Almost as if making up for lost time, Bergen County welcomed plenty of new restaurants into the neighborhood this year, and Bergen Mama has enjoyed writing about them — and dining there, too. From superb Omakase options at Shumi to authentic brick oven pizza straight from the fire at 081 Cafe, there's no shortage of diverse food options for date nights or those days when cooking just feels like the ultimate chore.
With so many new restos to chose from for your next meal, we did the heavy lifting for you and rounded up eight delicious options for every taste bud and budget. Be sure to snag a reservation at each of them before you go, since space does fill up quickly (busy is best, anyway!)
Shumi Japanese Cuisine Having recently opened its second location in Leonia after finding success in Ridgewood, this sushi spot offers unique rolls along with classic Japanese dishes and popular Ramen like veggie and miso. Its pièce de résistance, however, is the regular or special omakase menu option, with seasonal sushi options selected by Master Chef Kunihiko Aikasa.
354 Broad Ave., Leonia
86 & Vine When you're really in need of a fun night out (and TBH, who isn't), hit up this brand new space offering wine sampling, a huge cocktail selection, and curated beer collection. Its cozy yet lively vibe is just as enticing as its drinks, and to keep your stomach in check, 86 & Vine also offers small bites likes cheese boards, hummus and spinach dips, and foie gras. As a bonus, you can even leave with a bottle or two from its storefront.
519 Livingston St., Norwood
Verana Cucina Italiana Another Norwood spot that made our list takes your taste buds on an Italian adventure. Verana's menu is filled with unique pasta and meat dishes from chef/owner Giuseppe Agostino, formerly of Del Posto. Feast on dishes like Tagliatelle Al Tartufo with black truffle butter, and save room for its super creamy blueberry cheesecake. You can also take advantage of Verana's happy hour and a half, with dollar oysters and drink specials at its popular bar area.
530 Livingston St., Norwood
The Roosevelt This art deco-inspired restaurant boasts a hidden speakeasy (known as Lucy's Parlor), and menu full of shared plates and delicious meat and fish options like Brick Roasted Chicken and Faroe Island Salmon. You can also enjoy happy hour specials during the week — lucky for us, starting at 3 pm — and late night specials Thursdays to Saturdays at its expansive bar. Plus, look out for a new Redemption Brunch Sundays coming soon.
356 Paterson Ave., East Rutherford
Fig & Tomato The team behind Harrington Park's Cork & Crust expanded its fresh Italian fare with Hillsdale's Fig & Tomato. The flavorful menu has classic pastas and options with a twist, plus brick oven pizzas like the popular Fig & Prosciutto. This BYOB spot is always a vibe but especially on the weekends, so be sure to snag your reservation early.
100 Park Ave., Hillsdale
Blu on the Hudson Dining with a view gets an upgrade at Blu on the Hudson, with a waterfront location that is sure to be your summer go-to. Its extensive menu has something for everyone, with raw bar and sushi selections, homemade pastas like hand-rolled gnocchi, steak, and signature cocktails to wash it all down including the Spicebomb (think: vanilla sake, orange blossom and saffron, passion fruit, and walnut).
1200 Harbor Blvd., Weehawken
081 Cafe Serving up authentic Italian, this new Ho-Ho-Kus go-to just opened last month and is already making its mark in the Bergen County dining scene. On the dinner menu, look for options including sharable Frito Misto (rice balls), pasta specials like homemade Truffle Pappardelle, and specialty pizzas from the wood-burning oven. The decor is equally as noteworthy, with floral decor surrounding the intimate setting.
604 N Maple Ave., Ho-Ho-Kus
Honey Day Brunch all day? Yes please. Honey Day's Korean-American menu is filled with flavorful dishes like K-Chicken and Mochi Waffles, Lemon Ricotta Blueberry Pancakes, and small bites like Kimchi Fries. You can also get your mid-day caffeine fix with one of their ultra-sweet specialty lattes — you can choose from the Honeycomb, Smores, or Cookie Butter — or jumpstart your morning with fresh juice like the Ginger Zinger.
228 Rock Rd., Glen Rock
