Ottoyee
Warm up to some new takes on authentic Japanese cookery at a storefront specialist whose owner Leo Chen isn’t shy about bucking established norms.
Personal Passions
Chefs at restaurants that touch bases around the world might be anchored in the Garden State, but they stay true to their roots with dishes both poignant and powerful.
Winter Workhorse: Cabbage
A stew of the red version of the cruciferous vegetable with red onions and red lentils brings its own dose of sunshine to a last-leg-of-winter day.
Medford
Independent-minded creatives and entrepreneurs fuel a culinary community that offers quality and choice. It’s where “shoppe centers” and a village downtown solidified in the 1800s fend off common suburban sprawl.
Hills of Herat
A warm and welcoming restaurant in Somerset County is a true gateway to Afghan culture, celebrating ingredients fundamental to its rich culinary traditions through a host of classics.
Moaaz Mediterranean Grill
Can the fast-casual concept leave a cuisine that has flourished for ages in veritable ruins? Or is it more about sloppy prep and careless counter work that is causing an eatery in Rahway to do a disservice to its marquee foods?
Atul Bakery
Savories and sweets from a bakeshop born in Gujarat, India, and taking seed in the Garden State offer alternatives to usual grab-and-go fare. Will it give a long-timer in the game a run for its money?
Woulibam
Home-style cooking is an art form at this storefront restaurant that pays respect to Haitian culinary traditions and allegiance to its signature dishes. Dine here on island time all the time.
Tuna-stuffed Eggs
This Super Bowl munchie is game-day ready, thanks to a couple of power players you likely have stashed in your kitchen.
True Food Love
Who would our culinary artists most like to have cook for them on Valentine's Day? And what would that special dish be? The answers are more than heartwarming.
Toasting Lunar New Year
By all means, go to a personal favorite spot and have all your personal favorite dishes. Then consider, as well, one of the Garden State’s destinations and keep ringing in the Year of the Dragon.
Ehoumaki, for Good Luck
Thick sushi rolls containing seven ingredients are eaten whole and in contemplative silence on a day that toasts the coming of Spring in Japan. At Mitsuwa in Edgewater, Setsubun is celebrated with a class that’s decidedly family-style.