Bivio, burgers and a cat cafe: Try North Jersey's 8 new restaurants
Hello North Jersey eaters!
Every week, I — as the food writer — publish a North Jersey Eats newsletter outlining all of the region's restaurant happenings. From the best local eats to new restaurant openings and closings, I cover all of the culinary bases.
In the last edition, however, there were so many new restaurant in the area that I figured I'd take that section and send it live onto our website and into the actual paper, too (because, I guess, some of you still read that).
Straight from my newsletter, then, here are eight fledgling restaurants that are already making waves on the Jersey food scene.
(PS: really, you should sign up for my newsletter).
New restaurant openings in North Jersey
Bivio Pizza Napoletana, an "authentic Neapolitan pizza spot" in Montclair reopened under new ownership. As of now, the spot is dine-in only, no take-out.
Cereal Dreams, a customizable cereal bowl bar opened in South Orange. Choose from pre-designed combos (like a PB&J bowl with Strawberry Frosted Flakes and Reese's Puffs), or build your own creation. Cereal bar "treats" are available for purchase, too.
Slap Burger, a fast food smashburger joint opened in Paterson. According to the city's mayor, "It's like a cross between Shake Shack and In-N-Out!"
Catfé, a cat cafe, opened in Montclair. At the cozy spot, guests can indulge in a warm coffee surrounded by the companionship of adorable (and adoptable) kitties.
Around the Clock Diner, an upscale, "finer" take on the classic American Diner opened in the American Dream Mall. Traditional diner fare is accompanied by chef specialties, house-made donuts, drinks and more.
Bang Cookies, my @northjerseyeats followers' favorite cookie spot, opened its newest location (also) in the American Dream Mall. Year-round cookies include favorites like Sea Salt Chocolate Chip and White Chocolate Macadamia Nut, and weekly specials range from Peanut Butter and Jelly to Cinnamon Whiskey Crackle.
Wingman, a wings (and apps)-only restaurant by the team behind popular sports bar Blue 42, opened in Lincoln Park. The menu features over 40 wing sauce varieties, and seven dry rubs.
Westside Grill Diner, a diner that also offers Peruvian dishes, opened in Paterson. Currently, it is the city's only diner. At the fusion spot, breakfast staples — like avocado toast, waffles and omelets — are served alongside lomo saltado, salchipapas and chaufa.
Kara VanDooijeweert is a food writer for NorthJersey.com and The Record. If you can't find her in Jersey's best restaurants, she's probably off running a race course in the mountains. Catch her on Instagram: @karanicolev & @northjerseyeats, and sign up for her North Jersey Eats newsletter.
This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: New NJ restaurants: 8 to try in North Jersey