New Jersey excels at more things than we can count. One of our top achievements? Food. Each year, we set out to define the best restaurants that the Garden State has to offer. In this year’s list, you’ll find it all: Chinese-inspired tasting menus, reimagined red sauce joints, Wafu-Italian noodles, authentic paella and more. These are the 30 best restaurants in NJ. No paid partnerships. No geographic appeasement. Just excellent food, drink and service.

Nettie’s

5119 Asbury Ave, Tinton Falls

Many of New Jersey’s top chefs have moved away from red sauce over the last decade. Chef/owner Chris Calabrese wasn’t about to let that happen. He’s turned nostalgia into an art form, reimagining the red sauce joint with a menu that’s equal parts playful and masterful. From the whipped buttermilk ricotta with semolina bread to the hot vinegar-roasted chicken, Sunday sauce dishes, and Jersey’s best meatballs (you read that right), every dish feels like a warm embrace with a fresh perspective.

Hidden off a county road, Nettie’s feels like a secret worth sharing. Inside, the dining room balances retro charm with modern design—deep blue tones, rich wood accents, and shelves brimming with quirky treasures. The bar is an instant draw, practically daring you to settle in with a drink. The Negroni list alone is a marvel, with the classic available on tap, alongside intriguing spritz options. Meanwhile, the wine list champions Italian natural selections, many of which are rare finds.

At Nettie’s, the sacred dishes of your youth aren’t just replicated—they’re evolved, made even better than you remembered. The flavors are a striking dichotomy of past and present, but it works, and it’s what makes Nettie’s unforgettable. Take a drive. Fulfill your red sauce dreams.

Ram & Rooster *

83 Central Ave, Metuchen

Ram & Rooster opened this year to instant acclaim thanks to Chef Sean Yan’s captivating approach to the modern tasting menu. A first-generation Chinese-American, Yan crafted Ram & Rooster as an homage to his upbringing, vowing to take the recipes he grew up eating and elevate them to unforeseen levels. The meal takes place around the kitchen, with seating available directly at the counter for a front-row view of the skilled kitchen staff—headed by Yan and Chef de Cuisine Roselyn Achacoso. 

The menu hovers around eight courses—each course toying with bits and pieces of traditional Chinese cooking. The menu is, of course, hyper-seasonal. In the summertime, you might see a tomato Bingfen—a type of peanut-topped ice jelly that Yan opts to pair with a vibrant Jersey tomato sorbet and caviar. Black cod in fragrant broth and honey shrimp toast might dot other parts of the menu depending on the month. 

Diners are offered the choice between pan-roasted duck breast or A5 Wagyu (for an upcharge) for the main event. While the steak is enticing, we’re partial to the duck, which comes with peking duck fixings during the summer season like plum sauce, crunchy julienne cucumber and a souffle pancake. All of this adds up to create what is, hands-down, the most story-driven menu in New Jersey. Each dish means something to Yan. It’s palpable. Through food, Yan offers a window into his life and the flavors that shaped him into the chef he is today.

Ember & Eagle *

2000 Lowther Dr, Eatontown

Chef Ryan DePersio is culinary royalty in New Jersey. In many ways, DePersio brought chef-driven dining to the Garden State—or, at least popularized it—when he opened his first spot (Fascino, now closed) in Montclair in the early 2000s. In the ensuing years, he built a reputation that spanned cuisines and price points. Ember & Eagle is DePersio’s newest restaurant, along with Executive Chef Dennis Matthews, and it might just be his best to date. 

Ember & Eagle is an Italian-inspired chophouse, with a lengthy menu of a la carte items covering both the expected and the unexpected. Think local oysters adorned with Osetra caviar, creme fraiche and a seasonal gelée, icy cold seafood towers and savory zeppole blanketed with imported Prosciutto di Parma to start. For mids, DePersio’s specialty: fresh pastas galore, including some of his staples like the pillowy gnocchi with sweet sausage ragu. 

Steaks and chops are the name of the game at Ember & Eagle. Dry-aged tomahawk steaks come large enough to feed a table of four, while bone-in pork chops are grilled to perfection over a wood flame and doused in your choice of condiment. Pounded veal saltimbocca, pignoli-crusted halibut and herb-marinated lamb chops scottadito round out the menu. Pro tip: Get the s’mores dessert for some showmanship (and delightful smoky flavors). 

Ondo

3 2nd St, Jersey City

Ondo is no longer the new kid on the block in Jersey City. Chef Brian Kim’s restaurant is a feast for the senses and is undeniably at the forefront of progressing New Jersey’s culinary scene in a bold way. From start to finish, Ondo showcased one of the best meals we’ve had in 2024, and for good reason. You’ll completely lose yourself in every dish in the best way possible.

