Eating out may be very different in 2021 if the COVID-19 pandemic continues, but one thing remains the same – the restaurants in New Jersey are still gaining national recognition.
Yelp recently released its Top 100 eateries in 2021, and three of the restaurants are in the Garden State. The pasta shop in Denville, Kim’s Sushi in West Orange and Fresh Tiki Bar in Somerville all made the cut.
The Pasta Shop, which came in at number 19, has only been open a few years, but has already become one of the most popular contemporary Italian restaurants in the state. Its modern minimalist yet rustic dining room with uncoloured wooden tables, a stainless steel open kitchen and subway tile walls are regularly packed before the pandemic. Long waits are normal as people get up to eat their pasta dishes like rigatoni alla vodka and pappardelle bolognese and classics like chicken parm.
Kim’s Sushi is far from the most popular sushi restaurant you’ll find in New Jersey, but do not let the modest interior deceive you – especially for their prices, you will not find many sushi spots. Basic roles? They have it. Fancy the best sushi? Has that too. You will also not break the bank, and the chances are high that you will receive a free roll per kitchen. They came in at number 45 on the list with good reason.
Fresh Tiki Bar in Somerville rounded out the representation of New Jersey at number 63. While it may sound like a bar, it’s actually an ice cream shop with other healthier desserts. With smoothies, açai bowls, sweets, chocolates, hot cocoa bombs and ice cream among other desserts and delicacies, Fresh Tiki Bar is just as Instagram-worthy as delicious.
“Last December, we asked Yelpers to tell us about their favorite restaurants, lunches, and special occasions they can’t wait to return to,” Yelp wrote in the announcement. “This year’s list is the culmination of thousands of suggestions we’ve received from the Yelp community, a list of favorite restaurants where we can not wait to enjoy a meal with loved ones again.”
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Jeremy Schneider can be reached at [email protected]. Tell us your coronavirus story or send us a tip here.