Diners' Choice: Innovative restaurants in New Jersey

OpenTable

Updated March 05, 2025

Looking for the best restaurants that are fit for foodies in New Jersey? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyzes nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favorite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

Stella A Kitchen and Bar

5.0

5 (520)

$30 and under

American

Lakewood

About the restaurant

Casual fine dining in an eclectic atmosphere, serving dinner Wednesday-Saturday.
Booking special events on Sunday and Monday evenings and luncheons everyday.
Stella will be closed from Jan 1- Feb 4 2025. We look forward to seeing you Feb 5!

Top review

Patricia

Dined 6 days ago

This was our first time dining at Stella and the experience was beyond our expectations! Everything was just amazing….from the service to the food, we could not have been more impressed! The comfortable ambience and the perfection to which our food was prepared made for a wonderful dining experience! We will definitely be returning! Thank you!!

d'jeet

4.9

4.9 (392)

$30 and under

Contemporary American

Red Bank

About the restaurant

d'jeet: A Culinary Oasis in the Heart of Shrewsbury Discover d'jeet, a culinary haven in Shrewsbury where Chef Casey Pesce showcases his passion for fresh, seasonal ingredients. Our menu evolves with the seasons, featuring vibrant salads with local greens, hearty pastas, and succulent seafood, each dish a celebration of flavor. The inviting ambiance complements the exquisite food, making it the ideal spot for a romantic dinner, a lively gathering with friends, or a solo fine dining experience. Whether you're a seasoned foodie or just looking for a memorable meal, d'jeet offers a sensory journey. Come experience the magic of Chef Pesce's creations and savor the essence of seasonal cuisine.

Top review

Rose

Dined 4 days ago

Loved this place! Food was great, ambience friendly and warm. Will definitely come back!

That Supper Club

4.9

4.9 (299)

$50 and over

Italian

Park Ridge

About the restaurant

Indulge in an unforgettable culinary journey at our exclusive supper club in Park Ridge, NJ, where the visionary Executive Chef Nicolas Pescatore and his bold, innovative techniques to craft culinary masterpieces. Chef Pescatore creates a dynamic six-course Michelin-style tasting menu that elegantly fuses Italian, Japanese, and American influences. Nicolas's meticulous attention to detail and creative approach, combined with daring fusion of French precision and Southeast Asian flavors, elevate each dish to an extraordinary level. Freshly made pasta, farm-to-table ingredients, and cutting-edge techniques merge in this ever-evolving works of culinary art that change every three weeks. This $85 per person, BYOB dinner promises a captivating and unforgettable dining experience. Join us to witness the seamless collaboration and harmonious artistry of culinary master at work.

Top review

Briella

Dined 5 days ago

The best experience with delicious food from start to finish. Our second time back and no disappointment! It’s so fun to see what culinary creations they come up with! We would come back every new menu debut if we could.

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Experience

Six course Eccentric Italian tasting

Experience

Pasta Making Class, Demonstration & Dinner

The Spain Inn 2

4.8

4.8 (34)

$31 to $50

Spanish

Clinton

About the restaurant

The Spain Inn 2 is a kid-friendly restaurant in Asbury, New Jersey.The large dining room is open and spacious while featuring tasteful artwork, modern pot lights, classic pillars, large windows with thick drapery and comfortable seating. For customers that are looking for a quiet night at home, The Spain Inn 2 also offers a take-out option. The Spain Inn 2 specializes in authentic Spanish cuisine. The variety-filled menu provides guests with delectable options including broiled scallops, chilian sea bass, Chuletsas De Cerdo Arriero, Longostas Rellenas and Champinones Rellenos. Patrons are also invited to choose from a full bar menu.

Top review

ginnie

Dined on Feb 11, 2025

Always a wonderful dining experience! Everyone very attentive to us. Food was excellent.

REYLA - Asbury Park

4.8

4.8 (416)

$31 to $50

Middle Eastern

Asbury Park

About the restaurant

We are a shared plate concept, dishes come to your table planned by our culinary team, designed for everyone to enjoy together. REYLA marries our most memorable experiences dining in the Middle East and beyond. We encourage you to dine with friends and family here; every dish is meant to be shared. Pop in for an electrifying, laid back experience.

Top review

Michele

Dined on Mar 2, 2025

We tried the chef’s counter. It was fun and the chefs were so friendly and made the experience that much better ! Food amazing !