Focusing on contemporary Korean fare, Ondo is perched beside the Hudson River, where a minimalist design frames the vibrant, boundary-pushing dishes that take center stage. Playful plates like Korean fried chicken highlight Kim’s deep connection to his heritage, while the Galbi-Jjim—beef short rib with chestnut puree and Thai chili—(absolutely must order) demonstrates Ondo’s mastery of blending East and West techniques. The result? A short rib so tender and savory, and it has no business being that good. Other dishes like the Kimchi Fried Rice with bacon or the Spicy Korean Fried Chicken with Gochujang will have you planning your repeat visit.

Ondo’s drink menu is equally innovative, offering a curated selection of cocktails, wines, and Korean spirits to complement the dishes. Standout cocktails were the Pompom and the ONDO Fashion. (Thank us later.) Though Ondo might be one spot in the restaurant-laden landscape of Jersey City, conceptually, it stands alone in a town that is firmly one of the nation’s best food destinations. From the design to the food (and exceptional service), every detail makes Ondo a truly exceptional experience.

SLA

596 Valley Rd, Montclair

Jersey is filled with great Thai joints. Montclair especially. However, Chef Meiji’s contemporary spin on Northern Thai cuisine has been shaking up Upper Montclair since SLA opened almost a decade ago. Everything else about this vibrant spot sets it apart from your go-to Thai joint. If your Thai food experience starts and ends with takeout pad Thai, SLA will rewrite your palate’s expectations entirely. 

Meiji, her husband Wanat, and brother Yanin form a culinary trifecta, pooling decades of experience to deliver bold, authentic flavors rarely found stateside. Their menu is a love letter to Northern Thailand, with highlights like Sai Ua—spiced Northern Thai sausage—and the cardamom-rich Massaman short rib that practically falls apart as you dig in. Even the curry puffs, a humble appetizer, feel elevated here. It’s the kind of food that calls you back, and yes, both of us have been guilty of sneaking off to SLA, even just to dine solo.

The dining room is as distinct as the menu, decked out in retro charm (along with the unique magnetism of Upper Montclair). Old rotary phones, vintage cookbooks, and Coca-Cola memorabilia lend the space an eclectic warmth, while bold wallpaper and colorful accents keep the vibe fresh and energetic. With its casual BYO policy, exceptional dishes, and welcoming atmosphere, SLA isn’t just a meal—it’s an experience worth savoring that’s uniquely its own.

The Circle

310 NJ-94, Newton

Tucked away in a restored 1720 farmhouse on a quiet road in Newton, The Circle feels less like a restaurant and more like a dinner party at the home of relatives who happen to be Michelin-trained chefs. Brendan Ullmann and Tyler O’Toole, Jean-Georges alums with world-class resumes, have created something extraordinary here. To call The Circle “intimate” is a massive understatement. It’s absolute time capsule energy, one that stands out from every restaurant on this list.

From the moment you arrive, the surrounding fields set the tone for a meal deeply connected to the local landscape. Inside, the space is all cozy corners and flickering candlelight, with rustic hearths adding to the charm. Total storybook setting. It’s like stepping back in time, but with a modern culinary twist that feels distinctly New Jersey. 

The menu, split between contemporary American à la carte options and a six-course tasting, is as thoughtful as the space itself. Every meal begins with a small gift from the kitchen—a perfectly fried slice of fingerling potato that sets the tone for what’s to come. Don’t miss the crispy rice with Faroe Island salmon and yuzu aioli; it’s a contender for the best appetizer in the state this year. With house-made pasta, dreamy ice creams, and a menu that’s constantly swiveling with the seasons, every bite at The Circle is a reminder of the potential for fine dining in every corner of New Jersey.

Black Sheep

514 North Ave, Garwood

When partners Chef Nick DeRosa and Vincent Comunale opened Black Sheep near the end of 2023, it was a near instant success. So much so that we named it one of the best restaurants in last year’s guide after just two months of operation. DeRosa has kept his foot on the pedal with Black Sheep’s food menu, which sees an outfit of classic offerings donning unique approaches. 

We can’t get enough of the beer-battered delicata squash rings, the hand-made gnocchi with chorizo or the dry-aged burger—which shows off DeRosa’s family butcher shop with Prime aged ground beef, house-made pickles, American cheese and Ricky sauce. What’s more are bone-in chops, Italian seafood stews, more pasta and one of the best list of side dishes in the state. Seriously, more restaurants need to focus on good sides!

