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The Best of New Jersey Restaurant Guide: 2022 Edition

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Each week, Best of NJ introduces readers to new eateries in their area. Now, as a special new year’s feature, we’re curating our best profiles on one easy to read page. With this in mind, we are proud to present the Best of New Jersey Restaurant Guide for 2022. These are the restaurants we showcased throughout the previous year that deserve special recognition.

These spots caught our eye because of either their unique menu, interesting backstory, community-driven approach, or eco-friendly practices. In short, every New Jersey restaurant on this list is worthy of praise in their own, personal way. This Best of New Jersey Restaurant Guide is also a great way to find new spots nearby.

Quick Click Guide: Select an NJ Region below to find the Best New Jersey Restaurants near you.
| North Jersey | Central Jersey | Jersey Shore | South Jersey |


North Jersey

Teglia Pizza Bar Menu Options
Teglia Pizza Bar

Asante’s Restaurant

Address: 1280 Teaneck Rd, Teaneck
Cuisine: Ghanian
Signature Dish: Hausa Koko (spicy corn millet porridge)
Bio: The town of Teaneck is now home to Asante’s Restaurant, a new eatery offering authentic African flavors at affordable prices. In particular, this fast casual and friendly spot pays homage to Africa’s food culture through homemade African dishes. They specialize in Ghanian cuisine, but offer options for everyone.
Learn More: Click here to read the full feature.


Bageriet

Address: 355 Essex St, Hackensack
Cuisine: Swedish
Signature Dish: Cardamom rolls
Bio: Outside of Swedish meatballs, how much do you know about Swedish cuisine? Bageriet, a new bakery in Hackensack, aims to introduce Bergen County residents to Swedish – and other European – baked goods. The owners describe the spot as a Swedish bakery café with a touch of France.
Learn More: Click here to read the full feature.


East Coast Crust

Address: 124 Lincoln Ave, Hawthorne
Cuisine: Italian
Signature Dish: East Crust Pizza
Bio: New Jersey is known for top-notch pizza, but most places offer the same standard dishes. That’s why East Coast Crust in Hawthorne strives to set itself apart from other Italian dining options. You’ll of course find classic Italian pizzeria menu favorites, but you’ll also find a few surprises as well.
Learn More: Click here to read the full feature.


Fiorentini

Address: 98 Park Ave, Rutherford
Cuisine: Italian
Signature Dish: Mediterranean Octopus Starter
Bio: Though they never met growing up, the owners of Fiorentini in Rutherford are both from Florence, Italy. In fact, Antonio and Brenda De leso didn’t meet until they were both in New York City. Now, the couple brings a taste of their roots to Rutherford, NJ, with their new restaurant, Fiorentini.
Learn More: Click here to read the full feature.


Gigi and Mario

Address: 86 The Promenade, Edgewater
Cuisine: Italian
Signature Dish: 16-inch Pugliese Pizza
Bio: Chef Mathieu Palombino has opened his latest pizza and Italian food venture, Gigi and Mario, in Edgewater. The restaurant serves lovingly crafted pizzas and other Italian delights. With a menu made from scratch and a Neapolitan Acunto brick oven for making pizzas, there’s something for everyone.
Learn More: Click here to read the full feature.


Green Pear Heights

Address: 93 Franklin Street, Jersey City
Cuisine: Hungarian
Signature Dish: Beef Goulash and Pirogi
Bio: The chef and founder of Green Pear Heights in Jersey City is not your average restaurateur. In fact, her previous work has nothing to do with food at all. Isabella Molnar used to be a professional opera singer in Hungary. But she grew weary of it, deciding instead to settle in America with her family and open a restaurant.
Learn More: Click here to read the full feature.


Gus’ Last Word

Address: 191 Valley Blvd, Wood-Ridge
Cuisine: American
Signature Dish: Fried Chicken Lollipops
Bio: A new neighborhood bar and restaurant is now open in Wood-Ridge. Gus’ Last Word serves creative, elevated twists on casual American fare, according to Marketing Director Dominique Marinzulich. “Inspired by their grandparents’ 1950s cellar bar, the owners tip their hat to that era of home entertaining,” she adds.
Learn More: Click here to read the full feature.


