Frenchtown Inn
For decades a fine-dining destination in a prime Delaware River town, the family-owned inn is awash in options for foods either cleverly chill or agelessly sophisticated and settings that sport a water view or clubby conviviality.
Tsujita, Santouka, Omusubi Gombei
The food court inside Mitsuwa, the Japanese marketplace in a Hudson-hugging borough in Bergen County, offers a river view as well as a collection of quality eateries sporting savories or sweets. Consider three that’ll do right for lunch, dinner or snack time, fueling both shoppers and mealtime drop-ins.
tacoshop
Much more than tacos, this year-round newcomer from the James Beard Award-nominated chef Lucas Manteca is where a ceviche gets a re-charge, an empanada a revival – and an old-new sandwich cookie makes its debut.
Fresh Kitchen
“Healthy” fare, quickly assembled for both takeout and eat-in diners, is the mission of this fast-casual spot that aims to serve “fuel for the body.”
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.