Stephanie Rizzolo

1 week ago | nj.com | Stephanie Rizzolo

We love that time of year when restaurants start preparing their patios and al fresco seating for outdoor dining. Kicking it up a notch, adding a waterside element to the equation makes for elite seasonal dining. Let’s be honest. Dining indoors can be cozy, but when compared to the epic views and gentle breeze off the water that outdoor dining offers during the warmer months, it’s a no brainer.

2 weeks ago | nj.com | Stephanie Rizzolo

There’s a whole lot more to Newark’s dining scene than the Ironbound and Hobby’s Deli. With the help of programs like Invest Newark’s Retail Reactivation Initiative and Audible’s Business Attraction Program, the city’s downtown sector is slowly transforming into a vibrant hub for small businesses, community development and entrepreneurship. Backed by both of these programs, Sweet Jeans Kitchen + Espresso Bar recently made its debut on Broad Street, celebrating their grand opening in April.

1 month ago | nj.com | Stephanie Rizzolo

Hunterdon Country is on the precipice of a culinary renaissance. This corner of Central Jersey has long held heaps of historical significance and a modest population. Now, it has the culinary chops to draw in diners from some of the most bustling and restaurant-dense regions across the state. One could thank the recently revamped Stockton Inn, nestled on the Delaware River, for contributing to the spotlight.

2 months ago | nj.com | Stephanie Rizzolo

It’s no small feat for a new restaurant to enter Ridgewood’s well-established, bustling culinary scene. But for New American newcomer, Lula, the Bergen County burg was a stage already set for chef and owner Conor Browne. Following its Jan. 30 opening, Lula has quickly become a hotspot for those seeking something fresh yet familiar — with Browne showing off in the kitchen. If you purchase a product or register for an account through a link on our site, we may receive compensation.

Feb 20, 2025 | nj.com | Stephanie Rizzolo

Some restaurants feel familiar from the moment you walk through the door. They have a lived-in aura, a sense of welcoming warmth that can be hard to come by. Varka in Ramsey is one of those restaurants. Ringing in their 20th year of business this March, the Mastorakos family’s commitment to delivering high quality, authentic and consistently delicious Greek cuisine is the driving force that has made Varka such a Bergen County staple.