As Jerseyites, we’re blessed with more amazing food than we’ll ever be able to eat our way through, and we all have our go-to restaurants—our date-night Italian spot, the same deli we’ve been going to since we were kids, our favorite pizzeria we insist serves the absolute best slice on the planet. But if you’re looking to try something new, there’s never been a better time to be a foodie in Bergen County. From ramen shops to barbecue joints, here are all the upcoming openings to keep on your radar.
The Hill, Closter
Ben Pollinger, the longtime chef at Manhattan’s seafood palace Oceana is finally opening his anticipated eatery (slated for November) in the space that formerly housed French favorite Harvest Bistro. Pollinger recently told The New York Times (See? Pretty big time!) that he plans to give the place a casual, tablecloth-free farmhouse look and focus on seafood, but there will also be plenty of other options, from veggies to venison.
Izzy’s Pizzeria, Edgewater
Jonesing for pizza? There’s a yummy new option at City Place at The Promenade. Izzy’s is wood-burning Neopolitan-style pizza and made with San Marzano tomatoes from Italy and Caputo 00 flour, which gives the dough its signature light, chewy texture. They also serve piadinas (flatbread stuffed sandwiches), salads and homemade meatballs, so there’s bound to be something here that pleases your picky crew. Take in gorgeous city views from the outdoor seating while the weather is still nice.
Mighty Quinn’s Barbeque, Westfield Garden State Plaza, Paramus
There’s a reason this beloved BBQ joint is quickly taking over the world (literally!) with eight locations scattered around the city and more on the way, along with a growing number of outposts in Asia and the Middle East. (Next up—Dubai!) The counter-service chain’s success lies in the naturally-raised meats it transforms into flavorful brisket, saucy pulled pork, baby back ribs and wings, and killer sides like burnt end baked beans, sweet potato casserole and sweet corn fitters with a honey-chile dipping sauce.
Delaney Chicken, Westfield Garden State Plaza, Paramus
If you’re one of those people who gets easily overwhelmed by too many choices, this is the spot for you. The sparse menu consists of just three chicken sandwiches—the original, a spicy version with cheese, and a fried chicken club topped with bacon—any of which you can pair with some old-fashioned Zapp’s potato chips. The place has become a Midtown Manhattan staple, and this’ll be its second location.
Poke Crew, Englewood
It used to be you could only get poke—a traditional raw fish salad typically served with rice—in the Aloha State. But in recent years, poke shops have saturated the West Coast and eked their way east. Next up, Englewood, which will become home to a place called Poke Crew soon. Details to come.
Ramen Noodle Azuma, Englewood
And speaking of food trends, you probably know that ramen, the ubiquitous Japanese noodle dish, is an increasingly popular one here in the States. In Bergen County, we’ve already got Menya Sandaime in Fort Lee and Tori Ramen & Chicken in Ridgewood, but there’s another one on our horizon: Ramen Noodle Azuma, a sleek little shop slated to open soon in Englewood.
Stone & Rail, Glen Rock
You probably remember award-winning chef Adam Weiss from his past executive chef gigs at Esty Street in Park Ridge and Due South Broad Bistro in Ridgewood. Now the Bergen County native and CIA grad is about to go live with his own venture—a yet-to-be-named gastropub in Glen Rock. Without even seeing the menu yet, we just know it’s bound for gastro greatness.
Sedona Taphouse, Cliffside Park Town Centre, Cliffside Park
OK, remember what we said earlier about the joys of not having too many choices? Well, scratch that and feast your eyes on 500 craft beers at the soon-to-open newest outpost of this Virginia-based chain. In addition to all that beer, you’ll find simply grilled seafood and steaks along with creative spins on Southern-inspired dishes, from Low Country steamed shrimp to jumbo lump crab cakes to crab-and-shrimp-topped rockfish. And don’t worry: There’s plenty of wine and cocktails too.
Crush'd Garage, Cresskill
After all that good grub, we're feeling the need to detox a little. Thankfully, there's a new organic, cold-pressed juice place opening soon in Cresskill. Crush'd Garage juices were created by three local, wellness-obsessed moms and have been a hit at Coolhotyoga in Cresskill and in the cafeteria at Englewood Hospital. Health nuts will be able to grab a bottle (or two or five!), plus tons of other products for inner and outer beauty at their Broadway location when they open in October.