La Mensa

Address: 530 Livingston St, Norwood
Cuisine: Italian
Signature Dish: Grilled Salmon
Bio: The latest Italian eatery in Bergen County is now open in Norwood. La Mensa offers everything from seafood and steak to Nonna’s chicken parmigiana, as well as a few surprises. The restaurant’s name translates to “table”, which is an important aspect of the décor and atmosphere.
Learn More: Click here to read the full feature.


LT Bar and Grill

Address: 390 Hackensack Ave, Hackensack
Cuisine: American
Signature Dish: Truffled Stand Up Mac & Cheese
Bio: The Shops at Riverside in Hackensack, Bergen County is known for high-end stores and quality restaurants. So it’s no surprise that the mall’s new eatery, LT Bar & Grill, also fits the bill. Michelin Star Chef and Restaurateur Laurent Tourondel (LT) is the owner, and also helms the kitchen.
Learn More: Click here to read the full feature.


Maine Artisan Cafe

Address: 254 Old River Road, Edgewater
Cuisine: Seafood
Signature Dish: Lobster Roll
Bio: There’s nothing like fresh Maine lobster. But what if you could get that very same lobster right in New Jersey? That’s exactly the purpose of Maine Artisan Cafe in Edgewater. This New England style eatery serves elevated sandwiches, soups, and salads just like you’d find in Maine.
Learn More: Click here to read the full feature.


Mindful Cafe

Address: 183 East Main St, Ramsey
Cuisine: Organic American
Signature Dish: Breakfast Avocado Toast
Bio: Healthy food often gets a bad rap for sacrificing good taste. But food that can both nourish your body and delight your taste buds does exist. That’s just what you’ll get when you visit The Mindful Cafe in Ramsey. This all-organic eatery serves flavorful gourmet cuisine using top-notch ingredients.
Learn More: Click here to read the full feature.


Muteki Ramen

Address: 533 Washington St, Hoboken
Cuisine: Japanese
Signature Dish: Volcano Miso Ramen
Bio: There is no shortage of Ramen shops in the NJ area, but Muteki Ramen aims to top the competition. Now open in Hoboken, this new restaurant serves up the world famous Japanese noodle soup in an authentic style. The word Muteki means “invincible” in Japanese, an important quality for standing out.
Learn More: Click here to read the full feature.


Pierogi Cafe

Address: 18 E Prospect St, Waldwick
Cuisine: Polish
Signature Dish: Spinach Feta Pierogi
Bio: Bergen County has a new Polish cafe specializing in homemade pierogi, fresh coffee, and more. Pierogi Cafe is now open in Waldwick, and guests can expect fresh ingredients and authentic Polish flavors. As a cafe, they also make – and sell – their own coffee beans, and use fresh ingredients for everything.
Learn More: Click here to read the full feature.


SQ Pizza

Address: 380 NJ-17, Mahwah
Cuisine: Italian
Signature Dish: The Americana Pie
Bio: Most pizza places serve round-shaped pies (and New Jersey is home to many great ones). However, SQ Pizza in Mahwah stands out from the pack thanks to its square-shaped pizzas; in fact, the SQ stands for square. The pizzeria boasts quality ingredients and specializes in Roman-style pizza.
Learn More: Click here to read the full feature.


Stand Up Pies

Address: 26 Borig Place, Lodi
Cuisine: Italian
Signature Dish: Grandma Pizza & Mac ‘n’ Cheetos bites
Bio: The Abbassi brothers are on a mission to fill a specific restaurant void in Lodi. This is their primary reason for opening Stand Up Pies, a spot that serves pizza, dessert pies, and much more. The restaurant is open late, and makes everything in-house to ensure freshness no matter when orders come in.
Learn More: Click here to read the full feature.


Teglia Pizza Bar

Address: 438 Bloomfield Ave, Montclair
Cuisine: Italian
Signature Dish: Queen Margarita pie
Bio: The word teglia means “roasting pan” in Italian. That’s the meaning behind the name of Teglia Pizza Bar, a new spot in Montclair serving rectangle-shaped pizza. They promise you’ll enjoy fresh, scratch Italian cooking and a crust that’s crisp and chewy, yet light in texture; all from experienced cooks.
Learn More: Click here to read the full feature.


