Ora
A splashy and frenetic restaurant in Bergen County has become something of a Selfie Central even though it purports to be a model for high-style Italian cookery. In the end, it stumbles too often with both its food and its service.
On New Year’s Eve, ’25
Welcome to TPW’s annual guide to dining out on the last night of the year! It’s for those who love stepping out and reveling the night (and even the early morning) away, and it features restaurants we’ve reviewed in the last 12 months. So take a hop-skip through, then don’t dawdle: Reserve while tables remain available and look forward to 2025’s rollicking farewell party.
Whipping Feta into Seasonal Shape
For Hanukkah, put together a spread that can segue into a topping for latkes, one made from the salty cheese and a late-autumn partner. Together, they’re jaunty and very Jersey.
Matt’s Red Rooster Grill
A reliable all-American that’s been a staple in Flemington for more than two decades isn’t about drastic change – and loyalists want it to stay that way. But change in the kitchen's processes and execution is warranted to correct problems of overcooking, careless plating and misuse of ingredients.
Bocadillo
The most celebrated tapas trails of Spain are reflected on the menu at this neighbor to – and relative of – stalwart Segovia in this Bergen County town. The love and passion owners Dalida and Anthony Treus have for the ingredients of the mother country are on buoyant display. It’s an edible education fit for holidays and everyday.
Support Systems
Sometimes a standout isn’t a spotlight entrée on a menu, but a riveting side show or starter or something refreshing to sip. Or even, not surprisingly at this time of year, a stuffing.
The Pink Pineapple
It’s a gimmick of a fruit that, since it hit the marketplace five years ago, has found its way into the host-gifting arena. What can you do with it?
Boom Boom Chicken, Meet Fresh and HeyTea
Korean fried chicken and its mates followed by a Taiwanese dessert and a cap-it-off beverage at a place that’s become a worldwide phenomenon: It’s all in an afternoon’s eat-around at Festival Plaza. But nothing’s finer than bumping into a favorite food pro behind a counter once again.
Ohsung Yes! Chips! (Garlic Shrimp)
These crispy little critters of shrimp and garlic plus tapioca flour and seasonings are making noise on our snack scene.
1785 FarmDog
Ho-ho-ho and a basket full of smothered burgers and hotdogs! If you’re in the market for a Hallmark movie-ready scene for shopping and a spot of something all-American, this farm-linked storefront in one of the Garden State’s prettiest villages will suit your mood.
Pomegranate Seeds
Ruby jewels of equal parts good nutrition and sweet-tart exuberance, the arils that spurt intensely fruity juices are natural partners for citrus. And lots more. Are they a splurge? Perhaps. But the myriad uses of pom seeds increase their value.
Pierogies House
Guess what’s on parade at this modest and modern storefront owned by its Poland-born chef who channels the dishes her babcia made and serves them forth with pride.