New restaurants are opening across New Jersey at a steady pace, and the momentum shows no signs of slowing down. From chef-driven concepts to casual neighborhood spots, this roundup highlights some of the latest openings to keep on your radar this month.
Almost Home, Long Branch (shown at top)
A beloved Jersey Shore coffee brand has opened a new location at The Inkwell Lofts in Long Branch. Almost Home now occupies the ground floor of the newly completed boutique condominium community, paying tribute to the original Inkwell Coffee House while creating a welcoming neighborhood gathering place for residents and visitors alike.
The café serves specialty coffee, espresso drinks, matcha, teas, house-made pastries, breakfast favorites, sandwiches, and fresh grab-and-go options. Designed as an inviting all-day destination, the new location continues Almost Home’s focus on quality ingredients, community, and thoughtfully crafted food and beverages.
Almost Home
665 2nd Avenue
Long Branch, NJ 07740
Carlitos Tequileria, North Arlington
A new upscale Mexican restaurant has opened in North Arlington from the team behind Carlito’s Barbecue Taqueria. Founded by Carlos Castillo, the brand began as a food truck in 2017 before expanding across the region, and Carlitos Tequileria marks its first full-service restaurant in New Jersey.
The menu highlights hand-pressed nixtamal tortillas filled with options like smoked brisket, chicharrón, and crispy fish, alongside grilled specialties, house-made salsas, and shareable appetizers. An extensive tequila and mezcal program anchors the bar, with handcrafted margaritas, agave-forward cocktails, and a Mexican-style lager brewed in collaboration with Hoboken Brewing Co. The restaurant’s modern hacienda-inspired design also features private dining rooms and a patio overlooking the Passaic River.
Carlitos Tequileria
185 River Road
North Arlington, NJ 07031
COV, Edgewater
A waterfront landmark has been reimagined with the opening of COV at Pier 115 in Edgewater. The new restaurant and bar from owner Michael Giannopoulos, Director of Operations Andrew Christianson, and Karl Khambatta sits along the Hudson River with sweeping views of the Manhattan skyline.
Led by Culinary Director Juan Carlos “JC” Ortega, the menu is designed for sharing and features a curated chilled bar alongside seafood, pastas, grilled specialties, and more. Beverage Director Jeremy LeBlanche leads the cocktail program, which focuses on creative and interactive presentations. The full-service restaurant features a spacious indoor dining room, expansive alfresco deck, and an upper-level dining room available for private events.
COV Restaurant
115 River Road, Edgewater NJ
Dave’s Hot Chicken, Parsippany
The fast-growing Dave’s Hot Chicken chain has expanded in New Jersey with the opening of a new location in Parsippany. What began as a late-night pop-up in Los Angeles has grown into an international brand known for its Nashville-style hot chicken, bringing its signature sliders, tenders, and bold flavors to Morris County.
Guests can customize their spice level from No Spice to Reaper, pairing their chicken with crinkle-cut fries, creamy mac & cheese, kale slaw, shakes, and house-made Dave’s Sauce. The new restaurant also offers dine-in, takeout, and late-night dining throughout the week.
Dave’s Hot Chicken
1157 U.S. Route 46
Parsippany, NJ 07054
Del Buono’s Pastry Shop, Westmont
As Del Buono’s Bakery celebrates its 100th anniversary, the South Jersey institution is expanding with the opening of Del Buono’s Pastry Shop in Westmont this August. The new concept builds on the bakery’s century-long legacy while introducing a destination dedicated to artisan pastries, fresh donuts, Italian specialties, premium coffee, and custom cakes.
A highlight of the new shop is DiBartolo’s Kakery at Del Buono’s, a cake studio led by nationally recognized cake artist Al DiBartolo. Known for his appearances on several Food Network competitions, DiBartolo will offer custom cakes, wedding consultations, and cake decorating classes. The pastry shop is expected to hold a soft opening in mid-August, followed by a grand opening celebration on August 29 during the Haddon Township Summer Music Festival.
Del Buono’s Pastry Shop
572 Haddon Avenue
Westmont, NJ 08108
FIG Rustic Italian Kitchen, Long Valley
A new chef-driven Italian restaurant has opened in Long Valley, bringing handcrafted Northern Italian cuisine to western Morris County. FIG Rustic Italian Kitchen offers a warm, intimate dining experience centered around old-world cooking techniques, housemade specialties, and locally sourced ingredients.
The menu features housemade focaccia, artisanal pizzas, seasonal pastas, and slow-braised meats, complemented by craft cocktails and a curated wine list. Many of the restaurant’s ingredients, including produce and cocktail garnishes, are sourced from nearby local farms, including farms just across the street and down the road, highlighting FIG’s commitment to seasonal, farm-fresh dining.
FIG Rustic Italian Kitchen
71 East Mill Road
Long Valley, NJ 07853
Haven House, Bayonne
A new restaurant has opened at Bay 151 in Bayonne, bringing an “eatertainment” concept to the waterfront community. Haven House combines international flavors, specialty beverages, and a lively atmosphere designed for everything from casual meals and coffee breaks to watching major sporting events on its nearly 35-foot-wide LED screen.
