The Inn at Sugar Hill/Dockside
Sitting pretty on a river in the county seat of Atlantic is this landmark full-service inn, restaurant and tavern where charm, warmth and setting are the draws.
Matiz Shore House
There’s music, a scene, a whole lot of salsa going on once late-night sets in at this snazzy, expansive lounge and restaurant in the West End of this Shore city. But there also are exciting Latin American dishes on the docket and you’d be wise to dine early and catch them at their best.
The Plants Are Alright
No longer dubbed hippie-crunchy fare, no longer largely doled out at “natural foods” stores' smoothies counters, dishes that don’t employ animal products of any sort aren’t just having a moment; they’re having a growth spurt.
Thonglor Thai Bistro
A new addition to a burgeoning downtown culinary scene is well-suited to this moment in time in a northwestern Morris County hub, with both food and setting offering a bit of drama and a playful attitude.
Grounded for Life Cafe
Thoughtfully created and crafted plant-based dishes take a spirited route at this petite indoor-outdoor spot slightly off the main drag of a downtown that’s home to two riverside museums and a host of independent shops. It’s an eatery that well suits its setting.
Pigeon Peas
West African and Caribbean classics share space with vegan fare at this busy storefront that lets folks with disparate dietary preferences eat at one big table.
How Delish
Much that’s fancied and trendy at chains is home-cooked and plant-based at this corner storefront owned and operated by one of the busiest chefs around. It’s all come to pass because she’s a mom.
Tipping Points
In the matter of “to tip or not to tip” and, most often, how much is just, more information is needed for decisions to be made. It’s time to ask questions – and to get answers.
Seed to Sprout
Modern-day plant-based fare that’s not afraid to go bold is the order of the day at this congenial eatery in one of the Shore’s quieter boroughs, a place possessing a quiet charm that’s quite the complement to the jazzy, look-lively savories prepared by conscientious co-chefs.
Grazie Bistro
A seasoned chef looking to tilt Italian in the direction of modern has taken over the former Fedora Café space in the village of Lawrenceville, a charmer of a commercial center whose Main Street is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Fancy Fish
"Fry" is the method done right at this storefront deep in the heart of Havana on the Hudson that’s all and only about fishes. Long may it reign, absolutely unchanged. P.S. It’s one in a family of five siblings.
Deccan Spice
The traditions of thali fail to receive the respect they deserve at a high-style space where the premise is much about majesty, but the practice of reheating leftovers and an indifference to freshness prevail. It’s a disgrace to a ritual built on pride of place, process and ingredients.