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 restaurants featured throughout the 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. Without further ado, here is this year’s Best of New Jersey Restaurant Guide.
Quick Click Guide: Select an NJ Region below to find the best new restaurants nearby.
| North Jersey | Central Jersey | Jersey Shore | South Jersey |
North Jersey
Better Days
Address: 143 Newark Ave in Jersey City
Cuisine: Modern American
Signature Dish: Grilled Cabbage
As Seen on BestofNJ.com: Click Here to Read the Full Feature
Details: Better Days Restaurant and Bar is a vibrant destination for connection and celebration. Designed as a modern neighborhood spot, it offers a welcoming atmosphere perfect for casual dinners or family-style feasts. The seasonal menu brings bold flavors and refined technique while staying approachable and unpretentious. One standout dish is the Grilled Cabbage with Green Romesco, Poached Asian Pears, and Mustard.
| Visit Their Website | Reserve a Table | Order Online | Follow on Instagram | Call 201-905-8991 |
The Black Horse Tavern & Pub
Address: 1 West Main Street, Mendham
Cuisine: American
Signature Dish: Secret Burger
As Seen on BestofNJ.com: Click Here to Read the Full Feature
Details: The Black Horse Pub in Mendham is the oldest continuously-running restaurant in the state. Open since 1742, the nearly 300-year-old eatery recently got a facelift. The upgrade includes a complete remodeling of the dining room, kitchen, and bar, and also adds outdoor dining. Even the menu has been revamped. Try the Secret Burger—a proprietary blend patty with melted cheddar cheese on a sesame seed Challah bun.
| Visit Their Website | Follow on Instagram | Follow on Facebook | Call 973-543-7300 |
ButterFish
Address: 15 Franklin Place, Rutherford
Cuisine: Japanese Sushi
Signature Dish: Omakase (Chef’s Choice)
As Seen on BestofNJ.com: Click Here to Read the Full Feature
Details: North Jersey residents have high expectations when it comes to sushi. Luckily, the team behind ButterFish in Rutherford is ready for the challenge. A Two-Michelin-Star chef curates the menu, ensuring guests experience sushi that melts in their mouth like butter. In addition to their signature Omakase service, popular a la carte menu items include salmon burrata. Their team also recommends the scallop nigiri with yuzu and salt.
| Visit Their Website | Follow on Instagram | Follow on Facebook | Call 973-543-7300 |
Chick Wings & Things
Address: 25 West Main St, Rockaway
Cuisine: Fast-Casual American
Signature Dish: Slow-cooked Brisket
As Seen on BestofNJ.com: Click Here to Read the Full Feature
Details: Chick Wings & Things serves fast-food casual meals as well as healthier comfort food options. Their popular chicken wings come with homemade sauces such as the fan-favorite hot honey garlic butter, buffalo garlic Parmesan, and barbecue. Their chicken is all-natural, with no artificial ingredients and no artificial hormones. Other favorites include mac n cheese, grilled cheese, grilled chicken, pulled pork items, and ice cream floats.
| Visit their Website | Follow on Instagram | Follow on Facebook | Call 973-727-3411 |
Latour
Address: 6 East Ridgewood Ave, Ridgewood
Cuisine: French
Signature Dish: Dover Sole
As Seen on BestofNJ.com: Click Here to Read the Full Feature
Details: Latour in Ridgewood has been around for 27 years, making it one of the oldest restaurants in town. It is also among the longest-tenured fine dining French restaurants in the state. (One of very few remaining.) Chef and Owner Michael Latour vividly recalls what the town was like back when the restaurant first opened in 1998. “Ridgewood was all retail stores and banks, with only a handful of restaurants,” he says.
| Visit their Website | Follow on Instagram | Follow on Facebook | Call 201-445-5056 |
Mattar’s Bistro
Address: 1115 Route 517, Allamuchy
Cuisine: Modern American
Signature Dish: Scallop and Shrimp Risotto
As Seen on BestofNJ.com: Click Here to Read the Full Feature
Details: Mattar’s Bistro in Allamuchy offers a fun vibe that’s perfect for meeting friends.The menu blends classic favorites with contemporary twists. Their seasonal menu rotates to keep things interesting all year long. Menu staples include Mediterranean tapas, fried calamari, braised short ribs, and scallop and shrimp risotto. But co-owner Mattar Mattar’s personal menu favorite is the rack of lamb paired with a glass of scotch.
