The Garden State is brimming with new food and drink spots to try—as well as several on the way. August at the Jersey Shore will bring the return of the Brielle River House after renovations. Farther south, Drifters offers fresh summer fare and craft cocktails in Seaside Heights, while Morristown will soon celebrate the opening of Agricola’s second New Jersey location. Read on to learn more, and follow them all on social media for updates and announcements!
Popolari, Bloomfield
Popolari presents a retro and chic vibe for its Italian pizza and pasta bar. The restaurant serves popular Italian dishes, from Neapolitan pizza to American pizza, and plenty of pasta. Enjoy a meal in the outdoor pizza garden or indoor dining room. Open Tuesday through Saturday, 12 p.m. to 10p.m.; Sunday, 12 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Popolari
1047 Broad Street
Bloomfield, NJ
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Brielle River House, Brielle
This popular shore spot (shown at top) is preparing to reopen after taking a hiatus for renovations. The restaurant sits on the Manasquan River, with indoor and outdoor seating, with bars in both areas. Customers can enjoy specialty cocktails, an expansive wine menu, and high quality cuisine in a lovely riverfront setting.
Brielle River House
1 Ocean Avenue
Brielle, NJ
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Mexology, Elizabeth
At Mexology, the Garden Group’s newest venture, craft cocktails meet modern Mexican cuisine. The hospitality group opens its third restaurant in Elizabeth (the group currently owns The Garden in Elizabeth and Hornitos in Paterson). Customers can expect a casual taqueria with a more modern twist, set in a massive, 10,000 square-foot space, with Southern Mexican-inspired décor. Opening date is coming soon.
Mexology
270 Morris Avenue
Elizabeth, NJ
Ramen Nagomi, Freehold
Ramen Nagomi’s second location, in Freehold, is now open. This ramen spot features comforting ramen dishes, including soft shell miso crab, as well as appetizers such as rock shrimp tempura. Broths are made with organic chicken and the pork is certified humane and hormone free, from Niman Ranch. Noodles are by Myojo Noodles. Open Wednesday through Monday, 12 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., and 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Ramen Nagomi
5 W Main Street
Freehold, NJ
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BK Lobster, Linden
BK Lobster Linden is a fast-casual luxury restaurant franchise. The menu includes a variety of lobster rolls, with added emphasis on the use of the finest Maine lobster. Reservations are not required.
BK Lobster
1600 East St. George’s Avenue
Linden, NJ
Las Olas Taqueria, Marmora
Las Olas brings authentic Mexican cuisine to this small Cape May County town. Owner Joe Papano spent years in Mexico and Southern California, where he grew a passion for creating the perfect tacos. Try the made-to-order dishes, including the al pastor tacos and Mexican street corn. Open Tuesday through Saturday, 11:30 .a.m to 7:30 p.m.
Las Olas Taqueria
4 Roosevelt Boulevard #4
Marmora, NJ
Agricola, Morristown
At Agricola, food is a universal language. The popular Princeton eatery—which is a member of Harvest Restaurant Group—is expanding its concept into Morristown. In Latin, “Agricola” means “farmer,” which embodies the restaurant’s farm-to-table spirit and its dedication to community and comfort. Coming this fall.
Agricola
40 West Park Place
Morristown, NJ
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Fiorentini, Rutherford
Fiorentini is slated to open in Rutherford sometime this summer, though the grand opening date is TBD. The restaurant will serve authentic Italian cuisine with a global and modern flare, though its official menu has not been released. Stay tuned, and follow them on Facebook and Instagram for more details.
Fiorentini
98 Park Avenue
Rutherford, NJ
Drifters, Seaside Heights
This seafood-centric new spot offers small plates, a raw bar, and signature cocktails. Stop in and enjoy live music, as well as cocktails such as the Dead a Head: a twist on a watermelon margarita. Plus, their outdoor area has beach vibe, with sand and picnic tables. Raw bar options include local and imported oysters, top neck clams, and tune poke. Open Wednesday through Sunday, 5 p.m. to 12 a.m.
Drifters
701 Boulevard
Seaside Heights, NJ
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Mahana Fresh, Toms River
Mahana Fresh has franchise locations all over the country. Now, it’s coming to New Jersey; Owner Ed Bush is opening the state’s first location in Toms River. Customers can create bowls loaded with options such as basmati rice, honey sriracha Brussels sprouts, and spicy ahi tuna, or choose from one of the signature bowls. Opening date is TBD.
Mahana Fresh
2 NJ-37 Unit 3B
Toms River, NJ
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El Tuque, Vineland
El Tuque brings Puerto Rican flare to Vineland. With a menu that changes regularly, there’s always something new to try, including mofongos (a traditional dish involving plantains and meat or seafood) and fresh desserts, such as tembleque (a Puerto Rican coconut pudding). El Tuque offers a family-friendly, casual atmosphere.
El Tuque
623 E Landis Avenue
Vineland, NJ
If you missed last month’s lineup, you can find that here.
