A new year is here and that means new adventures. It also means new food and revisiting old favorites. Let’s explore some of the can’t-miss dining destinations in New Jersey for 2020. Some are casual, others are upscale, all are worth a visit. Our favorite restaurants for 2020 are listed below in no particular order.
- Felina, Ridgewood
Google Maps
Felina/Facebook Offering a trendy twist on Italian eats, you’ll find Felina in a beautiful restored bank building. It’s got an open kitchen, bustling bar, and a rooftop lounge is set to open for 2020. You’ll find a sizable selection of seasonal, sustainable fare on the menu at this dinner spot - start with the burrata.
- Hearthside, Collingswood
Google Maps
Hearthside/Facebook This eatery is such a hit, Food and Wine Magazine said this of it…Philly’s best new restaurant is in New Jersey. Hearthside offers a creative menu of expertly crafted dishes including wagyu beef carpaccio, pork belly, grilled octopus, risotto, and more. A great date spot, patrons are welcome to BYOB.
- Cellar335, Jersey City
Cellar335/Facebook
Cellar335/Facebook You’ll find progressive Asian American eats and tiki-style cocktails at this magical, modern restaurant. Try the avocado fried rice, spicy cornbread, and Korean BBQ wagyu sirloin. When it comes to drinks, they’ve got plenty of options including a massive two tier cocktail.
- Big Mike’s Little Red Store, Atlantic Highlands
Big Mike’s Little Red Store/Facebook
Big Mike’s Little Red Store/Facebook Big Mike’s Little Red Store may just be a soup, salad, and sandwich spot, but you’ll want to try it. It stands out for its next level ketchup with a kick, Nashville hot chicken sandwich, and vegetarian-friendly black bean burger.
- The Pasta Shop, Denville
The Pasta Shop/Facebook
The Pasta Shop/Denville This fine casual spot offers mouthwatering homemade pasta and other Italian eats. Try the bruschetta toast, chicken parmigiana, and cheese ravioli.
- Franklinville Inn, Franklinville
Franklinville Inn/Facebook
Franklinville Inn/Facebook This historic spot was once a stagecoach stop. Now, it serves up some of South Jersey’s best steaks and seafood. Try the popular Teriyaki Char Tips, pictured. (Sliced filet mignon marinated in soy & pineapple served with grilled peppers, onions & pineapple.)
- Sagami Japanese Restaurant, Collingswood
Sagami Japanese Restaurant/Facebook
Sagami Japanese Restaurant/Facebook A local favorite for decades, you’ll find some of the best sushi in New Jersey (perhaps even the East Coast) here. Try the soft shell crab roll (pictured) or anything else on the menu. You really can’t go wrong.
- Marley’s Gotham Grill, Hackettstown
Marley’s Gotham Grill/Facebook
Marley’s Gotham Grill/Facebook Head here for good food, good fun, and great wings. While the wings aren’t the only reason to visit, we love that you can choose from 250 delicious, creative flavors. You start with the wing - bone in, bone out, tofu, or falafel. Then, you choose your flavor. The Bang Bang Chicken (Mayo, Sweet Thai + Sriracha Sauce) and Honey Barbecue are favorites. If you’re feeling brave, try the Dragon Fire (Orange Juice, Honey, Soy Sauce, Chipotle + Ginger) or Devil Went Down To Georgia (with Ghost Pepper + Carolina Reaper).
- Victoria Diner, Branchville
Victoria Diner/Facebook
Victoria Diner/Facebook This Sussex County staple has an authentic retro vibe, incredible bbq, and famous maple glazed pork chops with walnuts, raisins and Fuji apples (pictured). Of course, they’ve also got great breakfasts!
- Oyster Creek Restaurant + Boat Bar, Leeds Point
Oyster Creek Restaurant & Boat Bar/Facebook
Oyster Creek Restaurant & Boat Bar/Facebook This waterfront spot is known for beautiful sunsets, a sushi bar, and seasonal crab room. Try the Jersey Devil Shrimp, one of Chef Scott’s signature dishes.
- Common Lot, Millburn
Common Lot/Facebook
Common Lot/Facebook There are several ways to dine at this unique spot but we recommend the Chef’s Library for private affairs and Kitchen Pass for special occasions. You’re sure to have a memorable night. The main dining area is just as lovely, with fresh, seasonal, global fare. Try the Pan Fried Branzino Fillet and delicious homemade sodas.
- Ninety Acres, Peapack
Natirar/Facebook
Natirar/Facebook New Jersey’s most authentic farm-to-table restaurant, it’s located right on a 12-acre farm. The restaurant itself is housed in the former carriage house of a Moroccan prince’s estate. Dress to impress and prepare for an incredible meal. Try the multi-course Bring Me Food dining experience.