| Visit their Website | Follow on Instagram | Follow on Facebook | Call 908-852-2300 |
New Jersey Food Tour Trail
Address: Statewide
Cuisine: Differs by Tour
Signature Dish: Differs by Tour
As Seen on BestofNJ.com: Click Here to Read the Full Feature
Details: Why visit just one restaurant in a day when New Jersey has so many culinary gems to explore? That’s the inspiration behind the New Jersey Food Tour Trail, a collaboration between the state’s most popular food tour organizers. In particular, there are seven different Food Tour operators that make up the New Jersey Food Tour Trail. It’s a great way for nearby residents to support their community
Nostrana
Address: 91 Elock Ave, Boonton
Cuisine: Italian
Signature Dish: Linguine Frutti di Mare
As Seen on BestofNJ.com: Click Here to Read the Full Feature
Details: Nostrana is rooted in Italian tradition and changes with the seasons. However, homemade pasta and a curated wine program are always at the heart of the menu. For instance, their linguine frutti di mare features homemade squid ink pasta tossed with octopus, mussels, shrimp, bone marrow, and a rich tomato sauce. Other traditional Italian dishes include Nonna’s meatballs, house-made rigatoni Bolognese, and grilled branzino.
| Visit Their Website | Follow on Instagram | Follow on Facebook | Call 973-330-3429 |
Sam’s Table
Address: 377 Bloomfield Ave, Montclair
Cuisine: Modern American (Vegetable-Focused)
Signature Dish: Full Menu Rotates Regularly
As Seen on BestofNJ.com: Click Here to Read the Full Feature
Details: Sam’s Table emphasizes sourcing ingredients from local farmers, foragers and fishermen. The restaurant, led by Executive Chef Sam Stymest, serves an a la carte menu alongside a tasting menu. The strong focus on seasonal ingredients allows Chef Sam to frequently rotate both menus. Seasonal items from the a la carte menu included fluke, duck, and black rice. Their 5-course tasting menu changes monthly.
| Visit Their Website | Reserve a Table | Follow on Instagram | Follow on Facebook | Call 973-200-2092 |
Central Jersey
All’ Assassina
Address: 2705 Morris Ave, Union
Cuisine: Italian
Signature Dish: Panino con Mortadella
As Seen on BestofNJ.com: Click Here to Read the Full Feature
Details: All’ Assassina, The “Killer Pasta Project” in Union, creates weekend specials known as the “Hit Job of the Week”. These specials feature exotic ingredients like lobster, octopus, and wild boar. Patrons can build their own pasta dishes by selecting a fresh sauce, fresh pasta, proteins, and up to three toppings. During the summer, they offer lighter pasta dishes as well as a selection of paninis featuring unique flavors.
| Visit their Website | Follow on Instagram | Follow on Facebook | Call 908-977-1616 |
Ani Ramen House
Address: 109 Walnut Ave, Cranford (Also in Montclair, Jersey City, Maplewood, and Summit)
Cuisine: Japanese
Signature Dish: Spicy Tonkutso
As Seen on BestofNJ.com: Click Here to Read the Full Feature
Details: Ani Ramen House is known for signature items such as Shoyu Ramen with Wagyu Short Rib Yakiniku. The menu includes both traditional and modern ramen dishes alongside buns, wings, skewers, and bowls. Their Spicy Tonkutso with Berkshire pork bone broth is also a fan favorite. The restaurant concept specializes in Japanese-inspired ramen and bao, with a focus on high-quality broths and small plates.
| Visit their Website | View the Menu | Follow on Instagram | Follow on Facebook | Call 908-324-4165 |
SFC Seoul Fried Chicken
Address: Edison, Bound Brook, and Somerset
Cuisine: Korean Fried Chicken
Signature Dish: Southern Chix Sandwich
As Seen on BestofNJ.com: Click Here to Read the Full Feature
Details: SFC Seoul Fried Chicken is raising the bar for Fast-Casual, Korean-style chicken. To do so, Chef/Owner Hansong Kim uses an authentic, Korean-style double-frying technique. This process delivers an ultra-crispy exterior and juicy interior, creating bold flavors and satisfying textures. House-made sauces include the fan favorite honey garlic, sweet and spicy, soy garlic, devil hot, and wasabi pepper. They also offer catering boxes.
