Summit House
Forever a rising star, chef AJ Capella does right by a landmark that’s needed, wanted and used by its community. His food is articulate, his techniques polished, his imagination boundless. While all’s very well at this tony, clubby meeting place now, think of the possibilities if diners could join him on even more explorations.
et al fine food
Down the street from Seastreak’s terminal in this Bayshore borough is a stylish home for contemporary classics served in a setting expanded from its original quarters a hop-skip away. Mostly reliable and always amiable, it’s a locals’ retreat.
Jalsa Indian Kitchen
Modernized takes on favorites from regions throughout India do the motherland proud. They also make for eating that ranges from thrilling to comforting, just like a trek along a proper Spice Trail should.
Al Badawi
In a swanky, greenery-filled space with a dining bar as well as a dining area flanked by murals and lit by woven lanterns, foods fueled by ingredients made familiar by Ottolenghi share the spotlight with classics from the ages-old crossroads of Asia and Africa that is the Eastern Mediterranean.
Machu Picchu Peruvian
Warm-hearted classics from Peru are precisely imagined at a modest eatery just south of the emerging Ducktown arts and culture district. It’s led by a coterie of women who share the desire to nourish in every way. The food? Esplendido.
Pho Anh Dao
The namesake pho is the thing here at this 25-year-old landmark in a municipality with a host of standout Asian eateries. This one leads the pack for its renditions of the restorative Vietnamese soup.
Ram & Rooster
Sean Yan has a singular voice in food, a style of fusing ingredient to technique and tradition to modern, unique concept. All comes together in the chef’s first solo venture and it’s unlike any other restaurant in the Garden State. For that matter, it’s unlike anything, anywhere.
L’Annexe de Mamie Colette
A café-bakery in Titusville has more than Breton flair. Its partners in spinning out textbook-correct crepes and baked goods drenched in love are creating a community along the Delaware that gathers over the warmth of much more than their ovens.
Pals’ Night Out ’24
Gathering your besties during the heart of the holiday season is always a challenge of time and place. It’ll be up to you to make time for those who are dearest, but we’d like to help out with place. Here’s a heaping helping – 20! – of suggestions culled from our Restaurant Revues posted this year.
Panas House
Tucked into a corner storefront in a residential part of this city in Union County is a sure-bet for superior cachapas, arepas and a burger packed with not one, not two, but three meats – and more. It’s not size that matters, but the way these Venezuelan classics are cooked and assembled. Think bawdy and beautiful.
The Yard
Worth more than a pit-stop pre-show at nearby Prudential Center and NJPAC is this class-act casual restaurant in Military Park that’s the brainchild of premier chef-entrepreneur Kai Campbell. Ed Sherry gets lost in its sauces, in all the right ways.
Dough
A classic for our time is a pizzeria, grill and tavern born out of a starter that’s now old enough to vote and continues to fuel the soul of a wide-ranging menu. When looking for a place to gather outside the home, this is your ticket to pleasing a crew with equally wide-ranging tastes.