Aldo’s {640 Wyckoff Avenue, Wyckoff; 201.891.2618; aldosofwyckoff.com}
Aldo’s Italian Restaurant has been serving high-quality food for over 30 years. The elegant space is adjacent to a wine bar/ retail store, Pane and Vino Wine Bar. There is also a cigar bar, banquet, and dining room. In addition to pastas, veal, and fish, one of the menu favorites is the fresh Brick Oven Pizza.
Annabella’s House of Mozzarella {900 Paterson Plank Road, East Rutherford; 201.804.0303; annabellasmoz.com}
Enjoy the finest Italian dishes made with the freshest of ingredients. The pub menu houses inventive cocktails like Annabella’s Potion or Mr. Basil (tomato, basil, and mozzarella martini). Annabella’s also offers a full deli and catering services.
Avo’s {720 Anderson Ave, Cliffside Park; 201.945.9038; avosgrill.com}
Patrons can enjoy one of the area’s best Armenian-influenced restaurants now serving New American fare. Showcasing a scratch-made menu, the fare at Avo’s begins with a variety of starters from meze dips and chips, to freshly baked breads, grilled wings, and shrimp. Main courses include the best burgers in town, select cuts of steak, fresh salmon, and pasta. Full bar.
Azucar 171 {Schraalenburgh Road, Closter; 201.660.7977; azucarcubancuisine.com}
Pungent dishes are perftectly at home in the lush main dining room with its “tropical getaway” feel, and decorated with many cultural Cuban items and flourishes. Bar includes Cuban-inspired cocktails, wines, and beers.
Biagio’s {299 Paramus Road, Paramus; 201.652.0201; biagios.com.}
Serving home-style Italian classics for over 25 years, Biagio’s offers a welcoming ambience with terracotta walls and a glowing fireplace for a romantic evening or family gathering. Along with traditional fare, seasonal menus feature sustainable foods, small plates, and pasta made in-house with imported Italian flour.
The Brick House {179 Godwin Avenue; Wyckoff; 201.848.1211; thebrickhousewyckoff.com.}
The Brick House features traditional charm and contemporary style. Menu standouts include the seafood and traditional steaks, like the favorite Porterhouse Steak. Banquet facilities can accommodate up to 150 guests, and distinctive private dining rooms are perfect for your next event.
Brownstone Pancake Factory {860 River Road, Edgewater; and 717 East Palisades Avenue, Englewood Cliffs; 201-945-4800.}
The Brownstone Pancake Factory relentlessly seeks to redefine the diner experience of the past, while maintaining the comforting mystique that only an old-fashioned diner can provide. The menu at Brownstone has something to please all palates with dozens of breakfast, lunch, dinner, and dessert options.
Chakra {144 West State Route 4 (eastbound), Paramus; 201.556.1530; chakrarestaurant.com.}
Chakra is a feast for the senses. The plush interior is also marked by a low-lit stone water wall transitioning between the colors of the seven chakras. Everything is made in-house, whether it’s smoked or cured. German and Asian-inspired dishes are featured.
Circolo {53 Franklin Turnpike, Waldwick; 201.882.1818; circolo. info.}
Circolo means “a circle of people coming together in a friendly environment.” Patrons feel as if they are in Italy tasting foods from the kitchens of Naples and the Amalfi Coast. Dishes range from Pizza Al Forno to arancini, octopus, burrata, calamari, fire-roasted chicken, homemade pastas, salmon, bronzino, and veal. BYOB.
City Perch {2023 Hudson Street, Fort Lee; 201.582.7101; cityperch.com.} City Perch Kitchen + Bar is a seasonal American dining room by James Beard-renowned Chef Sherry Yard. By day, our dining room is a natural-light-infused social scene. By night, we are an intimate venue brimming with warm, candle-lit spaces for romantic dinners and lively social hours. Signature menu items include the Infamously Decadent French Toast stuffed with farmers market berries and whipped mascarpone and City Perch’s iconic Brunch Burger with candied bacon, sharp cheddar, fried egg, and brioche.
Dong Bang Grill {1616 Palisade Ave, Fort Lee; 201-242-4485; dongbanggrill.com.}
Food is a feast for the palate with grills in the middle of each table. A favorite dish of this hibachi-style restaurant? Galbi, or the 100% natural Angus beef, marinated short ribs. Other best sellers include a variety of barbecue dishes like beef, pork, duck, shrimp, and chicken. There’s also a selection of vegetarian dishes as well as a full sushi bar.
Elia {240 Hackensack Street, East Rutherford; 201.939.9292; elianj.com.}
Elia features the culinary creations of Executive Chef Jose Luis Falcon who makes every dish with zeal and a devotion to exceptional Mediterranean cuisine. The open kitchen prepares the freshest selection right from the sea, including specialties Lavraki, Fagri and Black Sea Bass.
