Just Moved to Summit, NJ (from Brooklyn) and struggling to find good food! Help.

[NJ Chow]

Where to eat? Roots Steakhouse is supposed to be good, but has a 3-week wait. What else is there? Thanks

Starving in NJ..

[jen kalb]

what kind of food are you looking for?

[cranrob]

Focaccia on Morris Ave. is very good. Monster Sushi isn't bad.

[NiKoLe1625]

Yes, La Foccaccia is an excellent restaurant. Another great place thats a good value is La Pastaria. Its very casual and they have an extensive menu. They have probably one of the bes lasagne's that i've ever had!!
Another good place in summit Brix. I don't know if you like very trendy food, but thats waht this place is. Its asian inspired, but very good. It's right accross from the Train Station
Monster Sushi is good for a chain. Not the best sushi in the area though!

Are you willing to go out of Summit because i can definitely recommend places in the surrounding areas!!

[blue skies]

if your looking for a great steak in summit, you should try the Hunt Club in the Summit Hotel. Their food definitley gives Roots a run for their money and their prices are better too. i also agree with niko on brix 67 and finally i would reccomend fiorinos for wonderful italian food.

[DRex357]

I live in Summit and have never been to the Hunt Club at the Hotel so I ought to try it (Roots is over-rated). My issue with Fiorino's is that every time I go there the waitstaff is sort of aggressive in rushing me through the dinner . . . for the price, they ought to chill a little bit. I think that they are somehow related to La Focacia, which in some ways is better becasue it is BYOB so yousave a lot on that end.

[jnk]

Went to the Hunt Club for brunch one day and was completely disappointed in the food. The service was fine though.

[hugglyj]

i'm from east hanover, it's not too far of a drive. avellino's on ridgedale avenue is a great italian restaurant/deli, really casual. the owners barely speak english they're that italian ;-)

i understand the area is not the best for good food. if i think of anything else, will inform.

[StaceyCaron]

If you lived in Brooklyn, you will be disappointed in the restaurant scene here in the burbs. We recommend Trap Rock Brewery, which has excellent food in Berkely Hts., part of the ROOTS Steakhouse group, which is also decent, though pricey, you get a good piece of beef here, and wonderful popovers! Even Huntley Taverne is very good, nice selection, a bit ecletic and all 3 of these places have good bars. For Italian food we go to E. Hanover, to Godfathers on Route 10, or Resevoir Tavern in Parsippany for GREAT pizza. We also love The Tewksbury Inn, about 30 minutes on Rt. 78, where we eat almost every weekend, I promise you will love it! PS I wouldn't mind living in Brooklyn, what a great place for food!

[hugglyj]

oh yeah over on springfield avenue in berkeley heights is a restaurant called wasabi. I used to work there, it was opened by a friend of mine, we used to work at another japanese restaurant together. try it out! it's been a while since i was there, but it used to be great.

[Felixnot]

You're going to be disappointed in the general offerings in and around Summit. Try Montclair, which has a restaurant scene much like Park Slope.

[nyebaby37]

took me a long time, and im still trying to find brooklyn food // im here 12 years... ! good luck but in all fairness NJ does have some GREAT restaurants.

[Lizbarista]

Drive over to Montclair and Bloomfield. Good ethnic eats and lots of them, as well as tablecloth boites.

For info, go to www.baristanetnj.com and click on Food

[RGR]

Lorena's, in Maplewood (about 15 minutes from Summit), is one of the state's best restaurants. Chef/owner Humberto Campos' cuisine is superb. Service is cordial and polished. The cozy space (35 seats) has charming decor. It's a BYO and wines are handled with expertise.

http://www.restaurantlorena.com

[jeanki]

There's an excellent Malaysian place in Madison called Taste of Asia II or something like that.

[GarageRock]

It's actually on Main Street in Chatham, and yes, they're good :-)

[NiKoLe1625]

Huntley Tavern is great!

[bropaul]

Taste of Asia II is in Chatham, the original is in Montclair. There is some interesting food in Morristown, too. Origins is a Thai/French place BYO that I think is pretty good.

[BrianYarvin]

Okay. New Jersey is much more spread out than Brooklyn, but like the outer boroughs, once you're on the right block, you'll find great food.

Summit is not far from the Arabic restaurants and shops of Main Street in Patterson and even closer to the South Asian world of Oak Tree Road (which has no equal in NYC.)