The Circle

Address: 310 Route 94, Newton
Cuisine: American
Signature Dish: Pan Seared Halibut & Flourless Cake
Bio: The rolling farmlands of Sussex County is now also home to a contemporary American dining experience. The Circle aims to bring a taste of New York City fine dining to the town of Newton. Here, co-owners and chefs Brendan Ullmann and Tyler O’Toole are combining their experience from previous restaurants.
Learn More: Click here to read the full feature.


The Rock 1925

Address: 90 Rock Spring Rd, West Orange
Cuisine: American
Signature Dish: Wild Mushroom Ravioli
Bio: Looking for a new spot to drink expertly crafted cocktails, eat delicious bites, and socialize? Then The Rock 1925, a new restaurant in West Orange, is the place for you. This spacious indoor/outdoor eatery offers live music and high-end bar food; for a dining experience combining great food and gorgeous views.
Learn More: Click here to read the full feature.


Central Jersey

Bakery Spread
The Borscht Belt

Boro Market | Restaurant | Bar

Address: 147 West Delaware Ave, Pennington
Cuisine: New American
Signature Dish: Brisket Burger
Bio: Ben and Katie Sanford – owners of BORO Market | Restaurant | Bar in Pennington – have a clear vision for their eatery. They want a place for date night as well as family dinners, with good ambiance & great food. Inside the 2,000-square foot spot you’ll find “a Parisian modern design,” according to Ben.
Learn More: Click here to read the full feature.


Bossa Fish

Address: 230 Trumbull St, Elizabeth
Cuisine: Seafood
Signature Dish: Salt Cod Croquettes
Bio: The idea for Bossa Fish – a Seafood restaurant and fresh fish market in Elizabeth – comes from Napa, California. Co-owners Philip Carvalho and Joe Licata were dining at a spot where patrons ordered their food and drinks at the counter; then took their meal to dine indoors or al fresco.
Learn More: Click here to read the full feature.


Dolce Pizzeria

Address: 432 New Brunswick Avenue, Fords
Cuisine: Italian
Signature Dish: Shrimp Scampi Pizza
Bio: The DiPietro family just can’t stay away from the restaurant business. Despite taking a break for a while to focus on family, John and his wife Alicia now own Dolce Pizzeria. The restaurant serves pizza as well as other Italian dishes in Fords (a town within Woodbridge Township).
Learn More: Click here to read the full feature.


El Tule

Address: 49 N Main St, Lambertville
Cuisine: Peruvian / Mexican
Signature Dish: Picante de Camarones
Bio: After moving to the US from Peru in 1992, the Egoavil and Anguiano families dreamed of owning their own restaurant. Now, El Tule – which serves traditional dishes from Peru and Mexico – is celebrating just over 10 years in business; the family-owned restaurant has been a staple of Lambertville since 2011.
Learn More: Click here to read the full feature.


Fire & Flavor Grill

Address: 640 Middlesex Ave, Metuchen
Cuisine: Portuguese
Signature Dish: Combo Platter with Chicken and Spare Ribs
Bio: Metuchen is the home of a new Portuguese restaurant. Fire & Flavor Grill serves original Portuguese barbecue and famous Portuguese dishes; as well as an expansive menu of sandwiches, desserts, and more. Owner Wilson Dasilva says he “was aiming for an industrial look/barn style” for the interior.
Learn More: Click here to read the full feature.


Menya Ramen

Address: 399 Main Street, Metuchen
Cuisine: Japanese
Signature Dish: Spicy Miso Tonkotsu Ramen
Bio: In Japanese, “men” means noodles and “Ya” means house, so Menya means “noodle house”. But there’s more to the story of Menya Ramen House, a new restaurant in Metuchen, than a clever name; one that involves three self-professed “corporate hacks” with families and full-time jobs.
Learn More: Click here to read the full feature.