Felina {54 East Ridgewood Avenue, Ridgewood; 551.276.5454; felinarestaurant.com}
Chef Anthony Bucco along with Frank and Jeanne Cretella bring a unique Italian dining experience. Bucco uses fresh hyperlocal and sustainable ingredients to recreate rustic Italian fare. Specialties include Fritto Misto with squid, clam bellies; Rye Gnocchi with zucchini, sunflower seed, and mint. Check out the rooftop bar for al fresco dining.
Fire and Oak {100 Chestnut Ridge Road, Montvale; 201.307.1100; fireandoak. com}
Fire and Oak is a unique American grill serving gourmet comfort food made from the freshest ingredients from sushi to freshly ground burgers and prime steak. Adjacent to the upscale Courtyard Marriott Hotel, its bar/lounge area has a lively after-work crowd.
Grissini {484 Sylvan Avenue, Englewood Cliffs; 201.568.3535; grissinirestaurant.com}
Delgatto’s high-end restaurant serves classic plates in an elegant white tablecloth setting. All pastas, breads, and sauces are made in-house, including rabbit sauces. Stone crabs are flown in from Florida. Gelato is made from scratch. Sundays are more family-oriented, featuring traditional Italian Ravioli, meatball dishes and prime steaks.
GRK Bar and Grill {39 Union Avenue, Cresskill; 201.399.7670; grkgrillnj.com}
Traditional authentic Greek cuisine with a modern twist, GRK Bar & Grill specializes in imported whole fish and seafood, including Lavraki (Branzino) and Tsipoura (Royal Dorado) from Greece; seasonal Barbournia (Red Mullet) from Senegal; the freshest Red snapper from Florida; and much more! The restaurant also specializes in tender Octopus—made daily—grilled or stuffed calamari, and lamb chops and steaks.
Hachi Sushi {6 Linwood Drive, Fort Lee; 201.585.8858}
Fresh and creative sushi rolls and sashimi are served at this haunt along with other Japanese entrees. BYOB. Visit Linwood Wine and Liquor across the lot and bring your own.
La Taberna {31 West Madison Avenue, Dumont; 201.374.1661; latabernarestaurant.com}
Juicy steaks and meats, flavorful inventive sides, and an authentic Spanish taberna feel, these are all the elements of La Taberna Steaks & Tapas Bar. Whether you have come for drinks and tapas with friends, a quick lunch or a dinner with steaks of every kind, the menu will astound.
Lisa’s Mediterranean Cuisine {28 Oak Street, Ridgewood; 201.251.8686; lisasmediterraneancuisine.net}
In addition to succulent meats and seafood, Lisa’s offers a variety of vegetarian and gluten-free options—all with outstanding flavor and freshness. The restaurant is open every day, with an impressive, three-course lunch. The mezze (small appetizers) are sometimes a meal in itself with items such as hummus, eggplant, and yogurt dip.
Lolita’s Mexican Cantina {65 Old Hook Road, Westwood; 201.666.7998; lolitasmexicancantina.com}
At Lolita’s, authentic Mexican fare—handmade tortillas, sweet plantains, fresh guacamole, and tacos—are paired perfectly with traditional garnishes. Innovative updates to the classics include the Citrus Cured Ceviche, Skirt Steak Arrachera, and Cochinita Pibil (sour, orange- marinated pork roasted in a banana leaf.)
Mado 570 {Kinderkamack Road, River Edge; 201.265.3629; madorestaurant.net}
A family-friendly Mediterranean dining experience where flavor reigns supreme. Mado combines reasonably-priced, casual dining with fare that is authentic and with options to suit most tastes. Portions are generous, and lunch specials are offered. Nearly everything is made in-house, including the freshest breads.
Maggiano’s Little Italy {70 Riverside Square, Hackensack; 201.221.2030; maggianos.com}
At Maggiano’s Italian menu options are numerous to satisfy most any diner. Scratch-made Italian classics like Chicken Parmesan, Veal Piccata, and more plus contemporary Italian American dishes like Grilled Salmon and Herb and Angel Hair Vegetable Primavera are a feast for the eyes and palate.
Martini Grill {187 Hackensack Street, Wood Ridge; 201.939.2000}
World-class European cuisine and innovative libations make Martini Grill a must in your pursuit of epicurean delight. Diverse offerings, notably French, include Escargot and encrusted Baked Brie while Italian fare ranges from Capellini with shrimp or Orecchiette with sausage.
Meson Madrid {343 Bergen Boulevard, Palisades Park; 201.947.1038; mesonmadrid.com}
Meson Madrid Restaurant captures the essence of traditional dinners from Spain. An extensive menu of fresh seafood, fish, and meats prepared traditionally are also offered.
Morton’s The Steakhouse {One Riverside Square, Hackensack; 201.487.1303; mortons.com}
Known for legendary service, Morton’s only serves up the finest USDA Prime aged beef. When it comes to the sea, Morton’s delivers—from Oysters on the half shell, to Colossal Shrimp, Alaskan King Crab Legs, Chilean Sea Bass, and Maine Lobster.
