Each new year brings with it the opportunity for new restaurants to enter New Jersey’s vibrant dining scene.
Sadly, this means saying goodbye to some institutions and spots that didn’t survive the test of time.
On a brighter note, the anticipation of what’s to come excites our palates as fresh concepts, rising stars and well-known chefs open their doors for us to experience what they’ve been working on until now. We’ve rounded up 25 new New Jersey restaurants to try in 2026 — some already open, some coming soon — that have the potential to make for a great year of eating around the state!
READ MORE: New Jersey’s 99 best restaurants, ranked
Coniglio’s Old Fashioned, Asbury Park
Morristown mainstay, Coniglio’s is headed to the Jersey Shore. Nino Coniglio, the self-proclaimed, “king of pizza” will expand his empire to Asbury Park sometime this year (no date or season yet named), taking over the historic space at 629 Mattison Ave. Most recently the home to the shuttered pizzeria Killer Pies, Coniglio’s hopes to eventually take over the entire 123-year-old building with an expanded menu, liquor license and a rooftop bar.
Qua Pizza, Asbury Park
Manasquan’s Qua Pizza will in March open its second location, in Asbury Park in the former Joe’s Rotisserie space on Main Street. Owners Matteo and Cristina DeMarco plan to serve the same menu at the new location to start, centered around their thin, crispy, Roman-style square pizzas, rounded out by other favorites like their meatballs, soups, salads, pastas, sandwiches and cutlets. They will eventually expand the menu by adding some seasonal items once the new, larger space is complete.
Fish and Whistle, Belmar
Touted as a “fancy dive bar,” Fish and Whistle is the latest concept by the 10th Ave Burrito team, located inside of the restaurant. Guests enter through a red telephone booth into a moody speakeasy-style area, complete with eclectic, vintage furniture, bespoke cocktails, a variety of beers on tap, and a bar menu featuring house-smoked meats and homemade dips. Fish and Whistle keeps the records spinning daily from noon until 12 a.m. daily and will be adding a brunch menu starting Jan. 10.
One Lev, Bogota
A new Kosher cafe opened in December on Main Street in Bogota. Led by Chef Mendy Vaknin, One Lev’s tiny five-seat eatery has a concise menu and is keeping things compact for a reason. The team is committed to quality over quantity, letting the simplicity of Mediterranean and Levantine cooking techniques and flavors shine while offering top-notch hospitality. Currently, guests can enjoy all-day breakfast and lunch offerings like brick oven-baked bourekas, shakshuka, handhelds, bowls and a selection of baked goods for both dine-in and takeout.
Vinnie’s Pan Pizza, Brielle
Millburn’s beloved pizza heavy hitter, Vinnie’s Pan Pizza quietly opened its second outpost in Brielle back in November. It has since become a shore favorite for its thin and crispy pan pizzas with caramelized edges. Owner Peter Falzo is cranking out their classics like the shredded ‘roni and “the gramps,” featuring local sweet Italian sausage, chopped hot cherry peppers and onions. Other favorites like the parms, salads, pastas and meatballs also made their way down the shore onto the new shop’s menu.
Revel Hall, Burlington
Known for its scenic location on the banks of the Delaware River, the historic town of Burlington just added a new restaurant called Revel Hall to its culinary roster. Led by Michelin-starred chef, Joey Sergentakis, this modern, semi-fine dining, American restaurant opened in early December, featuring globally-inspired, seasonal and ingredient driven dishes like Korean barbecue pork belly skewers, Galician octopus, black garlic miso baked oysters, chicken roulade with truffle and squid in pasta with lobster. The restored space is filled with rustic charm, complete with a full bar and floor to ceiling windows.
Felice, Eatontown
New York City Italian import, Felice, is set to open in Eatontown, sometime in late 2026. Setting up shop in Monmouth Square, this will be the brands first New Jersey location, adding to their existing presence in Manhattan, Westchester, Long Island, Brooklyn and West Palm Beach. Owned by SA Hospitality (Felice, Casa Lever and Sant Ambreous), guests can expect the same lively, elegant atmosphere and authentic menu.
Handroll House, East Rutherford
New Jersey will soon get its first and only dedicated handroll bar in the state. Led by Chef Jeffry Undiarto of the two-Michelin-starred n/naka and Chef Luis and JoJo of ButterFish sushi and omakase, Handroll House is slated to open mid to late January in East Rutherford. The intimate, counter experience concept will be centered around the chef’s skills and creative use of the freshest, high quality, Japanese ingredients that go into their made-to-order hand rolls.
Ixim Taco, Hackensack
From the same team behind Bitol, Mexican Handcrafted Cantina in Clifton, Ixim Taco is all about it’s namesake, which means “corn” in Mayan. Focused on showcasing the freshest and most authentic Mexican ingredients, Ixim Taco debuted their first location in Hackensack on Jan. 5. From hand-pressed tortillas to flavorful salsas made fresh daily, Ixim’s mission is to honor traditional Mexican techniques with a modern and elevated spin, offering guests a taco experience that blends the two through bold flavors.
