Congrats—you’ve made it past the “new year, new me” phase and have likely settled into your routine. Now, it’s time to shake things up with some exciting NJ restaurant openings. Here are the latest must-tries to add to your list.
Don’t Tell Liv, Jersey City (Shown at top)
This spot has been creating quite a buzz on social media. Don’t Tell Liv, a speakeasy in Jersey City, is the place to be. Located on the second floor of 138 Newark Avenue, this upscale lounge offers a unique vibe perfect for a night out. Whether you’re there for the food, cocktails, a girls’ night, date night, or the full speakeasy experience, just don’t tell Liv!
Don’t Tell Liv
138 Newark Ave.
Jersey City, NJ
201-331-0073
Fable & Flame, Madison
Nothing beats a delicious smash burger and a creamy milkshake, and now Madison has a new go-to spot for both! Fable & Flame, the recently opened eatery, specializes in smash burgers like The Odyssey and The Inferno, alongside crispy chicken sandwiches like The Phoenix and cheesesteaks like The Chimney Sweep and Truffle Tale. For a classic American meal, this is the place to go.
Fable & Flame
143 Main St.
Madison, NJ
973-251-9133
Fluffy Fluffy Go, Jersey City
Japanese-style soufflé pancakes have been trending, and now Jersey City’s Newport Mall has its own spot to indulge! Fluffy Fluffy Go, a popular and fast-growing franchise known for its expertise in all things fluffy, has opened its first Northeast location. Enjoy classic or over-the-top soufflé pancakes, along with a savory croffle collection and other sweet treats like cheesecake, macarons, and more. And don’t forget to pair it with a freshly brewed coffee or latte.
Fluffy Fluffy Go
Newport Mall 3rd Fl Dining Pavilion
29 Mall Dr W.
Jersey City, NJ
201-626-5619
Judy’s & Harry’s, Asbury Park
Changes are coming to The St. Laurent in Asbury Park as Heirloom rebrands and reopens as Judy & Harry’s. The new concept will feature Italian classics with a globally inspired twist. Designed to be the neighborhood’s go-to spot, Judy & Harry’s is perfect for special celebrations, date nights, or simply to enjoy a great meal. Stay tuned for the grand reopening and official welcoming of the newly reimagined space!
Judy’s & Harry’s
408 7th Ave.
Asbury Park, NJ
732-795-2582
Knights Public House, New Brunswick
It’s a vibe at Knights Public House in New Brunswick. Whether you’re looking for a great drink, delicious food, or a spot to catch the game, this newly opened bar and restaurant has you covered. The menu offers something for everyone, from truffle fries and sliders to a NY Strip Steak, spicy chicken sandwich, and wings. Plus serving some specialty cocktails like an LIT, Sour Apple Martini, or Jolly Rancher for the perfect night out.
Knights Public House
12 Easton Ave.
New Brunswick, NJ
732-640-1718
Masseria Italian Steakhouse, Morristown
Morristown’s thriving food scene just got even better with the arrival of Masseria Italian Steakhouse. This new hotspot blends rustic Italian flavors with modern flair, offering premium cuts of meat, fresh seafood, charcuterie, pizza, and more. Check out our full story here!
Masseria Italian Steakhouse
28 Headquarters Plaza Mall
Morristown, NJ
973-287-5007
Maxwell Alley, Jersey City
Coming soon to Jersey City, Maxwell Alley is bringing a contemporary American dining experience with a seasonal menu, an innovative cocktail program, and a lively atmosphere. A must-visit for foodies and cocktail enthusiasts, this new hotspot is set to open early this year. Follow them on Instagram for the latest updates!
Maxwell Alley
Address Coming Soon
Jersey City, NJ
Otter Fine Sushi & Beyond, Fort Lee
Fort Lee just got a new sushi spot, Otter Fine Sushi & Beyond. The menu features all the classics, from Spicy Tuna Rolls to Shrimp Tempura Rolls, and unique offerings like the Mango Lover Roll and Cheesesteak Roll. There are plenty of sides and dishes to choose from, including miso soup and Hawaiian poke salad. Plus, guests dining between 11:30 AM and 5 PM on weekdays can enjoy 20% off during happy hour. Say less!
Otter Fine Sushi & Beyond
2060 Hudson St Unit 18
Fort Lee, NJ
201-482-0071
Pollo Dorado, Kearny
Claiming the title of best rotisserie chicken in New Jersey is a new Dominican restaurant called Pollo Dorado. Located in Kearny, Pollo Dorado serves buffet-style with a variety of options, including rice, beans, meats, plátano maduros (sweet plantains), yuca (cassava), seafood, and of course, the famous rotisserie chicken. This spot is a must-visit for an authentic Dominican lunch or dinner!
Pollo Dorado
147 Kearny Ave.
Kearny, NJ
201-997-1105
Seoul Fried Chicken, Somerset County
The fast-growing Korean franchise Seoul Fried Chicken (SFC) is expanding in the Garden State with two new locations now open in Edison. Known for serving fresh, never frozen, non-GMO, all-natural, and certified Halal chicken, SFC takes pride in quality and flavor. The menu features chicken boxes, including a family box, and a bunch of different sauces like hot honey butter, mango habanero, and creamy wasabi pepper. Sides to pair your crispy chicken, think tater tots, fries, and SFC’s signature mayonnaise & pickles.
Seoul Fried Chicken
2017 NJ-27
Somerset, NJ
Sihana Bistro, Newark
Newark Urby welcomes Sihana Bistro, a vibrant new café from local restaurateurs Kreshnik Berisha and David Khabuliani, offering Mediterranean and Georgian-inspired cuisine in the heart of Downtown Newark. Open daily from 11:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., the bistro features signature dishes like Khinkali dumplings, creamy garlic chicken (Chkmeruli), and craft cocktails made with Newark’s All Points West spirits. More than just a dining destination, Sihana Bistro hosts interactive cooking classes and live music on Sundays and remains deeply committed to community enrichment, continuing the founders’ legacy of blending culinary excellence with cultural connection.
Sihana Bistro
159 Washington Street
Newark, NJ 07102
Sotto la Luna Italian Pizzeria Ristorante, Ocean View
Available for takeout only for now, check out Sotto la Luna Pizzeria Ristorante in Ocean View for delicious homemade Italian dishes. Just the name alone transports you to Italy! While the restaurant prepares for dine-in service, don’t wait, get a taste of the menu now and enjoy your favorite Italian classics. Stay tuned for more updates!
Sotto la Luna Italian Pizzeria Ristorante
108 NJ-50
Ocean View, NJ
609-390-8797
Sugar Tree Cafe, Livingston
It’s all about décor, breakfast, and milkshakes at Sugar Tree Cafe, and with its second location now open in Livingston, there are even more ways to indulge. But it’s not just about the sweets, you can also enjoy lunch favorites like sticky wings, a chicken club, and a vegan chickpea salad sandwich, along with fresh salads.
Sugar Tree Cafe
107 E Mt Pleasant Ave.
Livingston, NJ
973-740-2003
With so many exciting NJ restaurant openings, food lovers have plenty to look forward to in the Garden State. From trendy new bistros to new takes on the classics, these additions to the dining scene offer something for everyone. Whether you’re craving gourmet dishes, casual comfort food, or bold international flavors, these new spots are ready to impress. Be sure to explore these fresh culinary destinations and support the growing restaurant community across New Jersey! If you missed our new restaurant lineup from last month, follow this link.
