3 NJ Restaurants Named Best in Country by USA Today

by Peter Candia
al basha

USA Today recently released its highly-anticipated list of the best restaurants across the nation for 2024. Among the 47 restaurants named, three are right here in New Jersey.

Here are the three NJ restaurants named best in the country by USA Today.

Al Basha – Paterson, NJ

Arab food is not hard to come by in Paterson, AKA the Silk City. Al Basha is a Palestinian restaurant in the heart of Paterson that serves up tasty mezze like herbaceous falafel, grilled half chickens, hummus and more. It’s booze-free at Al Basha—instead, enjoy a fresh-squeezed mint lemonade or mango and strawberry shake. 

 

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Sushi by Sea – Ridgefield, NJ

Is this New Jersey’s most secretive omakase? Probably. And it’s also one of NJ’s most sought-after sushi spots, period. If you’re lucky enough to snag an invite, you might enjoy hand-sliced Otoro and uni straight from Japan. 17 courses, inspired by global flavors and ingredients, are served each night in the intimate, 12-seat space. 

Heirloom Kitchen – Old Bridge, NJ

Cooking school during the week, bustling restaurant on the weekends; that’s what put Chef David Viana and Neilly Robinson’s hip and farm-to-table focused Central Jersey gem, Heirloom Kitchen, on the map. Diners enjoy globally-inspired flavors and techniques in this popular BYOB. 

 

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About the Author/s

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Peter Candia is the Food + Drink Editor at New Jersey Digest. A graduate of The Culinary Institute of America, Peter found a passion for writing midway through school and never looked back. He is a former line cook, server and bartender at top-rated restaurants in the tri-state area. In addition to food, Peter enjoys politics, music, sports and anything New Jersey.

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