The Best of New Jersey Restaurant Guide (2025)

Each week, BestofNJ.com introduces readers to new eateries in their area. But as a special annual feature, we curate our favorite stories into a single Best of New Jersey Restaurant Guide. This recap showcases the newest restaurants that opened during the previous year that we believe 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 recent restaurant openings across the state.

Quick Click Guide: Select an NJ Region below to find the best new restaurants nearby.

North Jersey

87 Sussex

Address: 87 Sussex St, Jersey City
Cuisine: Fine American Cuisine
Signature Dish: Hoppin’ Poppers (crispy frog legs); Chocolate Turtle Cake
As Seen on BestofNJ.com: Click Here to Read the Full Feature
Details: 87 Sussex serves elevated American options right next door to its sister restaurant, Satis Bistro. The menu showcases seasonal items with global influences made using locally sourced ingredients. Popular appetizers include the warm ratatouille tartlet with fire-roasted squash, eggplant and peppers, stracciatella, pesto, sherry vinaigrette, and balsamic. Fan-favorite entrees include braised short rib, duck breast, and prime NY Strip steak.

Boiling Boys

Address: 16 Grand Ave, Palisades Park
Cuisine: Cajun Seafood
Signature Dish: Seafood Boil
As Seen on BestofNJ.com: Click Here to Read the Full Feature
Details:A seafood boil is more than a meal. The entrée promotes a fun gathering and experience. At Boiling Boys Seafood & Bar, patrons can enjoy a meal and relax in good company while watching live sports. Their seafood boils combine seafood like crab claws or clams with veggies such as corn on the cob and potatoes. Patrons can also customize their seafood boil based on personal or large portions, taste, dietary needs, and level of spice.

| Follow on Instagram | Follow on Facebook | Call 201-943-7800 |

Carnegie Diner & Cafe

Address: 700 Plaza Dr, Secaucus
Cuisine: American Diner Classics
Signature Dish: 24-Layer Chocolate Cake
As Seen on BestofNJ.com: Click Here to Read the Full Feature
Details: There is certainly no shortage of diners in New Jersey. In fact, the state is synonymous with them. But Carnegie Diner & Cafe stands apart by bringing a modern, New York City vibe to Secaucus. The expansive all-day breakfast menu includes the classic Benedict (with optional addition of lobster); avocado toast; a BLT quinoa bowl with chopped bacon and poached eggs; steak and eggs; and three eggs any style with hash browns and bread.

Dhaba Express

Address: 1521 US-46, Parsippany-Troy Hills
Cuisine: Indian
Signature Dish: Dhaba Dal Makhani
As Seen on BestofNJ.com: Click Here to Read the Full Feature
Details: In India, a “dhaba” is a roadside eatery where travelers stop to enjoy hearty, homey meals. These dishes are typically quick to prepare, affordable, and full of flavor. Dhaba Express brings the essence of a traditional dhaba to Parsippany, offering authentic Indian cuisine made fast at fair prices. Some of their most popular dishes include Malai Kofta, Butter Chicken, Dhaba Dal Makhani, Tandoori Jhinga, and their various biryanis.

Fat Taco

Address: 32 Newark St, Hoboken
Cuisine: Mexican
Signature Dish: Birria tacos
As Seen on BestofNJ.com: Click Here to Read the Full Feature
Details: Besides flavorful tacos, Fat Taco offers innovative appetizers and refreshing cocktails perfectly suited to the vibrant Hoboken dining scene. Fans will be happy to know that one frequent request, shareable table apps, are now part of the menu. Other new items include the Tropical Guacamole, with fresh mango and pineapple, and house-made tortilla chips. Likewise, the Street Corn Mac n Cheese adds some spice to a classic dish.

Jashan

Address: 252 US-46, Parsippany-Troy Hills
Cuisine: Indian
Signature Dish: Handi Paneer Lababdar
As Seen on BestofNJ.com: Click Here to Read the Full Feature
Details: Stepping into Jashan is like stepping into the heart of India’s vibrant culture. The decor is sophisticated, with ornate tapestries adorning the walls and intricately carved wooden furnishings throughout the dining hall. The restaurant also includes party rooms and a buffet area. The menu offers everything from chicken, lamb, and goat to vegan and vegetarian options. Customer favorites include the Biryani, Goat Saag, Shahi Tukda, and Chicken 65.

JINYA Ramen Bar

Address: 465 US-46, Totowa
Cuisine: Japanese
Signature Dish: Ramen
As Seen on BestofNJ.com: Click Here to Read the Full Feature
Details: Passaic County residents who love traditional slow-cooked ramen are in luck. JINYA Ramen Bar is a rapidly growing chain of restaurants throughout the nation. Totowa marks their first location in New Jersey. The restaurant simmers their broth in house using FIJI Water for 20 hours, which makes it thick and rich. Current menu favorites include the crispy chicken bowl, brussels sprouts tempura, and spicy chicken ramen.