The menu features a mix of Greek, Italian, Asian, and American-inspired dishes, along with coffee, desserts, and non-alcoholic specialty drinks. Located within the Bay 151 residential community, the restaurant also offers indoor and outdoor seating, creating a gathering place for families, friends, and neighbors.
Haven House
151 E Centre Street
Bayonne, NJ 07002
Ju-Ichi, Montclair
A family-owned Japanese restaurant has opened its newest location in downtown Montclair. Ju-Ichi brings its menu of authentic Japanese cuisine to Bloomfield Avenue, expanding a growing collection of locations across New Jersey and Pennsylvania.
The restaurant offers a wide selection of sushi, sashimi, specialty rolls, ramen, udon, Japanese appetizers, and traditional entrées. One of its standout offerings is its signature tonkotsu broth, which is simmered for approximately 24 hours using up to 100 pounds of pork bones and more than 20 carefully selected ingredients. An open kitchen allows guests to watch the broth and other dishes being prepared throughout the day.
Ju-Ichi
512 Bloomfield Avenue
Montclair, NJ 07042
Luckies Bar & Grill, Farmingdale
A new neighborhood restaurant has opened at Yellowbrook Commons in Farmingdale, offering a casual spot for lunch, dinner, drinks, and game day gatherings. Luckies Bar & Grill pairs classic American comfort food with a full bar in a lively setting designed for families, friends, and sports fans alike.
The menu features burgers, wings, pizzas, sandwiches, steaks, seafood, salads, and shareable appetizers, alongside draft beer, handcrafted cocktails, and daily specials. Located next to Swing Lab Golf Club, Luckies also provides food and drink service directly to golf simulator suites, creating a unique dining and entertainment experience.
Luckies Bar & Grill
90 Adelphia Road
Farmingdale, NJ 07727
Marée, Spring Lake
A new French coastal bistro and bar has opened in the heart of downtown Spring Lake. Marée, which means “tide” in French, was created by restaurateur and chef Marilyn Schlossbach and entrepreneur Bret Morgan as a neighborhood gathering place inspired by the Jersey Shore coastline, seasonal ingredients, and warm hospitality.
The menu features French-inspired coastal cuisine that changes with the seasons, alongside handcrafted cocktails, wine, and local beer. Guests can also enjoy private dining in the restaurant’s restored historic bank vault, now known as The Vault, while the overall space blends the building’s history with a modern dining experience.
Marée
1123 3rd Avenue
Spring Lake, NJ 07762
Millburn Deli, Ridgewood
A New Jersey sandwich institution has expanded to Bergen County with the opening of a new location in downtown Ridgewood. Founded in 1946, Millburn Deli has built a loyal following over nearly 80 years for its signature sandwiches, fresh salads, and classic deli fare, earning recognition as one of the state’s most beloved sandwich shops.
The Ridgewood shop serves the deli’s full lineup of customer favorites, including its famous Sloppy Joes, Gobbler, Godfadda, Jay Ray, and Griller sandwiches, along with wraps, salads, soups, and catering options. The new location marks the brand’s continued expansion across New Jersey while bringing its longtime family recipes and made-to-order menu to Bergen County.
Millburn Deli
15 Oak Street
Ridgewood, NJ 07450
Roman Gourmet, Warren
A longtime New Jersey pizzeria has expanded with a new location in Warren Township. Family-owned Roman Gourmet officially opened its newest restaurant in June, continuing a tradition that began in Maplewood in 1971.
Known for its classic Italian fare, Roman Gourmet serves specialty pizzas, pasta, soups, salads, sandwiches, calzones, and catering. The Warren location brings the restaurant’s family recipes and neighborhood atmosphere to Somerset County, offering both dine-in and takeout for guests looking for traditional Italian comfort food.
Roman Gourmet
125 Washington Valley Road
Warren, NJ 07059
SRO, Hoboken
A new cocktail lounge from the team behind Anthony David’s and Bin 14 has opened in uptown Hoboken. SRO offers an intimate, speakeasy-inspired setting with a menu of elevated small plates, handcrafted cocktails, and an atmosphere designed for lingering over drinks and conversation.
Led by chef Anthony Pino and Liz Pino, the concept pairs creative cocktails with dishes like duck spring rolls, deviled lobster eggs, beef empanadas, and caviar service. Later this summer, the team plans to expand with Below SRO, a lower-level listening lounge featuring vinyl records, food, drinks, and private events.
SRO
107 10th Street
Hoboken, NJ 07030
Thirsty Turtle Tavern, Barrington
A new neighborhood tavern has opened in Barrington, transforming the former Chuck Lager space into a casual dining destination centered on scratch-made food, handcrafted drinks, and a welcoming atmosphere. Thirsty Turtle Tavern celebrated its grand opening in late June as the brand’s second location, following its original restaurant in Whitehall, Pennsylvania.
The menu features wood-fired pizzas, sushi, burgers, wings, steaks, seafood, sandwiches, salads, and shareable appetizers, along with an extensive selection of craft beer, wine, and specialty cocktails. The newly renovated space includes an open kitchen, dedicated sushi station, wood-fired pizza oven, outdoor patio with a fire pit, and daily food and drink specials designed to make elevated tavern dining approachable and affordable.
Thirsty Turtle Tavern
270 White Horse Pike
Barrington, NJ 08007
