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While nearby New York City has many Michelin-starred restaurants and chefs, New Jersey has yet to see any. That doesn't mean there aren't any restaurants worthy of a Michelin Star, it just means the Guide has yet to enter the market.
We wanted to find some New Jersey restaurants that deserve a Michelin Star if the Guide ever sends its inspectors, so we checked out community reviews. Who better to turn to than those who dine at a restaurant? We compiled this list based on the number of 4- and 5-star reviews on Yelp.
Here are eight Michelin-star-worthy restaurants in New Jersey. (Be sure to check out this list of iconic foods you didn't know were invented in America.)
Sagami — Collingswood
Sagami is a fresh sushi restaurant serving authentic Japanese food. Chef Shigeru Fukuyoshi was a semifinalist in the Outstanding Chef category for the 2023 James Beard Awards. The Tokyo-inspired restaurant serves a mix of appetizers, entrées, udon and soba noodles, sushi, rolls, and desserts. Reservations aren't required but are recommended, especially for large parties.
Zeppoli — Collingswood
Another favorite among diners, Zeppoli is inspired by Sicilian-style Italian cooking. Chef Joey Baldino made it to the semifinals for Best Chef in the 2023 James Beard Awards. The menu is centered around salads, pastas, entrées, and desserts. They have many pasta dishes available, including spinach and ricotta gnocchi and house-made pasta with lemon. For dessert, try the housemade cannoli or Italian gelato.
Canal House Station — Milford
Canal House Station is co-owned and guided by chefs Melissa Hamilton and Christopher Hirsheimer, both of whom were up for Best Chef at the 2023 James Beard Awards. This charming restaurant inside a restored train station uses local ingredients to add to its community charm. Canal House Station has a "Sunday Dinner," a seasonal five-course dinner that runs $95.00 per person (children under 5 dine free, and under 12 for $25.)
China Chalet — Florham Park
China Chalet is a traditional Sichuan Chinese eatery, headed by Chengdu-trained chef Wei Lu, who was also nominated for Best Chef in the 2023 James Beard Awards. China Chalet focuses on traditional Sichuan Chinese dishes, with a menu featuring classics like Shanghai spring rolls and chicken with broccoli, wonton soup, General Tso's chicken, and Kung Pao chicken with peanuts.
Steve and Cookie's — Margate City
Steve and Cookie's has been around since 1932 and serves classic seafood recipes. The James Beard Awards put it up for the Outstanding Hospitality Award in 2023, and OpenTable in 2017 named it one of the best restaurants in the U.S. The menu is a seafood lover's dream, with oysters on the half shell, jumbo lump crab, lobster mac and cheese, and butter-poached clams. Those who prefer "turf" can enjoy Kobe beef meatloaf or crispy roasted half duck.
Corinne's Place — Camden
Corinne's Place earned the James Beard America's Classic Award in 2022, an award given to six family restaurants nationwide that represent their community and the heart of their cooking. Corrine's Place is the place to go for soul food when you need a "homecooked" meal that takes you back. Served platter-style, barbeque, meatloaf, chicken, and salmon croquettes are among the offerings. You'll find beloved sides such as black-eyed peas, potato salad, okra, and baked macaroni and cheese.
Park Place Café & Restaurant — Merchantville
Park Place chef Philip Manganaro was another Best Chef nominee at the 2023 James Beard Awards. The restaurant works to source local ingredients and pair them with intentional cooking techniques, with dishes like lard-seared quail, blueberry-preserves marinated venison loin, and seared East Coast scallops with mixed wild berries. Check out their website for the latest offerings, as their menu does change.
Sweet Amalia Market & Kitchen — Newfield
Sweet Amalia Market & Kitchen, is run by chef Melissa McGrath, another Best Chef nominee in 2023. Using their own locally raised oysters and vegetable produce, McGrath's menu includes items such as garlic-roasted pork shoulder, smoked fish chowder, steamed clams, and cabbage and lime coleslaw. You'll also find a raw bar, sharing plates, soups, salads, and sandwiches. (Now check out this article about classic menu items that are disappearing.)