Opening
Sofia’s Taqueria, Old Bridge
This Staten Island-based Mexican restaurant recently opened its fifth location—its first in Jersey. Sofia’s has a vibrantly colorful exterior and interior, plus plenty of neon signs and wooden furnishings. The menu features guacamoles, empanadas, tacos, brunch dishes, and lots of cocktails and tequila. There are weekly specials and weekday happy hours.
3030 US 9; 732-860-2020
BAM at Mahwah, Mahwah
In December, Mahwah welcomed a new bagelry that describes itself as being “more than just bagels.” In addition to fresh bagels, cream cheeses and breakfast sandwiches, there are deli sandwiches, paninis, salads, baked goods and a coffee bar. Dine-in and take-out available.
1003 MacArthur Boulevard; 201-815-4655
Closing
The Maddox and Musuko, Montclair
This restaurant duo, a high-end steakhouse and a sleek pan-Asian sushi bar, announced via Instagram on January 3 that both its establishments have shuttered. The unexpected closure, reasons for which remain unclear, comes just under nine months after their opening in April. The restaurants were located in what was formerly The Crosby, a well-loved gastropub that closed in summer 2022.
Osteria Del Corso, South Orange
This Italian restaurant, which opened in March, permanently closed its doors last week. Though it had become a new favorite for many locals, financial issues were the reason for its closure. “As much as people said they loved the restaurant, they were not coming in enough for us to cover our costs,” co-owner Matt McCusker wrote in an email that was printed by The Village Green.
Mexican Food Factory, Marlton
After 44 years in business, the local favorite shut its doors on Saturday, December 30. Since 1979, the Mexican Food Factory served traditional Mexican and Tex-Mex fare, craft beers and margaritas—made from a selection of more than 20 tequilas—up until its final day of business.
Pizza Crime, Haddonfield
On January 1, Pizza Crime shared its New Year plans on social media: closing at the end of the month. The popular pizzeria got its start in 2018, selling out week after week in a booth at the Haddonfield Farmers’ Market. In 2020, the pizzeria set up shop in a brick-and-mortar location in the heart of town and quickly became a successful, beloved eatery. The reason for its closure is unclear. “Stay tuned on our social media platforms to see what’s to come,” the pizzeria wrote on Instagram. “This is not a goodbye, but a see you soon!”
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.