Another day, another restaurant opening.
Or so it may seem.
It can bedifficult to keep up with the growing number of restaurants that have opened inNorth Jersey since the beginning of the year. Restaurants of all sizes and cuisines— from a Viennese bistro helmed by a Michelin-starred chef to acafé that specializes in beignetsto a steakhouse that wet-ages its beef and even a restaurant that comprises of one robot burger vending machine.
The following is a list of restaurants that have beencalling North Jersey home since Jan. 1.
We can't claim our list iscomprehensive;despite our aspirations,the task of reporting on every restaurant in our region is simply impossible. (If you know of a restaurant we've missed, please don't hesitate to let us know; email davidowitz@northjersey.com.) But our list providesplenty of new, exciting opportunities foreating and drinking.
Bloomfield
Qenko.This BYOB serves moist, smoky chicken marinated in Peruvian spices. Get the chicken whole, half or quarter. Also available: ceviche. Open every day from 11 a.m.68 Washington St., Bloomfield;973-434-9500,qenkochicken.com.
Closter
El Taco Bar.The tortillas are cooked to order. They're stuffed withbeer-battered fish or grilled chicken or roasted poblano peppers. Not into tacos? Try the quesadillas or burritos. Open every day. 244 Closter Dock Road, Closter;201-499-5757,eltacobar.com.
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East Rutherford
Jollibee.The latest NJ branch of this Filipino fast-food chain, with 1300 locations worldwide,is located in the American Dream mall. Jollibee is famous for its fried chicken and sweet, red-sauce spaghetti.1 American Dream Way, East Rutherford; 551-205-8585,jolliebeefoods.com.
Elmwood Park
Three Chefs Steakhouse.Three Chefs Steakhouse replaced gastropub The Twisted Elm. The steakhouse specializes in wet-aged steaks, that is, steaks marinated and vacuumsealed.Open every day for lunch and dinner.435 River Dr., Elmwood Park; 973-928-2400,thethreechefs.com.
Englewood
Liv Breads.Well-loved artisan bakery Liv Breads now has a third location; its two others areits flagship store in Millburn and akiosk at The Mall at Short Hills. The Englewood spot is a retail-only grab-and-go operation. Besides an array of fresh baked breads, the bakery offers pastries including flaky croissants and rich chocolate rugelachs, Basque cheesecakes andcarrot loaf cake. Open every day from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.23 Nathaniel Place, Englewood;201-731-3334;livbreads.com.
Vegan Pastry Lab.Vegan Chris Longoria, owner of this plant-based bakery and gift shop, offers baked daily cinnamon rolls, quiche and cakes. Open every day from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.18 E. Forest Ave., Englewood;201-431-9152,veganpastrylab.com.
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Fairfield
Kebabs & Kurries. The focus of this restaurant is North Indian and Indo-Chinese meals.Dishes includechicken samosas, gelouti kebaand fried Desi wings in chili sauce or creamy malai marinade. Indian-inspired sandwiches like the tikka roll are also available, as well as meals made in the tandoor.Open every day.244 Route 46, Fairfield; 862-702-8266,kkbydhaba.com.
Fair Lawn
Bite Food & Coffee Co.This is the second location for Bite Food; the first is in Hackensack hospital. On the menu: chickpea mash, shrimp po boy tacos, kale salad and chicken parm salad.2140 Promenade Blvd.,Fair Lawn;551-224-8072,bitefoodcoffee.com.
New Territories. Thisice cream parlor serves hand-crafted ice cream and bubble waffle cones.Flavors include cinnamon donut, earl grey, caramel crunch and matcha. Milkshakes available as well. Closed Thursday. 13-24 River Road, Fair Lawn;201-574-9263,newterritoriesnyc.com.
Hackensack
Fattitude.Not a fan of fried foods? Fattitude offers 50 varieties of made-from-scratch empanadas that are baked instead of fried.Among the most popular are the guava and cheese, the pina coladaand the four-cheese.Also available are bowls and natural juices.Closed Sunday.365 Essex St., Hackensack;201-678-1649,fattitudeofficial.com.
