Villa Rosa in Haddonfield
After 33 years, the family-owned pizzeria announced this month that it would be closing its doors amid Covid-19. Due to indoor dining restrictions, Villa Rosa lost 60–70 percent of its business during the pandemic. Locals soon rallied around the beloved eatery, raising nearly $10,000 in just three days via a GoFundMe page—but co-owner Jimmy Rivas stated that reopening will depend on finding a new location.
Villa Rosa, 51 Kings Hwy E, Haddonfield
Capt’n Jack’s Island Grill, Wildwood Boardwalk
A second location of the island grill has opened as a part of Wildwood’s Boardwalk Mall, located between Mariner’s Pier and Adventure Pier. Although the U-shaped bar isn’t open yet due to dining restrictions, you can still choose from an array of tropical-inspired drinks, including their signature 64-ounce Fish Bowl. The menu includes unique starters like Lobster Mac and Cheese Bites and Caribbean Egg Rolls, plus a variety of burgers, salads, wings and sandwiches.
Capt’n Jack’s Island Grill, 3800 Boardwalk Mall, Wildwood; 609-554-3183
Ramsey Tap Room and Grill
North Jersey’s newest tap room offers a catalog of rotating beers on tap (in bottles and cans), an ever-changing list of cocktails and an assortment of wines. The menu contains a mix of seafood, sandwiches and pub favorites, including Avocado Salmon, Cajun Chicken and wings in six flavors. Happy hour, 4–6 pm daily, offers deals on beers, cocktails, appetizers and sangria pitchers. Outdoor dining, rain or shine, is 4–10 pm under the patio tent. Takeout and curbside pickup, plus delivery through DoorDash and Grubhub, are also available.
Tap Room and Grill, 1315 Rte 17 S, Ramsey; 201-962-3650
The Yacht Club, Edgewater
From the owners of Molos in Weehawken comes a new restaurant/bar on the Pier of the Edgewater Commons Shopping Center. Executive chef Gregory Zapantis is in charge of the “surf and turf” menu that includes Maryland crab cakes, fresh oysters, lobster rolls and made-to-order sushi. You don’t need to be a club member to enjoy the delicious menu and beautiful views of Manhattan. Outdoor dining is available rain or shine for up to 60 people.
The Yacht Club, 541 River Rd, Edgewater
Mamoun’s Falafel, East Rutherford
This Mediterranean spot opened its fifth New Jersey location in early August. Since its original 1971 opening in NYC’s Greenwich Village, Mamoun’s has expanded across the Hudson, as well as four other states on the East Coast. The menu includes hummus, shawarma dishes, grape leaves and more. Everything is made from scratch, including desserts like baklava, knafeh (shredded fillo dough filled with pistachios), and mabrumeh (fillo dough topped with mixed nuts and coconut). Mamoun’s is currently open Monday–Sunday, 11 am–10 pm.
Mamoun’s Falafel, 90 Route 17, East Rutherford; 201-340-4102