Sure, we all have our go-to spots when it comes to eating out, where we grab our morning cup of coffee, and nabbing the perfect slice of banana bread, but now is the perfect time to explore some new places off your well-beaten path. To make the trip a little less terrifying, check out our list of the area’s best restaurants in Bergen County you've never heard of- under-the-radar hot spots and hidden gems to help you hit the refresh button on your 2018 dining routine.
Bada Story
If your idea of an outside-the-box hand roll is adding crunchies to spicy tuna, take a walk on the wilder side of sushi and sashimi at this Fort Lee Korean joint, where there’s always plenty of surprises in store, all made with the freshest fish and seafood available. We love the stellar service and the casual setting that’s as simple, clean, and uncomplicated as sushi itself.
(201) 886-3888 Mon-Sun: 11am – 11pm
Suprema
On-the-go eating should never mean Mickey D’s. This Italian café/marketplace prepares countless fresh, gourmet meals, sandwiches, and sides six days a week. We’re talking Italian classics like melt-in-your-mouth mozzarella and peppers, perfectly cooked pastas, roasted veggies, seafood salads, eggplant parm, and so much more, all ready to go in a jiffy. A lifesaver when you’re running late and still want to feel good about what you’re feeding your family.
(201) 531-1190 Mon-Tues: 10am – 4pm Weds-Sat: 10am – 4pm; 5pm – 9pm Closed Sunday
La Tabatiere
Step away from the Starbucks and give your morning routine a real jolt at this Closter café that whips up made-to-order lattes, cappuccinos, espressos, and even plain ol’ cups of black joe (all made with Stumptown beans) in a jiffy. Be sure to grab a fresh-baked pastry or breakfast treat before you go.
(201) 767-2545 Mon: 7am – 1pm Tues-Fri: 7am – 7pm Sat: 7am – 6pm Closed Sunday
If you're a real sandwich person, or a bowl person (or both) make sure you pop into this low key streetfront spot on Lemoine Avenue in Fort Lee. Serving up blow-your-mind lunch fixin's like their Get Happy Bowl or Fertility Bowl and loaded sandwiches which are updated daily, Mood 'Wiches loyal fans line up by the dozen every lunch hour for their healthy and hearty eats. Pro-tip: order ahead if you are planning on picking up lunch to avoid wait time.
2448 Lemoine Ave, Fort Lee 201-944-1404 Monday to Friday: 7am - 8pm Saturday: 8am - 8pmKitchen Cafe
Sick of all those side eyes when you walk into a restaurant with the kids? You won’t get them at this cozy, kid-friendly café—just a warm welcome! Offering up fresh-squeezed juices, organic coffees, gourmet salads, personalized specialty pizzas, and one of the best vegetarian/vegan friendly menus around, this place is a parent’s dream dining spot.
(201) 664-1380 Mon-Sat: 8am – 7pm Sunday: 9am – 5pm
Café Lune
We love a place that gives as much attention to its dining room presentation as it does on what comes out of its kitchen. Order up a bevy of international breakfast, brunch, and dinner favorites, then take in the impressive ceiling mural, gorgeous chandelier, and interesting artwork while relaxing on plush baby blue wingback chairs. The perfect place to host a tea party—and you can order up one of those, too, starting at $25!
Sook Pastry
As if you couldn’t love a French patisserie that served up the perfect lattes, sweet and savory crepes, quiches, croissants, and baguette sandwiches enough, owner Keum Sook Park, who honed her skills at the French Culinary Institute, has upped the ante even more with new line of gourmet chocolates. J’adore!
Coffee and Cornbread
If you are what you eat, then you’re doing A-OK at this soul-food-inspired spot located in Teaneck. Sink your teeth into all sorts of good-for-you grub for breakfast and lunch, including French toast, egg platters, wings, fried chicken, burgers, and tons of daily specials (all hormone- and antibiotic-free!). Before you go, be sure to sign up for C&C’s Five-Star Loyalty Program, which gets you points toward free food and drinks for every dollar you spend.
La Vie En Rose Bakery Cafe
If “fresh baked goods” are three words you can’t get enough of, you’ll want to make a beeline for this (obvis) French-inspired bakery and café featuring house-made specialty scones, croissants, pies, tarts, cakes, brownies, and a chocolate chip cookie that was rated Number One in Bergen County. A café by any other name wouldn’t taste as sweet.