Viva Margarita.The fourth outpost for this Mexican chain. It replaced sports bar Cheers. Menu includes typical Mexican fare: enchiladas, tacos and fajitas. Open every day from 12 noon. 774 Main St., Hackensack; 201-379-7779,vivamargarita.com.
Harrison
Charley. Kurt Gutenbrunner, the acclaimed chef behind Michelin-starred Wallsé, a fine-dine Austrianrestaurant in New York City, heads the kitchen of thisViennese bistro. On the menu:hot pretzel with mustard,Berlin currywurst with fried onions,chicken schnitzelmshort rib goulash and sachertorte.The cafe eventually will be open every day,but currently it's closed Monday. 202 Angelo Cifelli Dr., Harrison;973-268-8000,charley.com.
Hoboken
Vanity at Monroe’s. Asushi restaurant that offersa pre-fixe menu only, Vanity servesdiners not at a communal bar as most omakase restaurants do but at separate tables.Vanity also has a co*cktail menu full of sake drinks and Japanese whiskeys. The price for 14 courses is $75. Open Wednesday through Sunday from 5:30 p.m.36-42 Newark St., Hoboken; 201-238-2594,monroesnj.com.
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Jersey City
Artichoke Basille’s Pizza.This New York-based pizza chainoffers slices and whole pizzas. Try the crab pie with crab sauce and fresh mozzarella; the artichoke cream sauce; or the Staten Island Pie with meatballs and ricotta cheese. Open every day from noon to midnight.246 Bay St., Jersey City; 201-375-4757,artichokepizza.com.
Canard Cafe. Located in the lobby of a69-story apartment tower, Canard Cafe offersBelgian chocolate mousse, classic key lime pie, biscotti crust cheesecake,apple cinnamon crumble, sandwichesand quiche. Drink offerings include hot and iced coffee, espressos, lattes, teas, smoothies, fresh-squeezed juicesand protein shakes. Open every day from 8a.m. to 8 p.m.200 Greene St., Jersey City;linktr.ee/canardcafebar.
RoboBurger. A burger-vending machine restaurant where a touch screenallows you to order a classic burger with ketchup, mustard and cheese, or customize the burger to remove any of those ingredients. The burger is made in about six minutes and costs $6.99; the machine accepts cards, Apple Pay and Google Pay. Closed Saturday and Sunday. 30 Mall Dr. W., Jersey City;914-627-9528,theroboburger.com.
Terra e Mare. The kitchen of this suave Italian restaurant is headed by David Felton, the first executive chef of Ninety Acres In Peapack-Gladstone. In addition to house-aged steaks, lobsters from a massive tank and pizzas cooked ina pizza oven, the "surf and turf" Terra e Mare,housed in the Hudson House right on the shore of the Hudson, also offers a raw bar, pastas and house-made desserts.Open Thursday through Sunday.2 Chapel Ave., Jersey City;551-277-0588, website
Yum Eatery.Tacos, burritos andquesadillas, plus Asian dishes such as tempura shrimp.199 Woodward St.,Jersey City;201-360-3167, no website.
Lyndhurst
AJ Shanghai.Chinese restaurant offeringsoup dumplings, scallion pancakes, dan dan noodles andkung pao chicken. BYOB. Open every day from 11 a.m.775 Riverside Ave., Lyndhurst;201-885-3438, website.
Madison
Butter &Jam Café andRestaurant.As the name implies, Butter & Jamoffers jams (house-made) and butters (freshly infused). However, it serves much more —pancakes, French toast, omelets, Nicoise salad and croque monsieur sandwich —at its full-service 50-seat dining room.Open from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursday to Sunday. 30 Cook Plaza,Madison;973-261-9213,butterandjamcafe.com.
