I (Ashli W.) often find myself on the weekend craving something yummy to eat, and no, I'm not talking Wendy's. You would certainly think around here, with such diverse people and places represented there would be some pretty great restaurants. Often times when I ask people where to eat locally whether chain or other wise they say "in the city". Come on people, I know there are some good eats around! So when I received this email from Jasmine I thought she had a great idea in asking for all of your opinions and expertise. Now, in the past we have not had a great number or people who will actually comment. Why is that? Don't care? Don't know how? Well, being a bit of a foodie myself I hope people give a good shout out to the places in Jersey they like best. Refer to the email below to make sure you include the expense rating. I'll even promise the person with the most suggestions, or best answer a little surprise from me. If that's not going to get you to comment I don't know what will ;)
From Jasmine Shorten:
What are the the good places to eat in the area? I want everything from fast food to fancy and all types of food too: Thai, Mexican, Italian, Indian, etc. And if they could list the name of the restaurant, type of food, where it's at and then the little expense rating: $ for fast food joints $$ for places in the price range of Smashburger and $$$ in the price range of Olive Garden and $$$$ for places where the waiter comes to scrape the crumbs off your table cloth :)
I know I'm not the only one who has a hard time finding a good eat around here, but I feel like everyone knows of one or two good places, so it would be really handy to create a little dining archive--especially for newbies to the area.
Thanks!
Come on people, I'm counting on you :)
So... We recently found out about Casa Maya, you guessed it, a Mexican place in Gillette. I don't know if it's just been a few years since I've had good Mexican, but it's really good, like Los Hermanos good in my mind. In fact I was there recently for lunch and it was 6.75 and it included chips and salsa your choice of a cup of soup and then your entree. Very good. I would say in the evening it would be $$
ReplyDeleteIf one more person tells me they like tito burrito... I do not but that's just me.
Anyway, we fairly recently tried an Indian place in Chatham called Chutney and company. Definitely more the pricey side $$$+ but it was a nice atmosphere and good food.
We have eaten at the Indian place in Summit a few times that was called Dabba Walla or something like that and we did not like the atmosphere but the food is good. But, they recently renovated and reopened and we hear that it is good, but under a new name on Springfield ave. Don't know pricing wise I would guess $$-$$$
We have been wanting Thai food and received a recommendation from Marie hyde, Hi maried, for "Splash of Thai" in Westfield. We got too lazy to go, but it is definitely on the list.
There's a fantastic Greek place, I don't remember the name in Montclair, $$
Sweetwater Steak house in Westfield was good too $$$$. We love westfield though.
I've heard there's a good Thai place on the 22 across from that weird circusy looking place.
We have tried Summit Thai or whatever it's called and it was pricey, and very little food and yucky.
and I wonder why I have a weight problem, oh wait that's the duncan doughnuts :)
So my entire pregnancy I haven't been able to get enough Thai food. I did the best research i could online and ended up trying out Thai Passion on Main street in Chatham. We were very pleased. I'd definitely go back. The lunch menu is less expensive than the dinner. I'd say the range is $$-$$$.
ReplyDeleteI have heard good things about picante in Springfield. ( Mexican) anybody want to check it out with me? :)
ReplyDeleteour ultimate fave is basilico in milburn. it is $$$$ but worth it for genuine italian once in a blue moon. seriously the real yummy deal.
ReplyDeletei love titos (and tinga in millburn)both $$.. but im a new yorker so i guess my opinion doesn't count with mexican food.
taca sushi in summit has good... sushi...$$
for a real jersey experience you have to go to the summit diner (the train car downtown) for breakfast. and sit at the counter. there is nothing more jersey about a true established greek diner!! $$
pizzeta in millburn for pizza
and the TOWNE Delicatessen by kings in summit across from the NP train station. amazing jersey sandwiches.felipe has worked there since high school and still does on saturdays. YUM YUM YUM!!!!! (the turkey joes are my fave). $$
hoping more people will comment with some good places to eat!!
