It’s summertime in the Garden State, which means weekend escapes to the Jersey Shore, longer days, and plenty of reasons to dine and not cook at home. Here are a few new spots worth checking out.
Alessio’s Café, Weehawken
Italian eatery Alessio’s Café is now opening its third location on the Weehawken waterfront in Lincoln Harbor.The café offers a range of freshly made items, including breakfast sandwiches, pastries, paninis, pizza, salads, pasta, and coffee.
Alessio’s Café
539 Park Ave.
Hoboken, NJ
201-659-5200
Fishtown Seafood, Haddonfield
Fishtown Seafood has officially opened its third location in Haddonfield, NJ, with a celebratory ribbon cutting on June 20th. The event, held in partnership with Downtown Haddonfield and featuring local dignitaries, coincided with National Sushi Day. Known for its responsibly sourced, chemical-free seafood, Fishtown Seafood brings its signature “guilt-free” approach to a new community, furthering its mission of sustainability and quality. The Haddonfield store joins the brand’s Philadelphia locations in Fishtown and Fitler Square.
Fishtown Seafood
114 Kings Hwy E.
Haddonfield, NJ
Garden State Tavern, West Caldwell
There’s a new pizza spot in West Caldwell called Garden State Tavern. In addition to classic and specialty pizzas, the menu features handheld options like their soft-shell crab sandwich and drunken chicken sandwich, as well as steaks, pork chop dinners, and a full lineup of cocktails and beer. Opening right on time for summer get-togethers and game nights.
Garden State Tavern
811 Passaic Ave.
West Caldwell, NJ
Il Leone, Matawan
Not brand new, but recently opened, Il Leone in Matawan has quickly become a local favorite. This upscale Italian restaurant puts a unique spin on traditional dishes by infusing them with Albanian flavors. Haven’t heard that fusion before? Even more reason to check them out. The menu features dishes like Spicy Rigatoni, Risotto Pescatori, Snake River Farm Skirt Steak, and a variety of wood-fired pizzas.
Il Leone
443 NJ-34
Matawan, NJ
973-400-0263
Isola, Westfield
After making its debut at the Jersey Shore, Isola Italian Trattoria has now opened in Westfield, bringing its signature Italian flair with it. Highlights include a mozzarella bar (because, really, who doesn’t love mozzarella?), fresh pasta dishes, and a menu built around locally sourced and imported ingredients.
Isola
27 Elm St. 35 Elm St.
Westfield, NJ
Keepers, Harrison
Now open in Harrison’s Riverbend District, Keepers is a homey American restaurant and bar with a retro-style coffee window, located just steps from Sports Illustrated Stadium. It offers locals, sports fans, and visitors a place to eat and drink any time of day. The menu features elevated comfort food, including the Hot Honey Chicken Sandwich, Steak Frites, and Soft Pretzel Bites, alongside a selection of craft cocktails, beer, and wine.
Keepers
1100 S 5th St.
Harrison, NJ
862-772-4027
Mauka Indian Cuisine, Bridgewater
There’s a new BYOB Indian eatery in Bridgewater worth checking out, and it’s called Mauka Indian Cuisine. Conveniently located on Route 202, Mauka offers a menu featuring all the classic sizzling Tandoori options, such as Bhatti Ka Hariyali Paneer and Chicken Tikka Banjara. The entrée selection includes chicken, lamb, goat, seafood, and a variety of vegetarian and vegan dishes, such as Saag Paneer and Methi Malai Mutter, along with some Naan and Paratha to complete an authentic Indian meal.
Mauka Indian Cuisine
793 US-20
Bridgewater, NJ
908-300-8634
Morgan Steakhouse and Sushi Bar, Westwood
Let’s talk about perfect pairs—what comes to mind? How about steak and sushi? At the new Morgan Steakhouse and Sushi in Westwood, that’s precisely what’s on the menu. This BYOB spot has an impressive selection of prime cuts alongside a wide variety of fresh sushi. It’s a great place to gather with friends and enjoy a bottle of wine you bring. From a Prime Wet-Aged NY strip, a 30-day Dry-Aged Porterhouse, or the popular Prime Wagyu Tomahawk. On the sushi side, you’ll find all the classics.
Morgan Steakhouse and Sushi Bar
284 Center Ave.
Westwood, NJ
201-722-8600
Paris Baguette, Rockaway
If you’re a fan of pastries and coffee, here’s one for you. Rockaway, New Jersey, just welcomed a Paris Baguette, the beloved and fast-growing South Korean franchise. If you’re not familiar with the brand, it’s not your typical grab-and-go coffee spot. In addition to great coffee, you’ll find specialty cakes, fresh tarts, house-made donuts, croissants, and more, all baked fresh daily.
Paris Baguette
321 Mt Hope Ave.
Rockaway, NJ
The Feathered Fox, Jersey City
Recently opened on Jersey City’s waterfront, The Feathered Fox is a modern steakhouse and seafood restaurant that brings a fresh take to the area’s dining scene. The menu strikes a balance between classic steakhouse fare, such as Prime NY Strip, Wagyu Beef, and Prime Porterhouse, and coastal-inspired dishes, including Barnegat Sea Scallops, Lobster Fettuccini Carbonara, and a creative sushi selection featuring rolls like The Hudson, The Foxy Lover, and the Truffle Scallop Roll. With a stylishly designed space, sweeping waterfront views, and a standout cocktail program, The Feathered Fox offers an elevated yet approachable experience.
The Feathered Fox
84 Audrey Zapp Dr.
Jersey City, NJ
201-419-6791
The Freakin Rican, Teaneck
Puerto Rican cuisine is making its mark on Teaneck’s growing food scene with the arrival of The Freakin Rican, opening its first New Jersey location after building a loyal following in Astoria, Queens. The menu will spotlight authentic favorites like pernil, mofongo, pastelón, alcapurrias, and a range of classic Puerto Rican desserts. It hasn’t opened just yet, but this is one to keep an eye on.
The Freakin Rican
468 Cedar Lane
Teaneck, NJ
Sweet Jeans Kitchen And Espresso Bar, Newark
Newark’s newest café, Sweet Jeans Kitchen and Espresso Bar, is a must-visit for latte lovers, offering creative blends like the London Fog Latte, Cinnamon Honey Latte, Golden Coconut Latte, and Tiramisu Latte. Pair your drink with one of the hearty breakfast sandwiches for the perfect start to your day.
Sweet Jeans Kitchen And Espresso Bar
494 Broad St.
Newark, NJ
Wonder, Brick, and Toms River
If you haven’t heard about Wonder and its concept, now’s the time to check it out because the brand has announced two new New Jersey locations in Brick and Toms River. Wonder is a new kind of food hall that brings together dishes from different chefs and restaurants, allowing customers to mix and match all in one order.
