Many Garden State restaurants saw success in 2025. However, the year proved challenging for many New Jersey eateries, leading to a number of closings.
The lingering impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, rising inflation and labor costs have caused many of New Jersey’s cherished restaurants to close their doors. In some cases, owners have simply chosen to retire.
Nonetheless, New Jersey lost quite a few well known restaurants throughout 2025.
The now-closed Vita Urbana in Cleveland’s Battery Park neighborhood had plastic holders to keep utensils off tables.The Plain Dealer
The Bistro at Cherry Hill, which had been a fixture in the Cherry Hill Mall’s main wing since it opened back in 1998, shuttered in July after a bankruptcy ruling forced the eatery to be liquidated for outstanding rent fees.
The restaurant had been behind on over $360,000 in rental and leasing fees after two bankruptcy filings in the past several years.
Owner Andrew Cosenza Jr. was indicted on tax fraud charges, accused of shorting the state $271,621 in sales tax in November.
The Collingswood Diner closed Aug. 10 after more than 50 years in business. (Christopher Burch | NJ Advance Media)Christopher Burch
The Collingswood Diner served its final meals in August. The building is now set to become a weed dispensary, owner Jimmy Papandreou told The Philadelphia Inquirer.
Papandreou owned the eatery since it opened in 1974 at the intersection of the White Horse Pike and Route 130 in Oaklyn.
“I’m happy,” Papandreou told The Philadelphia Inquirer. “I want to enjoy what I have left.”
Arooga’s on Carlisle Pike in Hamden Twp. has a touch-free menu for your smartphone as they reopen for indoor dining on June 11, 2020.
Joe Hermitt | jhermitt@pennlive.comJoe Hermitt
Arooga’s Sports Bar closed in East Brunswick in December. It was the restaurant chain’s lone location in New Jersey.
The second-to-last Arooga’s closed in Howell in April and recently reopened as the second venue for the Asbury Ale House.
The East Brunswick Arooga’s opened in 2018, serving wings, craft beers and more bar bites.
Pie from DeLorenzo’s Pizza in Hamilton. (Jeremy Schneider | NJ Advance Media)Jeremy Schneider
DeLorenzo’s Pizza in Hamilton — which started serving pies in Trenton in 1938 (and is related to but separate from famed De Lorenzo’s Tomato Pies in Robbinsville) — closed in September after 12 years in Hamilton.
The pizzeria initially closed in March after being seized by New Jersey’s division of taxation for non-payment of state taxes. After launching a controversial GoFundMe to help cover more than $10,000 in unpaid taxes, owner Rick DeLorenzo Jr. reopened the pizzeria in April just to close again in September for renovations that would make the space a “combination pizzeria-dispensary.”
The eatery will reopen in 2026 as DeLorenzo’s The Burg, a completely different business operated by the former owner’s nephew, Tyler DeLorenzo.
The bar at Byrd in Hoboken(Stephanie Rizzolo | for NJ Advance Media)Byrd, Hoboken
The Hudson County restaurant, operated by Chef Ehren Ryan and his wife Nadine, closed in March less than a year after opening. Ryan also owned the acclaimed Common Lot in Millburn.
In May, the Australian-born chef announced the closure of Common Lot as he and his family would be moving back to Australia.
Byrd featured an eclectic menu with everything from sashimi and Arctic char to burgers, vegetarian mushroom bolognese and burrata.
Torna’s Pizzeria storefront in Hoboken, NJ (Jeremy Schneider|NJ Advance Media)Jeremy Schneider
After more than 60 years of business, Torna Pizzeria closed in July. The pizzeria posted signs on their storefront announcing the closure. The shop closed so owner Tony Percontino could retire, according to Patch. He had been working at his family’s pizzeria since he was 14.
The Edge, a restaurant in Jackson that closed this week after opening in 2019.Google Maps
Phil and Lousie Cornick opened this upscale restaurant in the suburban town of Jackson in 2019, but called it quits in July. A post on their Instagram announced the closure. NJ Advance Media tried to reach out but ownership declined to comment on the matter further. The restaurant offered dishes like mahi mahi, steaks, salads and more along with a selection of handcrafted cocktails.