Food: contemporary comfort food ($$):
ReplyDeleteThis place is in Summit. They serve burgers that I would say are at the same level as Shake Shack. They have interesting takes on American comfort food dishes and always great ice cream flavors (salty caramel, etc.). We used to order take out every Friday night from "Food". I love the food here. Reminds me of NYC (a little bit). Great place to eat with kids. Website: http://foodinsummit.com/food./home..html
Summit Thai ($$):
We think it is fine. It isn't the best Thai food, but it isn't bad. We order the Pad See-yu, Pad thai, Cashew chicken and have loved those dishes. But, we aren't Thai food snobs :) so take this recommend with a grain of salt. Website: http://www.summit-thaicuisine.com/
Roots Steakhouse ($$$$):
We have gone for birthdays and anniversaries. IT is $$$$, but worth it. If you like steak, this is your place. The entrees are ala carte so you order sides to accompany your main. The service is great, too. (I wouldn't bring kids here.) website: http://www.rootssteakhouse.com/
Huntley Tavern ($$$-$$$$):
Owned by the same group as Roots. We LOVE this restaurant. It is $$$$, but for a celebration, it is a good choice (not a kids kind of place, though) -- great ambiance, excellent service, and it has great food (they create dishes from local produce and sources). The menu is here: http://www.thehuntleytaverne.com/
Garage ($):
A new take on an American diner (in Millburn) is great for kids. Built in what looks like was once a garage they have indoor and patio seating (for warmer weather). You can order burgers, hot dogs, fries, and ice cream. Great place for kids. Website: http://www.garagenj.com/garage-ice-cream/
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ReplyDeleteNinety Acres ($$$$):
We've made reservations here a few times, but because it is a little further away have not gone yet. The restaurant is in an estate on 90 acres of land out near Bedminster, NJ (about 20 minute drive from Summit). All of the food is from the land or local. They even have a culinary arts studio/kitchen where you can sign up for cooking classes. I hope to go soon. Website: http://natirar.com/index.php/ninety_acres
Five Guys ($): These are everywhere. We have gone to the one off of Highway 22 in the Blue Star Shopping Center, but I'm sure you can find one in a closer location. Excellent burgers and fries. No nonsense restaurant. Great for families. Website/Map: http://maps.google.com/?q=908-490-0370
IKEA Restaurant ($):
Believe it or not, they have great food that is very inexpensive. Whenever we have something we need to pick up at Ikea, we make it a family dinner/lunch trip. And often times kids can eat free! The Swedish Meatballs dish is famous (our friends in Brooklyn go just for the food). But they also have salmon/veggies, salads, chicken tenders and fries, too. Website: http://www.ikea.com/us/en/store/elizabeth/restaurant
CASA MAYA ($$): For NJ and for the east coast, this is pretty good Mexican food -- the best I've had in NJ, so far. (The restaurant has several Zagat awards for best NJ Mexican Restaurant hanging on its walls). It is a great place for families and a good stop after visiting the Great Swamp (it's on the way to the swamp). Website: http://www.casamayamexican.com/Home_Gillette.html
CE QUI SABE ($-$$): A Brazilian restaurant in Newark, NJ (down the street from the Iron bound branch church building -- you could probably park in the church's parking lot) where Brazilians actually go. If you want ambiance, this isn't the place, but the food is authentic (unlike some of the bigger/showier places that cater to tourists). The few times we've been we've been the only non-brazilians. But, having lived in Brazil, the food is GOOD! A former member of our ward, a Brazilian -- Jaqui -- recommended to me. Here's an online review: http://www.yelp.com/biz/ce-qui-sabe-newark
Mitsuwa Japanese Marketplace ($-$$): The largest Japanese store in the U.S. -- it is in Edgewater, NJ (about 25 minute drive from Summit, NJ). The superstore is fun to peruse and then there is a food court inside with lots of Japanese food options. A fun place to go for lunch and then walk around and look at all of the interesting products for sale. Website: http://www.mitsuwa.com/tenpo/newj/eindex.html