Peter Candia

13 Famous Food Brands You Didn’t Know Have Deep Roots in New Jersey

As a New Jersey food writer, I might be biased when it comes to praising Jersey fare, but the culinary influence that this tiny state has across the country is

New Jersey’s 30 Best Restaurants of 2025

Peter Candia and Michael Scivoli
December 23, 2025

We spent a year eating across the Garden State to identify the 30 best restaurants in New Jersey for 2025—no paid spots, just excellence.

NJ Lawmakers Propose Tax Relief to Help Save the State’s Iconic Diners

A new bill introduced by New Jersey lawmakers could provide tax exemptions and credits to qualifying diners, offering financial relief and helping preserve a key part of the state’s cultural

A New Butter-Dipped Ice Cream Cone Is Going Viral in the Tri-State

Stew Leonard’s is going viral for its surprising new treat: a soft-serve ice cream cone dipped in melted butter and sea salt. The sweet-and-salty combo is drawing huge crowds across

NJ’s Best New Bar Blends Mexican-Irish Cocktails, Pub Plates and a Unique Story Lost to History

San Patricios in Jersey City blends Mexican and Irish flavors with a powerful piece of lost history. Created by acclaimed bartender Jack McGarry, the bar serves standout cocktails, fusion plates

Your Guide to New Jersey’s Most Festive Christmas Bars This Holiday Season

Looking for the best Christmas bars in New Jersey? From Miracle pop-ups in Jersey City, Nutley and New Brunswick to festive favorites like Barrow House, Brothers Daley, Cellar 335, San

Why the Batched Cocktail is My Secret Weapon for the Holidays

Make holiday hosting easier with batched cocktails. Learn why batching saves time, reduces stress, and delivers crowd-pleasing drinks—plus easy recipes to try.

Cranberry Agrodolce: Thanksgiving Recipe

To some, cranberry sauce is an essential side dish on Thanksgiving. To others, it is a gelatinous monstrosity that they simply plop out of a can onto a plate in

New Jersey Restaurant Makes OpenTable Top 100

OpenTable’s Top 100 Restaurants list is out and Saddle River Inn is among the national standouts. Chef Jamie Knott’s Bergen County restaurant earns high praise for its innovative French-inspired menu

The Best Bagel in the Nation is Not From New Jersey or New York

At BagelFest in Queens, a Texas bakery called Starship Bagel took the crown for Best Bagel, proving that the country’s finest bagels aren’t just in New York or New Jersey.