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.
7th Street Burger, Hackensack
The popular NYC-born smashburger spot 7th Street Burger is continuing its New Jersey expansion with a new location opening soon in Hackensack. Known for its simple menu of made-to-order single and double cheeseburgers, fries, and classic smashburger-style cooking, the fast-growing brand first launched in Manhattan’s East Village in 2021.
Founded by two college friends, 7th Street Burger has quickly expanded across New York, New Jersey, Washington D.C., Baltimore, and Boston while keeping its focus on high-quality ingredients and a streamlined menu.
7th Street Burger
370 W Pleasantview Avenue
Hackensack, NJ 07601
Apéro Steakhouse, Oceanport
Apéro, a new French steakhouse, has opened in Oceanport, bringing premium aged steaks, classic French technique, and a polished dining experience to Monmouth County. Apéro Steakhouse officially opened on April 22 in the former Blu Grotto space, with a menu rooted in French-inspired steakhouse cuisine.
The restaurant is designed around the French tradition of apéro, creating a slower, more intentional dining experience centered on hospitality, craft, and gathering. Guests can expect refined steakhouse dishes, classic French preparations, and a setting made for celebrations, date nights, and lingering over dinner.
Apéro Steakhouse
200 Port Au Peck Ave
Oceanport, NJ 07757
Coastal Canteen, Manasquan
A new coastal-inspired tavern is preparing to open on Main Street in Manasquan. Coastal Canteen will feature globally influenced dishes, craft cocktails, rooftop dining, and a relaxed shore atmosphere designed for both casual nights out and lively summer weekends.
The concept comes from Jersey Shore Restaurant Group, the team behind Half Moon Point and Harpoon Willy’s. According to the restaurant’s website, the menu will draw inspiration from coastal regions, including the Mediterranean, Caribbean, Mexico, and northern Africa, with Chef Andre Barbero leading the kitchen.
Coastal Canteen
142 Main Street
Manasquan, NJ 08736
Gnocchi on 9th, Jersey City
A viral New York City pasta concept has officially expanded into New Jersey with the opening of Gnocchi on 9th in downtown Jersey City. Known for serving fresh gnocchi in grab-and-go takeout boxes, the fast-casual spot has built a strong following across New York City for its affordable comfort-food approach to Italian cuisine.
Founded by Mike Salzano and Ariel Strizower, the concept focuses on customizable gnocchi dishes with sauces including vodka, black truffle cacio e pepe, pesto, pomodoro, and bolognese. The Jersey City location marks the brand’s first New Jersey outpost.
Gnocchi on 9th
512 Jersey Avenue
Jersey City, NJ 07302
Gourmand, Point Pleasant Beach
A new chef-driven modern American restaurant has officially opened in Point Pleasant Beach inside the historic Gottlieb Building on Arnold Avenue. Gourmand blends globally inspired flavors with elevated dining, featuring dishes like wagyu lasagna, birria ramen, Korean BBQ fried oysters, dry-aged steaks, and handcrafted table-side mocktails.
Led by Executive Chef Imer Jose Garcia, the restaurant combines classic influences with modern techniques in a refined but welcoming setting. The space includes a main dining room, private dining area, and chef’s table experience designed for a more immersive night out.
Gourmand
641 Arnold Avenue
Point Pleasant Beach, NJ 08742
House of Bombay, Edison
A former New Jersey diner landmark is getting a new life as an upscale Indian restaurant in Edison. House of Bombay is preparing to open in the longtime Menlo Park Diner space on Route 1, bringing modern Indian cuisine and a redesigned dining experience to the iconic property.
The restaurant is being opened by husband-and-wife team Nishiket and Shizani Parikh, who say the energy and flavors of Mumbai inspired the concept. Guests can expect elevated Indian dishes, weekend brunch service, cocktails, and interiors with Art Deco influences and a modern atmosphere.
House of Bombay
1475 US-1
Edison, NJ 08837
Il Riccio, Cape May
A new Italian restaurant inspired by the flavors of Southern Italy has opened in Cape May. Il Riccio brings a coastal Italian dining experience to the shore with a menu centered around fresh seafood, handmade pasta, seasonal ingredients, and classic Italian hospitality.
The restaurant’s name, which translates to “sea urchin” in Italian, reflects its seafood-forward influence and Mediterranean-inspired atmosphere. Guests can expect refined Italian dishes, an extensive wine list, and an elevated yet approachable setting designed for both intimate dinners and celebratory nights out.
Il Riccio
311 Mansion St
Cape May, NJ 08204
Kabab Cafe, Paramus
A new Mediterranean café and bakery concept is preparing to open in Paramus. Kabab Cafe will bring a mix of Middle Eastern and Mediterranean flavors to Route 17 with a menu featuring döner kababs, shawarma, wraps, salads, rice platters, fresh pastries, coffee drinks, and desserts.
The space is being designed as a casual sit-down café with booth seating, takeout, delivery, outdoor patio seating, and a connected bakery café concept called KC Bakery Café. According to the owners, guests can also expect a full coffee program, baked goods, and a relaxed atmosphere suited for everything from quick meals to remote work.
Kabab Cafe
501 NJ-17 South
Paramus, NJ 07652
Little Andy’s Burgers, Asbury Park
A popular New Jersey pop-up burger concept is taking the next step with the launch of its own food truck in Asbury Park. Little Andy’s Burgers is now serving smashburgers and fries for pickup at the Asbury Park Food Collective, bringing its growing local following a permanent spot to grab its signature burgers.