Classic cocktails get the signature Black Sheep touch along with hand-selected wines and beer at the spacious bar, which is accented by hundreds of unique bottles and a library of cookbooks—the pages creased due to actual use. Black Sheep is approachable and fun, all while serving up some of the best food and drink in Jersey. Dining doesn’t have to be stuck up. It doesn’t have to be a large event. Black Sheep gets it.

pastaRAMEN

6 S Fullerton Ave, Montclair

pastaRAMEN wasn’t just one of the hardest tables to snag in New Jersey this year—it was one of the toughest reservations in the f*** country. Yes, really. Chef Robbie Felice, teaming up with Montclair Hospitality Group, has crafted an experience so unique it defies comparison, redefining the boundaries of dining in the Garden State.

Hidden off Montclair’s Church Street, pastaRAMEN’s shadowy facade—blacked-out windows and a dramatic spotlight—hints at the unconventional dining experience inside. The space itself is a sensory playground, where cherry blossoms stretch across the layout, neon signage glows in the dark, and graffiti-style street art adds a rebellious edge. It feels like stepping into an underground supper club plucked straight from Tokyo with a side of Jersey swagger.

And oh, the food. Felice introduces us to Wafu Italian cuisine, where Japanese finesse meets Italian soul in a culinary duet that’s nothing short of genius. The mazemen (brothless ramen) are nothing like your dorm-room noodles—think Mochi Ramen Carbonara or Temomi Ramen Shrimp Scampi, each dish a revelation of flavor and technique. Consider the Cacio E Pepe Gyoza or Calamari Fritti for sharables. This Tokyo-meets-Italy concept is as bold and inventive as Felice himself, a chef who never stops pushing the envelope. Anyone saying pastaRAMEN is all hype simply missed the point.

Grand Tavern

1105 6th Ave, Neptune City

Grand Tavern is a sum that’s much larger than its parts. The converted tavern in Neptune City is one of the Jersey Shore’s best-kept dining secrets. Chef Paul Holzheimer excels at creating no-frills plates that answer a simple question: Is it delicious? It’s a question that Grand Tavern regulars will tell you he answers with ease. 

The restaurant takes all the parts of upscale dining that we love and combines them with the allure of a neighborhood establishment—and the food is damn tasty because of it. In the summer months, butter-seared fluke comes perched atop a bed of creamy pomme purée, adorned with a bright tomato vinaigrette. Burger fans should know that Grand Tavern quietly serves one of the top burgers in NJ, too. 

Cocktails are a similar story. They build upon classics as to not totally reinvent the wheel, but to still give guests something uniquely “grand.” A clarified bourbon milk punch, Applejack Manhattan riff and wintery gin gimlets spiked with grapefruit and rosemary decorate the cocktail list. Grand Tavern always has something special in store. It’s why we can’t stay away.

The Roxy *

66 Monitor St, Jersey City

New this year from the minds behind Corto comes The Roxy. The team announced the restaurant early in 2024, which would open on the other end of Jersey City. The Roxy brings a fresh burst of life into an already saturated JC dining scene, and while it would’ve been easy to copy and paste Corto’s concept on the other side of town, the team instead brings an entirely new vision. 

Unlike sister restaurant Corto, which skews Italian, Chef Rachel Dos Santos’ menu at The Roxy gives off bistro vibes without adhering to any strict borders. This means you might start with sharp cheddar gougeres—each one adorned with a blanket of prosciutto—and then weave right into a falafel entree or a Southeast Asian-inspired Cornish Hen with coconut milk and Makrut lime leaf. 

For cocktails, The Roxy leans heavily on reinvented classics like a gimlet made with toasted rice-washed gin or a rye old fashioned with curry bitters. This retro-modernist approach to food and drink extends to design. A revamped art-deco style permeates every inch of the bar and dining room. The Roxy makes a statement with its unparalleled vibe the second you walk in and continues it throughout the rest of your evening with sensational food and drink. 

June BYOB

690 Haddon Ave, Collingswood

Just a stone’s throw from Philadelphia, Chef Richard Cusack’s June pays tribute to the luxe side of dining. Vintage china, crystal chandeliers and, of course, wrinkle-free white tablecloths decorate the quaint June dining room, which has become known for its expert service just as much as the food itself.

The welcoming BYO is frequented by Collingswood locals and Philadelphians alike each and every night for Cusack’s seamless approach to haute French cuisine. Roasted frog’s legs, drenched in brown butter, and foie gras torchon put Cusack’s technique-first approach on full display, while fresh ribbons of pappardelle with earthy truffle and venison filet round out some of the seasonal a la carte staples. 