Kebabs & Kurries

Address: 244 US-46, Fairfield
Cuisine: Indian
Signature Dish: Kebabs
As Seen on BestofNJ.com: Click Here to Read the Full Feature
Details: Kebabs & Kurries employs master chefs that provide a transportive culinary experience. The menu features, of course, a number of signature kebabs and curry dishes. But there are many other authentic Indian dishes to try as well. In particular, the chef recommends trying the Kalm-e-Murgh, Awadhi Lamb Chops, and Coastal Chutney Pomfret. Customers rave about the generous portion sizes, attentive service, and quaint ambiance.

Muteki Ramen

Address: 533 Washington St in Hoboken
Cuisine: Japanese
Signature Dish: Volcano Miso Ramen
As Seen on BestofNJ.com: Click Here to Read the Full Feature
Details: Mutaki Ramen features homemade Udon dishes. One of their latest Udon options is Zaru udon. This dish serves cold Japanese Udon noodles with nori, shrimp tempura, vegetable tempura, and oyster tempura alongside tsuyu dipping sauce. As for the restaurant’s namesake, their ramen noodles are made with a savory chicken, pork, or fish-based broth. Best sellers include the signature Volcano Miso Ramen and Muteki Ramen.

| Visit Their Website | Follow on Instagram | Call 201-798-6633 (Hoboken) Call 201-520-9521 (Jersey City) |

ORA FreeStyle Italian

Address: 304 Kinderkamack Rd, Oradell
Cuisine: Modern Italian
Signature Dish: Caviar Cannoli
As Seen on BestofNJ.com: Click Here to Read the Full Feature
Details: What exactly does Chef Tom Silvestri mean by “freestyle Italian dishes”? “While he honors the traditions of Italian cooking, regions, and ingredients, he’s not bound by them,” says Marketing Consultant Nader Ashway. “It’s food that sits at the intersection of traditional Italian and what people call New American. When you think of New American, you think fresh, local, seasonal ingredients turned into recipes from all types of cuisine.”

Pho Express

Address: 732 Washington St, Hoboken
Cuisine: Vietnamese
Signature Dish: Pho
As Seen on BestofNJ.com: Click Here to Read the Full Feature
Details: Pho Express celebrates Vietnam’s rich culinary heritage with its signature selection of traditional dishes. The restaurant uses time-tested recipes and techniques to prepare each meal, including the classic Vietnamese soup, Pho. Popular menu items include takoyaki balls, vegetable spring rolls, Bun Cha, Banh Mi sandwiches, rice plates, and vermicelli bowls. Owner Tony Chen says the pho combo, pho brisket, and pho beef ball are all popular choices.

| Visit their Website | Order Online | Call 973-750-8885 |

SB K-BBQ

Address: 42 Broad Ave, Palisades Park
Cuisine: Korean BBQ
Signature Dish: Pork Belly
As Seen on BestofNJ.com: Click Here to Read the Full Feature
Details: Owner Grace Ryu opened SB K-BBQ after becoming an empty nester. Now, she shares her family’s recipes with patrons. Popular items include prime short rib and pork belly (the latter is Grace’s favorite). They also serve soju, as well as somaek. The latter is essentially a soju bomb. To make it, a shot glass of soju is balanced over chopsticks in a glass of beer. Patrons hit the table to knock the shot glass of soju off the chopsticks and into the beer glass.

Address: 1735 US-46, Parsippany-Troy Hills
Cuisine: Indian
Signature Dish: Delhi Wala Butter Chicken
As Seen on BestofNJ.com: Click Here to Read the Full Feature
Details: Social Hub is New Jersey’s first (and only) premium bar, restaurant, and lounge that serves elevated Indian cuisine. The restaurant boasts numerous big-screen TVs, as well as a full bar with beer, wine, and much more. Besides the restaurant seating, Social Hub also has a lounge area. Fan favorite menu items include the Butter Chicken Baos, Shahi Galouti, and Aftabi Boti. Meanwhile, the Executive Chef suggests the Sarson Ka Saag.

