
Dining in Jersey: 2025’s New Slate!
We have new spots and closures to start out the best time of the year in New Jersey and at the Jersey Shore! Where are the newest hot spots to check out and which of the staples have closed in 2025? Keep scrolling to see the Jersey dining scene shake ups!
Let’s start with our farewells to some spots that have been with us for a while. Thank you for your years of service and hospitality.
21a on Broadway: Long Branch, NJ
Bonney Read: Asbury Park, NJ (being replaced by a Freehold, NJ gem, Aarzu Modern Indian Bistro rated by USA Today as one of the top restaurants in 2025!)
Mangiare Tu: Bradley Beach, NJ
Rainforest Cafe: Edison, NJ (my kids are definitely mourning this one!)
Mehtani Restaurant Properties consisting of Mehndi, Ming II, and SM23: Morristown, NJ
Le Salbuen Cafe: Montclair, NJ
Jockey Hollow Bar and Kitchen: Morristown, NJ
Heirloom at the St. Laurent: Asbury Park, NJ (but don’t cry, you can visit the original and spectacular Heirloom Kitchen in Old Bridge, NJ and look out for the owner’s rebrand below!)
OK! Started with the bad news, but onto the excitement of some new spots that have opened in the state and are building a ton of enthusiasm and buzz!



Drift: Weehawken, NJ. Perfectly situated on the Weehawken waterfront, this restaurants boasts a wide and delectable menu for any palate! Sit in the rotating booths to ensure you get the best views of the Hudson River and NYC skyline!
Bar Mutz: Westwood, NJ. Coming to you from James Beard nominee Chef Robbie Felice, owner of Viaggio in Wayne, Osteria Crescendo in Westwood, and pastaRAMEN in Montclair, Bar Mutz bursts on to the scene as a mozzarella-centric restaurant giving you all the vibes.
Falcone: Lincroft, NJ. Located in a previous church, Falcone not only delivers a visually tantalizing atmosphere, but food that will knock your socks off. The pork chop was literally one of the best I have ever had! BYOB and head over to this gem.
Judy & Harry’s: Asbury Park, NJ. Chef Viana and Neilly rebrand their gorgeous space in the St. Laurent to Judy & Harry’s, an ode to Neilly’s mother Judy and father Harry and a play on a final product between Jewish and Italian cultures. Judy’s is the main restaurant to enjoy these dishes; then head on over to Harry’s, the speakeasy slinging amazing cocktails. The lambrusco off the sparkling list is so lovely as well… deep red in color, but light and bubbly on the palate. As they say, “Neilly is a Jewish woman who thinks she is Italian.” Brilliant. It all more than works.
Mezcal: Old Bridge, NJ. Coming to you from the owners of 618 in Freehold is Mezcal, a modern Mexican Steakhouse that is fire, elegance, and Calavera art. This place is special. Be sure to check out the collection of rare tequillas and indulge in the Tomahawk taco platter.
Madison Modern Social: Old Bridge, NJ. Frankie Brusco does it again with yet another hit! As if Gabriella’s, OE Kitchen, and Patricia’s weren’t enough… welcome to Madison Modern Social. This place screams HOT. As they state, “reserve your moment.”
Oso Felipe: Montclair, NJ. This Mexican Kitchen in Montclair brings forth Mexico’s rich culinary heritage. There are three floors where diners can choose their atmosphere. Chef Damon Wise has cooked alongside some huge names within the food industry and is widely respected. Anyone that worked at Gramercy Tavern in NYC already gets a lot of respect from this foodie!
Meximodo: Jersey City, NJ. This is beyond exciting! The original location in Metuchen, NJ is such a vibe and serves up delicious Mexican fare and cocktails. Jersey City seems like the perfect second location to carry on the name.
I’m sure I have barely scraped the surface so be sure to comment some of the spots you’re most excited for! Cheers to Jersey!

