The Local Girl Team 
The restaurant scene in New Jersey is a serious place — you’ve got old school, new school, fine dining, old reliable, comfort food — the list truly does not end. So to enjoy some culinary adventures in 2026, we’re highlighting our team’s picks for 26 New Jersey restaurants you must try in 2026. The list is not comprehensive, and of course, a mix of classics and new-to-the-block dining locales that have piqued our interest. Since our team is always trying new places and visiting old favorites, here’s a list of all the restaurants we’re excited to visit in 2026. Read on for all of The Local Girl team’s restaurant picks for 2026.
Ada’s Gojjo | 1301 Memorial Drive, Asbury Park
Owner Adanech ‘Ada’ Asghedom melds her native Ethiopian cuisine with Dominican influences to create something truly memorable. Ada’s Gojjo is her second restaurant, and became a popular destination during the pandemic because of her outdoor setup – the patio became a welcoming and safe space to enjoy a meal in the fresh air. Now, neighbors return to Ada’s for the flavorful creations and the warm welcome from Ada herself.
Anjelica’s | 1070 Ocean Avenue, Sea Bright
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This family-run, upscale Italian spot is the go-to spot for a special night out, a celebration, or simply a truly fantastic meal. Most things are made in-house, including, and especially, the pasta. This is a BYOB restaurant, and the best spots are in the alley – trust us on this one.
Augustino’s | 1104 Washington Street, Hoboken
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This may be the ultimate IYKYK kind of place, but for the uninitiated, Augustino’s is one of Hoboken’s oldest and most iconic restaurants, in every sense of the word. From the menu items to the who’s-who of past patrons, this tiny space is the center of its own universe. The chicken parm is the best in Hoboken, according to The Hoboken Girl readers, and has won several times.
Belmont Tavern | 12 Bloomfield Avenue, Belleville
Red-and-white checked tablecloths, old photos on the walls, and red sauce for days. Belmont Tavern is truly one-of-a-kind. For over 50 years, this family-owned Italian spot has been welcoming neighbors and celebs alike to enjoy signature dishes like Chicken Savoy and Shrimp Beeps. No reservations: the wait is part of the experience.
Brown Room | 200 Congress Place, Cape May
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Congress Hall is known for its unmistakable yellow exterior + rows of white columns, but we think one of the best-kept secrets in Cape May is the Brown Room. This petite bar is on the same footprint as the property’s first legal bar after Prohibition, and the cocktail menu takes its cues from the era. With clever cocktails and a menu of small plates, this is a special spot for a cozy drinks date at one of the intimate tables for two, or a long night catching up with a friend while sitting at the bar. The Brown Room has been named one of USA Today’s 10 Best Hotel Bars and Hotel Amenities.
Catbird | Asbury Park
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This AP spot was a winner in The Jersey Shore Girl’s 2025 Best Of competition. It won best BYOB. In addition to the great vibes and delicious pizza, we like that there are options for different dietary requirements, making it a great spot for a group.
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Drew’s Bayshore Bistro | 44 E. Front Street, Keyport
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When the dish beats Bobby Flay, it has to be listed. Led by head chef and owner Andrew Araneo, Drew’s is known for its Southern and Creole flair here in New Jersey. Voodoo Shrimp is his most famous dish. Served on top of jalapeno cornbread, the shrimp is doused in a spicy Worcestershire cream sauce.
Isola Italian Trattoria | 1901 Long Beach Boulevard, Beach Haven
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Isola Italian Trattoria is a modern Italian restaurant on Long Beach Island serving Neapolitan pizza, homemade pasta dishes, fresh seafood, and more. The restaurant is BYOB and has outdoor seating. Be sure to check Isola’s website and social media for off-season hours of operation.
Italiana by Zod | 558 Bloomfield Avenue, Montclair
Montclair local Chef Zod Arifai is back to his North Jersey roots with Italiana by Zod. This cozy spot opened in fall 2025 and is serving up Italian classics.
Korai Kitchen | 576 Summit Avenue, Jersey City
Korai Kitchen is a mother-and-daughter-run restaurant serving authentic Bangladeshi fare according to home recipes. Since its opening in early 2018, this Jersey City spot has attracted crowds from all over, received a nod from The New York Times, and was nominated for a James Beard Award in 2024.
La Mondina | 110 Union Avenue, Brielle
Italian spot La Mondina is a local favorite for good reason. In addition to its robust menu of well-executed Italian classics, there are menu items that can satisfy nearly any diner’s food allergies and sensitivities.
Maxwell Alley | 12 Coles Street, Jersey City
Newcomer Maxwell Alley keeps a rotating menu focusing on fresh, seasonal ingredients. Dinner is served all week starting at 5PM, brunch runs from 11AM to 3PM on weekends, and there’s also a cute coffee shop inside that’s open 8AM to 3PM daily. We like the stay-all-day vibes and the creative menu.
Mezcal | 292 Route 516, Old Bridge
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A modern Mexican steakhouse with dozens of tequilas and mezcals to enjoy is a hit, for sure. We like Mezcal for combining two of our favorite cuisines, but the cocktail + mocktail menus are worth a visit on their own. TLG tip: Mezcal has one of the best happy hour menus around, with many food and drink options half-priced till 6PM.