Nanni Ristorante
{53 West Passaic Street, Rochelle Park; 201.843.1250; nanni.com}
Successfully combining Old World charm with exciting specials sure to please the palate. Traditional pastas, seafood, veal, beef, and poultry dishes sprinkled with surprises, including frog legs and calf livers are offered at this Italian restaurant. Nanni’s wine list is extensive with selections from Italy, France, and California. The Oceanaire {175 Riverside Square Mall, Hackensack; 201.343.8862; theoceanaire.com}
The Oceanaire is committed to using sustainably-caught seafood. The restaurant’s goal is to help guests connect their individual buying decisions to the health of the oceans and the soil.
Pazza {794 Franklin Avenue, Franklin Lakes; 201.848.5050.}
Recently opened, Pazza serves up some of the best Neapolitan pizza in the area served in a hip atmosphere. Other woodfired dishes include ribeye steaks, octopus, and more. BYOB.
Picco Tavern {160 Prospect Avenue, Hackensack; piccotavern.com.}
The owners and staff of Picco have years of experience cooking and serving happy diners at many of the best, classic Bergen County Italian restaurants. Enjoy hearty, well-prepared meals from raw bar, pizza, entrees, steaks, pastas, and amazing desserts. Rooftop is open in season.
Pier 115 Bar and Grill {115 River Road, Edgewater; 201.313.2155; pier115barandgrill.com}
Right on the Hudson River, Pier 115 Bar & Grill redefines waterfront dining. A modern American gastropub with 115 beers by tap and bottle, a wood-fired pizza oven, full-service kitchen, and two dozen HD flat screens. Large indoor dining room and a breathtaking 60- seat outdoor Pier Deck.
River House {725 River Road, Edgewater; 201.917.5550; riverhousecc.com.}
Artfully crafted authentic Chinese cuisine and stunning views. The restaurant offers an array of authentic Chinese food in combinations sure to match any taste. Menu options include flavorful dumplings, succulent seafood, beef, pork, chicken and veggie entrées.
The River Palm Terrace {1416 River Road, Edgewater; 201.224.2013; riverpalm.com} Dine with sports and entertainment celebrities at this high-paced, classic steakhouse. River Palm Terrace takes pride in their quality service and qual- ity food. The menu features a Prime Porterhouse steak for two, whole live Maine lobsters, and a tremendous sushi menu that’s been on board as a house favorite for ten years. Fresh fish is delivered daily.
Sanzari’s New Bridge Inn {105 Old New Bridge Road, New Milford; 201.692.7700; sanzaris.com}
The New Bridge Inn offers a Bergen County fine dining experience relaxed enough for the entire family. The large Bar Room has some of New Jersey’s best live entertainment. The upstairs ballroom houses its own private bar and is the perfect place for special occasions. Cigar friendly. Sayola {50 Prospect Terrace, Tenafly; 201.871.2182; sayolarestaurant.com}
Exquisite, authentic regional Spanish cuisine, Sayola is an indulgent dining experience to lift the spirit from delicious tapas to made-to-order paellas to perfectly prepared meats and fish. A wide selection of wines and cock- tails ideal for dinner or with friends after work are also offered. Yogart Frozen Yogurt Studio {342 Old River Road, Edgewater; 201.941.0004; yogartfroyo.com.}
Serving up artisan frozen yogurt with a variety of toppings from baklava to giant crumb cake crumbs to cookie dough and more in a fun, creative atmosphere. Bubble teas, crepes, acai bowls, smoothies, shakes, froyo cakes are also on the menu. Takeout is available. Gluten-free, dairy free, vegan, and no sugar added flavors are available.
Playa Bowls of Ridgewood
305 E Ridgewood Ave Ridgewood, NJ 201-639-2700
Playa Bowls of Englewood
38 E Palisade Ave Englewood, NJ 201-928-7788
Playa Bowls of Franklin Lakes
833 Franklin Lake Rd Franklin Lakes, NJ 201-824-2400
Playa Bowls of Westwood 99 Westwood Ave. Westwood, NJ 07675
For those looking to Do It Yourself, here are a few of the best gourmet food markets to procure all the fresh ingredients you will need (and most also cater too!)
B&M Market 192 Kinderkamack Rd, Park Ridge; 201.391.4373; bmfoodlovers.com
Cafasso’s Fairway Market 1214 Anderson Ave, Fort Lee; 201.224.7900; cafassosfairwaymkt. com
Gourmanoff 221 Route 4 West, Paramus; 201.308.6888; gourmanoff.com
Market Basket 813 Franklin Lake Road, Franklin Lakes; 201.891.2000; marketbasket.com
Paolo’s Gourmet 48 Westwood Avenue, Westwood; 201.497.6688; paolosgourmet.com
Uncle Giuseppe’s 10 Triangle Plaza, Ramsey; 201.995.6800; uncleg.com