Teriyaki Bowl – Sushi & Ramen

Address: 594 Valley Rd, Wayne
Cuisine: Vietnamese
Signature Dish: Pho; Poke Bowls; Ramen
As Seen on BestofNJ.com: Click Here to Read the Full Feature
Details: Teriyaki Bowl is the first authentic Vietnamese pho restaurant in Wayne. Popular menu items include the tonkotsu ramen. This creamy Tokyo-style pork bone broth includes thin noodles, black garlic oil, bean sprouts, scallions, bamboo shoots, fishcake, and a marinated egg. But Owner Tony Chen’s favorite items are the beef combo pho (beef broth, rice noodles, thinly sliced beef, fresh herbs) and meteorite latte.

| Order Online | Call 973-692-6885 |

TSAOCAA

Address: 23 Nathaniel Pl, Englewood
Cuisine: Tea Shop
Signature Dish: Bubble Tea
As Seen on BestofNJ.com: Click Here to Read the Full Feature
Details: Bubble tea, invented in the 1990s in Taiwan, is traditionally made with powdered milk. However, TSAOCAA in Englewood breaks that mold by instead offering freshly brewed tea recipes. They brew each loose-leaf tea fresh to order in an espresso-like machine. Once cool, they mix the tea with a choice of organic milk, almond milk, soy milk, or coconut water. They drink is then shaken until the bubbles rise to the top.

| Visit their Website | Call 201-500-7858 |

Yuan

Address: 537 Washington Blvd, Jersey City
Cuisine: Pan-Chinese
Signature Dish: Whole Fish in Foil
As Seen on BestofNJ.com: Click Here to Read the Full Feature
Details: Yuan boasts a sophisticated yet approachable dining experience. The menu offers a fresh take on traditional Sichuan and modern Chinese dishes, focusing on premium ingredients and preparation. Signature dishes include chicken in numbing chili oil. Yuan uses free-range chicken with no hormonal feed used. Another popular option is the chef’s specialty whole fish in foil, made with either live sea bass or barramundi, steamed.

| Visit Their Website | Follow on Instagram | Call 201-908-2647 |

Central Jersey

AGAVE Brunch Bistro

Address: 171 Stanton Rd, Flemington
Cuisine: Mexican-Italian fusion
Signature Dish: Mulita (open taco)
As Seen on BestofNJ.com: Click Here to Read the Full Feature
Details: Agave Brunch Bistro proudly serves gluten-free variations of Mexican and Italian cultural cuisine staples. Chef and Owner Nestor Martinez has celiac disease, which is the catalyst for the diverse array of gluten-free options. Customers appreciate his commitment to creating flavorful dishes that make Agave stand out. Popular Mexican dishes include tacos and burritos alongside Italian classics like pasta, pizza, and fried calamari.

All’ Assassina

Address: 2705 Morris Ave, Union
Cuisine: Fresh Italian Pasta
Signature Dish: Assassino and Figlia
As Seen on BestofNJ.com: Click Here to Read the Full Feature
Details: There’s a new Killer Pasta Project in Union from the popular business owner behind Souvlaqueria as well as Icecreamology. Dubbed All’ Assassina – which means “in the style of the killer lady” – the restaurant cooks fresh pasta a special way: Fast, methodically, and efficiently, just like a “professional”. Patrons can build their own pasta dishes by selecting a fresh sauce, fresh pasta, proteins, and up to three toppings.

Ambee Coffee Co

Address: 61 Mountain Blvd, Warren
Cuisine: Coffee Shop
Signature Dish: Americano Coffee
As Seen on BestofNJ.com: Click Here to Read the Full Feature
Details: The “ambee” in Ambee Coffee Co. uses ambient light as the inspiration for its name, and many popular menu items. (For instance, drink options include Nova, Eclipse, and Aurora.) Steven Chiocchi, founder of the organic coffee and tea shop, says “Light is nature’s phenomena, so it felt fitting.” Besides organic certified coffee and teas, highlights include their house-made alternative milks, plus vegan and gluten-free baked goods.

Maize Cocina & Cocktails

Address: 301 N Avenue West, Westfield
Cuisine: Mexican Fusion
Signature Dish: Black Garlic Mochiko Taco
As Seen on BestofNJ.com: Click Here to Read the Full Feature
Details: The word “maize” means corn in Spanish. So it’s no surprise that the menu at Maize Cocina & Cocktails celebrates corn. From heirloom corn varieties to globally inspired corn-based dishes, ingredients are sourced from nearby farms. Their Mexican Fusion menu showcases dishes that combine traditional cuisine with diverse, worldly influences. Popular dishes include their Chilaquiles French Onion soup and Octopus al Pastor. Mexican Bar Pies are coming soon.

| Visit Their Website| Follow on Instagram| Call 908-936-4050 |

Sakana

Address: 338 George St, East Brunswick
Cuisine: Japanese
Signature Dish: Sakana Roll
As Seen on BestofNJ.com: Click Here to Read the Full Feature
Details: The word “Sakana” is a Japanese term that traditionally refers to food served with sake. It comes from the words saka (sake) and na (side dish). Typically, dried fish and salted fish roe were popular choices for these dishes. This is how Sakana also came to mean “fish.” SAKANA serves contemporary Japanese cuisine, either a la carte or from an All You Can Eat menu. Popular menu items include avocado salad, pepper tuna, and salmon toro sashimi.

