Not to be overshadowed by its popular foodie neighbor Montclair, Bloomfield has become a dining destination on its own. Here are our top picks for where to eat, in alphabetical order.
Bloomfield Steak and Seafood House
Maritime decor enlivens the dining areas in this historic structure, built by Thomas Davis in 1676. The bar has a neighborly vibe, and the dog-friendly patio is a choice spot in warm weather. In its early days, the Davis homestead served as farmhouse, hospital and church. During the Revolutionary War, a tunnel from the cellar was an escape route from the British. The restaurant has been family owned and operated since 2002. Starters include Blue Point oysters (raw or grilled), littleneck clams steamed in beer broth, angry shrimp, Buffalo wings and empanadas. Twin crab cakes with Cajun-mayo dipping sauce was our favorite entrée. There are chicken and pasta dishes and a Black Angus burger on brioche. The beer list is minimal, the wine list notable for many choices by the glass. Desserts include chocolate or vanilla crème brûlée and coconut sour cream cake. They also have outdoor dining and music on the weekends, and they offer takeout dinner for two people for $25.
409 Franklin Street; 973-680-4500
Fanny’s
With its neighborhood vibe and upscale spin, Fanny’s is a go-to spot. The modern Italian menu is full of crowd pleasers. Start with shareable plates for the table, like Wagyu meatballs served over a crispy polenta, topped with tomato glaze and a vinaigrette made from long hot peppers. The calamari is another table pleaser—crispy and piled with cherry peppers and marinara. Next up are what Fanny’s calls entrées: substantials, and they live up to their name. Try the hearty blueberry steak—a 36-ounce, dry-aged ribeye made for two—or the creamy, luxe cavatelli carbonara with guanciale (a salty Italian pork). Vegetable sides, like the harissa charred carrots topped with crème fraîche, oregano oil, pickled fennel and hazelnuts, are satisfyingly complex. For dessert, visit the restaurant group’s adjacent Ladyfingers Bakery & Bar, where bright decor sets a lively tone. You’ll find treats like lemon bars, cake pops and brownies. Want a nightcap? Ladyfingers has late-night hours and offers wine, cocktails and dessert spirits.
1109 Broad Street; 973-343-5109
Pandan Asian Cuisine
While this restaurant has plenty of Thai options, it was the Philippine dishes, which are not often found locally, that especially delighted us. This is a very small, casual storefront restaurant with a friendly and knowledgeable staff. Recommended dishes noted in our review of Pandan include the crispy fried calamari; meaty stir-fried mussels with black beans, garlic and scallions; steamed pork dumplings filled with mushrooms, carrots and water chestnuts; and an unusual torta (egg omelet) containing grilled eggplant and ground pork. BYO.
406 Broad Street; 973-748-9997
Popolari
When Popolari opened in Bloomfield in 2021, it was a welcome addition to the town’s restaurant scene, bringing Neapolitan thin-crust pizzas, house-made pastas and inspired sandwiches. It dishes out Italian comfort classics and fresh innovations on many of those dishes. Takeout and catering services are also offered.
1047 Broad Street; 973-338-0616
Stamna Taverna
This Greek taverna a few doors south of Holsten’s ice cream parlor serves classic Greek dishes such as moussaka, with a luxurious crown of toasted béchamel and a thick understory of tender ground beef and sliced eggplant and potatoes. The glory of the starter section, as noted in our review of Stamna, is the hot appetizers, including the Cypriot-style loukaniko pork sausage and halloumi, grilled mild Cypriot goat cheese. Try the Karpathian makarounes: old-fashioned whole wheat pasta (shaped something like cavatelli) topped with sautéed onions and traditional Greek cheese. Another classic is the saganaki, a hefty slice of fried kefalograviera cheese—brown and crispy outside, tangy and stretchy inside.
1055 Broad Street; 973-338-5151
Wabi Sabi
This restaurant was named a critics’ pick for Asian Fusion in our 2024 Restaurant Poll. It serves Japanese classics, such as sushi and ramen, as well as fried rice dishes and entrées that include hot stone Angus steak, miso glazed sea bass and airline chicken. The tonkotsu ramen soup is a favorite here.
407 Broad Street; 973-680-9222
Writing and reporting by Deborah P. Carter, Jacqueline Mroz, Ken Schlager and Eric Levin
