Restaurant Reviews

Oliver A Bistro

March 31, 2009

Like the European bistros this cozy restaurant seeks to emulate, Oliver has an identity that can be linked directly to its owners.

The Orange Squirrel

March 18, 2009

Bright-eyed and bushy-tailed. That describes chef Francesco Palmieri and his enthusiasm for his new restaurant. But in the kitchen his passionate and serious side comes to the fore.

Blue2O

March 4, 2009

Is Cherry Hill’s swank new seafood house part of a (gasp) chain? Let’s see.

Treno

Quick Bite

March 2, 2009

Treno 233 Haddon Ave, Westmont 856-833-9233, trenopizzabar.com Hours: 4–10 pm. Bar, 4 pm to midnight. Price: $ Style: Platter-style dining… Read the rest

Wasabi Asian Plates and Sushi Bar

Quick Bite

March 1, 2009

Wasabi Asian Plates & Sushi Bar 12 West Main St, Somerville 908-203-8881 Hours: Mon–Thurs, 11:30 am–10 pm; Fri, 11:30 am–11… Read the rest

Tortuga’s Mexican Village

Quick Bite

Tortuga’s Mexican Village 44 Leigh Ave, Princeton 609-924-5143, tortugasmv.com Hours: Lunch: Daily, 11:30 am-2 pm; Dinner: Mon 5-9 pm, Tues-Thurs,… Read the rest

JL Ivy

February 24, 2009

Few mourned the 2004 closing of the Rusty Scupper, a seafood spot that offered Red Lobster-like fare at higher prices. But last May, when the vaulted post-and-beam space reopened as JL Ivy—“Serving French bistro fare and Princeton’s freshest sushi,” according to the website—many wondered if things had gone from bad to worse.

Lobianco

February 19, 2009

If a restaurant is going to defy conventional wisdom and tuck itself away in some obscure spot, it had better be good.

Ten East

February 17, 2009

Reared on Benihana, the Franconeri brothers of Bayonne build a glitzy temple of Asian fusion in their hometown. The decor rocks, sure, but so does the food.

Barrington Coffee House

Quick Bite

February 1, 2009

Barrington Coffee House 131 Clements Bridge Rd, Barrington 856-573-7800 barringtoncoffeehouse.com Hours: Mon-Tues, 6 am-8 pm; Wed–Fri, 6 am-10 pm; Sat,… Read the rest

Swanky Bubbles Restaurant & Champagne Bar

January 23, 2009

Swanky Bubbles Restaurant and Champagne Bar in Cherry Hill offers a hip, world-themed abience and specialty martini cocktails.

Elements

January 15, 2009

Three Ryland Inn alumni and their deep-pocketed backer make their case for inclusion in the ranks of the state's finest restaurants.

Rosa Mexicano

January 12, 2009

When Rosa Mexicano opened in Manhattan in 1984, its festive, upscale atmosphere and cuisine put to shame the greasy Tex-Mex… Read the rest

Tortilla Press Cantina

Quick Bite

January 5, 2009

Tortilla Press Cantina 7716 Maple Ave, Pennsauken 856-356-2050 tortillapresscantina.com Hours: Restaurant: Tues–Thurs, 4–10 pm, Fri–Sat, 4–11 pm, Sun, 4–9 pm.… Read the rest

Iron Monkey

December 29, 2008

The Iron Monkey in Jersey City serves up some sophisticated pub grub.

Vidalia

Quick Bite

December 23, 2008

Vidalia 21 Phillips Ave, Lawrenceville 609-896-4444 www.vidalia.restaurant/ Hours: Lunch, Tue–Fri, 11:30 am–2:30 pm. Dinner, Tue–Thurs, 5–9 pm; Fri–Sat, 5–10 pm;… Read the rest

Chelsea Prime

December 8, 2008

Stephen Starr strolls down the Boardwalk from Buddakan to imbue Curtis Bashaw's new Chelsea Hotel with retro Atlantic City glamour—and mighty fine steaks.

Dalto

December 3, 2008

Dalto regulars often know what they’re going to eat before they walk in the door. Part of that comes with knowing the small menu (though there are always tempting specials). But many put in requests when they make their reservations (a must on Friday and Saturday).

Eno Terra

November 20, 2008

In opening Eno Terra, its new Italian restaurant devoted to locally produced, sustainably farmed foods, the Terra Momo restaurant group… Read the rest

Sapori

November 11, 2008

Growing up in a village outside Palermo, Franco Lombardo’s grandmother learned two important lessons that she later passed on to… Read the rest