blue plate
The region’s darling for dining sits smack in the center of the village’s historic district and reflects its constant-motion status. One off-kilter meal won’t negate its years of better efforts but should cue the kitchen to stand at attention at all times.
Soup Dumpling Plus
In spite of the name of this neighborhood favorite, soup dumplings are sparsely represented on the menu, taking a back seat to a wide-ranging assortment of other authentic Chinese classics. By all means, order the exemplary specimens, but also seek out some daring alternatives.
Clemmy’s
Appreciation of place and micro-season happens all the time at this newcomer that defines casual sophistication and has become the wise and informed arbiter of local foodways.
Xina
A pop-in to an old favorite multi-Asian a short hop over a bridge from Shore beaches both notorious and happy to revel in natural states shows a restaurant quite capable of maintaining high-functioning status.
Maeberrie Market
A small Shore town’s popular breakfast-lunch spot is a cheerful free-thinker where departures from menu norms can be the best choices.
Marcus Live! Bar & Grille
Too many flawed concepts and poorly executed dishes make for an uneven experience at this new restaurant in the American Dream Mall. That it’s a Marcus Samuelsson venture brings shame to a name revered and respected for almost 30 years.
Sirens Seafood
Ahoy, mates! Finally, there’s a sea-worthy fish shack at the Shore, courtesy of an old hand in the galley with sources that run deep and a respect for the product guiding the ship.
Norma’s Mediterranean and Middle Eastern Restaurant
Solid and yar as a Phoenician ship is this landmark where foods that have nourished and delighted for centuries get the respect and treatment they deserve by a family steeped in tradition and devoted to mindful sourcing.
Byram Bay Bistro
It’s Polish and it’s Jamaican and the intentions by owners who have created a warm and hospitable scene are sincere. But the execution of dishes at the dual-cuisine newcomer in Sussex County repeatedly falls short of the mark.
Bad Hat Dumplings & Cocktails
Chaos? That’s how the folks here characterize the meeting of Asian and continental ways and means on the plates. But: No way! There’s too much care and too much thought at play inside an old bar being taught new tricks by a chef with vision.
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.
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.