Temps are heating up and so is the New Jersey restaurant scene. From lobster at the Jersey Shore and over-the-top sandwich spots to new vegetarian and sushi options, you may have a hard time choosing where to go first. Enjoy!
Cousins Maine Lobster, Asbury Park
This popular lobster joint has opened yet another New Jersey location—this time, in Asbury Park. Known for its food trucks, CML has also opened a number of brick-and-mortar locations in recent years. The brand serves up lobster rolls, lobster bisque, lobster tails, and more—all fresh Maine lobster.
Cousins Maine Lobster
800 Ocean Avenue
Asbury Park
JUGEMU, Cresskill
This authentic Japanese restaurant in Bergen County will open to the public on May 22, 2022.
JUGEMU
156 Piermont Road
Cresskill, NJ
Pastosa Ravioli, Eatontown
It’s been two decades since Pastosa Ravioli’s founder, Anthony Ajello Sr., planted the idea of an Eatontown location. Now, Pastosa has opened its doors in the Monmouth County town—its fifth New Jersey spot. The Italian market offers ravioli, of course, as well as plenty of pastas, sauces, cured meats, and cheeses, among other options.
Pastosa Ravioli
315 NJ-35
Eatontown
Hangry Joe’s Hot Chicken, Florham Park
Welcome to the Garden State, Hangry Joe’s! Recently opened in Florham Park, menu favorites include the chicken and waffles, the Korean chicken, plus a variety of sides and sauces. The fast-casual spot has locations in Virginia, Texas, and Maryland, too, with plenty of additional locations opening soon.
Hangry Joe’s Hot Chicken
187 Columbia Turnpike
Florham Park
Wattle Café, Jersey City
Jersey City welcomes Wattle Café to New Jersey. With locations in Manhattan’s Financial District and Murray Hill, this superfood destination takes pride in offering healthy, vegan options, plus keto-friendly, gluten-free, and sugar-free choices as well. The coffee is supplied and roasted by Brooklyn-based Abbotsford Road.
Wattle Café
351 Marin Boulevard
Jersey City, NJ
worldFLATS, Montclair
The fast-casual restaurant serving up fresh and flavorful “flats” has opened its third location, on Montclair’s Church Street. The “FLAT” staple of the worldFLATS menu is known in Armenia as lavash. Softer and more pliable than traditional flatbread and generally circular in shape, flats can be eaten flat or folded.
The vegetarian and vegan-friendly restaurant offers 11 varieties of flats inspired by cuisine and spices from around the world. In addition, the restaurant offers vegetarian soups, salads, desserts, and the option to add plant-based proteins to most menu items. You can also enjoy a pomegranate or mango yogurt drink, or a house-made Agua Fresca—fruit infused water with a touch of agave.
worldFLATS
58 Church Street
Montclair
Beach Bowls, North Wildwood
Located between 5th and 6th Avenues on New Jersey Avenue, Beach Bowls expands the fresh, healthy options available in the Wildwoods. This café-style space will feature a salad bar and a grab-and-go section. The menu also includes vegan options, gluten-free items, acai bowls, overnight oats, wraps, deli salads, and panini. Currently open on weekends, the spot will be open daily soon.
Beach Bowls
100 East 5th Avenue
North Wildwood
Hoagitos, Oakhurst
This Belmar favorite has just opened up a new location in Oakhurst. Stop by to enjoy the same menu as Belmar—plenty of “hoagitos,” as well as sliders, fried chicken sandwiches, breakfast choices, and sides. (Do not skip the macaroni and cheese.) The modern seating area offers guests an inviting place to enjoy a meal with friends. And be sure to check out the outdoor space as well!
Hoagitos
Towne Center Plaza
2005 Route 35, Unit 6
Oakhurst
Eddie V’s Prime Seafood, Paramus
Throughout the United States, people know Eddie V’s for its seafood. In addition to world-class fish, Eddie V’s offers USDA-Prime steaks that are hand cut and specially aged for more than 28 days to ensure peak flavor. The Paramus location is the first in New Jersey and officially opens on May 22nd.
Eddie V’s Prime Seafood
Garden State Plaza
Paramus
Tonnie’s Minis, Paramus
For the past three decades, Tonnie’s Minis has been serving up specialty cakes and cupcakes in Newark. Now, the bakery expands to the Westfield Garden State Plaza Mall, in Paramus, with its newest location. While the cakes and cupcakes (including plant-based treats) are a given, Tonnie’s Minis is also the place to be for everything from banana bread to chocolate covered strawberries.
Tonnie’s Minis
Garden State Plaza
Paramus
Centrada Cocina and Cocktails, Red Bank
Chef Norman Reola highlights pan-Latin cuisine at this new Red Bank eatery with entrées such as sofrito marinated fried chicken, and skirt steak with chimichurri—plus plenty of appetizers. Don’t miss the cocktail list either, with handcrafted drinks featuring various tequilas, gins, bourbons, and more.
Centrada Cocina and Cocktails
10 W. Front Street
Red Bank
Five Dimes Brewery, Westwood
Downtown Westwood just got a bit more hip with the addition of Five Dimes. This craft brewery has ample seating and event space, as well as a rooftop to enjoy some brews on a warm summer day. The brewery offers plenty of beer varieties, from a double IPA to a stout and a blonde.
Five Dimes Brewery
247 Westwood Avenue
Westwood