Pastadoro

Address: 100 Campus Town Circle #101 in Ewing
Cuisine: Italian
Signature Dish: Build-your-own Pasta Bowl
Bio: Nonna’s secret Sunday night sauce is now available to enjoy every day of the week. Pastadoro is a new casual Italian eatery providing authentic Italian cuisine that is also fast and affordable. The spot is within the College of New Jersey’s Campus Town, a walkable main street near the university in Ewing.
Learn More: Click here to read the full feature.


The Borscht Belt

Address: 19 Bridge St, Stockton
Cuisine: Jewish Deli
Signature Dish: The Pines Sandwich and Bubbe Bell’s Matzo Ball soup
Bio: The Jewish delicatessen is an important cultural hallmark of NYC, one many have a special connection with. It evokes childhood memories of pastrami sandwiches on rye or sipping an egg cream. The Borscht Belt Delicatessen in Stockton is a love letter to these delis, an homage from owner Nick Liberato.
Learn More: Click here to read the full feature.


Jersey Shore

Nicholas Creamery Ice Cream Samples
Nicholas Creamery

Drifters of Seaside

Address: 701 Blvd, Seaside Heights
Cuisine: Seafood
Signature Dish: Lobster Corndog
Bio: Seaside Heights is home to a new seafood restaurant and bar with a family-friendly atmosphere. Drifters of Seaside is co-owned by a collection of Jersey Shore natives who simply love the area. With a sandy outdoor patio and a large selection of liquor, it’s a great place to relax with friends.
Learn More: Click here to read the full feature.


Estrella Azul

Address: 357 Route 9 South, Manalapan
Cuisine: Mexican
Signature Dish: Carne Asada Quesadilla
Bio: One of the best ways to tell the quality of a Mexican restaurant is to try their chips and guacamole. At Estrella Azul – a new spot in Manalapan – their signature blue corn tortilla chips are made in-house daily. In fact, everything at “Blue Star” (English translation) is made fresh, from scratch.
Learn More: Click here to read the full feature.


Freddy J’s

Address: 5698 Somers Point Road, Mays Landing
Cuisine: BBQ
Signature Dish: Short Rib
Bio: Mays Landing is an ever-evolving community. This is a feeling the new Freddy J’s Bar & Kitchen aims to capture with its décor and menu. The restaurant carefully curates its food and atmosphere to combine the modern and historical aspects of Mays Landing; and a menu the mixes BBQ and other unique flavors.
Learn More: Click here to read the full feature.


Komodo

Address: 399 Brick Blvd, Brick
Cuisine: Chinese
Signature Dish: Komodo Chicken
Bio: Takeout and bubble tea converge at Komodo, a new Chinese restaurant now open in Brick. The 1,540-square-foot eatery with modern décor seats 16 indoors as well as 24 outside on the sidewalk. (Thanks to tables, chairs, and benches.) The menu includes popular Chinese takeout dishes and more.
Learn More: Click here to read the full feature.


Nicholas Barrel & Roost

Address: 160 Route 35, South Red Bank
Cuisine: American
Signature Dish: “Buffalo Bleu” Sandwich and S’mores Skillet Dip
Bio: A new restaurant from a familiar face is now open in Red Bank. Chef Nicholas Harary and his wife, Melissa, are known in town for Restaurant Nicholas. Now they are transforming the space into Nicholas Barrel & Roost. The restaurant’s tagline is simple: “Where great food and good friends come together.”
Learn More: Click here to read the full feature.


Nicholas Creamery

Address: 84 1st Ave, Atlantic Highlands | 540 River Rd, Fair Haven | 1201 Sycamore Ave, Tinton Falls
Cuisine: Ice Cream
Signature Dish: Brown Sugar Cookie Dough
Bio: New Jersey is home to a whole lot of great ice cream shops. But Nicholas Creamery promises you’ll taste the difference in their varieties. They use all-natural, quality ingredients, working directly with local farmers and artisans to create fresh, seasonal ice cream; all of it made in small batches.
Learn More: Click here to read the full feature.


The Ocean Club Restaurant

Address: 2 Boardwalk, Seaside Heights
Cuisine: American / Continental
Signature Dish: Lobster Mac and Cheese
Bio: Everything’s gonna be alright. Seaside Heights is now home to The Ocean Club Restaurant, a luxury restaurant with breathtaking ocean views and continental cuisine. The spacious restaurant with indoor and outdoor (including beach) dining options specializes in seafood and upscale beach fare.
Learn More: Click here to read the full feature.


