Restaurant Reviews

chicken parm sub with Parmesan, mozzarella and house-made marinara.

Chatterbox

Quick Bite

December 1, 2016

The big portions and wide variety of American favorites at the venerable Ocean City eatery provide solid value.
The broccoli rabe with hot peppers and sausage
For about three decades, the people who love chef Julio Rodriguez’s cooking have been following him from one West Orange location of his restaurant, Julio’s, to the next.

Spain Inn 2

Quick Bite

November 23, 2016

Brothers Pepe and Luis Rodriguez grew up on Northwest Spain’s Atlantic coast. Their food at Spain 2 brings to life that area’s cuisine.
The company that helped spur Asbury Park’s restaurant revival sees Burlington, on the Delaware, as ripe for a revival of its own.

Blu Grotto

November 10, 2016

In color scheme, Blu Grotto in Oceanport lives up to its name. Delving into the food and drink, there are things to praise and others to feel blue about.
The expertly charred garlic-and-herb-rubbed bone-in sirloin, sliced, with a pan of wild mushroms on the side.

American Cut Bar & Grill

November 3, 2016

After a midcourse correction, Marc Forgione's post-Revel return to Jersey fine-tunes steak-house sizzle for the suburbs.
The Mediterranean omelet, with beef or chicken gyro, tomatoes, onions and feta.
The Kettle & Grill in Marlton looks and feels like a sparkling new diner but bills itself as a “casual American kitchen.”
A grain bowl including puréed sweet potato, infused beets, pickled cauliflower, grilled red onion, quinoa, rye berries and all three available proteins.
Fresh Kitchen is built on two principles: 1) fresh, healthy meat, veggies and grains and 2) the option to combine ingredients in a bowl of your own design.
The Pleasantdale burger comes with avocado, Swiss and sprouts.

Bonds Tavern

Quick Bite

October 19, 2016

Bonds Tavern in West Orange has won fans for its variety of satisfying burgers and its eclectic, even over-the-top toppings for fries.

Yard House

October 13, 2016

Yard House, a national chain with a long menu and an even longer list of craft beers on tap, has opened its first Jersey branch, in Moorestown.
After the Garcia family left Mexico in the ‘90s, they settled in South Jersey, worked in restaurants, and opened Oasis Mexican Grill in Collingswood.
B2 Bistro’s unique polenta—the toppings vary daily, this one featuring pork ragù, micro-basil and shavings of pecorino.

B2 Bistro & Bar

October 6, 2016

An adept, adaptable pub enlivens a quiet section of a high-profile town.
The 8th Ave bowl has sliced bananas, honey and more granola.

Playa Bowls

Quick Bite

September 29, 2016

Two Belmar surfers opened the first Playa Bowls in Belmar after one of them fell in love with acai fruit in her travels. Now Playa Bowls has four locations.
The soy-ginger chicken burrito with ponzu-sesame slaw and kimchi fried rice.
Mogo Korean Fusion Tacos in Asbury Park won Best Asian Fusion (Central region) in this year’s NJM Jersey Choice Restaurant poll.
Veggie burger with crispy onions, apple, lettuce and tomato.
Along with the renovation of Newark’s Military Park, has come chef Chris Siversen’s Burg—a fun, creative burger joint.

Sorellina

September 8, 2016

Gabi Lombardi, 26, who has two older sisters, opened Sorellina (which means “little sister”) to celebrate the food and especially the wine of Italy.
Our reviewer calls Poppi's Brick Oven “the best pizza on the Shore from Atlantic City down to Cape May.”
Olive-crusted salmon in a delicious herbaceous broth.

The Kitchen Step

September 1, 2016

Chef Ryan DePersio (of Fascino fame) creates The Kitchen Step, the perfect pub for a hip ’hood, with fun, affordable food and drink.
A specialty white pie with chopped broccoli, tomatoes and ricotta.

Stella Pizza

Quick Bite

August 29, 2016

Stella Pizza serves whole pies as well as slices, calzones, strombolis, wraps, sandwiches, salads and pasta platters.
This cozy eatery, opened in 2015, devotes itself to what it calls “feel-good food [that’s] healthy, allergy friendly and locally and sustainably sourced.”