Restaurant Reviews
A Greek Chorus for Today: Elia in East Rutherford
September 13, 2018
In a space with a vaunted history, new owners introduce a classic cuisine, imaginatively updated.
Cape May’s Seafood Jewel: Louisa’s Café in Cape May
September 6, 2018
Louisa’s Café has just 34 seats (up from the original 20, when it opened in 1980), but the reason the BYO is packed is the quality of its seafood.
Shan Shan Lu, originally from northwest China, opened Shan Shan Noodles in Parsippany in 2014. Asian noodles in all forms, with all sorts of accompaniments, are its specialty.
A Chef’s New Shingle: Braun’s Tavern in Bloomfield
August 22, 2018
After launching Satis Bistro to success in Jersey City, chef Michael Fiorianti did less well with a Satis branch in Bloomfield. So he closed it and reopened as Braun’s Tavern.
Disco fries, pork-roll waffle sandwiches and boozy milkshakes are on the menu at Asbury Lanes Diner.
A Velvet-Rope Scene Without the Velvet Rope: Sofia in Englewood
August 14, 2018
That’s the vibe that restaurateur Eddy Sujak says he was shooting for in opening Sofia in Englewood. On a largely Italian menu, the steaks are worthy of high praise. The rest ranges from good to needs-some-work
Tapas-style appetizers are abundant and easy to share at this sleek, diner-like spot.
The Embrace of Place: Marcus B&P in Newark
August 1, 2018
In his own joyous and artful way, Marcus Samuelsson binds the many strands of Brick City into an alluring whole.
In Neptune City, you will see a Philippine flag—red and blue with a golden sun—flying outside Kamayan Grill. “Kamayan” is a Filipino style of eating food by hand, but no worries, utensils are supplied.
Surf Taco has 13 Jersey locations, but only the one in Jackson has a liquor license. The full bar, she says, stocks a number of craft beers on tap, and the seafood tacos are a smart choice.
Brothers Nick and Peter Dedes sold their long-running diner, the Union Plaza, and in 2016 opened Echo Tape & Grille.The Echo has an indoor fire pit, craft beer and a wide-ranging tavern-style menu.
Can Pigs Surf: Surfing Pig in North Wildwood
July 12, 2018
Visit Surfing Pig in North Wildwood, and you will swear that owners Bill and Megan Bumbernick can get those critters to do anything, but especially to taste mighty fine in a variety of ‘cues. Yet reasons to visit include terrific crab cakes, prime rib and tropical cocktails.
Risa Boyer opened Vanillamore in Montclair last September. As you might expect, desserts were a big feature of the menu. But the savory menu is anything but token.
Italy by the Roots: Osteria Radici in Allentown
July 5, 2018
Digging into the regional cuisines of their ancestral land, a chef and his wife make culinary waves in a small town.
The 1859 farmhouse that for years held La Campagne restaurant in Cherry Hill has been renovated by new owners and renamed Farmhouse. It’s tapping local farms and waters for produce and seafood, but so far settling on a signature cooking style has proven to be a bit more challenging.
Hoagitos began in 2013 as a pop-up on the Asbury Park boardwalk. In 2016, it expanded to a year-round restaurant in Belmar offering gourmet small hoagies and sliders
Head For Hackettstown: James on Main
June 12, 2018
Hackettstown, in rural Warren County, is known largely for its fish hatchery and manufacture of M&Ms. But the food at chef Bill Van Pelt's two-year-old New American restaurant, James on Main, provides more than reason enough to go.
Great sunsets along with a hearty sampling of seafood dishes at this charming Atlantic City spot.
Founded more than 30 years ago as a spin-off of one of the original Jersey Mike’s sub shops, subs and sandwiches are still what the Bread Board Plus does best.
Still Finding Its Way: White Maple Café in Ridgewood
May 30, 2018
Opened in 2016, White Maple Café in Ridgewood has found a following. But under its current chef, it still needs to raise its game in the kitchen and be more informed and polished in service.