It’s the Canard a la Presse that people travel for, though. A red wine-marinated muscovy duck is prepared and served in two courses. The legs are ever-so delicately cooked in its own fat, seared and served alongside a warm potato salad and a silky foie gras parfait. But it’s the main event that turns heads as a server cooks the breast and its carcass to temperature before loading the bones into a vintage press to extract all of their flavorful juices. The drippings are combined with cognac to create a rich sauce that exudes luxury. June brings the finer things in life to South Jersey, and that’s why it’s one of the best.

Gioia Mia *

331 Bloomfield Ave, Montclair

Gioia Mia is one of the latest additions to Montclair’s booming dining scene, picking up where its predecessor, Fascino, left off—but with a fresh perspective. Gioia Mia—translating to “My Joy”—is the love child of restaurant power couple GM Mary Cumella and Chef Logan Ramirez. The restaurant-savvy duo brings a new level of excitement, focusing on seasonal ingredients and global influences while proving to be among Jersey’s top dogs.

Ramirez has quietly become one of the state’s most inventive chefs; his housemade pastas are elite and the most idiosyncratic you’ll find. It’s impossible to get bored. Pastas like the Porcini Ravioli with ricotta, local mushroom and taleggio fondue show mastery, while the Bucatini served with Spanish chorizo, mussels, chili, and breadcrumbs displays precision and finesse. Recommendations include: literally any pasta dish that comes out of the Gioia Mia kitchen.

Pastas aside, start with the bread: buttery Parker house rolls from Breadsmith that set the tone for a stellar meal. Next, dive into dressed oysters roasted with Calabrian-miso butter and breadcrumbs. For the main event, the Pan-Seared Scallops with bok choy, sticky rice, red coconut curry and cilantro is the perfect balance of East Meets West. At Gioia Mia, it’s clear: a new chapter is being written, and it’s one you won’t want to miss.

Viaggio

1055 Hamburg Tpke, Wayne

Italian restaurants are as common as traffic lights in Jersey, and after eight years in business, Viaggio is still the king of Passaic County. And it’s not even close. The first of renowned Chef Robbie Felice’s restaurants, he honed his craft under Michelin-starred chefs across Europe and the U.S. before bringing his refined skills back home—and the Garden State is better for it.

Tucked in a Wayne strip mall beside a bagel shop (because, Jersey), Viaggio surprises you with its Tuscan farmhouse charm the minute you step inside. The vibe is warm yet sophisticated, the perfect backdrop for Felice’s rustic Italian dishes with a modern edge. Case in point: the Calamari Fritti. Lightly fried and paired with a lemon butter sauce, pickled shallots, and a subtle kick of chili, it’s a dish that doesn’t just satisfy but stuns—it might just be the best calamari (and one of the best apps) in New Jersey.

Viaggio’s seasonal menu reflects a deep love for farm-fresh ingredients and handmade everything. Standouts this year include Tagliatelle with local ramps, garlic and black pepper. Let’s talk about the Ricotta Cavatelli, perfect texture—made with what Viaggios calls Umbrian norcina ragu, white bean stufato, broccolini and bitter rapini. Every bite feels intentional, every flavor deliberate. Between the housemade pastas and Felice’s impeccable salumi program, Viaggio proves why it’s not just a standout for Passaic County—it’s the standout, period. BYO.

Fiorentini

98 Park Ave, Rutherford

Chef Antonio De Ieso and his wife Brenda made a bold debut on New Jersey’s dining stage in late 2021 with Fiorentini, an elegant, farm-forward Italian BYO in downtown Rutherford. Almost instantly, it became one of the state’s best new restaurants. Rooted in sustainability, Fiorentini champions hyper-local ingredients while embracing a mission to reduce food waste—a philosophy that feels both progressive and personal. The name itself, meaning “people of Florence,” is a nod to De Ieso’s Tuscan heritage.

Fiorentini doesn’t lean on Italian imports to impress; instead, the menu evolves every three months, drawing inspiration from Jersey’s seasonal bounty. The result is a seamless blend of Tuscan tradition and local flavors. House-made pasta and freshly prepared risottos are a masterclass in respecting ingredients, while desserts deliver the refinement that lingers in your memory. People are enamored with organic more than ever, but all that goes out the window if they forget to respect the local ingredients.

The space itself is a reflection of this ethos. Recycled vines hang artfully from the ceiling, understated table settings keep the focus on the food, and a striking marble kitchen pass invites diners to glimpse the magic as it unfolds. In a world where restaurants often settle into comfort zones, Fiorentini stands apart as a dynamic, thoughtful establishment that’s shaping the future of New Jersey’s culinary landscape. Don’t miss this one (or De Ieso’s Chef’s Table).

