Ridgewood’s Beloved Village Green Restaurant to Close; More Dining News

Plus: A Greek seafood spot has replaced Guerriero Gelato in Montclair, while Atomic Wings is bringing its halal-certified chicken wings to six NJ locations.

Exterior of Village Green Restaurant in Ridgewood, NJ
Village Green Restaurant in Ridgewood is closing after nearly four decades. Photo: Courtesy of Village Green Restaurant

Closings:

Village Green Restaurant, Ridgewood

After 37 years in business, this community staple known for refined New American cuisine will close its doors on Saturday, June 6. “To all of our loyal customers—thank you…for supporting us through the years, celebrating your special moments with us, and allowing us to serve this community we love so much,” wrote chef/owner Kevin Portscher in a social media post.

Davia, Fair Lawn

After nearly three decades in business, this North Jersey Italian restaurant will close its doors on Sunday, May 31. “Please come stop by for one last drink and some of Chef Paul’s finest dishes, as always, made with love and care,” the Davia team wrote in a social media post announcing the closure.

Tony Boloney’s, Jersey City

Tony Boloney’s, known for its over-the-top specialty pizzas and creative subs, has permanently closed its Jersey City location. The restaurant’s Hoboken outpost has also remained closed since its small kitchen fire last summer; the original Atlantic City location is still fully operational.

MEAL, Nutley

MEAL, a Nutley spot serving modern American cuisine, officially closed on Sunday, May 17. “After 15 unforgettable years, it’s time for us to say goodbye,” the MEAL team shared in a social media post officially announcing the closure.

Openings:

Sardela, Montclair

This new Greek seafood restaurant opened its doors early this month in the former Guerriero Gelato space. The menu features fresh seafood, grilled meats and shareable mezze plates. Sardela is open noon to 10 pm Tuesday through Thursday and on Sunday, and until 11 pm on Friday and Saturday.

Aahar, East Rutherford

Following its grand opening in mid-May, Aahar is bringing authentic, richly spiced Indian flavors to East Rutherford with everything from biryanis (mixed rice dishes) to curries to freshly baked naan. The BYOB restaurant is open for lunch and dinner every day except Tuesday.

Dining news:

  • Ange’s Smoothie Hub in River Vale is temporarily closed pending its relocation to Closter, with a projected opening in mid-summer. The North Jersey juice shop has built a loyal following for its smoothies, superfood-based bowls, pressed juices and fruit-based specialty drinks.

  • Halal-certified wing chain Atomic Wings is planning to open six New Jersey locations—its first in the state—as part of a larger national expansion, though specific sites and construction timelines have not yet been announced. It currently operates around two dozen locations nationwide.

The restaurant—offering multi-course prix-fixe dinners themed to match the play or musical onstage that day—is now open to the general public, not just theatergoers.
Plus: Ridgewood welcomes a lobster-roll chain, Gov. Sherrill declares a state of emergency over $300 million crop losses, and more.