What else?...How about the Brazilian and Portuguese places on Ferry Street in Newark. (Also no equal in the city) The Mexican stuff in New Brunswick, the Chinese in south Edison and Highland Park, Polish in Linden...

It's the suburbs! Everything is spread out. But it's here.

[Lizbarista]

<em>aste of Asia II is in Chatham, the original is in Montclair.</em>

It's actually long gone from Montclair -- over two years.

[bani]

Try Summit Thai on maple, it's very good...also someone mentiioned La Pastaria--I agree, it's excellent for Italian. Taka Sushi on Summit Ave is good, but I think it's a chain. You should venture out to Route 22 if you like good Indian food---try Veena (there's also Raagini, but I think Veena is better), or Star of India (which I think is in Berkeley Heights--not far from Summit). But Dabbawalla in Summit is terrible! And for cocktails & a more trendy style, check out the Martini Bar in Millburn. Most places are BYOB. Huntley Tavern is good for fancy steaks and stuff like that. You can also get a good basic breakfast at Cafe Mavi, although their Middle Eastern food is disappointing, and of course there are a million diners everywhere--try the huge one on Route 22, which has a massive menu & cocktails!

[GarageRock]

Just a correction...Veena is in Scotch Plains (across from Bowcraft Playland on Rt. 22), Raagini is in Mountainside on 22, and Star Of India is actually in Kenilworth (worth finding, btw....if you don't want to go all the way to Edison for the real stuff). The Indian place in Berkeley Heights is Neelam (average), and I agree...Dabbawalla isn't worth even trying unless you're trying to ease someone into Indian food...other than that it's horrible and probably won't last another year.

[2455Bklyn]

I drop by Raagini once month for brunch. I have been going there for 10 years and highly recommend them.

[craigmaj]

Mama Tucci's in Livingston is fabulous contemporary Italian cuisine. Not a traditional "red sauce" place like Ponte Del Vecchio's in Bklyn (which I like a lot, btw).

www.mamatucci.com

Bon Appetit

[jojobeans]

unfortunately, Mama Tucci's has recently closed.

[1toomany]

Two of the former chefs from Mama Tucci's are working with a new Italian restaurant in Summit opened this summer, Bona Vita Osteria, at 37 Maple.
http://www.bonavitanj.com/

[tassemd]

I moved here from Melbourne, Australia - a gastronomic feasting ground. Good food is definitely hard to find around here. For 5 star quality (chef used to be sous chef for Jean Georges) is The Pluckemin Inn (in Pluckemin, I believe - close to Bridgewater). It is amazing! The Huntley Tavern (in Summit) has much improved since I moved here in 2004. I personally do not feel that Trap Rock very good. Basilico in Millburn is yummy. In the Short Hills mall: Neiman Marcus cafe for lunch is kind of fun; California Pizza kitchen is good for casual, chain food; Legal Seafood is consistently good. In Summit, Fiorino's for Italian is delicious; Taka Sushi is better than good, Summit Thai is very good (BYO but little atmosphere). I also prefer Village Trattoria for brick oven pizza.

[tassemd]

I just want to update my comments... Village Trattoria pizza is starting to get soggy when we order it for take out. Trap Rock has improved - and you can't beat the beer. The Perryville Inn is also fabulous.

[2455Bklyn]

Have you been to Luke's Kitchen in Maplewood? Rod worked for Jean George at the Mercer Kitchen as Sou Chef. If you haven't been there you should check it out and introduce yourself. Rod is very friendly and loves customers who know a thing or two about fine dining.

[2455Bklyn]

Try Luke's Kitchen in Maplewood, Rod the chef is the owner and he goes out of his way to impress. Rod's training is in NYC with some heavy hitters. The place only seats 35, atmosphere is perfect for a date, special occassion or girls night out. Maplewood is about miles from Summit on the otherside of Short Hills/ Milburn. It's BYOB call before you show its usually booked solid on Friday and Saturday.

[GarageRock]

You've obviously answered this question yourself already, but I just wanted to share a recent find: If you like Indian (specifically southern India) than don't miss Moksha on Oak Tree Road in Edison! Just outstanding from start to finish...we were blown away!

[2455Bklyn]

GarageRock,
I have started working in Iselin on Wood Ave and I'm down the road from Oak Tree I am big fan of Moghoul and the Dragon Palace. You can't beat the food and buffet prices are a steal. I'll have to try Moksha.