Rizes Greek Taverna, Hillsborough
Crete native, Dimitri Manioudakis achieved his lifelong dream of opening a restaurant in November. Rizes Greek Taverna opened its doors in the former Cafe Basilico space in Hillsborough. The Greek word meaning “roots,” Rizes celebrates Manioudakis’ Greek heritage, the importance of family and preservation of beloved recipes. In Crete, Rizes has a deeper meaning, tied to olive trees and how their lives are passed through generations. Guests are welcome to BYOB while enjoying authentic Greek and Cretan dishes like dakos and kolokithokeftedes.
Viv & Jules, Hoboken
From the owners of long time Hoboken staples City Bistro and Johnny Pepperoni, Viv & Jules opened in December in the old Stewed Cow space. This restaurant and bar, led by chef Cliff Crooks is dark and sultry, the perfect venue for an intimate date or cozy meal with friends. The menu features an array of shared plates, a few hearty mains, and elevated cocktails. Lunch service is on the horizon.
IKOS, Jersey City
Rooted in the Greek word “oikos” or “household” IKOS opened in December on Steuben Street in one of New Jersey’s biggest foodie towns, Jersey City. The elevated space is warm and welcoming like its namesake intends, but also has an energetic ambiance that invites guests to keep the vibes going late night on Fridays and Saturdays during their DJ sets. The Mediterranean menu is built for sharing, featuring a selection of appetizer, whole fish, larger format proteins and Petrossian caviar service. The cocktail program has a speakeasy flair, with concoctions intended to pair well with the bold flavors of the Mediterranean. IKOS validate free parking for 2.5 hours at the Christopher Columbus parking garage.
Vette Ristorante at Calabria, Livingston
Livingston saw the debut of a new Italian fine-dining restaurant in November. Located within the well-known Calabria restaurant building, Vette Ristorante is an elevated take on a traditional trattoria, celebrating chef and sommelier Maurizio de Rosa’s Neapolitan roots and Michelin-level experience, cooking in kitchens in New York and Buenos Aires. Guests can opt for something off of the all-Italian wine list or one of their flashy cocktails, while enjoying comforting homemade classics like gnocchi Sorrentina, and dramatic table side preparations like snapper acquapazza or tiramisu. Vette also offers a four-course tasting menu for $55 per person from Monday through Thursday, with an optional wine pairing for $36 per person, featuring four, 4 ounce pours plus a dessert.
Covo Steakhouse, Marlboro
After the quiet closure of Marlboro’s well-loved Italian restaurant, Il Nido, Esperto Hospitality Group has birthed an entirely new concept in the space called Covo Italian Steakhouse. Covo, meaning “lair” or “refuge,” is set to open in late January, embodying those very characteristics throughout the reimagined space and menu. Dark woods, exposed brick, natural stone and leather seating set the tone for the rich steak-forward menu with Italian influences throughout. The steak program will feature bone-in and dry-aged cuts as well as American Wagyu sourced from family-owned ranches, and there will be plenty of traditional side dishes, raw bar, crudo and Italian comfort dishes to compliment. The beverage offerings will match the mood, comprised of speakeasy classics, innovative cocktails and a well thought out wine list of old and new world selections.
Campofiore, Montclair
Montclair’s Italian restaurant rolodex is already stacked, but that’s not stopping Stout NYC Hospitality Group from adding a fresh concept into the mix. Opening in early 2026 on Bloomfield Avenue in the former Thai King space, Campofiore is the group’s latest venture, who also operate Allegory and Splendid Rooftop at the MC Hotel. Led by Chef Dan Drohan Campofiore will be a rustic, farm-to-table, Italian concept that will rely on local ingredients sourced from farmers and fishermen in the area. Guests will dine on antipasti, a selection of salumi and Italian cheeses, handmade pastas, gelato and more. Wines will be curated from various regions of Italy and will be available for purchase by the bottle.
Cotto, Morristown
Dining destination, Morristown, added a new Italian restaurant to the downtown scene in December. The latest project from the Stirling Restaurant Group, the hospitality group behind Stirling Tavern, Dublin Pub and The Stirling Hotel, Cotto’s gorgeous, warm dining room welcomes guests to enjoy a thoughtful, ingredient-driven menu anchored by house-made pastas, and seasonal dishes that highlight regional Italian dishes and more innovative creations. With executive chef Jordan Petriello, formerly of Il Nido in Marlboro and several high end restaurants in NYC prior is at the helm, Cotto has swiftly become a North Jersey hot spot.
MM by Morimoto, Morristown
Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto made his first splash into Jersey’s culinary scene with the opening of MM by Morimoto in Montclair last summer. His empire expands to Morristown this spring, where he will open a second location in the historic Vail Mansion, former home to Jockey Hollow Bar & Kitchen. In partnership with Montclair Hospitality Group and Set. Marie Studio design firm, Morimoto plans transform the mansion into an immersive dining destination, featuring multiple dining spaces and top of the line steak and mixology programs.
