February 2022: Best New Restaurants | New Jersey Monthly

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.

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GARDEN VARIETY

A collage illustration including female friends, popcorn, Champagne and candy hearts.

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.

A pink granite lion outside of Newark Penn Station gets washed.

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.

Yellowjackets cast, New Jersey

‘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.

Cardi B

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.

Model wearing a purple loungewear set from Anthropologie.

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

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

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

Fuzzy Wuzzy Design features Christian Markovic’s handcrafted artwork.

Alice Minnich stands in her shop, Larger Cross in Oldwick.

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.

Garden State Leaders

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.

Governor Murphy speaks with children at the Ben Samuels Children's Center in Montclair.

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

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

FEATURES

Senior Nick Porada on Wayne Valley High School's football field.

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?

Teresa Ruiz

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.

Brenda and Antonio De Ieso at Fiorentini, their Rutherford BYO

Best New Restaurants in NJ of 2021

Dig into what New Jersey’s hottest chefs are cooking up.

Essex County Commissioner Brendan Gill on the future Jersey version of the High Line.

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.

Manhattan views will be visible from certain Meadowlands portions of the Essex-Hudson Greenway.

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.

The Essex-Hudson Greenway connects with the September 11th National Memorial Trail and the East Coast Greenway.

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.

HOME & GARDEN

The living room of Dan and Laurence's log cabin is filled with brown and blue hues.

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.

EAT & DRINK

Chef David Burke at his latest venture, 1776 by David Burke in Morristown.

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.

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.

A burger topped with bacon and avocado next to a pile of fries at Novelty Burger & Bar in Newark.

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.

Sushi and sides at Masa Sushi and Hibachi in Marlboro.

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.

A platter of eggs with melted cheese, chicken cutlets and hash browns at Amy's Omelette House in Burlington.

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.

The classic espresso martini is made with fresh, brewed espresso, coffee liqueur (usually Kahlúa) and vodka.

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

Our Libations columnist discovers the caffeinated cocktail that ruled the ’90s.

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.