N.J.'s 10 best new restaurants

By Teresa Politano | For Inside Jersey
on November 29, 2016 at 8:00 AM, updated November 29, 2016 at 12:32 PM

Restaurants open and close at a dizzying rate. We all love to discover something new, but which are worth the trip? These are the latest restaurants of note on my radar.

ADDAMS TAVERN | The Harvest Restaurant group (Huntley Taverne, Roots Steakhouse, etc.) has earned a reputation for consistently well executed contemporary American food (burgers, steaks, lobster), in a fun and lively setting. The group has opened a spot in Westfield, an upscale farm-to-table restaurant that also will boast one of the town's rare liquor licenses. Located at 115 Elm St.; (908) 232-3201; harvestrestaurants.com/addamstavern_westfield.

ANDRE'S RESTAURANT | Chef Andre deWaal is now in Seneca Lake, after 17 years in Newton, where he always seemed to impress. The menu is seasonal, but expect elegant lakeside dining, such as duck breast and grilled squab, alongside more casual fare, such as steamed buns. Desserts are important; pastry chef Molly Breiling shows her skills with the likes of almond frangipane tart or a Vietnamese coffee sundae. Located at 112 Tomahawk Trail, Sparta; (973) 726-6000; andresrestaurant.com.

BURG | Chris Siversen spent years on burger research (tough job, right?) and his long-awaited burger mecca finally opened in 2015 in Newark's Military Park. The restaurant is retro-chic, and Siversen, chef of Jersey City's Maritime Parc, offers a classic cheeseburger, as well as a tuna burger, cowboy burger and Korean burger. Located at 55 Park Place; (973) 482-2874; burgnj.com.

LARIMAR | The larimar is a stone found only in the Caribbean -- the water-color blue of the sea. That color abounds in the dining room decor of this Spring Lake spot. Chef Luciano Duco has worked at some of New York's finest Italian restaurants. Seafood is important (tuna tartare and crab cakes), but the menu also includes rigatoni with andouille sausage, a New York strip steak and a pork chop. Located at 1311 Third Ave.; (732) 359-6700; larimarrestaurant.com.

LATHAM HOUSE | The Cornelia Street Cafe in Greenwich Village is legendary. Since 1977, it has been a launching point for many equally legendary artists. Now, chef Dan Latham has come to Jersey City. The menu is devised as an ode to American fare, but also features Thai bouillabaisse and lamb meatballs, plus inventive brunch offerings. Located at 299 Marin Blvd.; (201) 479-8432; lathamhousejc.com

PORCINI ITALIAN TRATTORIA | Chef Chris Atamian may seem quite young, but his training at Bay Avenue Trattoria gives him tremendous street cred. (Joseph Romanowski, the dynamic chef at Bay Avenue, died of cancer in 2013). This cozy new restaurant in Highlands features a simple, appealing menu (BLT, Caesar salad, rigatoni and meatballs). Located at 168 Bay Ave.; (732) 291-3080; restaurantporcini.com.

PORTER COLLINS | Anthony Pino, of Anthony David's and Bin 14, is promising old-fashioned elegance and glamour with Porter Collins in Hoboken, scheduled to open in early 2017. Expect classic American cuisine and craft cocktails in an expansive (180 seats) mid-century modern setting. Pino, ever busy, is also working on a cookbook. Located at 1426 Willow Avenue, Hoboken; portercollinsrestaurant.com.

RUDOLPH'S STEAKHOUSE | This historic but sleepy site in Bernardsville suddenly attracted attention earlier this year with the announcement of a new executive chef. David Drake has already introduced a few of his well-loved signatures - the ethereal gnocchi, the chocolate souffle. Of course, steak is emphasized, grilled octopus is a favorite and the restaurant boasts a signature cocktail program. Located at 1 Mill St.; (908) 776-7979; rudolphssteakhouse.com.

THE KITCHEN STEP | Chef Ryan DePersio took over the tiny space that was once Thirty Acres in Jersey City, refreshing the dining room with an apple-green banquette that enlivens the entire restaurant. The fare is casual -- zucchini fries, kale Caesar salad, a specialty burger and a Moroccan braised chicken. The cocktail bar specializes in classics. Located at 500 Jersey Ave.; (201) 721-6115; kitchenstepjc.com

TURTLE + THE WOLF | All the chefs in Montclair are talking about Lauren Hirschberg's new restaurant, about the white clam lasagna, the chicken liver mousse, the braised brisket with mashed potatoes. Hirschberg worked for years with Tom Colicchio and seems to share his ability for accessible excellence. The space is casual, with a witty decor. Located at 622 Valley Road, Upper Montclair; (973) 783-9800; turtleandthewolf.com.

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