Signage in front of the now closed Hudson Hound in Jersey City, NJ (Jeremy Schneider|NJ Advance Media)Jeremy Schneider
Downtown Jersey City said goodbye to this contemporary Irish eatery and pub in June. The spot opened in 2020 in the space once held by Talde, a popular Asian-American restaurant from chef Dale Talde. Hudson Hound offered Irish fare with a twist and bar classics in an inviting atmosphere.
The Jersey City steakhouse announced via social media that would will shutter Dec. 20.
Liberty Prime, located at 111 Montgomery St., had been open for 15 years.
“Stay tuned for our new Liberty Prime Steakhouse location,” the announcement post read.
Miso Ramen in Jersey City, which is closing after nine years.Jeremy Schneider | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
This go-to ramen spot for Jersey City locals decided to close its doors for good at the end of May. They made the announcement on their Instagram page. “Miso Ramen’s last day of operations will be Thursday, May 29th,” the post said. “Thank you for all your support over the years!” The Newark Avenue restaurant was open for 10 years.
The line for Miss America Diner in Jersey City on Nov. 1. The 85-year-old diner is closing on Nov. 3.Jeremy Schneider | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
Miss America Diner, a Jersey City staple since opening in 1940, closed its doors on Nov. 3. It was the last remaining classic diner in Jersey City. The closure came at a time when development and gentrification have made Jersey City unrecognizable to many who have called it home for decades. The space that held the diner will soon be taken over by Italian deli Salumeria Ercolano.
Off the menu Espresso Martini at Kitchen Step in Jersey City (Stephanie Rizzolo | For NJ Advance Media)
Co-owned by Cory Checket, Joe Calafiore and Ryan DePersio, The Kitchen Step announced on Instagram in October that it would be closing after nine years of business. According to the post, the closure was due to “unable to secure new lease terms that work for the business.” The post also suggested that the closure might not be permanent as they said they are actively exploring a new location.
The longstanding South Jersey pizzeria shuttered at the start of 2025 after 38 years of operation.
The pizza parlor closed following owner Peter Pullella’s diagnosis of chondrosarcoma, a rare form of cancer, as reported by The Courier-Post. Pullella, who grew up in the pizza industry working in his parents’ pizza shop on the Wildwood boardwalk as a kid, died in January.
The pizzeria served a variety of round Neapolitan-style and square Sicilian pizzas, wings, salads, hoagies, cheesesteaks, Italian classics like veal and chicken parmigiana and more.
Frank’s Famous Kebabs, Pinky Shrimp’s
Long Beach Island is going to look a little different next summer as one of its beloved seafood shacks closed in early December. Pinky Shrimp’s Seafood Company has been sold to new owners. Realtor Sean Adams who helped sell the property told NJ Advance Media that owner Christian VonGorski just wanted to slow down. The shack was previously featured on NJ.com’s list of the state’s best seafood restaurants.
Outside Canal House Station in Milford, NJ (Lauren Musni |
NJ Advance Media)Lauren Musni
Canal House Station opened in 2019, and owners Melissa Hamilton and Christopher Hirsheimer were nominated for multiple James Beard Awards and previously won one for their 2013 cook book, “Canal House Cooks Every Day.” But a few weeks after receiving a raving review from NJ.com, the restaurant sent an email blast to all customers in November saying that the restaurant’s last day of service would be on Dec. 21. Hamilton and Hirsheimer are planning to return to writing and publishing cookbooks.
Customers fill the lower dining room while enjoying food and their own alcohol during a typical Friday night dinner at the Common Lot in Millburn on Friday, November 11, 2022. Customers who wish to enjoy an alcoholic beverage may bring their own due to Common Lot’s BYO policy.Julian Leshay | For NJ Advance Media
One of the best chefs in the state, Ehren Ryan closed his 9-year-old restaurant in May. After Common Lot opened in 2016, it quickly became one of the most revered restaurants in New Jersey. The closure was due to Ryan’s decision to move him and his family back to Australia. The closure came shortly after his other restaurant Byrd in Hoboken also closed.