Zeppoli

618 Collings Ave, Collingswood

Perfection is impossible. Zeppoli, however, gets about as close to perfect as you can. The quaint Collingswood restaurant is packed nightly for their unapologetic display of Sicilian cooking. Chef Joe Baldino spent his childhood surrounded by Sicilian-American food, his later years cooking in some of Philly’s top restaurants, and then eventually, made his way across the Delaware to open Zeppoli—his intimate, 35-seat BYOB.

Unlike a majority of restaurants on this list, Zeppoli’s menu doesn’t really change all that much beyond the specials. It’s exactly what it should be. House-made fennel sausage comes roasted until plump and juicy, served over a bed of braised broccoli rabe, and beside it you might opt for a plate of head-on shrimp with beans and lemon or maybe a Sicilian panzanella with anchovy, capers, stale bread and tomato. 

Delicate ricotta dumplings come bathed in brown butter and spaghetti with clams make for superb middle courses to share with the table—simple pastas that give a true window into Baldino’s instinctive ability to cook. Tomato-stewed rabbit, half-roasted chicken and herby grilled swordfish round out the menu. Zeppoli’s food paints a storybook-like picture of Baldino’s upbringing—his journey in food. It’s a restaurant that you just have to try to truly understand.

Clemmy’s *

290 US-9, Waretown

Clemmy’s is brand-new to the list this year, bringing some of Jersey’s best cooking to an area once seen as a dining wasteland. In Waretown, less than a mile from Barnegat Bay, Chef Allen Walski is dishing out truly exceptional seasonal fare in this New American BYO.

Think seared tuna plated alongside a seasonal bounty of produce, or a more classic rigatoni bolognese with house-made ricotta. Walski’s cooking places an emphasis on seasonality, allowing food’s natural flavors to shine through simple execution. With a good mix of hearty dishes and lighter fare, Clemmy’s brings something to the table for everyone. 

Natural wood-topped tables and sleek black chairs scatter the dining room—fresh flowers can usually be found in between settings. Clemmy’s feels unapologetically like a “Jersey Shore restaurant,” which is exactly what we love about it. Whether it’s the local seafood or produce—the winter menu or the summer—Clemmy’s is making a case that you should be paying attention to the ever-growing Jersey Shore food scene. 

Lita

1055 NJ-34, Aberdeen Township

If you’ve spent time traversing the New Jersey food scene, then you’ve probably eaten Chef David Viana’s food once or twice. When he and business partner Neilly Robinson opened their third restaurant together last year, they looked to push the boundaries of Viana’s poise by returning to his roots. 

Lita, the duo’s Iberian-focused restaurant in Aberdeen, is a pure passion project fueled by Viana’s nostalgia growing up as a first-gen Portuguese-American in Elizabeth. Viana’s cooking skill is only improved upon by this deep-rooted love for the food. A custom-built hearth in the open kitchen is what much of your meal at Lita will center around. Juicy piri-piri chicken and seasonal paella each get cooked over live fire, where an attentive chef rakes coals and toys with temperatures all service long. Lita’s cocktail list, developed by bar genius Ricardo Rodriguez, puts an Iberian touch on many of the classics. Viana and Robinson return to the Iberian Peninsula every so often to research regional foods and drinks that they can bring back with them to the restaurant. In simpler terms, Lita’s menu is constantly evolving. 

Beyond food, the service is top-tier in NJ thanks to a unique structure. Lita employs a concept spearheaded by Viana and Director of Operations Danny McGill that sees a rotating 10-person team. Each week, five cooks stay in the kitchen while the other five work the floor as servers. The next week, they switch. This format ensures a just working environment with proper compensation—it also guarantees that you will experience some of the most food-knowledgeable servers in the entire state. 

Osteria LK *

180 Maplewood Ave, Maplewood

A sequel to his Montclair staple, Laboratorio Kitchen, Chef James DeSisto is back with his second restaurant, Osteria LK. The casual Maplewood restaurant takes all of the beloved parts of his flagship and improves upon it in impressive fashion. Where many top restaurants employ the unexpected to wow, Osteria LK’s secret is in its simplicity. It’s just delicious food. Period. 

The dining room is packed nightly with guests dining on crispy cacio e pepe fries, defined tuna crudos, gargantuan chicken parms with sidecars of fresh-extruded rigatoni and simply grilled steaks that don’t need to convince you of their worth with unnecessary dry-aging or showers of truffle. With little more than a dedication to the freshest seasonal produce and an understanding of technique, De Sisto has crafted a menu whose sum is much larger than its parts. 

Typical of Maplewood, which is quickly becoming one of the hottest dining cities in NJ, Osteria LK is a BYOB, which only adds to its low key charm. Its intimate dining room and moody heated patio create for an atmosphere that is both enchanting and casually inviting. LK perfectly balances its ability to wow with its loyalty to remaining a great neighborhood restaurant, devoted to its community. 