Midland Park
Wish Upon a Pastry. The bakeryofferscustom cakes, cookies, macarons,seasonal cupcakes, ready-to-bake cinnamon buns and cakesiclesin both dark and milk chocolate with different fillings. Closed Sunday and Monday.26 Goffle Road,Midland Park;201-428-9456,wishuponapastry.com.
Montclair
Boomchia.A vegan restaurant that offersDIY bowls. Choose a "cold base," say acai or blue coconut; a "pudding base," perhaps chia pudding; then granola, fruit and toppings. Open every day.427 Bloomfield Ave., Montclair;973-330-9111,boomchia.com.
Elephant Plate.A plant-based and gluten-free shop that specializes in grab-and-go meals.Open every day from 10a.m. to 7 p.m.10 Lackawanna Plaza, Montclair;888-618-6061,elephantplate.com.
Porta.Porta, a Neapolitan pizza restaurant with locations in Jersey City and Asbury Park,replaces Montclair Social Club. Besides pizzas, there are large-sized salads and pasta dishes. And a big bar.Open every day from 4 p.m., except Saturday and Sunday when it opens at 11 a.m. for brunch. 499 Bloomfield Ave., Montclair;973-358-9989,pizzaporta.com/montclair.
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Morris Plains
Ai SakaeAsian Cuisine. Not sure if you're in the mood for Thai, Japanese or Chinese food? Ai Sakaeoffers all three cuisines.The BYOB's menu is enormous. Popular dishes include pad Thai, sushi rolls especially the Mountain Roll,(shrimp tempura and avocado withspicy crab on top) andhibachi dinners. Open every day for lunch and dinner. 970B Tabor Road, Morris Plains;973-998-8818,aisakae.com.
Chopt.Fast-casual salad chain Chopt now has an outpost inBriarcliff Commons in Morris Plains. You can order one of its pre-designed salads or design your own by picking your base and toppings. Open every day from 10:30a.m.1711 Route 10 Suite 10, Morris Plains;973-993-7301,choptsalad.com.
Newark
Keytlym Bakery.From-scratch treats include donuts, cookies and party cakes. Also available:bread and sandwiches. Open every day from 5 a.m. to 6 p.m.806 Summer Ave., Newark; 973-901-9171,dessertsnewark.com.
Newton
Poy's Thai Kitchen.This2,000-square-foot BYOB offers both Thai and Laotian dishes.Thai dishes offered include tom yum soup, pad Thai and duck kra prow, duck laced with garlic-chili-basil sauce. The Laotian national dish, larb, a salad made with ground meat, is also available. Open every day except Sunday for lunch and dinner. 7 Woodside Ave., Newton; 973-821-5028.
New Milford
River & Henley. A sports bar and restaurant with pub fare includingwings, pizza, buffalo shrimp, tacos and chicken sliders. The bar whips up cosmos, green tea shots and mules.704 River Road, New Milford; 201-262-0391;riverandhenley.com.
Nutley
Cubita Café. A Cuban restaurant trying to break the cookie-cutter mold by serving empanadas stuffed with Taylor ham and Oreo empanada. Open every day from 6:30 a.m., exceptSunday.234 Franklin Ave., Nutley;973-630-9220, cubitacafenj.com.
Pita Bowl.As the name implies, this casual restaurant specializes in pita bowls:a bowl of rice, salad, a protein and pita as garnish. The dish is served with made-in-house tzatziki. BYOB. Closed Sunday.174 Washington Ave., Nutley;973-343-5555,eatpitabowl.com.
Woodcroft Steakhouse & Seafood. A 90-seat white-tablecloth restaurant, Woodcroft replaces longtime spot American Bistro. The restaurant features an 18-seat bar and offers in-house aged steaks and seafood. Open every day for lunch and dinner.24 Washington Ave., Nutley; 973-235-0505,woodcroftsteakhouse.com.