Known for its simple smashburger-style menu and pop-up appearances around the Shore, the brand has built a loyal customer base through social media and local events. Guests can expect classic smashburgers, crispy fries, and a casual grab-and-go experience.
Little Andy’s Burgers
906 Sewall Avenue
Asbury Park, NJ 07712
Mensho Tokyo, Jersey City
An internationally recognized ramen concept is making its East Coast debut in Jersey City. Mensho Tokyo, known for its rich broths and long lines in cities like Tokyo, San Francisco, and Los Angeles, recently opened inside the Journal Squared development, bringing its award-winning ramen to New Jersey.
Founded by Chef Tomoharu Shono, the restaurant has built a global following for its elevated approach to ramen, including housemade noodles, slow-cooked broths, and premium toppings. The Jersey City location marks the brand’s first East Coast restaurant and features signature bowls like toripaitan ramen alongside vegan and specialty options.
Mensho Tokyo
Jersey City, NJ 07306
MilkShake Factory, Somerville
A Pittsburgh-based dessert brand known for handspun milkshakes and premium chocolates is expanding in New Jersey with a new location in downtown Somerville. MilkShake Factory officially opened on West Main Street this spring, bringing its signature shakes, sundaes, molten chocolate cups, and housemade ice cream to Somerset County.
Founded in 1914 as a soda fountain and chocolate shop, the family-owned company has grown into a nationally expanding dessert destination while continuing to use generational chocolate-making recipes and in-house ice cream production. The Somerville location is owned and operated by franchisee Manush Patel and marks the brand’s third New Jersey storefront.
MilkShake Factory
189 West Main Street
Somerville, NJ 08876
Numa Modern Mediterranean Kitchen & Bar, Shrewsbury
A new upscale Mediterranean restaurant is preparing to open at The Grove in Shrewsbury. Numa Modern Mediterranean Kitchen & Bar will bring a modern, refined dining experience to Monmouth County with a menu centered around bold Mediterranean flavors, fresh ingredients, craft cocktails, and polished service.
The restaurant’s design leans warm and contemporary, pairing coastal Mediterranean influences with an elevated atmosphere intended for both date nights and group dining. According to the restaurant’s website, guests can expect mezze, grilled dishes, seafood, cocktails, and an experience focused on hospitality and presentation.
Numa Modern Mediterranean Kitchen & Bar
508 Broad Street
Shrewsbury, NJ 07702
OB Diner, Point Pleasant Beach
A Jersey Shore diner staple is getting a fresh start in Point Pleasant Beach. After closing earlier this year, OB Diner has officially reopened under new ownership with a revamped menu and a new culinary direction led by Chef Diego Sanchez, owner of At The Point in Point Pleasant Beach and 39 Degrees North in Stafford.
The refreshed diner keeps the familiar neighborhood atmosphere locals know while introducing updated dishes and a more chef-driven menu. Guests can expect classic diner comfort food alongside elevated specials and new additions from Chef Sanchez and his team.
OB Diner
1519 Richmond Avenue
Point Pleasant Beach, NJ 08742
Papa Ganache Bakery, Normandy Beach
A popular New Jersey vegan bakery is expanding to the Jersey Shore, with a new location opening in Normandy Beach. Papa Ganache, known for its vegan and gluten-free baked goods, recently announced plans to open a new storefront on Route 35 North following the closure of its Manasquan location.
The bakery has built a loyal following for its cupcakes, doughnuts, pastries, cookies, cakes, and specialty desserts, all made vegan with many gluten-free options available as well. The new Normandy Beach shop will continue the brand’s focus on inclusive desserts and café-style offerings at the Shore.
Papa Ganache Bakery
3620 Highway 35 North
Lavallette, NJ 08735
Shore Good Eats, Bayville
What started as a Jersey Shore food truck business more than a decade ago is entering its next chapter with a new brick-and-mortar location in Bayville. Shore Good Eats recently announced its move from Neptune City to a larger space in Berkeley Plaza, where the family-run business will expand its restaurant, catering, bakery, and food truck operations.
Known for its over-the-top comfort food, gourmet egg rolls, burgers, sandwiches, breakfast dishes, and catering services, Shore Good Eats has built a strong following through festivals, food truck events, and local pop-ups. The new Bayville location will feature dine-in seating, takeout, and a bakery component as the business continues to grow at the Jersey Shore.
Shore Good Eats
439 Atlantic City Boulevard
Bayville, NJ 08721
The Life of Reilly, Jersey City
A new speakeasy-style cocktail lounge is bringing moody interiors, inventive drinks, and late-night energy to Jersey City. Hidden beneath San Patricios, The Life of Reilly recently opened with a concept inspired by classic Irish storytelling, vintage cocktail culture, and intimate underground bars.
The lounge comes from the team behind The Dead Rabbit in New York City, which has earned international recognition for its cocktail program. Guests can expect a dark, atmospheric setting paired with elevated cocktails, curated music, and a menu designed for a more immersive nightlife experience.
The Life of Reilly
8 Erie Street A
Jersey City, NJ 07302
The Nest, Keyport
Parents in Keyport have a new café to add to their rotation, one designed with both adults and kids in mind. The Nest on Broad recently opened, featuring a cozy café atmosphere paired with an indoor play space where children can stay entertained while parents relax over coffee, breakfast, or lunch.
Created by New Jersey mom Amanda D’Amato, the concept was inspired by the challenge many parents face in enjoying a coffee shop outing while keeping young children occupied. The space features a play area for younger kids, alongside café seating designed to feel calm and welcoming for parents.
The Nest
78 Broad Street
Keyport, NJ 07735