[GarageRock]

Try Ming too...Indian take on Chinese food...the Drums Of Heaven chicken wings (appetizer) are unreal...

[2455Bklyn]

I have always been curious about Ming's the idea is a bit of a stretch for me but if you say so I'll give it a try... maybe this Friday for lunch.

[LIV286]

I'm surprised noone has mentioned Souffle--has been around for awhile but is still very good. We went recently and it was quiet but we had an excellent meaal and very good service. Mama Tucci in Livingston has closed but I believe the owners have opened another place in Summit called Bona Vita Osteria. Lorenas is wonderful--very small hard to get into, more of a special occassion type place although casual. Also Fioino, Italian is consistently good

[2455Bklyn]

I thought they went out of business. I think there are other places nearby that I would go to first.

[feather09]

lots!!!
monster sishi
titos burtios
Broadway grill
Broadway dinner
brick oven pizza etc...........

[GarageRock]

Just an FYI...Broadway Grill has gone out of business, believe it or not! It's been replaced with a restaurant called "food." http://foodinsummit.com ...haven't gone yet but will.

[bropaul]

I checked out the menu at "Food" . Looks interesting. has anyone been there yet?

[1toomany]

I second the recommendations for Huntley Taverne and Pastaria, for food in Summit proper, and for Taste of Asia on Main St in Chatham - only a short drive, and well worth it. Another mile or so further on Main St into Madison, will take you to the Staples shopping center, where the best Indian food in the area can be found at Neelam Palace. The same shopping center (it IS the suburbs, after all) has a sushi and Japanese restaurant (can't think of the name) that is also very good.

Just a little further up in Madison proper, Garlic Rose is on the left and is a good every day place.

Lorena's in Maplewood is an exceptional fine dining/"occasion" restaurant. For other fine dining in the area, try Il Monde Vecchio in Madison and Restaurant Serenade in Chatham.

For Thai, I ended up with Morris Thai in Union as my regular choice. Decor is the pits, but the food is amazing and so cheap. For an elegant setting and pricier food, Khun Thai in Millburn is very nice. If you're willing to go to Bloomfield, Brookside Thai is very good and quite nice inside.

Best pizza in the area is over in Cranford, at Emma's. Extremely loud place, full of families and large groups, but unbelievable pizza and salads.

I also really like and regularly go to the Spanish Tavern on 22 in Mountainside for lobster, other seafood and steak. it's a Portuguese style place, nice but strange decor, consistently offering very good lobster at a good price. And Sangria!

Bon appetit!

[scott123]

"...best Indian food in the area can be found at Neelam Palace."

If by 'area' you mean Madison, then, sure, Neelam Palace is the 'best Indian food in the area.' If 'area' means 'county,' though, then no, Neelam Palace is definitely not the best. Saffron (east hanover) has serious quality control issues, but it's still better than Neelam. Spice Grill (east hanover/parsippany) is better than Saffron. Neelam is just a tiny bit better than Ming II (morristown), which, imo, is the worst in the county.

[1toomany]

I am talking Madison-Summit-Millburn. For me, Parsipanny was beyond my regular eating area, so I don't know those restaurants (Spice Grill). That's a distance from Summit. I never went to Ming II so I can't comment on that. As for my recommendations, and anyone's, you know how it goes - your mileage may vary. Tastes differ. Saffron was not good the 2 times I went there, so I stopped trying and I would not recommend it over Neelam --- except on decor and image. Raagini comes close, but always ends up costing me twice as much as Neelam, and has no chicken tikka masala. (I know, I know, many say it's not a true Indian dish, but what other type of restaurant can you get it in?) Cheers.

[scott123]

Ming II is the reincarnation of Mogul- one of the best Indian restaurants ever. Which makes the complete nose dive that Ming II took so tragic.

Re; Raagini, if you are actually purchasing non buffet meals at any of these places, I tip my hat to your economic prowess ;) That's just too rich for my blood. When you start comparing buffet prices, though, Raagini is in the same realm as Neelam- and far superior. Raagini isn't as good as Spice Grill (across the street from Saffron), but the selection alone blows Neelam out of the water.

Saffron, like I said before, has quality control issues. When they're on, no one can touch them. I'd wager to say your trips to Saffron were probably at least year ago, right? They've mellowed quite a bit/gone more classical and it's working well for them. Occasionally the food will be too spicy to eat, but when they have their cayenne in check, the offerings are top notch.

