Fall is more than just back-to-school season—it’s also back-to-eatin’-good season! From comfort food to all-American barbecue to French brasserie favorites to plant-based power foods and beyond, we’ve rounded up a mouth-watering selection of soon-to-open Northern New Jersey establishments set to make a big splash in the coming season. Start making those reservations now!
Stern & Bow
Restaurateur Russell Stern—who made a hit of Harvest Bistro in Closter—is about to rock the boat again with his latest culinary concept, namely a modern mash-up of three foodie favorites: pizza, oysters, steaks plus top-shelf cocktails. The menu is said to feature lots of seafood, homemade pasta and crispy-crust "Neapolitan-inspired" pizzas, along with classic New Orleans gumbo, oyster stew, and baked oysters, plus salads and steaks. The 155-seat space—on Schraalenburgh Road in Closter (where Cuban restaurant Azucar recently closed up shop)—is also said to be getting a head-to-toe nautical-themed redesign, which will include porthole-shaped mirrors and ocean-blue chenille banquettes with matching blue seats on white oak chairs. We're counting down to welcoming ourselves aboard!
171 Schraalenburgh Road, Closter
Brothers Barbecue
We can’t wait to lick our fingers clean at the first Jersey outpost of this popular barbecue joint known for its smoked daily meats and southern comfort food. We’re talking fall-off-the-bone-tender ribs smothered in Brothers’ house BBQ sauce, their totally addictive cheese fries covered in a blend of melted Monterey Jack and cheddar cheeses and topped with applewood bacon (add chili—and you should!—for just $2), simple salads, bangin’ burgers, all kinds of shrimp, and specialty sandwiches so big you’ll probably wanna share them (or not, we won’t judge).
900 State Route 17 N, Ramsey
Brasserie Memere
This traditional French brasserie—from the same chef/owner as dearly departed Chakra in Paramus—is sure to have Closter Plaza diners saying “oui!” But don’t worry, despite its name (memere is French for “granny”), the menu here will be anything but stuffy (think down-to-earth, everyday French favorites like Nicoise salad and frisee-lardon, simple baguette sandwiches, and quintessential classics like coq au vin and roasted rabbit) and the reasonable prices won’t leave you with sticker shock once le billet arrives.
107 Vervalen St., Closter
Rockin’ Roots
Between our obsession with oat milk and our kids’ cravings for those Impossible Burgers, the hunger for plant-based foods is growing like a weed. Which makes Chef Michael Merida’s latest venture—a plant-based café—deliciously timely. Now open in Hillsdale, Rockin’ boasts a 100% plant-based menu showcasing exclusively vegetarian and vegan options, including everything from savory dishes to house-baked pastries, fresh-squeezed juice, organic coffee, and more.
434 Hillsdale Avenue, Hillsdale
Dimora Ristorante
After a self-imposed shutdown back in July, this popular neighborhood Italian restaurant is set to reopen in late October/early November with a slew of new surprises, including a revamped kitchen and bar area and an updated menu that will include bar-style bites and a few other delicious additions to it’s family friendly menu. We can’t wait to see the results.
100 Piermont Road, Norwood
The 1840 Tavern at Clarksville Inn
Okay, so it’s not in New Jersey, but it’s sure to be worth the quick trip over the border to experience the classic American pub food (with some Irish favorites like shepherd’s pie and fish and chips thrown in for good measure) set to come out of the kitchen of this historic West Nyack spot. With owner Kieran O’Gorman—of Biddy O’Malley’s and Emma’s Ale House fame—at the helm, expect a welcoming, unpretentious atmosphere and plenty of Guinness on tap.
1 Strawtown Road, West Nyack