Sisao

Address: 9 Klines Court, Lambertville
Cuisine: French
Signature Dish: Caramelized Onion Lasagna with Truffle Alfredo Sauce
As Seen on BestofNJ.com: Click Here to Read the Full Feature
Details: Sisao — oasis spelled backwards — offers “a dining experience inspired by the south of France” says Co-Owner Judith Francois Held. The idea is to offer a la carte, small plates that add up to a hearty meal during the week. Menu highlights include braised octopus, scalloped gnocchi with roasted wild mushrooms, and lobster and sweet corn risotto. Chef Brian also recommends their goat cheese ravioli.

Jersey Shore

Gyro Kingdom

Address:760 Mantoloking Rd, Brick
Cuisine: Greek
Signature Dish: Gyro
As Seen on BestofNJ.com: Click Here to Read the Full Feature
Details: Gyro Kingdom in Brick creates authentic Greek dishes, including homemade food and sweets. Of course, their grilled and marinated meats are a star component of their signature menu item. Gyros are available in two or three-meat combinations with a selection of toppings like lettuce, cucumbers, or crumbled feta. For the moment, the lamb gyro served on pita bread with tomatoes and red onions is their best seller.

| Visit Their Website | Follow on Instagram | Call 833-497-6546 |

Isola Italian Trattoria

Address: 1901 Long Beach Blvd, Beach Haven
Cuisine: Northern Italian
Signature Dish: Neapolitan Pizza
As Seen on BestofNJ.com: Click Here to Read the Full Feature
Details: Isola brings an authentic Northern Italian dining experience to Long Beach Island. The centerpiece of the restaurant is their white and silver imported Fiero pizza oven, which is where they prepare all pizzas and breads. Besides pizza, the menu also includes pasta, seafood, and more. At the moment, fan favorites pastas include the Lasagna Bolognese Rotolo and Cavatelli with Pork Ragu and Broccoli Rabe.

Park Place Prime

Address: 1900 Pacific Ave, Atlantic City
Cuisine: American Steakhouse
Signature Dish: 14-ounce Prime Ribeye
As Seen on BestofNJ.com: Click Here to Read the Full Feature
Details: Park Place Prime General Manager Chris Carmany describes the restaurant as a “fine dining steakhouse. You eat with your eyes before your mouth.” One thing that makes the steakhouse stand out is its wood-fired stove. Chefs move wood into the oven to make it burn. “The wood-fired grill makes a huge difference in the taste and quality of the steak,” Chris says. “You won’t even need seasoning, as it’s that good.”

The Balcony + The Terrace

Address: 100 Boardwalk, Atlantic City
Cuisine: American
Signature Dish: Seafood Fritto Misto (The Terrace)
As Seen on BestofNJ.com: Click Here to Read the Full Feature
Details: The Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City is already one of Atlantic City’s most popular getaways. But now, visitors have yet another reason to check out the amenity-rich resort. The Terrace offers outdoor dining with a view, while The Balcony offers sophisticated cocktails and VIP bottle service. Menu options at The Terrace include elevated yet casual seasonal cuisine such as salads, lobster rolls, burgers, and shrimp skewers.

South Jersey

La Ingrata

Address: 1999 Federal St, Camden
Cuisine: Mexican
Signature Dish: Taco Arabes
As Seen on BestofNJ.com: Click Here to Read the Full Feature
Details: La Ingrata combines food from Mexico City and the Puebla regions. The menu features dishes that Owner Torres’s mother and grandma made during her childhood. Karla knew right away she didn’t want to open a typical taco place. Instead, La Ingrata reflects her own individual tastes, as well as her family, memories, and homeland. Popular menu items include fresh guacamole, choriqueso (homemade chorizo), and gringas.

| Follow on Instagram | Follow on Facebook | Call 856-203-3424 |

Where: 189 Broadway, Westville
Cuisine: Dessert
Signature Dish: Custom Cookie Cakes
As Seen on BestofNJ.com: Click Here to Read the Full Feature
Details: South Jersey Cookie Cakes Owner Rachel Tuff creates personalized chocolate chip cookie cakes for birthdays and other special events. “Custom cookie cakes are a fun and affordable alternative to classic bakery cakes,” she says. “I love when adults get to feel like a big kid again when they order a silly cookie cake.” The 16-inch custom art cookie cakes are the most popular item. But they also have grab-n-go cookie sandwiches.

| Visit Their Website | Follow on Facebook | Call 896-493-8343 |

Click Here To See More Best of New Jersey Lists.