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.
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.
Read moreNJ 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.
Read moreTired 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.
Read moreStep 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.
Read moreThis 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.
Read moreHow 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.
Read moreMeet NJ’s Oldest Community Orchestra
In the 105-year-old Plainfield Symphony Orchestra, ordinary New Jerseyans strive for world-class excellence.
Read moreNJ 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.
Read moreFEATURES
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.
Read moreRiver 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.
Read moreVote 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.
Read more6 NJ Restaurants We’re Loving Right Now
Delicious new spots in Nutley, Whitehouse Station and more.
Read moreIs 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.
Read moreHow 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.
Read moreEAT & 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.
Read moreWhat Our Editors Are Eating and Drinking Right Now
We’re loving avocado toast, pain au chocolat and Middle Eastern delicacies.
Read moreNJ Restaurant Romances: These Couples Hit It Off Over Hot Stoves and Dirty Dishes
Their love stories began and blossomed in local kitchens.
Read more9 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.
Read more