As the new year approaches, New Jersey’s vibrant culinary scene continues to grow. Here’s a look at several new Garden State restaurants to keep on your radar, plus a few that are coming soon.
Bubbakoo’s Burritos, West Orange
West Orange welcomes Mexican-fusion eatery Bubbakoo’s Burritos. The restaurant has more than 100 locations across the U.S. and got its start in Point Pleasant. Stop in for a hibachi steak and shrimp burrito, Nashville hot chicken burrito, sriracha shredded pork nachos, and much more.
Bubbakoo’s Burritos
495 Prospect Avenue
West Orange, NJ
Cuban Eddie’s, Paramus
Known for its authentic Cuban flavors, Cuban Eddie’s has ambitiously expanded throughout the state since first opening in 2007. And now shoppers and locals alike can drop into the Paramus Park Mall for a flavorful lunch or snack at Cuban Eddie’s. Check out the bowls, burritos, and main dishes, including many gluten-free options.
Cuban Eddie’s
700 Paramus Park
Paramus, NJ
Cornbread Farm-to-Soul, Montclair
Montclair’s exciting dining scene now includes Cornbread Farm-to-Soul among its go-to spots. The fast-casual-style restaurant specializes in soul food, with ingredients from local farmers and shops. And while cornbread is most definitely on the menu, it is by no means the only offering. The Montclair location is the fourth spot for Cornbread, and the third in New Jersey. (Other locations include Maplewood, NJ; Newark, NJ; and Brooklyn, NY.)
Cornbread Farm-to-Soul
362 Bloomfield Avenue
Montclair, NJ
FiNNBAR, Frenchtown (coming soon)
Have you heard about FiNNBAR, in Frenchtown? It’s coming soon to the former address of the Frenchtown Inn, which closed in 2022. The new year will breathe life back into this Hunterdon County space, thanks to cookbook author and chef Cal Peternell. And guests who dine at FiNNBAR will be doing much more than enjoying a meal to remember. They’ll also be supporting Studio Route 29, a Frenchtown arts center and gallery for adults with intellectual disabilities. Works by Studio Route 29’s artists will be on exhibit and available for purchase at the restaurant.
FiNNBAR
7 Bridge Street
Frenchtown, NJ
Graze Caze, Ramsey
Who loves charcuterie? If you even thought about raising your hand, read on. (And even if you didn’t, read on!) Graze Craze, a new spot dedicated the art of charcuterie and the idea of enjoying food by way of “grazing,” has recently opened its first New Jersey location, in Ramsey. Open for pickup or delivery, Graze Craze has something for everyone, with customized themed boards including keto, vegan, game day, brunch, and more.
Graze Craze
88 E. Main Street
Ramsey, NJ
Il Forno a Legna, Raritan
Nothing compares to the goodness of wood-fired pizza. Located in Raritan, Il Forno a Legna, a newly opened pizzeria, serves dishes freshly made in made-in-Italy wood-fired ovens. And the menu goes far beyond pizza as well, with a wide range of appetizers, salads, and entrees such as pollo saltimbocca and veal marsala.
Il Forno a Legna
53 W. Somerset Street
Raritan, NJ
Il Porcellino, Egg Harbor Township
The Cardiff Plaza Shopping Center in Egg Harbor Township recently welcomed Il Porcellino. The Italian market offers homemade pasta, biscotti, deli meats, cheese, and more. Check out sandwiches such as the Milano and Sloppy Giuseppe.
Il Porcellino
6701 Black Horse Pike, Suite G3
Egg Harbor Township, NJ
Marimba Cafe, Hackensack
Discover a unique cafe experience at Marimba Cafe, in Hackensack. The spot brings a CBD concept to the area, combining a cafe ambiance with premium cannabis brands and specialty coffee.
Marimba Cafe
10 Banta Place, Suite 124
Hackensack, NJ
Naoki Sushi, Lawrenceville
Looking for a new sushi dining experience? Check out Naomi Sushi, a recently opened sushi restaurant in Lawrenceville, headed up by Chef Naoki Tashiro. Experience a seven-course omakase sushi meal, or have a seat at the counter for a quick bite.
Naoki Sushi
2649 Main Street
Lawrenceville, NJ
PachaMama, Green Brook (coming soon)
Anticipate another exciting addition in the upcoming year: PachaMama in Green Book. The Peruvian restaurant will feature the creations of Chef Ricardo Ramirez, formerly of Mission Ceviche, in New York City. Set to offer an elevated pan-Latin cuisine-and-cocktails experience, the Somerset County space anticipates a late-January opening.
PachaMama
215 Route 22
Green Brook NJ
PrimoHoagies, Morristown
Sandwich enthusiasts, rejoice! Classic sandwich go-to, PrimoHoagies, is now open in Morristown. Place your order or stop in for Primo cutlets, Philly cheesesteaks, Schwartzies, and more. Available for catering.
PrimoHoagies
44 Speedwell Avenue
Morristown, NJ
Saffron, Red Bank
Recently opened in the heart of downtown Red Bank, Saffron brings a modern twist to traditional Indian cuisine. The interior features accents of gold and hand-painted murals. And the extensive menu includes dairy-free, gluten-free, halal, kosher, organic, vegan, and vegetarian options.
Saffron
31 W. Front Street
Red Bank, NJ