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Wine on Us - Every Thursday!

Sushi by Bou - Hoboken NJ @ W Hotel

4.8

4.8 (310)

$50 and over

Sushi

Jersey City

About the restaurant

Welcome to Sushi By Bou Hoboken, New Jersey's Only hip-hop style Omakase Experience! Our curated Omakase, meaning "Chef's Choice," 'promises a tantalizing journey through fantastic flavors and bass heavy beats. Choose from our classic 12-course offering at $65 or indulge in the opulent 'Bougie' Omakase, $100 for 17 pieces, seated hourly. Located deep in the W hotel Bou Hoboken, where you can groove to Classic 90s Hip Hop and taste the thrill of sushi exploration. Elevate your experience with exotic cocktails and premium sake, perfect for sushi pairing. Date Nights, Birthdays, or intimate private seatings, let us whisk you away on a journey of urban mystique. Visit all of our unique locations, each with its own culture-inspired vibe! Reserve now to secure a coveted seat at Sushi By Bou.

Top review

Marisa

Dined on Feb 22, 2025

Such a cool experience. Fish was fresh and absolutely delicious. Would highly recommend!

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Experience

60 MINUTE, 12-COURSE SIGNATURE OMAKASE $65

Experience

60 MINUTE, 17-COURSE BOUGIE OMAKASE $100

Jane Doe

4.8

4.8 (33)

$31 to $50

American

Jersey City

About the restaurant

Jane Doe tops the list of the best Modern American Restaurants in Jersey City. We take pride in providing an exceptional dining experience in the heart of Jersey City. We have designed our menu to be a perfect blend of modern American cuisine with Asian fusion at our restaurant in Jersey City.

All of this amazing food pairs perfectly with our signature cocktails. The bar is the pride and glory of the Jane Doe experience. Each of our drinks is made by mixologists, not just bartenders looking for weekend work. This helps you taste every ounce of the passion and dedication we used to make these drinks perfect!

The warm and inviting atmosphere of our cocktail bar is accentuated by vinyl records playing throughout. We think this makes the perfect setting to enjoy our cocktails and makes both intimate dinners and lively gatherings complete.
Guests Ages 21+ Welcome

Top review

Miguel

Dined 2 days ago

Exceptional Experience. Host to Waiter. Love whole staff.

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Experience

Happy Hour (Bar Only)

Shumi Japanese Cuisine - Leonia

4.7

4.7 (149)

$31 to $50

Sushi

Englewood

About the restaurant

Japanese Restaurant
Sushi Omakase
Sushi Omakase Counter
Sushi Omakase Private Room

Top review

AmyVIP

Dined on Feb 28, 2025

Top notch service and great food! Enjoy dinner at least twice a month:)

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Experience

$59.00 Intro to Omakase

Norte 175

4.3

4.3 (21)

$30 and under

American

Dover

About the restaurant

Indulge in a mouthwatering selection that includes juicy burgers, artisanal wood-fired pizza, crispy wings, flavorful guacamole, cheesy quesadillas, and authentic tacos. We prioritize quality above all, ensuring you enjoy the best. We stand proudly behind every dish we serve!

Top review

Tim

Dined on Mar 1, 2025

Finally visited with mi esposa after driving by multiple times. Service and atmosphere were great. Tostones were incredible. Skirt steak was perfect. Margaritas were outstanding. HIGHLY recommend going there. I'll be back for sure. Thank you!

The Mauryas Bar and Lounge

3.9

3.9 (82)

$31 to $50

American

Princeton

About the restaurant

Mauryas Bar and Lounge offers Indian and New American cuisines with dedication to uncompromised details, we take pride merging traditions and innovations, combing exotic ingredients with contemporary techniques to create an unforgettable gastronomic experience. Located in the Forrestal Village in Princeton, drawing inspiration from surrounding farmlands and the historic Mauryan Empire. The Three-levels establishment catering to various dining experiences, from corporate events to elegant occasions, so join us for an evening of great dining or the 4pm to 7pm Fun Hour experience, we adhere to a casual elegant dress code, please no short or sandals, thank you so much for your patronage.

Top review

Bharti

Dined on Mar 4, 2025

Very good and authentic recipes. We had very good experience with the server and amazing food

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