Restaurant Reviews

Doc’s

December 15, 2009

Builder Don Luisi bids to make his hometown of Sparta synonymous with superb steaks and seafood.

Za

December 7, 2009

An ambitious New American-style restaurant settles in Pennington.

Brick Oven of Morristown 90 South Street Morristown, 973-984-7700 Hours: Lunch: Mon­—Sun 12–3 pm. Mon-Thurs, 11:30 am–9:30 pm; Friday 12–8:30… Read the rest

Toro Loco 23 Valley Street South Orange, 973-761-1515 Hours: Sun–Thurs, 11:30 am–9:45 pm; Fri and Sat, 11:30 am–10:45 pm. Price:… Read the rest

Mama Mia’s

Quick Bite

December 6, 2009

Mama Mia’s 2087 South Shore Road, Seaville 609-624-9322, mamamiasnj.com Hours: Daily, 11 am–9 pm. Price: $$/$$$ Style: Located in the… Read the rest

FITZGERALD’S 1928 13 Herman Street Glen Ridge, 973-748-2392 Fitzgeralds1928.com Hours: Dinner: Sun–Thurs, 5–9:30 pm; Fri–Sat, 5–10 pm; Lunch: Tues–Sat, 11:30… Read the rest

Teaberry’s Tea Room 2 Main Street, Flemington 908-788-1010, teaberrys.com Hours: Tues–Fri, 11 am–4 pm; Sat-Sun, 11 am–5 pm. Price: $-$$… Read the rest

The Cereal Bowl 296 George Street, New Brunswick 732-543-2727, thecerealbowl.com Hours: Mon-Thurs, 7 am-10 pm; Fri, 7 am-11 pm; Sat,… Read the rest

Fornelletto

November 18, 2009

A rustic Italian restaurant in the Borgata has developed a convincing wine cellar theme.

Tomatoe’s

November 10, 2009

While other Shore restaurants hibernate, Tomatoe’s in Margate kicks into holiday gear —and keeps the festive fires burning all winter.

La Esperanza

Quick Bite

November 8, 2009

La Esperanza 40 E. Gibbsboro Road, Lindenwold 856-782-7114 Hours: Sun-Thurs, 11 am-9 pm; Fri-Sat, 11 am-10 pm. Price: $/$$ Style:… Read the rest

Alfonso’s Family Trattoria & Gourmet Pizzeria 99-101 West Main Street, Somerville 908-526-0616 Hours: Mon, 11 am-9 pm; Tues-Sat, 11 am… Read the rest

The Pub 7600 Kaighns Avenue, Pennsauken 856-665-6440 Hours: Mon–Thurs, 11:30 am–10 pm; Fri, 11:30 am-midnight; Sat, 3 pm-midnight; Sun, 1–10… Read the rest

Witherspoon Grill

October 30, 2009

When Princeton restaurateur Jack Morrison snapped up a piece of prime real estate on Princeton Library Plaza in 2004 and dropped a substantial sum for the last available liquor license in town, it seemed he had a plan. Turns out, he didn’t. “It took months just to come up with a concept,” he says, laughing. “I like to pick a goal, then figure out the hardest route to get there.”

Zylo

October 23, 2009

When Zylo opened in March in the new W Hotel in Hoboken (the first W in New Jersey), it was hobbled by amateurish service and no clear identity beyond its slick “Tuscan steakhouse” label. Half a year later, it has emerged from its growing pains as an appealing and even cocky young restaurant.

Anton’s At The Swan

October 13, 2009

The plush style harkens back to a time before casual was the mantra, but the food is fully contemporary.

Sol Mexican Cantina 3366 Route 22, West Branchburg 908-526-4907 Hours: Mon-Thurs, 11:30 am-10 pm; Fri and Sat, 11:30 am-11 pm… Read the rest

Farm2Bistro

October 1, 2009

The term bistro has been so abused it’s easy to forget its original meaning—a small, casual dining spot (originally in France) where locals can eat, drink, socialize, and perhaps enjoy entertainment.

Pluckemin Inn

September 14, 2009

After a stressful year, the Pluckemin Inn reemerges with a sterling new executive chef and continuity in other key posts, from pastry chef Joseph Gabriel to owner Gloria LaGrassa.

Scojo’s Restaurant 120 West Main Street, Tuckerton 609-296-5700, scojosnj.com Hours: Mon-Fri, 7 am-8 pm; Sat-Sun, 7 am-9pm. Price: $$ Style:… Read the rest