Jockey Hollow Bar & Kitchen

110 South St, Morristown

Jockey Hollow is what happens when you pair a 1918 Palazzo-style mansion and downtown Morristown. Since opening eight years ago, the restaurant has seen an impressive lineup of chefs, each bringing a fresh perspective to its sprawling 15,000-square-foot space. But if you think Jockey has lost some pep due to the chef changes, you’re sadly mistaken.

Now under the direction of Chef Italo Pezantes—who rose through Jockey’s kitchen ranks—the new menu is the restaurant’s most imaginative yet (and honestly, the most fun since my first visit in 2016). While raw bar remains a signature, Pezantes has injected new life into this Jersey staple. Get the Cheddar Biscuit and Spicy Peruvian Style Octopus with yuca and salsa verde to start, the Pan-Seared Bone-In Chicken Cacciatore and some sort of pasta—this is the meal you’re looking for in a space of this pedigree.

Jockey Hollow still boasts its quartet of distinct dining spaces: the 1920s-inspired Vail Bar, the lively Oyster Bar in the main dining room, the basement-level Rathskeller beer hall and wine cellar (with incredible selections), and the Washington Room perched at the top of a marble staircase. 

Corto

507 Palisade Ave, Jersey City

Away from the hustle and bustle of Jersey City’s downtown area—all the way up in The Heights—is Corto. It’s hard to overstate just how special of a restaurant Corto truly is. When Executive Chef Matt Moschella opened the BYOB along with Drew Buzzio and Marc Magliozzi, they aimed to bring homestyle Italian cooking to a red sauce-dominated state. 

Picture this: meat and cheese boards adorned with house-made pickles and cracker-like flatbreads, creamy ricotta-topped toast drizzled with local honey and a bounty of fresh-made pastas—both sheeted and extruded—like the rigatoni with spicy pomodoro, guanciale and torn mint. Then, there’s the house-favorite slow-braised chicken sauced with a spicy and unctuous broth, playfully donned the “Angry Chicken.” It’s a menu mainstay for good reason. 

An unmatched ambiance drives Corto’s appeal further—bringing a homey vibe that matches the fare with purpose. The quaint dining room and the spacious back patio (heated and covered) make for great options, but we suggest making a reservation at the Chef’s counter, which overlooks Corto’s tiny, but efficient kitchen. All things considered, Corto is just pure fun… and delicious, too.

Common Lot

27 Main St, Millburn

Chef Ehren Ryan and Nadine Ryan have bridged a gap between fine dining and the masses at their Millburn restaurant Common Lot. The sleek dining room is backdropped by an open, almost European-style, kitchen where diners can gaze at skilled chefs as they prepare their courses. 

An evolving menu is a huge part of the draw. Chef Ryan, along with CDC Julian Ortiz, pull inspiration from across the globe, which weaves in and out of the seasons with ease. You’ll see the likes of sunchoke risottos, charcoal-cooked carrots with tahini and lamb prepared three distinct ways—their sweetbreads fried, the rib chop roasted and the shoulder braised, set, then seared. 

Common Lot is what I like to call a “technique-driven” restaurant—a place where Chef Ryan flexes culinary methodology that’s not typical to see in New Jersey. Importantly, the food still maintains an authenticity that’s often lost to gastronomical overreach. Ryan’s concepts are complex, yet easy to understand. When a chef understands that careful balance, you’re left with food that’s not only wowing, but plain delicious too. Common Lot excels at the extraordinary—period.

Elements

66 Witherspoon St, Princeton

Right in the center of historic Princeton, above sister restaurant Mistral, is Elements—Scott Anderson’s awe-inspiring tasting menu, which focuses on modern culinary technique, local meat and produce and globally diverse flavors. 

The intimate dining room, accented by a massive open kitchen in the center, sets the stage for a meal that brings diners on an immersive journey steeped in culinary poise. Table Captains explain dishes in a way that allows for guests to become a part of Anderson’s innovative vision, which is firmly rooted in the local landscape. 

The Chef’s Tasting Menu puts forth 10 (or more) meticulously crafted courses that present the finest ingredients highlighted by expert vision and execution. Dishes like the wood-grilled ribeye, presented atop a moss-covered log, evoke a profound connection to nature, while Japanese Sea Bream—AKA Madai—is prepared and served three ways, allowing guests to experience the versatility of the protein. For dessert, the churned-to-order ice cream, paired with seasonal fruit, is impossibly delicious. Elements continues to push the boundaries on what dining can be in the Garden State.

