February 2023: Italian Restaurants You’ll Love

With more Italian restaurants in New Jersey than any other type of cuisine, it’s nearly impossible to create a definitive list of the best.

But our restaurant critics, led by dining editor Eric Levin, were up to the task, fanning out across the state to visit restaurants, meet chefs and, of course, indulge in great food.

In this issue, you’ll find the 29 restaurants that our critics feel best represent Italian dining in New Jersey. Some are old favorites, others are new to the culinary scene; some only serve the classics, others offer twists. Our critics love them—and we think you will, too. Happy eating!

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GARDEN VARIETY

Martin Luther King Jr.’s Civil Rights Career Began at a Modest NJ Café

King’s first-ever recorded sit-in—a little-known confrontation at a Maple Shade tavern in 1950—changed world history.

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NJ Native Keith Dawkins Leading Legendary Harlem Globetrotters

Dawkins grew up watching games on TV from his Ridgewood home. Now he’s president of the exhibition team, which makes three stops in NJ this month.

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Journalist Susan Glasser on Trump’s Chaotic Presidency—and the Perils of a Second Term

The New Yorker writer and Montclair native authored The Divider: Trump in the White House, 2017-2021 with her husband, Peter Baker.

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American Girl’s 2023 Girl of the Year Doll Hails From New Jersey

Kavi Sharma’s story is of an Indian-American girl growing up in a close-knit family in Metuchen.

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NJ Baby Cuddlers Have the Sweetest Volunteer Job Around

Patient cuddlers ease the burden for parents and nurses by comforting babies who are hospitalized for an extended period of time.

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‘Jersey Italian Love Story’ Is a Funny and Salty New Read

Terri-Lynne DeFino’s romance novel features a colorful cast of Italian Americans—and plenty of Sopranos-esque swagger.

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Valentine’s Day Gift Guide: Treat Your Sweetheart (or Yourself!)

These glorious goodies and comfy cozies will combat the February doldrums.

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Former Pastor Turned Old Church Into Safe Space for Domestic-Violence Survivors 

Town Clock CDC in New Brunswick provides affordable, long-term housing to female survivors of domestic abuse and their children—giving them time to heal.

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Newark-Area Nonprofit Offers Support Services—and Hope—to Local Young Men

Quadeer Porter escaped poverty and went to college. Through Brothers Building a Better Nation, he’s helping others do the same.

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FEATURES

Paul Auster’s New Book Probes Gun Violence—and a Shocking Murder in His Family’s Past

In Bloodbath Nation, the Newark native collaborated with his son-in-law, photographer Spencer Ostrander, to examine our country’s gun-violence crisis.

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At Seton Hall, Two Sets of Brothers Make Basketball a Family Affair

With Jamir and JaQuan Harris and Dre and Tae Davis, the Pirates have two pairs of brothers for the first time in program history.

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NJ Italian Restaurants You Must Try

There are more Italian restaurants in New Jersey than any other kind. These are our favorites.

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How the Beloved Jersey Tomato Came to Be

A timeline of the fruit we couldn’t live without.

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Inside the Unique Rehab Center Saving NJ Birds

At the Raptor Trust in Millington, Chris Soucy carries on his late parents’ legacy of running the state’s preeminent wild-bird rehabilitation center.

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NJ Downtowns Are Breathing New Life Into Empty Old Banks

Developers are capitalizing on these historic, character-rich spaces—turning them into restaurants, event spaces, offices and even a vape shop.

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NJ Couple Turned a Vacant Bank Into a Brewery

Deemed one of the state’s most endangered buildings in 2018, the Woodstown structure is now home to Farmers & Bankers Brewing—and a future event space.

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HOME & GARDEN

In Westfield, a Luxe But Highly Livable Home

A couple reimagines a family abode for the next generation.

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WHERE & WHEN

Bill Bellamy Reflects on Being ‘The Rutgers Comedian’ Before Big Break

The Newark native practiced stand-up on his fellow classmates in the ’80s. This month he’s hosting a star-studded Valentine’s comedy special at NJPAC.

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EAT & DRINK

The GOAT by David Burke Boasts Sassy Confidence, Neighborhood Following

On Route 36 in Union Beach, one of Jersey’s hottest celebrity chefs puts an Italian accent on fun, relatable food.

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She Came to New Jersey for a Better Life—But Brought Her Italian Recipes With Her

“To cook is to be at home, in whatever part of the world I am,” says Montclair entrepreneur Barbara Morini. Her family emigrated here from Italy in 2016.

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Peruvian Delicacies You Can’t Miss at D’Carbon in Paterson

The restaurant serves traditional Peruvian fare away from the hustle and bustle of Little Lima.

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Try This Classic Luncheonette in Hopewell

Aunt Chubby’s serves all-day breakfast plus soups, salads and burgers.

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Castaway’s Pub in Lavallette: A Friendly Spot for Bar Staples, Seafood

Enjoy seasonal cocktails, live music and happy hour specials.

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Negronis Are ‘Quintessential’ Italian Aperitif

The negroni is a good way to ease into bitter drinks, says Tania Calabrese, co-owner of Nettie’s House of Spaghetti.

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EXIT RAMP

Discovering My NJ Hometown’s Ties to Slavery—And Freedom

“My childhood playground was a part of the rich history of Burlington County, a portal to freedom during slavery.”

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