8 Hot New Bergen County Restaurant Openings Just In Time for Summer

Summer’s right around the corner, and along with fun in the sun and that much needed family vacation, it’s also bringing a slew of scorching-hot new restaurant openings to our area. Here’s a sneak peek at 7 new Bergen County restaurants where mealtime is about to be made in the shade.

Jack’s Lobster Shack
For those of us who have visited Jack's Lobster Shack Edgewater location, you know stepping into this shack is like taking a trip to Maine (or Connecticut, if that’s your preference), given the quality (and SIZE) of the lobster rolls (rated Very Good by the NYTimes). Soon you’ll have two more local spots—Cresskill (in the old Cresskill Pizza space) and Ridgewood—to be transported to Jack’s honest-to-goodness seafood experience. Check back here soon for more details!

Bareburger

A whole range of enticing burgers (think beef, bison, turkey, and veggie, all made from locally sourced, organic ingredients) from this fast-growing chain (we raved about the new Closter & Ridgewood locations) is coming to Tices Corner in Woodcliff Lake just in time for grill season. Skip the backyard mess and take a seat in their kid-friendly dining space, order a very adult cocktail, and have some fun building your own burger creation.

DVine Pie

An offshoot of Sparkill favorite DVine Bar, DVine Pie will be serving up the mothership’s famed pizza EXCLUSIVELY in the new Piermont location (so get it while you still can, Sparkill fans!). Executive Chef (and “Chopped” champion) Chris Holland will be overseeing the kitchen as well – along with existing DVine Bar kitchen staff.

Mamoun’s
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.

The Hill

When longtime neighborhood fave Harvest restaurant closed, it left a loyal fanbase and a gorgeous empty space on Schraalenburgh Ave in Closter. Enter Bergen County native Ben Pollinger who honed his chef skills at Oceana in NYC. Look for a renovated interior, a menu loaded with seafood and other drool-worthy Pollinger creations and a soft opening this June.

Felina Restaurant & 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 latest Felina outpost. Expect fresh pastas, modern Italian fare, and an expansive wine and cocktail list to complement the spectacular vibe. Plus, it promises to have the hardest commodity in Ridgewood to come by: ample parking!

No. 12

Opening next door to Stella Artisan in Ridgewood with the same executive chef, Heather Rozzi (who turned it out as corporate pastry chef at Carbone, Santina, and Parm), this new venture is said to be a 50-seat restaurant and oyster bar. To add to the intrigue, she’s brought along a killer co-captain to join her at the helm: her husband, Chef Ted, who made his mark at NYC’s famed Bobby Van’s Steakhouse. We’re not only looking forward being wowed by the seasonal menu but also how they’ll reimagine the décor of this late 1800’s building that used to be the vault of a once-bustling hotel.

Lucco Cucina + Bar

Promising favored classics with a contemporary touch in Florham Park, this new Italian entry will be offering New York-style pizza, fresh salads, delicious small bites, wonderful pasta dishes, and the Chef’s signature meatballs. And where better to eat it all than in their grand dining room, replete with a floor-to-ceiling fireplace, 24-seat white marble bar, and seasonal (and sensational) outdoor patio.