What a difference a year can make—especially when it comes to the local restaurant scene! From rockin’ ramen and BBQ to build-your-own-breakfast-bowls to bangin’ bar food and beyond, check out our list of newly opened and coming-soon new restaurants in Bergen County to keep an eye out for.
Felina Restaurant and Bar
A gut renovation of the old Fish Restaurant Space in Ridgewood is already underway and promises to transform the huge gorgeous old bank space (complete with an actual vault) into the new Felina Restaurant and Bar come springtime. Expect fresh pastas, modern Italian fare, an expansive wine and cocktail list to complement the spectacular vibe - plus the hardest commodity in Ridgewood to come by- ample parking!
The Hill, Closter
What does North Jersey native Chef Ben Pollinger have that makes him think he can open a successful restaurant smack in the middle of Closter? Oh, just a something called a Michelin star, which the chef earned after opening a little seafood spot in midtown Manhattan called Oceana. Along with a major facelift to the space, Pollinger promises more under-the-sea delights when The Hill opens, along with plenty of other modern American-style dishes, a focused wine list and wines-on-tap too.
Playa Bowls, Ridgewood
What kicked off New Jersey’s bowl craze with its first location down the shore, will now cement its cult status even further when it opens its newest location in Ridgewood (and another one soon after in Fair Lawn!). If you haven’t had one of Playa’s healthy, build-your-own bowls yet—featuring countless combinations of 100% pure acai, granola, fresh fruits and berries, nut butters, and other awesome organic toppings—you’re in for a delicious experience.
Ramen Azuma, Englewood
Englewood finally gets its first Japanese ramen restaurant. A sister to Soba Noodle Azuma, in Fort Lee, and East Sushi, in Teaneck, not much is known yet about exactly what will be on the menu at Ramen Azuma, but we’re placing our bets on top-quality noodles, slurp-worthy broths, and more stick-to-your-ribs Asian fare you'll want to wolf down.
Sedona Taphouse, Cliffside Park
Knowing the tenants of all those luxury apartments at The Centre complex will need an equally amazing dining experience, Sedona Taphouse, a restaurant and bar concept with locations up and down the east coast, has announced it will also be moving in. The (mostly) locally sourced menu from veteran restaurateur Dennis Barbaro is said to include hand-cut steaks, fresh seafood, over 500 “world-class” craft beers, and an expansive wine list.
Stone & Rail, Glen Rock
Not much is known about the latest addition to two-time Ultimate Chef Bergen County winner Adam Weiss’s portfolio other than it will be a “craft beer gastropub” that will “bridge "the gap from neighborhood bar to date nights and private events space." That’s more than enough to wet our whistle! We’ll be keeping a close eye on its Facebook page and be checking it out when it opens later this month.
Bareburger, Ridgewood
The much loved Bareburger chain with a menu filled with locally sourced, healthy and delicious burgers and salads is so successful in Edgewater and it's new Closter location, the local owners have decided to bring it to Ridgewood. Expect packed out dinner service, easy take out and kid-friendly brunches too boot.
Delaney Chicken, Garden State Plaza, Paramus
After making a splash in NYC with its crispy chicken sandwich (named one of the 10 best by Blackboard Eats), this poultry palace is bringing its sizzle to the Garden State Plaza in Paramus end of January. With a simple menu featuring just three sandwiches (all $12 or under) and four sides (including the mac n cheese made with Beecher’s flagship cheddar), fans are already clucking.
Bar Louie, Garden State Plaza Paramus
“Eat, drink, and be happy” is the motto at this rollicking dining spot where the party always seems to just be getting starting. Serving up a bevy of creative burgers, flatbread sandwiches and salads alongside a full bar of top-shelf classic and specialty cocktails, sangrias, margaritas, mojitos, and more, this place promises to be a top spot for date nights, group gatherings, and more. But no velvet-rope nonsense here—everyone here gets treated like a VIP. If you're not a regular yet, you will be. Set to open mid-January.
Son Cubano, Fort Lee
This Fort Lee outpost of the West New York and Miami hotspots will open in a stylish, 7,800-square-foot indoor-outdoor space (complete with a live DJ and valet) situated in what’s sure to be a stunning two-acre park. We were the first to get the scoop from owner Alex Duran, who told us the new space is one of the aspects he's most excited about. “It’s all about beauty, a beautiful restaurant with an outdoor patio that backs up on park space,” he says. ”Anyone who goes will feel beautiful and have fun.”
Mamoun’s, Fort Lee
The gold standard in local falafel since it debuted in NYC back in 1971, Mamoun’s will soon be bringing its chickpea genius to the Hudson Lights development in Fort Lee. Along with its classic falafel sandwich, expect a full menu of more-than-affordable Mediterranean plates and sides, starting at just $3.50.
