Dinner may be very different in 2021 as the COVID-19 pandemic continues, but one thing has remained the same – New Jersey restaurants are still receiving national recognition.
Yelp recently launched its Top 100 Places to Eat in 2021, and three of the restaurants are in 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 ranked 19th, has only been open for a few years, but it has already become one of the most popular contemporary Italian restaurants in the state. Its modern minimalist yet rustic dining room, with spotless wooden tables, an open stainless steel kitchen and subway tile walls, used to be packed before the pandemic. Long waits are normal, as people line up to eat their pasta dishes, like vodka rigatoni alla and pappardelle bolognese, and classics like chicken parm.
Kim’s Sushi is far from the most upscale sushi restaurant you’ll find in New Jersey, but don’t be fooled by the unassuming interior – you won’t find many sushi restaurants better than this one, especially for the prices. Basic rolls? They caught them. Fancy, about the best pieces of sushi? I have that too. You will not break the bank for either, and you are likely to receive a free roll sent from the kitchen. They came in 45th on the list for good reason.
Fresh Tiki Bar in Somerville completed New Jersey’s representation at No. 63. Although it may sound like a bar, it’s actually an ice cream parlor with other healthier desserts. With smoothies, açaí bowls, candies, chocolates, hot cocoa bombs and ice cream, among other desserts and treats, Fresh Tiki Bar is as Instagram worthy as it is delicious.
“Last December, we asked Yelpers to tell us about their favorite restaurants, lunch breaks and places for special occasions where they can’t wait to go back,” Yelp wrote in the ad. “This year’s list is the culmination of thousands of suggestions we received from the Yelp community, a list of favorite restaurants where we can’t 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 a tip on here.