LB’s Lunch Box
All is groovy – tasty, too – at a seasonal getaway for lunch, brunch and early dinner on Belhaven Lake deep in the heart of the Pine Barrens. A young chef with a knack for updating casual classics is the maestro of the good times.
Chofi Beach
Kim and Patrick Flammia let seafood dominate at the new beach town spinoff of their birria-centric cubby in Union City. The upshot: The summertime traffic along Ocean Avenue in Monmouth County is only going to get worse.
Water Dog Smoke House
Say a stream of hosannas daily to Betty, the inspiration for this utopia where smoked fishes rule and additives of any sort have been chased out of town by champions of purity and craft.
7 Doors Down Ramen Co.
High-style, carefully composed ramen, meticulous ceviche and a bunch of well-crafted Nikkei-or-not dishes come out of a bullish kitchen that’s the spawn of a Detroit pizza spot. Only in New Jersey.
Grana
Do formality and a culinary style steeped in tradition have a place at the Shore? Yes, if convened by a chef with the experience and focus on mission to see it all through.
Basilico
Joey Trani is a chef who knows how to cook, and cook he does at this Ischia-inspired storefront that marries elegance and hominess and often hits one out of the ballpark. Joltin’ Joe may not have left and gone away after all.
Al-Basha
The “dish of magic” that dates back centuries is one reason to come to the newer dine-in version of a beacon for Middle Eastern fare in this city of diverse eats. But stay, and return, for much else on its faithfully conceived, carefully executed menu.
Hey Burger
Working inside a neighborhood tavern along a main artery to Sandy Hook is a practitioner of the craft of the Smashburger. When these burgers hit their mark, they’re all the trend is cracked up to be: juicy, crusty, beefy and rife with energizing accents.
Beach Plum Farm
A would-be jewel that had lost its way finds the road to its own regeneration runs through its Elysian fields of produce and pastures where livestock graze.
Sally Lunn’s Tea Room
The crowds at this off-Main shop somehow make themselves far from madding and the eats are sweet in every way. Who says afternoon tea can’t be a summertime delight?
Brazilian Temakeria
Trend alert: Experience what the fortunate in Sao Paulo do in the form of a style of sushi that’s elaborate, hews to South American preferences and could be characterized as hearty. This smart spot in the Ironbound is where it’s at.
Sandy’s Scoops
Ever dream of having ice cream for all of your three meals in the same day? Well, if ever you’re going to do that, let it be today – Summer Solstice. Should you blink and miss the longest day of the year, do not miss making a trip this season to a most hospitable river town newcomer.