Pickwickian Tavern & Smokery
A jolly character in a novel by Charles Dickens lends a roadhouse in South Jersey its name. But it’s the “smokery” component that gives this swell spot its soul.
Canton Palace
Just do it: Mark your calendar for an evening sharing with family and friends one of the 10-course menus served forth in banquet fashion – and eat like royalty.
Li Beirut
Stop with Instagram for a moment and let your senses of taste and smell take charge at a Lebanese charmer that’ll teach you a thing or three about foods whose flavors trounce their looks.
The Circle
Chefs Brendan Ullmann and Tyler O’Toole bring attention to detail, commitment to fresh, local ingredients and a willingness to explore taste combinations to their new destination restaurant in Sussex County.
Ryujin
A mere-months-old modern Japanese restaurant turns an alternative to a regular piece of sushi on its ear by virtue of high design and on-point technique. It doesn’t stop there.
Harold’s New York Deli
Blintzes and brisket, pastrami and giardiniera, whitefish salad and the fluffiest matzoh balls in the richest chicken broth ever. What’s not to love? (OK, one thing; but no need to be a schlemiel about it.)
Strada
A respite from the day with intriguing antipasti and a soon-to-be-famous polenta Bolognese, this brand-new pizza bar could sit pretty by relying on tomato pies. But it goes a step or three off-trail and that makes a big difference.
Koreander
Closing in on a decade of serving traditional Korean fare to its community, this stalwart in a modest, slender space hits high notes when it counts most. And its kimchi fires on all cylinders.
Drew’s Bayshore Bistro (reprised)
New starters at a longtime restaurant love prompt a visit. You know? There’s a reason why this Southern-accented destination that celebrates Garden State ingredients and foodways is on the tops lists of every member of New Jersey’s culinary cognoscente.
Namkeen
At just a year old, the hot chicken and waffles specialist that fuses the sensibilities and flavors of Nashville and Pakistan has become a must-stop for those looking for big tastes in street-food style.
The Speckled Egg Café
Don’t expect a right-this-way sign or fancy furnishings at this quixotic café where a decidedly unshy chef answers to whim and whimsy when mining seasonal ingredients to put original spins on classics. The result? Flat-out delicious food.
New Ginger Indian Grill
With takeout and delivery the M.O. for now at this newcomer, pick a perch in a nearby park or back yard to slurp lyrically spiced sauces – furtively or brazenly.