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.
Steve & Cookie’s
There’s a reason why a restaurant in a small city on the South Jersey Shore is on the national map of must-visits: top-notch food, diligent service, mission-centric ownership. And justly famous Brussels sprouts.
Thomson’s Specialty Foods
A new combo eat-in/takeaway spot aims to provide its community with elevated home-cooking. Halibut taco in a fresh lettuce wrapper, anyone?
Veganized
Culinary cliches need not apply at this college town mecca: No, chef Ron Biton serves dishes that defy stereotype and define the possibilities of creating an exciting menu that puts into starring roles ingredients that elsewhere take a back seat.
Lobster Alley
The beloved borough that brought us nonna-made Italian eats, John Basilone and hot hairdos of the 1960s now serves us lobster in stellar bisque and roll form. But don’t pass by the butter “pie.”
Menya
A blossoming borough in Middlesex County has met its match in a ramen house that mirrors its best qualities.