Slices from DaVinci’s in Montclair, which is closing after 25 years.Jeremy Schneider | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
Montclair said goodbye to one of DaVinci’s Brick Oven Pizza in September. The shop had been slinging pies for the foodie town for more than 25 years. According to Montclair Local, the restaurant had seen a decline in customers since the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 after already losing around 10% of their business after the 2017 closure of the Bellevue Theater. Their last day of business was on the same day as the Upper Montclair Sidewalk Sale. (LM)
Jorge Mendoza, sous chef of Tasca Bistro, puts the finishing touches on a plate of garlic shrimp at the restaurant in Montclair on Friday, October 4, 2024. Jeff Rhode | For NJ Advance MediTasca, Montclair
Tasca in Montclair earned statewide acclaim for its take on modern Iberian cuisine in less than a year of business. After a glowing review, NJ.com named Tasca the best restaurant of 2024. However, the restaurant closed in early May with owner Sergio Moutela announcing the closure on Instagram. In the post, he explained the challenges of running Tasca while also operating Terzo (formerly named Torino), an Italian restaurant in Metuchen. He also told NJ Advance Media that the biggest challenge was how far Montclair is from his Middlesex County residence. Sam’s Table took over the space in September. (LM)
Dining room at Bacarosa in Nutley(Stephanie Rizzolo | for NJ Advance Media)
The Italian restaurant announced it will close in December due to financial pressures facing the dining industry.
“The economics of this industry have always been challenging, and even more so in recent times,” the owners wrote in an Instagram post.
Bacarosa opened in 2024 as The Hudson Rose, before transitioning to the current concept in early 2025.
The Thai tuna melt from Abramzon and David’s in Old Bridge.Jeremy Schneider | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
The short lived sandwich shop from the mind of Chef Viana opened and closed this year after less than six months of business. Co-owner Neilly Robinson told NJ Advance Media that the shop didn’t have the foot traffic it needed. The shop was known for its creative twists on timeless sandwiches. However, the space will remain open as a food lab that will open a door for pop-up opportunities.
Anthony Mazza, of Toms River, worked alongside the head chef and other kitchen employees at Salt Creek Grille in Rumson late last year, according to court papers.pixabay
The Jersey Shore restaurant ranked among the best in the state for waterfront dining announced plans to close at the end of the year, in November.
The eatery, located on the Navesink River in Rumson will close after its final day of service on Dec. 31, the owners announced in a social media post.
The announcement came a month after the Salt Creek Grille location in Princeton Forrestal Village revealed it was closing on Oct. 4.
The Salt Creek Grille in Rumson with its sprawling lawn has made the list of NJ.com’s best waterfront restaurants multiple times.
Grilled sourdough with salsa verde, heirloom tomato comfit and roast broad bean puree at bernadette in Scotch Plains. The restaurant serves French Mediterranean food.
January 22, 2025Amanda Brown| For NJ Advance Media
After being open a little more than a year, this French-Mediterranean restaurant with a kitchen run by a Michelin-recommended New York City chef Roxanne Spruce closed this year. Scotch Plains natives Melody DeGaetano and Ryan Hampton opened the eatery in February 2024. The restaurant offered French and Mediterranean dishes in a tapas style of dining in a relaxed, yet polished city-like atmosphere.
Exterior of Chef Mikes ABG restaurant in
Seaside Park,N.J. May 5, 2022Noah K. Murray | for NJ Advance Media
Chef Mike’s ABG is set to shutter at the end of the year. Owner and chef Mike Jurusz announced the news via social media in June.
Jurusz told NJ Advance Media that the property had been sold to a developer who plans demolish the eatery and attached motor lodge and build homes.
Chef Mike’s ABG gained acclaim as one of the shore’s best eateries since its inception. It was named Ocean County’s greatest restaurant by NJ.com.
The restaurant opened as Atlantic Bar & Grill in the late ‘90s. Jurusz took over as executive chef from 2000 to 2010 before returning in 2013 to run the restaurant himself.
The family-owned eatery closed abruptly in November after over 13 years in business.
Owner Steve Tiniakos sold the property and retired, officials told NJ Advance Media.
The restaurant, located at 18 MacArthur Blvd. opened in 2011, in the space once occupied by a TGI Friday’s in Ocean County. The eatery offered a wide variety of eats including burgers, pasta and more.
Americana Diner, West OrangePeter
The Americana Diner in West Orange shuttered in March after 12 years in business.
“We very much appreciate all of your patronage over the past 12 years!” a statement posted to the diner’s website read. “The Americana Diner has been permanently closed.”
No reason was provided for the sudden closure. The diner, which previously operated as the West Orange Pancake House and Diner, was ranked No. 10 on NJ.com’s list of New Jersey’s best 24-hour diners.
Dining and Cooking