Located in Aberdeen Township, Lita was named one of the 50 best new restaurants in America by Esquire Magazine in November 2023. This Iberian-inspired culinary wonder, which centers around a live-fire hearth, brings a decadent menu, vibrant ambiance and an exceptional level of hospitality to the tasty Garden State.
Fornos of Spain is a stand-out among the numerous amazing NJ Spanish and NJ Portuguese restaurants in the Ironbound section of Newark. The fried calamari is a deliciously light bite to start with. Follow it up with a tasty veal chop or camarones al ajillo, shrimp in garlic sauce. For dessert, the caramel flan or Spanish chocolate brittle is a surefire favorite.
In Hoboken, Lola's Tapas and Wine Bar – which one reviewer described as a “little piece of Spain in Hoboken” – is another NJ famous restaurant that features over 80 regional Spanish dishes that will please every palate, along with 100 wines to choose from. Try the highly recommended lobster ravioli in vodka sauce or avocado salad with shrimp and apples – and don’t miss out on the award-winning sangria!
Nestled in Princeton, Ajiten is widely regarded as one of the absolute best New Jersey Japanese restaurants out there today. This fabulous dining destination has created authentic and exceptional Japanese cuisine for more than seventeen years. Delight in a number of sushi options, including melt-in-your-mouth tuna, salmon and eel. Other popular favorites to try: the rainbow roll or shrimp tempura deluxe roll.
Jose's has been serving exquisite and authentic Mexican cuisine at the Jersey Shore in Spring Lake Heights since 1997. The fun, laid-back décor keeps it casual, but the taste is described as some of the best Mexican food around – and it's friendly on the wallet too. The burritos and quesadillas are the most popular, but the chimichangas – deep-fried flour tortillas with various fillings – will keep you coming back.
Be greeted by unforgettable table-side preparations and from-scratch Southern Italian dishes at Café 2825, located in Atlantic City. The menu is a feast in and of itself, with appetizers including Grandma’s Pan-Fried Meatball and baked clams oreganata and entrees ranging from Chilean sea bass to veal chop parmigiana.
Described on their website as offering Eastern flavors with a Western twist, Mantra is a modern and elegant Indian dining experience located in Jersey City. Enjoy the chicken curry, lamb vindaloo and salmon grilled with bell peppers and onions. Plenty of vegetarian options are available as well.
The Washington Inn serves up fresh French and American fare in Cape May. For the main course, opt for the filet mignon with truffled mushroom risotto cake, roasted asparagus, gorgonzola garlic butter, crispy shallots and red wine dem-glace or the braised lamb shoulder with broccoli rabe and Manchego cheese.
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