February 2025: Best New Restaurants

Most people have a short list of go-to neighborhood restaurants for a casual dinner and a few they love for a date night or special occasion. But every now and then, it’s fun to shake things up and eat somewhere new.

This issue highlights the best new restaurants in the state, spanning North, Central and South Jersey. All 21 of the restaurants on our list opened their doors in 2024. That gives New Jerseyans a lot of new restaurants to visit in 2025.

To compile the list, our editors and restaurant critics traveled to dozens of new restaurants throughout the year, trying the dishes and cocktails, studying the menus, observing the environments, rating the service. We made sure that every single restaurant on our list features top-notch food, service and atmosphere. You’ll also find a variety of cuisines and some restaurants with truly interesting offerings.

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GARDEN VARIETY

Warren Zanes on ‘Deliver Me From Nowhere,’ Springsteen Biopic Starring Jeremy Allen White

Zanes, a longtime Montclair resident, wrote the 2023 book about the making of Springsteen’s legendary Nebraska album. Its hotly anticipated film adaptation has been shooting throughout Jersey and is slated for release later this year.

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NJ Family’s Nonprofit Is Changing Laws—and Stigma—Around Period Products

Many girls and women miss school or work due to “period poverty”—a lack of access to tampons and pads. A South Orange nonprofit is working to combat that.

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Tired of Dating Apps? Want to Meet New Friends? Join an NJ Running Club

The NJ Walk ’N’ Run Club, founded by two Hoboken Gen-Zers, hosts flexible, accessible community gatherings that aren’t limited to exercise.

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Step Aside, Pickleball! NJ Embraces Padel, the World’s Fastest-Growing Racquet Sport

This hybrid of tennis and squash is all the rage. Here’s where you can play in New Jersey.

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This Wacky NJ Improv Group Riffs Off Audience Suggestions

Lunatic Fringe, which currently performs in the Glen Ridge train station, has been garnering laughs for nearly 30 years.

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How Accessible NJ Dealerships Customize Cars for People With Disabilities

These specialized dealers modify cars and vans with wheelchair ramps as well as hand controls for gas and brakes.

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Meet NJ’s Oldest Community Orchestra

In the 105-year-old Plainfield Symphony Orchestra, ordinary New Jerseyans strive for world-class excellence.

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NJ High School Sweethearts Run a Charming Shop in Toms River

“He’s the business brain, and I’m the creative soul,” says Meg Affa, who runs Vine Garden & Gift with her husband, Mike.

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Valentine’s Day Gift Ideas for Her

Show a special someone—or yourself!—how much you care.

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FEATURES

The Best New Restaurants in NJ to Try in 2025

Here are the hottest additions to our state’s vibrant dining scene that you won’t want to miss this year.

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River Pointe Inn Is Winning Over Downtown Rumson With Elegant, French-Inspired Fare

The latest venture by the Rallo family has been named one of New Jersey Monthly‘s best new restaurants.

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Vote in New Jersey Monthly’s Jersey Choice Restaurant Poll

Which local restaurants are your tried-and-true favorites? Fill out our annual poll for the chance to win dinner for two.

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6 NJ Restaurants We’re Loving Right Now

Delicious new spots in Nutley, Whitehouse Station and more.

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Is New Jersey Turning Red? What the 2024 Election Means for Our State’s Political Future

Assessing the new electoral landscape after a surprising surge in Trump support.

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How Andy Kim Emerged as a Ray of Hope for NJ Democrats

After a rough and chaotic year for his party, Kim became the first Korean American in history elected to the U.S. Senate.

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EAT & DRINK

Bromilow’s Has Been Making Chocolates in NJ for Nearly 70 Years

The family-owned candy shop is beloved for its buttercrunch, toffee, chocolate-covered strawberries and so much more.

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What Our Editors Are Eating and Drinking Right Now

We’re loving avocado toast, pain au chocolat and Middle Eastern delicacies.

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9 Cozy NJ Restaurants We’re Loving This Winter

Craving respite from the cold? These dining spots offer fireplaces, comfy seating, hearty dishes and warm welcomes.

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