Chez Daniel
New, and yet not new, this mainstay address on a river town’s main drag currently sees a chef segueing from Irish standards to the French classics of his heritage. Daniel Gras is part way there. Let him run with his vision at full tilt.
Harry’s Daughter
Island attitudes pervade a jovial gathering spot for respectful Trinidadian classics that include beloved beach-food “bakes.” Cup your hands to eat, then clap them in response to joyful fare served in compatible style.
Nai Brother
Hidden in this incomparable mecca for Asian cuisines is a Chinese sauerkraut soup specialist where proper layering of each broth’s flavors is the charm and the occasional in-house specialty delights.
Eggholic
The egg dishes have it at this hyper-focused Indian street food spot on the main drag for all things South Asian in a municipality with ever-stronger choices for ethnic eats.
Bhan Thai
Bigger and better dressed than your average neighborhood joint Thai, this busy standby is ready for parties, tete-a-tetes for twosomes and pack-ups for tailgates. Wing it, for sure, with a side of dumplings of a different stripe.
Windy Brow Farms: Wood-fired Kitchen
Farm country is home to the best not-a-restaurant in New Jersey, a place where a farmer-chef with extraordinary talent and vision is taking glorious local ingredients to deserved heights. It’s Jake Hunt’s dream, and it’s pinch-me real.
Aoi
On some levels, this Japanese restaurant inside the APA Hotel in Iselin confounds. On others, it can be a salve to overwrought senses. In most ways, it’s in need of clearer messaging.
Roasted Breadfruit Smokehouse & Grill
The menu at this roadhouse on Route 15 is a symbiotic jumble of Caribbean and Southern, with a barbecue bent. It’s all executed with technical precision and skill, so get the marquee item, but don’t stop there.
Dumplings Discourse
Something’s happening in the dumpling/wonton realm and it’s good, very good. Today, a short reflection on experiences of the very recent past.
Inhouse Restaurant and Bar
Given a little help from what’s grown on neighboring farms, this roadhouse with an eclectic menu suited to its affable scene could up its game. Right now, baked goods and a solid ribeye cheesesteak are best bets.
12 Farms
A mainstay in a historic downtown belies its mere nine years of existence with hands-on knowledge – and use – of Garden State produce and products. Its casual attitude adds to its come-as-you-are charm.
LaZeez by Dhaba
With momos, chaat bowls, kathi rolls and sultry legumes in very fine form, there's no need to go for mishmashes of fusion at this casual-food entry into a restaurant group's expanding collection in North Jersey.