Elizabeth’s Italian, Old Bridge
Opening in the first quarter of 2026, Elizabeth’s Italian joins Mezcal, 618 and Jersey Freeze as Death of Hospitality’s newest concept. Set in the former Grillstone space on Route 516 in Old Bridge, the modern restaurant, named after owner Matthew Borowski’s wife Liz, will be an ode to family, serving handmade pastas, chef Christopher Dutka’s grandma’s meatballs, and twists on familiar classics. The beverage program will follow suit with inventive cocktails and creative drinks presentations. 618 will host Elizabeth’s Italian preview nights on Jan. 27 and 28 with very limited seating, featuring a five-course menu including cocktails and wines.
Third Proof, Pine Brook
There’s no shortage of new pizza places popping up around the state, but one that’s already made a splash within two months of opening is Third Proof Pizzeria in Pine Brook. Third Proof is all about doing simple things well through care, intention and high quality ingredients. Their classic and more creatively topped sourdough pizzas feature a blend of organic, naturally leavened and fermented flours to maximize flavor and digestibility. From their sourdough croutons and breadcrumb for avocado oil-fried chicken cutlets, to their sauces and dressings, virtually everything is made in-house, except the 24-month Parmigiano Reggiano used on their pies.
Rare Bird, Ramsey
Chef Joey Sergentakis is on a roll. Slated to open the week of Jan. 13 at the Ramsey Country Club, Rare Bird merges two contrasting culinary concepts under one roof — and Italian steakhouse and a sushi program. Along with owner, Daniel Grey and general manager, Michael Treible, Sergentakis, the promise is to provide guests with a mix of well-executed traditional and innovative dishes as well as a carefully curated beverage program in a laid-back but refined environment that feels warm and welcoming. Rare bird will start with lunch and dinner service, live music on Thursdays, and will eventually offer outdoor dining when the weather permits.
Oyster House & Bar, Scotch Plains
Oyster House is the vision of three longtime friends and seasoned industry professionals. Alonso Zepeda, a partner and buyer for Gargiulo Produce, Max Perrone, owner of Max’s Pizza and Bruno Baldani, owner of Nostimo Mediterranean Restaurant in Kenilworth, 387 Oyster House & Bar has become a welcoming place that celebrates friendship and a shared passion for hospitality. Open for just over a month, this Scotch Plains newcomer took over the former Bernadette space, transforming it into a modern neighborhood spot where guests can watch a sporting event or enjoy a cozy meal. Chef Frank Pascale, formerly of Netherwood Grill and Sheelen’s Crossing, helms the kitchen, cranking out a seafood-focused menu that features a raw bar, appetizers with an elevated twist, and an impressive array of vegetable and meat-heavy dishes to appeal to all diets and palettes.
Numa, Shrewsbury
Arriving this spring in the old Alberino space on Broad Street in Shrewsbury, NUMA Modern Mediterranean Kitchen & Bar plans to offer a modern Mediterranean dining experience influenced by the coastal regions of Europe. Thoughtful and familiar, the overall feel will be contemporary yet approachable in an elevated and open dining room. Two bars will anchor the space, encouraging a more casually social dining experience. The beverage program will be just as intentional, showcasing an array of well-crafted cocktails and a curated selection of European wines and spirits.
Olea, Spring Lake
A highly anticipated opening for Spring Lake, Olea Restaurant & Lounge opened its doors on Dec. 4 in The Shore Club Hotel. Former executive chef of The Butcher’s Block in Long Branch, Bud Carter created a menu that revolves around steak, seafood and pasta, with a seasonal, innovative approach that still feels familiar. Inspired by the symbolism of the olive tree’s deep heritage and hospitality, Olea is an ode to what Italy does well — providing impeccable service and intentionally composed dishes. With two bars and two distinctive dining rooms, guests can have an array of cozy spaces to tuck into for a meal or drink.
Aubrey’s Corner, Summit
Aubrey’s Corner just landed on, you guessed it, the corner of Aubrey & Morris Streets in Summit. This family-run spot is led by some serious hospitality heavy hitters. Jes Taylor, previously of Major Food Group and Harvest Restaurant Group, along with his wife Lauren and sister Emma Radest have totally transformed the former Marco Polo Restaurant & Bar space with the guidance of Summit-based architecture firm Rosen Kelly Conway and interior design direction of Emma Montgomery. Chef Michael Feinberg, formerly of R Bar and American Cut Steakhouse is at the helm, masterfully crafting New American and French comfort dishes that not only paired well with the wines and cocktails, but compliment the interiors and dining ambiance. Keep an eye out for expanded seating and menu offerings later this month.
Rosangelly’s, Westwood
Currently in their soft opening and shooting for a February 14th grand opening, the all-day brunch restauant will bring something fresh to Westwood. Specializing in New American cuisine with Latin influences, Rosangelly’s will also feature a micro-bakery when guests can pick up loaves of artisan sourdough and enjoy a coffee from their in-house roastery. Tucked inside of an old bank building, Rosangelly’s has the special ability to host private events in an original vault located on the first floor. Stay tuned for the launch of their online ordering platform and dinner service.
