. The cacio e pepe twist on Caesar salad is a peppery hit; with perfectly salty fried capers, it graciously expanded my comfort zone. A classic eggplant parmigiana was anything but basic, with toothsome pasta and a thick, radiant red sauce. Pair your meal with a selection from the wine list, which has earned Wine Spectator props without fail since its inception in 2009. Bottles, including about 1,300 options at varying price points, come from every region of Italy—with many choices by the glass. From the divinely thick olive oil and crusty bread that greets you to the last crumb of the house-made pistachio-and-chocolate biscotti, Undici is an Italian escape, sans airfare. —DPC
11 West River Road • 732-842-3880
Verana
Norwood (Bergen County)
Forget your assumptions about Italian restaurants in New Jersey. Verana is where chef Giuseppe Agostino, a culinary master who honed his skills at the renowned Del Posto in New York City, transforms fresh, high-quality ingredients into unforgettable dishes. From the delicate carpaccio di tonno to the flavorful branzino with Tuscan kale and pesto, every bite is a testament to his skill. Chef Agostino even takes pride in making his own ladyfingers for the exquisite tiramisu. Verana offers a sophisticated and lively atmosphere, attentive service and eclectic yet authentic Italian cuisine. —J. Mroz
530 Livingston Street • 201-347-6759
