Meet North Jersey’s Hottest New Restaurant: The Hudson Rose
This trendy eatery in downtown Nutley serves classic comfort food – with a funky twist.
Happy August, North Jersey!
Food writer @karanicolev is back to tell you that sweet corn and cucumbers aren’t the only things growing in Jersey this time of year when cotton candy and sunsets are so pretty. From Essex County to Bergen, new restaurants are popping up like PYO plants at Alstede Farms.
A fast-casual grill joint, a sit-down Mediterranean restaurant, and a dessert kitchen that also serves brunch, the local dining scene is constantly growing with young concepts as diverse as the state it’s home to.
If you’re craving a novel and exciting meal with the family, this is your month.
Here are the seven newest restaurants to open in North Jersey.
Austin Cho Kitchen, Hackensack
Austin Cho KitchenGrillmaster Robert Austin Cho’s latest barbecue concept has opened in Hackensack. Currently, the eatery features the most popular dishes from the chef’s previous restaurant (Kimchi Smoke), including brisket sandwiches with international cuisine, pulled pork fries, gravy-dipped chicken wings, and more. Go: 63B Main St., Hackensack; instagram.com/austinchokitchen.
The Hudson Rose, Nutley
The Hudson Rosean upscale American restaurant and bar, has opened in Nutley. I visited last week and was impressed by the dishes, which ranged from octopus carpaccio to French onion soup with onion rings. Go: 238 Franklin Ave., Nutley; 973-542-2005, thehudsonrose.com.
Kinzy, Wallington
A halal restaurant with Mediterranean cuisine, Kinzyhas burst onto the Wallington dining scene. The eatery prides itself on being family-friendly, offering dishes ranging from ribeye steak with mushrooms to sayadieh (spiced fish on spicy rice). Go: 495 Main Ave., Wallington; 973-245-8080, kinzyrestaurant.com.
Linden Rotisserie, Linden
Linden Rotisseriea South/Latin American rotisserie meat restaurant, opened in Linden. The fast-casual concept specializes in “homemade” meals (made from the owner’s family recipes), from cut-up ribs to grilled churrasco. Go: 691a W Edgar Rd., Linden; 732-439-3700, lindenrotisserie.com.
Mökbar, Newark
Trendy Korean restaurant (with branches in NYC) Mökbar to Newark. The tempting menu features sharing dishes like pork belly bao with gochujang hoisin, chicken katsu curry, and kimchi bacon ramen. Go: One Gateway Center, Newark; 201-455-6459, mokbar.com/newark-gateway.
Sweet Kitchen, Leipzig
Sweet cuisinea dessert and brunch cafe that also has a store in Montclair, has opened in Ridgewood. The menu includes “pastries, desserts, smoothies and coffee galore.” Go: 90 E Ridgewood Ave., Ridgewood; instagram.com/sweetkitchennj.
Smoothie King, Montclair
Renowned smoothie and juice chain Smoothie King finally made it to Montclair (party popper emoji)! Known for its tropical-inspired smoothies, high-protein smoothies, espresso smoothies and more, the fast-and-fresh spot touts the use of whole fruits and organic vegetables in every menu offering. Go: 310 Bloomfield Ave., Montclair; 973-707-7250, smoothieking.com.
Kara VanDooijeweert is a food writer for NorthJersey.com and The Record. If you can’t find her at Jersey’s best restaurants, she’s probably racing at a mountain race track. Find her on Instagram: @karanicolev and @northjerseyeatsand sign up for their North Jersey Eats Newsletter.
