Toasting the Indies, 2026
A year ago, in honor of Independence Day, we toasted some of our favorite independently owned and operates restaurants in the Garden State, culling some 32 to tout and also shout out for staying alive during particularly tenuous times. Today, as we mark the 250th anniversary of our nation declaring its own independence, we continue that tradition by noting 16 indies reviewed since the start of this year.
Hadaka
An omakase specialist in the largest of the Garden State’s Hunterdon County River Towns comes in the form of a cloistered sanctuary in a building listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is presided over, appropriately, by a sushi virtuoso with the chops to respect tradition and deliver masterful performances in the art and craft of eating from the ocean.
Chicken Palace Nikky’s (and Other Peruvian Favorites)
A homey local in northern Ocean County stocked with classics from Peru reminds Garden Staters of the increasing popularity – and availability – of ceviches, chifa standards, creamy potatoes and beefy yet light favorites from the South American country.
Sunda Kitchen
Novel in New Jersey is this Indonesian restaurant that’s not only focused on authentic renditions of the archipelago’s classics, but in conveying an appreciation of the country’s culture.
The Italian Table
Confusion reigns at a new restaurant that doesn’t seem to be interested in scaling the heights of either authentic regional Italian cuisine or carefully crafted Italian-American cuisine. Indeed, what’s being served is a mishmash of incoherence accentuated by poor kitchen skills.
Dim 11 Congee Noodle House
Splendid dumplings, well-wrought braises and soups, Cantonese-style small plates and all the various specialties this new eatery’s name enumerates are served under the mindful watch of owner Li Mei. The setting is appropriately modest, allowing the food to take center stage.
Pardis Persian Grill
Take the time to travel to another mind-set at a stalwart that may offer familiar Middle Eastern staples but also stews, kabobs and starters that have the ring of authenticity and aren’t of the supermarket-stylized variety. Go for ghormehsabzi, not another falafel.
Xina
A new version of a reliable Shore sushi/Pan Asian standby seriously shortchanges quality by allowing poor habits at every level to go unchecked. The result is flawed sushi that ranges from dreadful to disastrous.
LBI North End Options
Pit-stopping at Birdy’s, Viking Fresh Off the Hook and Mustache Bill’s yields one clear winner in the daytime eats department. And for a bonus: An ice cream flight, at the island’s center.
Shoti Bread House
Georgian food is on the menu and will be on the mind of anyone who experiences the classics of the republic’s culinary repertoire at this hub in Bergen County. Focus on the famous breads but don’t leave out pkhali, brothy garlic chicken and a goulash of a veal stew.
Gaamthi
Get with the new programs in exhilarating Indian food eating at this renamed and rejuvenated spot in the emerging Little India on Route 46 in Morris County. It’s veg-centric and a detour off routes tried-and-tired.
The Farm and Fisherman Tavern
The most populous town in Camden County is home to one of its most deservedly popular eating and drinking establishments, a restaurant that may have originated across the Delaware, but found its quintessence here.