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.
The Front Porch
A pub is much more than just a pub when its chef crafts a menu that spotlights updated Asian-accented classics. Fair warning: Melissa Mak’s galbi burger and “bimbimmak” might distract you from the big play on TV.
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.