It’s been a good year for the New Jersey dining scene. The last 365 days have been filled with both highly anticipated openings as well low-key introductions that have left lasting marks on the makeup of NJ dining culture, some of which comfortably compete amongst the best restaurants in New Jersey. From Wafu-Italian bowls of ramen to omakase dining experiences, these are some of the best new restaurants in New Jersey to check out in 2023.
Kinjo
Chef Jamie Knott is back with another new concept, this time in collaboration with Chef Bill Sanders. Kinjo is a Japanese and Korean-inspired spot dishing out ramen, bao buns, dumplings, cocktails and more in Downtown Newark. Beyond food, the playful, neighborhood spot features an eye-catching design and the occasional live DJ. Knott is no stranger to restaurant success, and Kinjo is just his latest example.
159 Washington St, Newark, NJ 07102
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Boschetto
Boschetto is a fast-casual, counter-service Montclair spot that specializes in regional Italian specialties. Find braised beef stuffed panzarotti, Bucatini All’ Amatriciana, chicken and eggplant parm, steaks, pizzas and more. The concept is fresh for Montclair, bringing guests five-star quality food in an uber-relaxed setting. Seriously, for fans of Italian food, Boschetto should not be missed.
111 Grove St, Montclair, NJ 07042
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Maddy Rose
Located inside the Liberty House in Jersey City is Maddy Rose—the newest restaurant by dining titans, Landmark Hospitality. The Mediterranean-inspired concept features scenic views of the Manhattan skyline and an upscale dining experience. The beverage program is equally as imposing, making Maddy Rose perfect for both a sit-down meal and a quick drink and bite at the bar.
76 Audrey Zapp Dr, Jersey City, NJ 07305
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Black Sheep Bar & Provisions
Vincent Comunale and Chef Nick DeRosa join forces in their latest venture—a laidback, bar and restaurant in Garwood, NJ that serves some of NJ’s best dishes. The Black Sheep team is dishing out handmade gnocchi with chorizo, BBQ chicken, porchetta and a list of both classic and modern cocktails to boot make Black Sheep worth a visit no matter where in Jersey you’re coming from. Oh yeah… the ice cream sundae is one of our new favorite desserts, too. For what it’s worth.
514 North Ave, Garwood, NJ 07027
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Ember and Eagle
Ryan DePersio shook up the New Jersey dining scene when he announced earlier this year that his beloved flagship restaurant, Fascino, would be sold (but not without making way for a worthy new concept to take its place). DePersio’s latest project is Ember and Eagle, which features his signature, farm-centric cuisine set in an entirely new space at Tillinghouse—located in Eatontown, NJ. One of the best new restaurants in NJ, Ember and Eagle is also DePersio’s first shot at Monmouth County.
2000 Lowther Dr, Eatontown, NJ 07724
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Fanny’s Italian Restaurant
Fanny’s brings modern Italian comfort food to Broad Street in Bloomfield. Chef/Owner Jonathan Kavourakis is shaking up the Bloomfield dining scene with this refreshing Italian concept. Dishes like the branzino with clam escabeche and the hanger steak “pizzaiola” set Fanny’s apart from many of the neighborhood’s other culinary offerings. Fanny’s features a full bar and cocktail list too.
1109 Broad St, Bloomfield, NJ 07003
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Gioia Mia
Remember when we said Ryan DePersio closed Fascino? Well, he didn’t do so without setting it up nicely for the future. Chef Logan Ramirez and Manager Mary Cumella were part of the puzzle that made Fascino great, so it’s only right that they’d be spearheading the restaurant to replace it. Translating to “my joy,” Gioia Mia bring seasonal, contemporary dining to Bloomfield Avenue. While Fascino will never be forgotten for its contributions to the NJ dining scene, Gioia Mia serves as the perfect replacement.
331 Bloomfield Ave, Montclair, NJ 07042
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Maison Bleue Bistro
Sandy and John Vizzone, the owners of The Hugh B&B bring you Maison Bleue Bistro. Maison Bleue is the perfect mixture of elegance and sophistication. From the decor to the music and, of course, the food, the restaurant builds on the team’s previous success. However, at Maison Bleue, they aim to offer a unique interpretation of classic French cuisine, much like their other restaurant, Jardin at The Hugh, which has been rated among the best restaurants in New Jersey. Living at the southernmost tip of New Jersey, Maison Bleue’s menu is studded with plenty of local seafood.
