Dining news
Gia Giudice, daughter of Real Housewives of New Jersey star Teresa Giudice, is opening an Italian restaurant, Il Vero, in Westwood this spring, in partnership with family friend Maria Sausa.
“This has been a dream of my family’s for so long, and I’m beyond excited to officially step into this next chapter,” Gia wrote in her announcement post.
Her mother will assist on the project, too. “I’m beyond honored [Gia] asked me to consult on everything from the food to the vibe, the décor,” Teresa wrote on Instagram. She published a cookbook called Skinny Italian in 2010.
The venture is “a way to continue and honor my mom’s legacy of cooking, family, and bringing people together around the table,” Gia added.
OpeningsLas Brisaz, Morristown
This new Salvadoran restaurant is serving fresh, traditional dishes in a family-friendly setting in Morristown. The menu includes vegetarian options, customizable pupusas, and other breakfast, lunch and dinner offerings.
Tacoria Mexican Street Kitchen, Summit
Another branch of this community-beloved, fast-casual Mexican restaurant has opened in North Jersey, joining 12 other locations statewide. Founded by Rutgers University alumni, Tacoria serves tacos, burritos, street corn, nachos and aguas frescas.
Local leaders and first responders will be honored at the ribbon-cutting ceremony on Friday, January 30. The first 100 guests will receive a free burrito box, a limited-edition T-shirt and other merchandise.
Wonder, Hackettstown
This “fast fine-dining” food hall, where customers can order from multiple restaurants in a single checkout, opened a new location in Warren County on January 9, joining 25 other locations statewide.
Another branch is expected to open in Wayne this February.
ClosingsThe Deauville Inn, Strathmere
A staple since 1881, the beloved Deauville Inn announced it will take a multi-month winter break. The waterfront restaurant will close on January 26 for renovations and is slated to reopen for the summer season.
Plus: A beloved Beach Haven seafood staple has shuttered, and a Toms River offshoot of Jon Bon Jovi’s JBJ Soul Kitchen will close at the end of the month.
Garden Staters can’t get enough of these eateries.
Here are the hottest additions to our state’s vibrant dining scene that you won’t want to miss this year.
Olivia Mack McCool runs Olivia’s, a meal-delivery service for busy parents that recently opened a storefront in Maplewood.
Dining and Cooking