Ram Cafe

Address: 133 Newton’s Corner Rd, Howell Township
Cuisine: Vegan, Gluten-free, and Vegetarian
Signature Dish: “Market Plate” specials
Bio: Angela Colfer, owner of Ram Cafe, was bored of the usual fast food options in her area. So she decided to open an eatery of her own, one that offers something different for takeout. In particular, her menu provides guests with affordable gluten-free and vegan options among other classic favorites.
Learn More: Click here to read the full feature.


The Deauville Inn

Address: 201 Willard Road, Strathmere
Cuisine: American
Signature Dish: Clam Bake
Bio: The Deauville Inn has roots dating back to 1881, when it was first built as the Whelan Hotel. Then, it rebranded in the 1920s and became the Deauville Inn. One hundred years later, the inn just finished a major renovation. Though once a Jersey Shore secret, the inn now aims to be the crown jewel of Strathmere.
Learn More: Click here to read the full feature.


Trio North Wildwood

Address: 700 New Jersey Ave, North Wildwood
Cuisine: American Gastro Eatery
Signature Dish: Shrimp Crab Cakes
Bio: The Jersey Shore boasts a variety of dining options. But Trio North Wildwood hopes to stand out by “bridging the gap between bar food and fine dining”. That’s according to Co-owner Debbie Gioquindo, one member of the “Trio”. The team believes their restaurant fills a current void in the area.
Learn More: Click here to read the full feature.


South Jersey

Seafood Menu Sample
Crab Du Jour

Blair Mountain Biscuit Co.

Address: 700 South Black Horse Pike, Blackwood
Cuisine: Southern Comfort Food
Signature Dish: Cheddar and Rosemary Drop Biscuit
Bio: Comfort food doesn’t just nourish the body, it helps soothe the soul. But in order to find authentic southern comfort food, you have to head down south. To southern New Jersey, that is. Blair Mountain Biscuit Co. is a new business in Blackwood that serves biscuits (of course) and more.
Learn More: Click here to read the full feature.


Breakfast Nook

Address: 683 Berlin Cross Keys Rd, Sicklerville
Cuisine: Breakfast
Signature Dish: Breakfast Nook Bowl
Bio: New Jersey is known for, among other things, both its bagels and its diners. The Breakfast Nook – a new restaurant in Sicklerville – combines the best of both worlds. The owners aim to offer an eatery that’s more chef inspired, with an upscale yet family oriented atmosphere.
Learn More: Click here to read the full feature.


Crab Du Jour

Address: 104 NJ-70 East, Cherry Hill
Cuisine: Seafood
Signature Dish: Seafood Boil
Bio: One of the newest restaurants in Cherry Hill is Crab Du Jour, a seafood spot with a focus on fun. As the name implies, fresh crabs are the star of the show, and patrons shouldn’t be shy about getting messy. In fact, digging in hands-first is just part of the experience, and a great bonding activity for families.
Learn More: Click here to read the full feature.


Four Green Cats

Address: 118 Creek Road, Mt. Laurel
Cuisine: Czech
Signature Dish: Open-faced Sandwiches and Bohemian Donuts
Bio: You’ll never guess how Four Green Cats, a new cafe in Mount Laurel, got its name. The four refers to chef and owner Nadia Vasa, her daughter, and two granddaughters. Meanwhile, the green portion represents healthy cooking. And finally, cats is the translation of Czech slang for pretty girl.
Learn More: Click here to read the full feature.


Rosalia’s Pizza

Address: 17 Clementon Rd, Berlin
Cuisine: American & Italian
Signature Dish: Buffalo Ranch Pizza
Bio: The owner of Rosalia’s Pizza in Berlin, Gabriela Uriostegui, knows that a lot of pizzerias are in the area. It’s not something she tries to hide from her customers. “I didn’t come to outdo the competition,” she says. “It was my husband’s dream to open a pizzeria. Now, his dream has come true.”
Learn More: Click here to read the full feature.


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Top (Hero) Photo: © Pierogi Cafe

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