311 Mansion St, Cape May, NJ
Maison Bleu Bistro – Cape May, NJ | Photo by Yvonne Yuen
Lita
Neilly Robinson and Chef David Viana are back at it again with their latest—a modern Iberian eatery. Lita is Viana’s homage to the food of his youth growing up as a first-generation Portuguese-American. You’ll find thrilling bottles of natural wine, Iberian-laced cocktails and an array of Spanish and Portuguese classics cooked on the open fire—which you can see from any seat in the dining room thanks to an expertly-designed open kitchen concept. It comes less than a year after Robinson and Viana’s hip Asbury Park spot— Heirloom at the St Laurent. Lita goes beyond food by presenting a unique team structure that sees line cooks double as servers, providing a well-rounded experience for diners. It is no doubt one of our favorite restaurants to pop up in 2023.
1055 NJ-34, Aberdeen Township, NJ
Lita – Aberdeen Township, NJ | Photography by Arielle Figueredo
Shumi
Shumi, one of the State’s best sushi restaurants (located in Ridgewood, NJ), opened its second location in Leonia on February 2, 2023, at 354 Broad Avenue. The new restaurant features an exclusive private Omakase Room that seats eight VIP guests. Shumi’s owner David Seo, who has 21 years of Japanese cuisine experience, and Master Chef Kunihiko Aikasa, cut and serve the finest fish while creating an amiable atmosphere. The Omakase experience is left entirely to Chef’s choice, featuring a piece-by-piece multi-course meal with hot appetizers and the most magnificent sushi and sashimi. Shumi’s Omakase Room offers a rare and elevated sushi experience, making it the perfect spot for sushi lovers in New Jersey.
354 Broad Ave, Leonia, NJ
Shumi – Leonia, NJ | Photo courtesy of Shumi Omakase
Osteria del Corso
Executive Chef Kris Welz draws inspiration from the cuisines spanning across Italy’s many subregions and denominations at the newly opened Osteria del Corso in the heart of South Orange. House-made pasta, pizza and regionally-inspired entrees adorn the Osteria del Corso menu, complete with imaginative cocktails and a well-rounded wine list. The space is polished off with a private event room, two patios and an indoor bocce ball court for guests to partake in while they dine. Yes, you read that right—bocce ball. This place is the real deal.
1 S Orange Ave, South Orange, NJ
Osteria del Corso – South Orange, NJ | Photo by Nickson Owusu-Poko
Pasta Ramen
It seems that whatever Chef Robbie Felice touches turns to gold (or in this case, A5 Wagyu and caviar). Pasta Ramen was long teased as a pop-up concept that traveled from NJ to Miami to LA to NYC and back again—but now, a brick-and-mortar location is here. Montclair’s Pasta Ramen serves what Felice calls Wafu-Italian, a blend of Italian techniques and Japanese flavors. You’ll find shrimp scampi ramen, meatball parm bao buns, cacio e pepe gyoza and more at this sophisticated BYOB. Snagging a reservation at Pasta Ramen is no easy feat, though. Reservations open on the first of each month for the following month, so set your alerts and be ready for June 1.
6 S Fullerton Ave, Montclair, NJ
Pasta Ramen – Montclair, NJ | Photo via Pasta Ramen
Madame
Though opening in late 2022, we couldn’t miss Madame. Elevated French classics are the name of the game at this modern brasserie. The brainchild of acclaimed chef and restaurateur Jamie Knott, Madame presents timeless bites of food in a new-school way. Brought together with a top-notch cocktail program, a wine list laced with hard-to-find French treasures and a totally sexy and intoxicating atmosphere, Madame remains one of New Jersey’s brightest new additions to a robust dining scene.
390 4th St, Jersey City, NJ
Madame – Jersey City, NJ | Photo by Pete Bonacci
The Roosevelt
The Roosevelt in East Rutherford, NJ, is a unique experience to say the least. Its history, glam, and seductiveness allow you to channel your inner Gatsby. Their Art Deco-inspired theme runs through each corner, from the saloon and dining room to the private chef’s tasting hideout and Lucy’s parlor speakeasy. The Roosevelt is brought to NJ by the Palsi family—owners of the successful Redd’s Restaurant & Biergarten—along with the minds behind the renowned Fiesta Catering. Whether you are looking to party like it’s 1920 or eat an impeccable meal, The Roosevelt has it all.
356 Paterson Ave, East Rutherford, NJ
The Roosevelt – East Rutherford, NJ | Photo via The Roosevelt
About the Author/s
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.
Emma is an editorial intern. She likes to spend her free time cooking new recipes and chilling with her cat Stella.