ORA Freestyle Italian | 304 Kinderkamack Road, Oradell
ORA takes the flavors many of us grew up with (think rich Sunday gravy and big family-style platters) and gives them a refreshing, modern spin. The space itself is part of the experience. Balancing rustic charm with contemporary flair, ORA features warm wood tones, exposed rafters, and chic finishes accented by soft lighting.
Po Boy Riche | 89 Monitor Street, Jersey City
Po Boy Riche opened in Bergen-Lafayette in December 2025 and brings a taste of New Orleans up to the Garden State. Owner Israel Jiles is a New Orleans native whose upbringing and global restaurant experience inspired him to bring something new to the Jersey City food scene. Expect all the New Orleans favorites: Beignets, the iconic Po’ Boy sandwich, jambalaya, dirty rice, Cajun fries, etc., etc.
Rare Bird | 105 Lakeside Drive, Ramsey
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The Ramsey food scene is already pretty solid, but this year brought a seriously exciting new addition: Rare Bird. Think Italian steakhouse vibes meets sushi-level precision. The interior is also beautiful, especially after the recent renovations to the country club.
River Palm Terrace | 1416 River Road, Edgewater
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North Jersey locals know River Palm is a go-to spot for any occasion, whether it’s a special celebration, date night, or just because you’re in the mood for a great meal. River Palm has been a consistent favorite for years and continues to deliver. PS: it’s known for steak, but the sushi is next level.
Rutt’s Hut | 417 River Road, Clifton
Rutt’s Hut opened in 1928 and we’re still enjoying it today. The petite bar + restaurant is known for The Ripper, a hot dog cooked in a way that causes it to split, making it an ideal vehicle for all sorts of toppings. There are other items available, like sandwiches, but we’ll stick with the classic.
Sam’s Table | 377 Bloomfield Avenue, Montclair
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A homegrown chef focusing on seasonal produce? Sign us up. Sam’s Table opened in Fall 2025 in Montclair and it’s quickly become a favorite of Team MG. The meals are a feast for the eyes as well as the palate, and the focus on fresh produce means the menu is frequently updated. So, there’s always an excuse to go back and try what’s new.
Sushi Kai | 206 Main Street, Fort Lee
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Sushi lovers, consider this a sign. Sushi Kai will be your new favorite spot. The omakase experience features a long counter where diners can watch the chef prepare each bite, plus a few tucked-away seats on the side for a more intimate vibe. The fish is beyond fresh, the chef explains exactly what’s being served, and the progression is thoughtfully curated to elevate the entire experience.
The Saint Clair | 32 Church Street, Montclair
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Chef Leia Gaccione, a contestant on Bravo’s Top Chef, is behind the Saint Clair, which opened in spring 2025. The menu focuses on classics with locally sourced ingredients, resulting in things that are familiar, appealing, and elevated. For example, duck fat tater tots, a play on steak frites that embraces the flavors of pho like lime and cilantro; and a roast chicken with schmaltz croutons.
The Table | 400 Claremont Avenue, Jersey City
The Table in Jersey City is the kind of place where you know you’ll leave having had a fantastic meal. Chef Daniel Latham, who was behind the longtime-JC staple Latham House, uses seasonal ingredients to make a constantly-updating menu. But – our favorite is brunch: spending a leisurely afternoon in the restaurant’s gorgeous dining room, enjoying truly delicious cocktails is a small indulgence that makes the weekend feel like a real getaway.
Trattoria La Sorrentina | 7831 Bergenline Avenue, North Bergen
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There’s nothing like a cozy Italian meal, especially for New Jersey locals, and tucked away on a corner of Bergenline Avenue in North Bergen is a little slice of Italy. Trattoria La Sorrentina serves comfort food that truly feels made with love. It’s not flashy or over-the-top, but that’s part of the charm. Whether it’s a casual date night or a family dinner, the staff and genuinely warm service make the experience feel like home from the moment you walk in.
Viv + Jules | 400 Adams Street, Hoboken
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Viv + Jules is the latest project from the team behind Johnny Pepperoni and City Bistro. The space is Insta-perfect and the menu isn’t far behind, with a globally-inspired menu of small and large format dishes, and a cocktail menu that makes this spot destination-worthy.
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Warique | 165 Garden Avenue, Belleville
A true hole-in-the-wall, this Peruvian restaurant opened in a small residential neighborhood in November 2025. Located on Garden Avenue, Warique is an equal display of head Chef Roberto’s Peruvian roots and his Jersey upbringing, expressed mostly through the rich, unique flavors of every dish. A few notable dishes to try: Chupe Camaron Risotto (a shrimp risotto dish) and El Lomo (beef loin, onions, tomatoes, and French fries).
Willow + Whisk | 35 Main Street, Millburn + 319 Franklin Avenue, Wyckoff
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Willow & Whisk has solidified its status as a premier brunch destination in Bergen County. This BYOB spot is a crowd-pleaser, with its huge menu that has options for many dietary requirements. It’s also a go-to spot for private brunch celebrations like bridal showers and birthday parties.
HONORABLE MENTION:
15 Fox Place | 15 Fox Place, Jersey City
15 Fox Place is listed here because how could we forget, but if you’re a New Jersey resident, you’ve likely called and left a voicemail and then been told there’s a year-and-a-half waiting list. But, it’s worth it: the food is like grandma’s house, the portions are enormous, and the vibes are *just right*. Even if the methods are a little quirky, this restaurant’s doing it right, because people keep coming back. PS – it’s a BYOB so use that time on the waiting list to curate a killer wine list.
