Restaurant Reviews

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.”
Beet-watermelon-radish salad with blue cheese and balsamic dressing.
Italian-American cuisine served in a spacious storefront with casual, contemporary décor.
Halibut with arugula, tomato,capers in a white wine sauce.

4 Seasons Mediterranean

August 25, 2016

Owner Abraham Ghebreal greets every guest and sets the tone for their experience. The food is Mediterranean, and for the most part, it, too, shines.
the new Boulevard Seafood Company, which is a restaurant, and Conlin’s, a French Bakery, are joined at the hip—literally, in that they share a single storefront; and figuratively, in their sensibility.
A bowl of chirashi—raw fish, vegetables, tamago (cold, sweet omelet) over rice.

Fuji

August 11, 2016

Chen Zheng, Fuji’s longtime sushi chef, buys the legendary restaurant from its founders and endeavors to extend its legacy.
The Ole Saw-Seege with Italian sausage, sautéed peppers and onions.
The Speakeatery is fun just for the cheeky Prohibition-themed names of its sandwiches (like the Elliot Mess). But the food is actually pretty good.

Plum on Park

July 19, 2016

Plum on Park, which occupies a cute little railroad car diner on Park Street in Montclair, is beloved for its brunches.

Yumi

July 7, 2016

Yumi chef/co-owner Shuenn Yang has earned a loyal following for his cooked dishes but especially for his sparkling sushi.
Beef tartare with grilled, house-made sourdough bread.
Ehren and Nadine Ryan (he from Australia, she from Austria) bring uncommonly good food to Millburn. Why there? Hint: Family.