Deauville Inn
A South Shore behemoth shows its respect for local pedigrees through a remake of its menu that casts the region’s waters as the source for prime ingredients, not mere window dressing.
Always Summer
No need to crowd into the old saws to eat during the season that’s on deck. Our Lucky-13 list of restaurants with that certain special something will make memories with foods you can reprise year-round.
Mambo Nando’s
Find baseball, a boardwalk, amusements, redevelopment and, now, a Puerto Rican eatery with classics spiced to outshine the sun this summer in a Bayshore borough that’s on the rise.
Folklore Artisanal Taco
The costra de queso at this Mexican specialist with siblings in West Orange and Chatham needs to be inked on your dine card. But don’t ignore the more familiar foods: Freshness and mindful cooking elevate everything at these BYOBs.
Origin
On the pedestrian-only blocks of Division Street in the downtown district of this restaurant-friendly county seat is a BYOB that started out decades ago as French-Thai and now tilts Pan Asian – particularly at lunchtime, when big salads reign.
Christine’s House of Kingfish Barbecue
Smoke and sauce. The smoke you expect and a sauce like no other. And those ribs. They’re the hallmarks of a 45-year-old pitstop on South Jersey’s circuit.
Oldwick General Store
Chef Sam Freund’s famous sandwiches are back and being served in a space that’s served its community since the 1700s. But there’s more – including primo baked goods and house-made preserves that convey the best of yesteryear while doing right by today.
The Thistle
If this photo is making you wistful for the fish-and-chips of your childhood, stop wasting time dreaming and get a move on in the direction of this ace place for the British national dish.
Wildwoods BBQ
Aussie mates from way back stake their claim in the smokin’ hot Cape May County dining scene and do much more than throw shrimp on the barbie. Bottom line: Their new mecca is a ripsnorter.
Jammin’ Crepes
There’s a chronic line leading to the ordering counter at this mainstay on the main drag of the university town and good reason for it: The marquee food is in tune with the seasons and its comrades know how to harmonize.
Charley
Both urbane and coffeehouse casual, this new Viennese bistro from a Michelin-starred chef is settling into its upbeat space within a modern apartment complex in a neighbor-to-Newark town. There are some mighty good eats, but also inexcusable slips traceable to kitchen crew missteps and sub-par ingredients.
Pho & Baguette
Take-out, then dine outside on a bunch of banh mi and a restorative soup, courtesy of a cheerful storefront spot that specializes in both Vietnamese staples.