Openings
The LOLA, Hoboken
A stylish new waterfront restaurant and lounge with a dynamic dinner and cocktail program opens on February 6. Led by executive chef Bud Carter (formerly of The Butcher’s Block), the menu will spotlight steak, seafood and handmade pastas, with weekly rotating specials. Cocktails will feature creative spins on classic drinks.
Dosa House, Ridgewood
A fully vegetarian South Indian restaurant with extensive vegan and Jain-friendly options opens on February 1. Serving culturally authentic specialties in a welcoming, modern setting, the BYOB restaurant will also feature a virgin tiki bar.
Castle Harbor Drive-In, Delran
A beloved South Jersey ice cream shop is back in business under new ownership. The retro, family-friendly diner serves ice cream, lunch and dinner, including a newly added weekend dinner service. Expect classic American comfort food, nostalgic charm and extra-thick milkshakes.
Shah’s Halal Food, Hillsdale
This family-owned, Halal-certified, NYC-based chain has opened its first Jersey location. The menu features platters, gyros, burgers, salads and vegan options—all made with humanely treated meats, fresh vegetables and the brand’s cult-favorite white sauce.
Dining news
618 in Freehold was named No. 95 on Yelp’s 2026 list of Top 100 U.S. Restaurants. It was the only New Jersey spot included.
Led by chef Matthew Borowski, the restaurant pairs a rustic, stylish setting with a seasonal New American menu inspired by Italian flavors.
They own spots in Asbury Park and Cherry Hill.
Olivia Mack McCool runs Olivia’s, a meal-delivery service for busy parents that recently opened a storefront in Maplewood.
Plus: A longtime Jersey Shore spot is temporarily closing, while Morristown gets a new Salvadoran eatery.
Which local restaurants are your tried-and-true favorites? Fill out our annual poll for the chance to win dinner for two.