I hope you discover something new and delicious this year. We also recommend this sushi speakeasy, giant burrito, and vegan bakery in New Jersey.
Google Maps
Felina/Facebook
Offering a trendy twist on Italian eats, you’ll find Felina in a beautiful restored bank building. It’s got an open kitchen, bustling bar, and a rooftop lounge is set to open for 2020. You’ll find a sizable selection of seasonal, sustainable fare on the menu at this dinner spot - start with the burrata.
Hearthside/Facebook
This eatery is such a hit, Food and Wine Magazine said this of it…Philly’s best new restaurant is in New Jersey. Hearthside offers a creative menu of expertly crafted dishes including wagyu beef carpaccio, pork belly, grilled octopus, risotto, and more. A great date spot, patrons are welcome to BYOB.
Cellar335/Facebook
You’ll find progressive Asian American eats and tiki-style cocktails at this magical, modern restaurant. Try the avocado fried rice, spicy cornbread, and Korean BBQ wagyu sirloin. When it comes to drinks, they’ve got plenty of options including a massive two tier cocktail.
Big Mike’s Little Red Store/Facebook
Big Mike’s Little Red Store may just be a soup, salad, and sandwich spot, but you’ll want to try it. It stands out for its next level ketchup with a kick, Nashville hot chicken sandwich, and vegetarian-friendly black bean burger.
The Pasta Shop/Facebook
The Pasta Shop/Denville
This fine casual spot offers mouthwatering homemade pasta and other Italian eats. Try the bruschetta toast, chicken parmigiana, and cheese ravioli.
Franklinville Inn/Facebook
This historic spot was once a stagecoach stop. Now, it serves up some of South Jersey’s best steaks and seafood. Try the popular Teriyaki Char Tips, pictured. (Sliced filet mignon marinated in soy & pineapple served with grilled peppers, onions & pineapple.)
Sagami Japanese Restaurant/Facebook
A local favorite for decades, you’ll find some of the best sushi in New Jersey (perhaps even the East Coast) here. Try the soft shell crab roll (pictured) or anything else on the menu. You really can’t go wrong.
Marley’s Gotham Grill/Facebook
Head here for good food, good fun, and great wings. While the wings aren’t the only reason to visit, we love that you can choose from 250 delicious, creative flavors. You start with the wing - bone in, bone out, tofu, or falafel. Then, you choose your flavor. The Bang Bang Chicken (Mayo, Sweet Thai + Sriracha Sauce) and Honey Barbecue are favorites. If you’re feeling brave, try the Dragon Fire (Orange Juice, Honey, Soy Sauce, Chipotle + Ginger) or Devil Went Down To Georgia (with Ghost Pepper + Carolina Reaper).
Victoria Diner/Facebook
This Sussex County staple has an authentic retro vibe, incredible bbq, and famous maple glazed pork chops with walnuts, raisins and Fuji apples (pictured). Of course, they’ve also got great breakfasts!
Oyster Creek Restaurant & Boat Bar/Facebook
This waterfront spot is known for beautiful sunsets, a sushi bar, and seasonal crab room. Try the Jersey Devil Shrimp, one of Chef Scott’s signature dishes.
Common Lot/Facebook
There are several ways to dine at this unique spot but we recommend the Chef’s Library for private affairs and Kitchen Pass for special occasions. You’re sure to have a memorable night. The main dining area is just as lovely, with fresh, seasonal, global fare. Try the Pan Fried Branzino Fillet and delicious homemade sodas.
Natirar/Facebook
New Jersey’s most authentic farm-to-table restaurant, it’s located right on a 12-acre farm. The restaurant itself is housed in the former carriage house of a Moroccan prince’s estate. Dress to impress and prepare for an incredible meal. Try the multi-course Bring Me Food dining experience.
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Address: Felina Restaurant and Events, 54 E Ridgewood Ave, Ridgewood, NJ 07450, USAAddress: 801 Haddon Ave, Collingswood, NJ 08108, USAAddress: Cellar 335, 335 Newark Ave, Jersey City, NJ 07302, USAAddress: 101 Navesink Ave, Atlantic Highlands, NJ 07716, USAAddress: 13 1st Ave, Denville, NJ 07834, USAAddress: 2526 Delsea Dr, Franklinville, NJ 08322, USAAddress: 37 Crescent Blvd, Collingswood, NJ 08108, USAAddress: 169 Main St, Hackettstown, NJ 07840, USAAddress: 250 US-206, Branchville, NJ 07826, USAAddress: 41 Oyster Creek Rd, Leeds Point, NJ 08220, USAAddress: 27 Main St, Millburn, NJ 07041, USAAddress: Ninety Acres at Natirar, 200 Natirar Dr, Peapack, NJ 07977, USA
