Toscano
If you’re of the mind that an atmosphere of gentility and a menu highlighting dry-aged steaks and thoughtful pastas are passe and that fine-dining on classics seems snoozy, Zack Melker will snap you out of it at his sophisticated and welcoming spot in Burlington County.
Heated
A new sourdough café in the Somerset Hills is catching on with locals and catching the drift of these times, too. As it feels its way forward, it’s bound to gain needed confidence with accenting and experience with craft.
Little Gem
All too soon, the charms of this bistro’s calming space, its thoughtful service and its kitchen’s precision and dedication to following the seasons will be well-known. So pop in now for a two-hour lunch before you’ll have to wait two hours to get in.
Daphne’s Diner
Led by a chef-owner who has woven her personal and personable style of cooking into a menu of expected diner staples, this landmark in Mercer County has developed into a community hub that’s very wise to the times. It’s a credit to hands-on operator Daphne Kent-Wilczynski.
Adelaide
A newcomer in Bergen County isn’t about flash or wizardry, but assuredly is about the joy of craftsmanship in the kitchen – craftsmanship that delivers dishes at once exquisite, enlightening and frills-free original. Right now, it’s the one to beat.
Harry’s Smokin’ BBQ
Where there’s smoke, there’s great barbecue to be had at a storefront born out of a mobile enterprise. Some concoctions on the menu may read crazy, but as long as signature pork, brisket, ribeye and chicken play the leads, the results prove pitmaster pride.
A Little Something Extra
Planning a dine-out celebration for Mother’s Day? Finding the just-right place warrants a bit of restaurant research on your part. That info is consolidated here for you, the result of thousands of meals eaten and evaluated on your behalf. Dig in.
Maricel’s Kitchen
The chef behind this multifaceted cooking studio is determined to form community around her Filipino brunches and suppers, cooking classes and events both private and open to all. It’s a smash success thanks to the team turning out classics from the archipelagic country in Southeast Asia of high quality and technical acuity.
Los Tres Hermanos
While the usual suspects are on board at this downtown Mexican favorite, so are specials that prove its kitchen is about across-the-board mindful cookery and thoughtful presentations. Slow down, and don’t eat too fast.
La Fe Pupuseria
Start with the marquee item at this Salvadoran newcomer and proceed with the rest of the splendid classics from the Central American country. There’s more than griddled, stuffed cakes that rule at a smash-hit dine-card must.
Mauli
The powerhouse kitchen at this Indian specialist in Somerset trains its keen eye on Maharashtrian, Indochinese and North Indian dishes. There’s much to tempt. But if you let yourself fall prey to the usual, you’ll be missing out on some of the most delicious and emotionally exhilarating dishes in the subcontinent’s vernacular.
Rayaki
Japanese street fare takes charge of the menu at this storefront covered in images of anime and populated by students, parents with kids and remote workers skilled at not dripping on their laptops as they eat. It delivers in short order robatakayi, ramen and rice platters that only rarely rise above rudimentary and often fail due to incompetence in the kitchen.