Sergeantsville Inn *

601 Rosemont Ringoes Rd, Sergeantsville

When Chef Sean Gray took over a nearly 300-year-old tavern in rural NJ earlier this year, he brought with him years of experience working in some of New York and Philly’s best restaurants. And while Gray made a name for himself cooking eclectic tasting menus at Two-Michelin-Star chef’s counters, he takes a decidedly tamer approach at the revamped Sergeantsville Inn. 

A four-times fried and glazed chicken drumstick is available as a bar snack—sold by the piece—while no-frills burgers, wood-grilled pork chops, seasonal bisques and squash ravioli with curry make up the rest of the menu. That is to say that Sergeantsville Inn’s offerings are vast and plentiful, paying close attention to seasonal produce and local proteins. Creamy pints of Guinness, a wine list rife with Old-World and New-World varieties and a cocktail list rife with classics make up the beverage portion of the Inn.

What’s more, is a stellar atmosphere. The building that houses Sergeantsville Inn is historic—dating back to the Revolutionary War—and that history has been expertly preserved. Original stone and a mix of renovations blend to create a seamless environment for diners to feast in. It’s a restaurant that should be a destination for any New Jersey food fanatic. Simply put, Sergeantsville Inn is a restaurant worth obsessing over. It’s just that good. 

Hearthside

801 Haddon Ave, Collingswood

As the name suggests, Hearthside revolves around a wood-burning hearth in the restaurant’s gorgeous open kitchen. This has become the conceptual centerpiece of the space. Chef Dominic Piperno is dishing out a genuinely excellent prix fixe menu—at a steal of a price—that pulls inspiration from cuisines found around the world

You’ll usually find some kind of crudo on Hearthside’s menu, which serves as a cool contrast to the wood-flame-heavy nature of the rest of the menu. Bucatini with lump crab and chili or hand-rolled cavatelli with truffle and chestnut make bold statements of Piperno’s skill when it comes to Italian cooking.

But, of course, with a restaurant so dedicated to live-fire cooking, steaks and chops are absolute no-brainers. Grilled half chickens served with zingy salads on the side, dry-aged ribeyes for two and even whole branzino all get the Hearthside treatment with a trip to the fire. It’s a concept so defined—cemented, even—that it’s addicting in nature. You know what you’re in for when you sit down for a meal at Hearthside, and still, it will exceed your expectations.

Osteria Crescendo

36 Jefferson Ave, Westwood

A few years after Viaggio cemented Robbie Felice’s place among New Jersey’s top chefs, the ambitious young chef took things to the next level with Osteria Crescendo in Westwood. We’ve said this before, but don’t mistake this for Viaggio’s sequel—this is an entirely new chapter. The space exudes modern elegance, but subtle details like marble tabletops and fine glassware nod to Italian craftsmanship, setting the tone for what’s to come.

At Osteria Crescendo, forget the tired tropes of Italian-American dining. Felice’s menu is anything but predictable, with pastas that redefine expectations. The Paradiso Ravioli, stuffed with six imported Italian cheeses and finished with a delicate drizzle of Calabrian chili oil, is a dish that demands attention—it’s the kind of pasta dish that can hold its own anywhere in the country. Running three restaurants and weekly TV interviews keeps Felice busy. Thus, he trusts the day-to-day to his talented Chef de Cuisine, Felix Gonzalez, who has continued Felice’s greatness and never fails to be inventive with pasta dishes.

Osteria Crescendo proves that a small town can deliver big-city dining—something Bergen County was desperately missing for a long time. To be blunt, after Viaggio’s success, Felice could’ve opened his second restaurant anywhere in the state (or NYC), but he and his team took the chance on Westwood, pushing the boundaries of culinary excellence further north.

Heirloom at the St. Laurent

408 7th Ave, Asbury Park

If you know anything about Neilly Robinson and Chef Dave Viana, they are masters at crafting unforgettable meals. The restaurant is tucked inside Asbury Park’s premier boutique hotel and social club, The St. Laurent. The hotel itself opened in the 1800s, and The St. Laurent’s historic charm reimagined by iconic design and its now-iconic neon sign—a simple yet striking landmark in the shore town.

At Heirloom, the duo stays true to their ethos of good ingredients and stunning presentation but steps up the game with a full bar, wine list, and an expanded schedule that includes dinner, lunch, and Sunday brunch. It’s more than an extension of their original restaurant in Old Bridge—it’s a statement. Along with easily the best bread service in New Jersey.

Prix fixe menu highlights might look something like seared foie gras with strawberries and French toast in the summertime, or pan-roasted duck breast with chestnut and unctuous Sichuan-chocolate jus. Desserts are no afterthought either—burnt Basque cheesecake comes with quince two ways and a lemon custard sauce. Heirloom at The St. Laurent is redefining dining at the Jersey Shore, and this is one reservation worth chasing.

