For rewarding food, atmosphere, variety and value, these new restaurants have earned enthusiastic followings.

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That is how chef Rosaria Conti’s skill with dough is described by Paula Giordano, her business partner. It's a just description for Conti’s pizzas and pastas. But he says not all of Valentina’s menu meets that golden standard.

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The new MudHen Brewing Co. in Wildwood is an all-year venue with plenty of dishes to lure the hungry as well as brews to entice the thirsty.

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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.

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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.

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Hey, who luvs ya? Who's always happy to see ya and treats ya rights? Jersey's plebeian palaces, the gleaming diners, are a state staple. We've picked 25 of our favorites.

Seen in: Eat & Drink

Take a century of tradition, add local color, a new wave of artisanship and imagination, and what you get just might be Jersey's favorite food.

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Philip Manganaro didn’t plan on his modest, 32-seat byo becoming a sensation. But runaway success is a good problem to have.

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Chef Dominic Piperno made sure to install a large wood-burning grill and oven when he opened Hearthside in Collingswood in September. He is making good use of the grill—and also turning out some deft pastas.

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Inspired by his mom’s home cooking, Iron Chef and The Chew co-host Michael Symon brings Italian gusto to the Borgata.

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