| Visit their Website | Order Online | Follow on Instagram | Follow on Facebook | Call 732-317-3013 |
Souvlaqueria
Address: 2701 Morris Ave, Union
Cuisine: Greek
Signature Dish: Gyros
As Seen on BestofNJ.com: Click Here to Read the Full Feature
Details: Since opening in 2020, Souvlaqueria has earned a devoted following for bold and modern takes on classic Greek street food. After 5 years in business, it has also become a go-to spot for flavor, family, and community pride. Souvlaqueria boasts flame-grilled souvlaki, fresh pitas, and Mediterranean favorites with heart, soul, and serious flavor. The restaurant specializes in gyros (yeeros), available in pork, chicken, lamb, and beef.
| Visit their Website | Follow on Instagram | Follow on Facebook | Call 908-810-1156 |
Summit House
Address: 395 Springfield Avenue, Summit
Cuisine: American
Signature Dish: Honey Lacquered Duck with Brioche Stuffing
As Seen on BestofNJ.com: Click Here to Read the Full Feature
Details: The motto at Summit House in Summit is “Community Through Cuisine.” It’s a fitting mantra showcasing their dedication to supporting local charities and businesses. With a seasonal American menu that changes four times a year, there is always a reason to return. Menu highlights include the Seafood Tower, featuring East Coast oysters, shrimp cocktail, crab salad, mussels escabeche, and lobster cocktail.
| Visit Their Website | Follow on Instagram | Follow on Facebook | Call 908-273-6000 |
Jersey Shore
Capitoline
Address: 639 Cooman Ave, Asbury Park
Cuisine: Italian
Signature Dish: Bone-in Veal Chop
As Seen on BestofNJ.com: Click Here to Read the Full Feature
Details: Capitoline serves a menu of “craft casual Italian” and pizza which focuses on approachable dishes and cocktails. Their slightly re-imagined takes on classic dishes include a massive bone-in veal chop. Their version comes with a choice of pasta, fresh mozzarella, basil, Parmesan cheese, and either marinara or vodka sauce. Likewise, their Hanger steak comes with Parmesan fries, herb butter, and balsamic aioli.
| Visit their Website | Reserve a Table | Order Online | Purchase Gift Card | Follow on Instagram | Follow on Facebook | Call 732-455-3609 |
Colts Neck Inn Steak House
Address: 191 County Road 537 W, Colts Neck
Cuisine: Steakhouse
Signature Dish: Ribeye steak
As Seen on BestofNJ.com: Click Here to Read the Full Feature
Details: The Colts Neck Inn Steak House boasts traditional steaks, filets, and ribeyes. However, these classic dishes are plated with new sauces and sides. For example, the ribeye steak is served with fingerling potatoes, grilled asparagus, chimichurri, and steak sauce. Other contemporary dishes include sushi and a raw bar. Meanwhile, the kids’ menu offers options like pasta and chicken tenders with French fries.
| Visit Their Website | Follow on Instagram | Follow on Facebook | Call 732-462-0383 |
The Spoon & Bowl
Address: 990 Cedarbridge Ave, Suite 5A, Brick Township
Cuisine: Italian Deli
Signature Dish: Pesto Bread
As Seen on BestofNJ.com: Click Here to Read the Full Feature
Details: The owner of The Spoon & Bowl in Brick Township promises the spot isn’t a typical Italian deli. Michael Zagarella, owner and chef, takes pride in making unique dishes that stand out and aren’t available anywhere else. His upscale deli sells fresh soups, sandwiches, salads, prepared foods, desserts, and more. Kid-friendly fare includes macaroni and cheese, fresh-cut French fries, and chicken fingers.
| Visit Their Website | Follow on Facebook | Call 732-998-1944 |
F.A.T. Pizza Kitchen
Address: 213 NJ-37, Toms River
Cuisine: Pizza
Signature Dish: F.A.T. Sicilian & Vodka Sicilian
As Seen on BestofNJ.com: Click Here to Read the Full Feature
Details: The motto at F.A.T. Pizza Kitchen in Toms River is “Pizza for tonight, meals for tomorrow.” More than a pizzeria, F.A.T. (aka Fresh and Tasty) offers sandwiches, appetizers, desserts, and prepared meals. But the stars of the show are of course, their pizza pies. Besides the F.A.T. Sicilian and Vodka Sicilian pies, another popular choice is their Drunk Grandma pie. (Mozzarella, vodka sauce, pecorino romano, burrata, basil.)
| Visit their Website | Reserve a Table | Purchase Gift Card | Follow on Instagram | Follow on Facebook | Call 551-256-7864 |
South Jersey
All of our South Jersey restaurant features were provided at no cost this year. Since none of the restaurants opted for a promotional package, they have not been included in this year’s Restaurant Guide.
Click Here To See More Best of New Jersey Lists.
Top Photo: © Summit House | Facebook
