Juniper Hill
Chef Josh DeChellis stays true to his mission of bringing seasonally attuned fine-dining fare to an educated audience. His skill and wisdom show in every dish on his concise menu.
Daymark
An LBI year-rounder is seafood-strong, as you might expect. But don’t think the kitchen goes shy on its meats, vegetables – or a pie-slice of a fruit tart.
Pancho Mexican Kitchen
What’s going on at a much-hyped Mexican newcomer that draws crowds even as its kitchen stumbles? Problems, in need of solutions.
Sweet Amalia Market & Kitchen
At this instant classic, an oyster from the Cape Shore Flats is honored and classic dishes get revelatory tweaks. The result is a terroir-defining experience destined for a spot on the national map.
The Windlass
Hard on the shores of Lake Hopatcong is this spot where nature’s gifts, creature-made comforts and a range of worthy food converge. Grab a glider booth, a cocktail and ponder the edible options.
Mathis House
There are temptations in teapots, food that’s pristine and a setting that inspires nod-to-your-neighbor propriety at this historic mansion where posh reigns.
The Grand Tavern
Calvin Trillin, a seminal writer with four-star ideas about food, long has campaigned to have pasta carbonara replace turkey as the centerpiece of Thanksgiving dinner. As usual, he’s spot-on correct. But there’s a new contender in the “86 the Bird” movement: the cavatelli BLT at this pub-by-the-Shore.
Bahay Kubo
This is one fun way to eat, this communal-style Filipino feast known as kamayan. Easy, too. Except for figuring out how to stop.
Manu’s Kitchen Bar and Sushi Lounge
Portuguese and Japanese plates co-exist and co-mingle at a distinctive destination in the Ironbound.
The Porch Crepe Cafe
A Bonus Brief RR: Bid the season adieu this week with crepes savory and sweet at an outdoor café that’s tres charmant.
Taqueria Rendon
Chef Marco Rendon’s birria specialist slipped into town on Cinco de Mayo, putting into the spotlight takes on the sensation that are destined to make it even more sensational.
Harvey Cedars Shellfish Company
The fish is local, the plates unfussy yet creative when called for, the setting on Long Beach Island beachy-keen. No wonder this landmark is edging towards its 50th birthday.