Let’s close out summer by exploring some of New Jersey’s newest culinary hotspots. From North to South Jersey, here are a few fresh additions to check out.
Bacarosa, Nutley
It’s bold Italian flavors and spirits at the new eatery in Nutely. The menu features wood-fired pizzas, including a truffle Cacio e Pepe with wild mushrooms and pecorino, handmade pastas, black bass piccata, and dry-aged porterhouse steak. All complemented by a vibrant cocktail list with some cool names like Smart Ideas In Book I’ve Never Read, Ride Out The Wave, and Never For Money.
Bacarosa
238 Franklin Avenue
Nutley, NJ
973-542-2005
BRBQ, Jersey City
BRBQ, the latest concept from the acclaimed DOMODOMO team, is now open at Journal Square Urby, welcoming guests to experience a dynamic fusion of Korean-American cuisine and wood-fired grilling in a stylish, contemporary setting. At BRBQ, located at the base of the 25-story Urby tower across from the Journal Square PATH, guests can enjoy a menu centered on premium proteins and vegetables, char-grilled over real wood flames and finished with bold, Asian-inspired sauces, condiments, and aromatics.
BRBQ
532 Summit Ave
Jersey City, NJ 07306
Cucina Del Mar, Atlantic City
An oceanfront dining experience inside a new boutique hotel has come to Atlantic City, serving Italian coastal fare that highlights fresh local seafood and Mediterranean flavors. It’s called Cucina Del Mar, led by Executive Chef Nick Faucher. The menu has a variety of dishes such as Grouper Acqua Pazza with cherry tomatoes, roasted fennel, Pan-Seared Dayboat Scallops with sweet pea purée and blistered cherry tomatoes, and house-made seasonal Seafood Chowder, among others. It’s a place where, after you dine, drink or both, you can be steps from your room.
Cucina Del Mar
110 South Morris Avenue,
Atlantic City, NJ
Forum Coffee
The former Hoboken bank building is now home to the newest location of Forum Coffee. With several stores already across the state, Forum has earned a reputation for knowing its coffee. Order everything from iced and hot lattes to matcha and signature seasonal creations like the Peppermint Matcha Latte, Cannoli Latte, and, just in time for fall, the classic Pumpkin Spice.
Forum Coffee
1400 Washington St.
Hoboken, NJ
Mykos, Northvale
Looking for authentic Greek flavors? Northvale now has a new spot, Mykos, serving in-house pita and seafood-forward dishes. The cocktail program carries the theme with drinks like Achilles’ Heel, Medusa’s Mirror, and Antheia’s Garden. The setting completes the experience with white walls, blue-trimmed doors, and pink blossoms that give Greek-island vibes.
Mykos
416 Tappan Rd
Northvale, NJ
201-300-4596
Remi’s Ristorante, Warren
Recently opened, Remi’s Ristorante opened its doors to the Warren neighborhood last week. With a heartfelt tribute to friendship and culinary memories as the mission, this Italian newcomer brings the flavors of home to the table.
Remi’s Ristorante
50 Mt Bethel Rd,
Warren, NJ
908-755-0032
Sam’s Table, Montclair
This one is in the works with an opening date of September 4, but one to put on your radar. Coming to Montclair, Sam’s Table is a vegetable-forward fine dining experience where the seasonal menus set to change bi-weekly will be worth the wait. Oh, and it’s a BYOB, stay tuned!
Sam’s Table
377 Bloomfield Ave
Montclair, NJ
973-200-2092
Tacoria Mexican Street Kitchen, Cherry Hill
One of the most beloved cuisines, Mexican street food, has arrived in Cherry Hill, where a fast-growing casual concept, Tacoria Mexican Street Kitchen, is opening its 12th New Jersey location. Dig into burritos, tacos, quesadillas, and “Viva La Nachos,” or opt for vegan-friendly choices, all served with salsas and sauces.
Tacoria Mexican Street Kitchen
801 Haddonfield Rd
Cherry Hill Township, NJ
Tatte Bakery, Ridgewood
A popular café chain’s first New Jersey store, offering Mediterranean-inspired scratch-kitchen and it’s called Tatte Bakery. The all-day menu features breakfast, lunch, and dinner options, including bagels, fresh challah, artisanal cheesecakes, shakshuka, pastries, and a variety of coffees and teas.
Tatte Bakery
222 E Ridgewood Ave
Ridgewood, NJ
732-268-8084
The Freakin Rican, Teaneck (pictured at top)
It’s official, The Freakin Rican in Teaneck is open! Check them out for fresh-made Puerto Rican-styled pernil, mofongo, pastelón, alcapurrias, and more.
The Freakin Rican
466-468 Cedar Ln
Teaneck, NJ
201-357-4318
The Saint Clair, Montclair
Montclair is home to many talented chefs, but now it welcomes an actual Top Chef, Leia Gaccione, celebrity chef as seen on Top Chef and Chopped. She’s bringing a new concept, The Saint Clair, an artsy space serving elevated American cuisine. The menu spans brunch, lunch, dinner, and dessert, offering something delicious any time of day.
The Saint Clair
32 Church St
Montclair, NJ
973-867-8387
Union Bar & Provisions, East Rutherford
Newly built, The Union Bar & Provisions in Rutherford immediately caught my attention with its expansive open windows that flood the space with natural light and showcase the bar from outside. Now open, the menu offers a bit of everything from sandwiches, salads, soups, a raw bar, steaks, and even the rarely-seen meatloaf. The cocktail program balances classics like Manhattans, Margaritas, and Old Fashioneds with signature creations such as a Cucumber Basil Gimlet and an Espresso Martini.
Union Bar & Provisions
170 Union Ave
East Rutherford, NJ