Palisades Park
Third Floor Cafe.A Korean pub servingstreet foods and co*cktails, wine and beer. Open seven days a week from 5 p.m.232 Broad Ave 3rd floor, Palisades Park;201-429-2484, no website.
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Paramus
Gregorys Coffee, Paramus.This New York City coffee chain has a dive-thru in its new Paramus outpost. Housemade pastries available with a variety of coffee drinks.Open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. every day except Sunday when it opens at 7 a.m. 393 Route 17 S., Paramus; 201-857-7050,gregoryscoffee.com.
Thumbody, Paramus.Half record store and half cafe, Thumbody servessuch pastries asalmond croissantsand scones, as well as African-American treats, such assweet Navy bean pie, and Filipino eats, including bright purple ube lattes. Closed Sunday.80 E. Route4, Ground Floor Suite GFW, Paramus; 201-267-6554,facebook.com.
Park Ridge
Egeo Estiatorio. A Greek restaurant, Egeo primarily focuses on seafood with such dishes as whole grilled branzino, halibut baked in parchment and pan-fried whiting. Open every day for lunch and dinner, except Sunday.99 Park Ave., Park Ridge;201-476-1400,egeoestiatorio.com.
Paterson
Cafecito.Latin café Cafecito moved from Prospect Park in Paterson into a much larger location onPark Street. Expect your typical café fare — Taylor ham, egg and cheese sandwiches, Nutella pancakes, turkey avocado sandwiches— with some Latin standards like pork mofongo, fried green plantains nd empanadas. Open every day from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.27 Park Ave., Paterson;973-782-6975,cafecitonj.square.site.
Ridgewood
Bagelicious.Thislongtime downtown bagel shop moved intoa new spot23 months after a five-alarm firedestroyed itsoriginal Broad Street location.Bagels aren'tthe only thing it's known for.Bagelicious also offers breakfast sandwiches, wraps and deli sandwiches. Open every day from 5 a.m. to 4 p.m. 41 N. Broad St.,Ridgewood; 201-652-9421; facebook.
Rutherford
Steven’s Café.This is Steven Incekara's second cafe; his first isin Weehawken's Port Imperial. The cafe serves Italian coffee, specialty teas, French pastries from Le French Dad Boulangerie in Montclair, fresh juices and smoothies, hand-rolled bagels from Mr. Bagelsworth in Edgewaterand an assortment of flavored cream cheese. Also available are omelets, sandwiches, avocado toast andNutella toast.Closed Monday. 106 Park Ave.,Rutherford; /Stevens-Cafe-Rutherford.
Saddle Brook
Grumpy's Eat Big, Saddle Brook. A pizza and pasta shop owned by chef Marcelo Segura and his wife, Nicole. Open every day from 10 a.m.to 10 p.m. except Monday.22 Saddle River Road, Saddle Brook;201-880-0555,grumpysnj.com.
Wayne
Paheli Indian Cuisine, Wayne.A BYOB,30-seat Paheli replaced Fri Guyz in Wayne. The restaurant does not specialize in any one regionof India. It's open for lunch anddinner every day exceptMonday.1210 Hamburg Turnpike, Wayne; 973-987-3089,pahelinj.com.
Westwood
Bourbon Street Beignet, Westwood. Jule Hazou, founder of Glaze Donuts which he sold,today runs Bourbon Street Cafe. Itspecializes in beignets and chicory coffee a la New Orleans' famed Cafe du Monde. Also on the menu arecroissant sandwiches, big cookies, puff-pastry flatbreadsand crumb-cake croissants. Drinks include Southern iced tea or nutty roasted coffee made with chicory root. Open every day from 8 a.m., except Sunday when it opensat 9 a.m. 301 Center Ave., Westwood;201-497-8429,facebook.
EstherDavidowitzis thefood editor for NorthJersey.com. For more on where to dine and drink, pleasesubscribe todayand sign up forourNorth Jersey Eats newsletter.
Email:davidowitz@northjersey.com
Twitter:@estherdavido
