February 2022: Best New Restaurants

The concept of community has completely shifted in the last two years. Connecting—with friends, family, colleagues, classmates, and casual yet familiar acquaintances—has continued to be a struggle, especially as Omicron hit in recent months.

Restaurants have always been an important force in our communities. Although the industry has faced many challenges of late, some truly terrific restaurants have defied the odds and opened in the last year.

Our dining team, led by deputy editor/dining editor Eric Levin, chose their favorite 20 for our Best New Restaurants list.

View more back issues

GARDEN VARIETY

Galentine’s Day Gains Steam in NJ as Many Struggle With Friendships

The celebration, which honors female friendship, is observed on or around February 13. Read more

Newark Penn Station: A $190M Vision for an Old Showpiece

Preliminary work has begun on a five-year, $190 million plan to refurbish Newark Penn Station. Read more

‘Yellowjackets’ Buzzes With New Jersey Connections

With the Garden State's Tawny Cypress and Christina Ricci starring, the cannibalistic thriller has already been renewed for a second season. Read more

Tenafly Mayor Responds to Cardi B’s Apparent Dig at Town

The rapper recently told fans she was moving to New York when, in reality, she was packing her bags for New Jersey. Read more

Valentine’s Day Gift Guide: Special Finds She’ll Love

From jewelry to luxurious loungewear, these gifts are guaranteed to make her smile. Read more

Deaf-Blind Artist Behind Card & Clothing Brand: ‘Always Be Yourself’

Fuzzy Wuzzy Design features Christian Markovic's handcrafted artwork. Read more

Oldwick Shop a Must-Visit for Home, Garden and Antiques

Formerly a food stylist and interior designer, Alice Minnich left Manhattan to focus on all things country living. Read more

Garden State Leaders Use Lived Experiences To Fight Poverty, Homelessness

Garden State Leaders help New Jerseyans who have experienced homelessness and poverty tell their stories and further their advocacy goals. Read more

Affordable, Quality Childcare Is Vital for NJ’s Economic Recovery

Government and private-sector initiatives are needed to help parents get back to work. Read more

FEATURES

Inside the World of College Football Recruiting in NJ

High school students undergo the grind of travel and tryouts in the hopes of college football scholarships. But is it worth it? Read more

Teresa Ruiz Breaks Barriers as NJ’s First Latina Senate Majority Leader

Ruiz replaces longtime state Senator Loretta Weinberg, who retired in January, as Senate majority leader. Read more

Best New Restaurants in NJ of 2021

Dig into what New Jersey's hottest chefs are cooking up. Read more

Why NJ’s Essex-Hudson Greenway Will be a Game-Changer for Commuters, City Residents

An unused rail line, stretching nearly 9 miles from Montclair to Jersey City, is being transformed into a beautiful new state park. Read more

NJ’s Essex-Hudson Greenway: Timeline, Map and Other Pressing Questions Answered

A game-changing trail akin to NYC's High Line is taking shape in the Garden State. Here's what Jersey residents should know. Read more

How NJ’s Essex-Hudson Greenway Will Connect to Other East Coast Trails

The new state park, in its stretch from Montclair to Jersey City, will overlap with the September 11th National Memorial Trail and the East Coast Greenway. Read more

HOME & GARDEN

Hunterdon County Couple Downsizes to a Stylish 1,100-Square-Foot Log Cabin

Designer Dan Ruhland and his partner, Laurence Craig, moved from a 10-acre farm to a cozy cabin in Tewksbury. Read more

EAT & DRINK

A Review of 1776 by David Burke: Modern, Audacious Dining in Morristown

Though its name is a nod to history, chef David Burke's latest restaurant is all about bold festivity in the now. Read more

Meet Jersey Artisans at the Forefront of the Craft-Chocolate Movement

These are the passionate makers behind Vesta Chocolate in Montclair and Josh Chocolates in Orange. Read more

Newark’s Novelty Burger & Bar is a Blast from the Past

The 1950s-inspired burger joint features all-American classics, retro décor, soda throwbacks and a full-service bar. Read more

This Eatery Is One of Monmouth County’s Most Popular Sushi Spots

Marlboro's Masa Sushi and Hibachi offers discounted sushi, sashimi, hibachi, teriyaki and bento box combinations. Read more

Amy’s Omelette House: A Down-to-Earth Eatery with a Retro Vibe

The restaurant's offerings include waffle sandwiches, Benedicts and over 200 omelets. Read more

The Espresso Martini Buzzes Back to Life (But Did It Ever Leave?)

Our Libations columnist discovers the caffeinated cocktail that ruled the '90s. Read more

EXIT RAMP

A Slice of Home: Finding Peace in Jersey Diners Past & Present

An editor reflects on putting down her own roots in the Garden State. Read more