Summit House

395 Springfield Ave, Summit

Set inside a vintage building on the corner of Springfield Ave is Summit House. It’s got all of the bells and whistles of those gaudy New York restaurants you see in the movies, except without the gimmickry. The grand seafood towers, the ice-cold martinis, the expansive wine list and the gorgeous open kitchen are just the tip of the iceberg at this Union County staple. 

Chef AJ Capella has crafted a menu at Summit House that takes all of the best aspects of upscale dining and combines it with his innovative approach to New American cooking. We’re talking hand-rolled pici with cockles and bacon, seared Hokkaido scallops served over lentils, grilled wild boar chops and the showstopping honey-lacquered duck. And despite Summit House’s grandiose nature when it comes to food and design, the overall vibe is casual enough to invite all walks of life. 

Whether you’re looking for a spot for your next corporate dinner, or a romantic meal for date night—a burger and a beer at the bar, or a plate of pasta and a round of cocktails—Summit House’s versatility proves itself with ease. It’s a restaurant that is built for mass appeal in the best way possible. Somewhere you can dine for a week straight and have a different experience every single time. 

Felina

18 Prospect St, Ridgewood

With a deep-rooted devotion to Italian cooking and tradition, Felina looks to modernize and diversify the more-than-common New Jersey cuisine. Chef Joe Tartamella infuses the Felina menu with bits and pieces of his youth as a first-generation Sicilian-American growing up in Staten Island. Salted and preserved eggplant comes alongside warm bread and fresh-filled cannolis come for dessert. It’s the type of thing you’d expect from a Sunday at Nonnas, but Felina takes this idea up a notch with an infusion of 21st-century French technique.

This concept is clear as day when you peruse the menu: white clam pizzas, tempura-fried calamari, garganelli alla vodka and Tartamella’s signature chicken scarpariello, which reimagines the one-pot dish as a concise and poised plated entree. On Sundays, give the Sunday Dinner for two a try—landing you a salad, choice of pasta and a platter of slow-cooked braciole, sausage and meatballs.

Felina sits inside of an old bank in the center of Ridgewood. The 30-foot ceilings and wall-length windows make for a breathtaking dining room, backdropped by an expansive u-shaped bar and the striking open kitchen. It’s a statement restaurant at its core—one that employs the expected bells and whistles of high-end dining—but unlike other restaurants of the same genre, Felina hangs onto the idea of homestyle cooking. It’s a combination that will hook you. 

Shumi*

Ridgewood & Leonia

Shumi has long been synonymous with some of the best sushi in New Jersey, thanks to its cult-favorite Ridgewood location. But when owner David Seo opened a second Shumi in Leonia last year, he wasn’t simply expanding—he was elevating the experience. The highlight? A private Omakase Room, an intimate eight-seat haven where the art of sushi takes center stage.

The meal is a symphony of Chef Kunihiko Aikasa’s craftsmanship. With over two decades of experience, Aikasa guides diners through an unforgettable, chef’s-choice journey. Each course is presented piece by piece, blending the finest sushi and sashimi with hot appetizers that set the stage. Forget the frills donned by many a Omakase hideaways, Shumi is all technique and palpable respect for the fish.

Whether you’re seated in the Ridgewood dining room or experiencing the Leonia omakase, the focus remains steadfast on quality and simplicity. There are no gimmicks, no distractions—just extraordinary sushi served in an atmosphere that’s as welcoming as it is refined. Sushi lovers paradise. BYO.

Saddle River Inn

2 Barnstable Ct, Saddle River

Once a cozy Upper Bergen County inn, Jamie Knott took over Saddle River Inn in 2013 and transformed the space into one of Jersey’s hottest restaurants. Though keeping the charm of the original construction, Knott has infused a sense of modernity into the space through his playful approach to contemporary fine dining. 

Knott’s menu evolves seasonally—centering on the concept of French technique with a healthy dose of global inspiration. To start, you might order a traditional caviar service with blini and all of the fixings alongside a dish of spicy Szechuan beef noodles—a Saddle River Inn favorite. It’s a global affair that extends far beyond appetizers. Seared duck breast comes over wok’d noodles with batons of crispy rice and veal tenderloin is pounded thin, served “parmigiana style.” 

Chef Jamie Knott is no stranger to good cooking. He’s one of the pioneers of the NJ dining scene, setting into place many of the pieces that chefs to follow would build off of in the state. When Saddle River Inn transformed under his watch, Knott proved to the masses that destination dining wasn’t reserved just for a night out in the city. In fact, you can dine all the same right here in Bergen County. Saddle River Inn is proof of the age-old saying: If you build it, they will come.

* = New to list this year