Simply Sofrito
A year-old storefront that specializes in classics from Puerto Rico isn’t shy about wearing its soul on its sleeve. That’s thanks to its chef-owner, who knows a good base makes for great food.
Wu’s Fish House
In a setting serene and calming, with white on grays and greenery toppling from pots affixed to the rafters, Homer Wu’s ode to Chinese fish dishes delivers a range of thrills for the senses.
Naoki Sushi
In Naoki Tashiro's world, every millimeter makes a difference. See, and understand, why and how during an omakase dinner at this master's refuge from big-city and hyper-hipster places.
Sad Boyz
Come right now for The Frenchy, New Jersey’s best smashburger, available only in January at this chill, cozy roadhouse. Come back for the burgers to follow, primo breakfast sandwiches and a milkshake that might make you shake your head as you finish every last crumb. (Seriously.)
Crew
English muffins take center stage at a breakfast-lunch spot in the borough’s downtown. Billed as artisan and the base for myriad sandwiches, they fall short in flavor, lacking tang, toasty notes and, ultimately, satisfying ties to their companions. How is it that the best dish at a breadstuff specialist is a salad?
Community Café
It’s a warm-hearted gathering place born of the disparate, yet like-minded cultural sensibilities possessed by a collective of women who love to nurture their neighbors with food and drink. Good eats? Yes. But more that’s also important.
Resolutions for 2025
What can diners and restaurant owners and chefs do to strengthen our culinary community? Make a resolution that works to that end. We offer several for both populaces – and hope y’all come up with some of your own to show mutual support for those at table and those working behind the scenes.
A Baker’s Dozen from 2024
Only 13? Three times that number initially rose from the roughly 1,000 dishes eaten and considered for this annual list of restaurant favorites from the year coming to a close. Several times that number could have made the final cut; it was a very, very good year of eating. That makes these 13 all the more winning.
On New Year’s Eve, ’24
For those who most enjoy going out and reveling the night and early morning away in the company of both intimates and not-so-intimates, there’s a place to convene with food that will be worth the effort and even the expense. Today, some suggestions to consider, with fair warning: Don’t tarry a minute more in making a reservation.
Summit House
Forever a rising star, chef AJ Capella does right by a landmark that’s needed, wanted and used by its community. His food is articulate, his techniques polished, his imagination boundless. While all’s very well at this tony, clubby meeting place now, think of the possibilities if diners could join him on even more explorations.
et al fine food
Down the street from Seastreak’s terminal in this Bayshore borough is a stylish home for contemporary classics served in a setting expanded from its original quarters a hop-skip away. Mostly reliable and always amiable, it’s a locals’ retreat.
Jalsa Indian Kitchen
Modernized takes on favorites from regions throughout India do the motherland proud. They also make for eating that ranges from thrilling to comforting, just like a trek along a proper Spice Trail should.