New Jersey's Culinary Champs:
The Best Restaurants of 2024

Chez Catherine
Westfield, NJ
Chez Catherine offers one of the most authentic French dining experiences in New Jersey, making it a sought-after destination for special occasions and fine dining enthusiasts. They serve a seasonal menu that showcases expertly crafted, artfully presented dishes, emphasizing high-quality, farm-to-table ingredients whenever possible.The refined décor, and exquisite floral arrangements create a sophisticated yet cozy ambiance, making it an ideal setting for an intimate dinner for two.

Common Lot
Millburn, NJ
Common Lot stands out as a trailblazing dining destination, blending creativity and innovation rarely seen in the region. Renowned for its inventive, farm-to-table fare and industrial-chic ambiance, this restaurant offers a refreshing departure from the ordinary.
The menu dazzles with globally inspired, seasonally driven dishes crafted from locally sourced ingredients. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options abound, ensuring inclusivity. For those seeking exclusivity, the Kitchen Pass Chef’s Table presents a daring, multi-course tasting menu tailored to diners’ preferences.

Faubourg
Montclair, NJ
Faubourg, a crown jewel among New Jersey’s French dining scene, re-imagines Parisian elegance with a vibrant New York City edge. Housed in a converted 1940s bank-turned-theater in Montclair, this bi-level brasserie dazzles with a blend of historic charm and modern sophistication. The space features a glass-enclosed wine cellar, a lush garden patio with fire pit and fountain, and an outdoor bar, creating an inviting indoor-outdoor experience.The menu celebrates French classics—think pristine oysters, wood-grilled meats, and seafood—while emphasizing seasonal ingredients that shine without pretense. Small plates encourage sharing, and a dedicated plant-based menu caters to vegan diners.

Oceanos Restaurant
Fair Lawn, NJ
Renowned as one of Northern New Jersey's premier seafood destinations, Oceanos celebrates Mediterranean flavors with Greek influences, emphasizing simplicity to let fresh ingredients shine. Their dedication shines beyond the seafood-centric menu. The crafts artisanal bread and desserts daily, add a homemade touch to every meal. The elegant space features two dining rooms adorned with polished dark wood, soft lighting, and grass-cloth walls accented by vintage sailing yacht photographs. In warmer months, dine outdoors in a lush tropical oasis brimming with vibrant greenery, cascading blooms, and twinkling chandeliers—a serene escape that complements the restaurant’s coastal charm.

Restaurant Latour
Hamburg, NJ
Nestled within the luxurious Crystal Springs Resort, a 4,000-acre alpine-inspired retreat, Restaurant Latour stands as one of Northern New Jersey’s premier fine dining establishments. Offering a refined yet contemporary dining experience, it seamlessly blends culinary excellence with an inviting, modern atmosphere—eschewing the traditional "Old World" formality often associated with upscale dining. The seasonally inspired menu highlights the best local, foraged, and organic ingredients, with produce sourced from the on-site Chef’s Garden at Crystal Springs Resort. Diners can choose between a four-course prix fixe (with an optional cheese course) or an elevated seven-course chef's tasting menu. Restaurant Latour’s dining space features an elegant and modern retreat, incorporating natural and reclaimed materials. One of the highlights of Restaurant Latour is its breathtaking scenery. Floor-to-ceiling windows frame panoramic views of the Kittatinny Mountains, while an outdoor patio offers al fresco dining in the warmer months. For an unforgettable experience, time your visit to catch the sunset over the mountains—a particularly enchanting touch for a romantic evening.

Saddle River Inn
Saddle River, NJ
Nestled in a meticulously restored 19th-century barn along the banks of the Saddle River, The Saddle River Inn stands as a premier destination for romance, celebration, and refined dining in Bergen County.
The 80-seat restaurant spans two floors, featuring dark rustic walls, exposed beams, and rich hardwood flooring. The menu celebrates New American flavors with French technique and occasional Asian accents, showcasing premium ingredients like dry-aged beef, sustainable line-caught seafood, and hyperlocal produce. Dishes evolve with the seasons, ensuring freshness and creativity, while a curated wine list complements the culinary artistry. 

The Hill
Closter, NJ
Nestled in Bergen County, The Hill is a beloved upscale dining destination owned and operated by acclaimed Michelin star chef Ben Pollinger. The restaurant showcases his culinary vision through a seasonal menu that artfully blends seafood, steaks, chops, game, and Italian-inspired dishes. Emphasizing creativity and precision, The Hill’s rustic farmhouse charm spans two inviting dining areas, a bar lounge, and outdoor seating. The main dining room is cozy yet elegant space with a floor-to-ceiling stone fireplace, exposed beam ceilings, and walls adorned with contemporary art and reclaimed barn wood.

Verana Cucina Italiana
Norwood, NJ
Nestled in Northern New Jersey, Verana Cucina Italiana stands out as a premier destination for authentic Italian cuisine, blending culinary artistry with a sophisticated urban ambiance.
The menu crafts a tour of Italy’s diverse regions. Dishes shift with the seasons, showcasing house-made pastas, sauces, focaccia, and pastries. Premium ingredients take center stage, such as American Wagyu beef from Idaho’s Snake River Farms and imported Italian staples, ensuring each plate is both authentic and innovative.
The dining room exudes upscale charm with polished wood floors, crystal chandeliers, and floor-to-ceiling dark curtains framing the space. The walls tell stories through striking artwork: a hand-painted mural shares space with vintage photos of icons like Sophia Loren, Roger Moore, and Louis Armstrong indulging in life’s pleasures. Even the bathrooms surprise with portraits of Angelina Jolie and Anthony Bourdain. In warmer months, the outdoor patio offers al fresco dining.