And those 'many' that say Chicken Tikka Masala isn't a 'true' indian dish- they would be wrong- dead wrong. The sub continent has had tomatoes for 400 years, and creamy gravies and tandoori chicken (kebabs) from the Muslim invaders even earlier than that. In that 400 years time, you better believe that some enterprising chef combined all three in one dish- especially when there are existing/historically traceable Indian dishes that are very similar to CTM, such as butter chicken. The failed British attempt to co-op this dish as their own has nothing to with fact, but with pride. The British can't handle being bested- especially not be a country that they use to rule (very poorly). So they make up these ludicrous stories about Scotland and tomato soup. It's insulting to the sub continent and to those with half a brain in their head.

[1toomany]

you are right about my trips to Saffron. I would try it again based on your advice. And thank you for the interesting historical perspective on CTM! Cheers.

[2455Bklyn]

I noticed a couple of good Indian restaurants missing from this post how about Sona in Maplewood and Begum in Madison. Begum has a wonderful buffet dinner on Sunday at approx 18 per person. Sona is also a wonderful place and in a great town for eating.

[2455Bklyn]

I work in Iselin and around the corner from Ming and Mogul. I love Mogul and go there often but did want to let everyone know that their prices just about doubled since the renovation. No more cheap lunch buffets.

I also want to mention the BEST Chinese restuarant in the area is in Springfield the Szechuan Village on Mountain Ave near the post office. The food is real Chinese similar to NYC Chinatown not the American version. Prices are moderate and a real value for for the qualty and taste. Business is slow during the week I can usually call my order in 10 minutes before pick up and have it ready by the time I pick up my children from karate. You can also pick up homemade ice cream from Libby's next door.

[scott123]

I don't get out to Edison much, but I would expect the larger number of Indian restaurants there would keep Mogul on their toes. The Ming that I'm referring to (Morristown), Ming II, as I mentioned before, is horrible.

Should I ever run into a member of the Mehtani family, believe me, I will be giving them a large piece of my mind. As far as I'm concerned, London and Northern NJ have the best Indian restaurant food in the world (better than even India itself). When the best restaurant in NJ, possible even the whole planet, packs up, moves a block away and then proceeds to serve garbage, it's a sad sad sad sad day.

I'm sorry to keep harping on this, but the loss of Morristown Mogul weighs upon me terribly. I wish they would have just shut down for good, because Ming II is just an insult.

[jen kalb]

I always found the food at the Morristown Mogul to be too heavy with overly rich sauces - and there were not enuf veg selections. For my $ Begum Palace down in madison (have not been this year however - my lunch bunch has been going to Cinnamon on Rte 10 instead) is better than Mogul ever was. there are other good places too in the area - have not been over to MIng II yet, (do you actually like Indian Chinese food??? - I havent decided yet) I do agree that the findian ood in this area stacks up quite well to Indian food Ive had elsewhere including India.

Do you have other places you like near Morristown.

[2455Bklyn]

I find the Indian Chinese food combination a bit strange but the variety can be good. I like to Chinese vegtables as an option.

[brownhound]

Don't know if people are getting the name or the restaurant wrong. The Mehtani family opened two restaurants upon closing Mogul -- Ming II and Menhdi. Ming II is sort of pan-East Asian and very spicy, but not Indian at all. Next door is Mendhi.

For my money Mendhi is better than Beghum, though more expensive. I prefer Cinnamon on Route 10 to either one, but I appreciate the other tips given here.

[scott123]

D'oh! I can't believe I screwed up on both Beghum's and Mendhi's name in the same thread. Anyway, my earth shattering disappointment is in Mendhi, not Ming II.

Thanks for catching that.

[GarageRock]

Actually, Mehndi is the "new" Moghul, not Ming II. Ming (the original is in Edison, along with the original Moghul) is the Indian rendition of Chinese food, which is why it's totally different from Moghul or any other Indian restaurant. Try the "Drums Of Heaven" chicken wings they have as an appetizer...they'll blow you away, IMO!

[GarageRock]

BTW Veena is now Red Pepper and it's even better! Awesome huge menu and the food is great...well worth a try!

[2455Bklyn]

I have eaten at most of your recommendations and must say that it seems to be out of date with what is current as of the last few years. There are a few new favorites in town that aren't listed. I don't see restaurant MC in Millburn or Sapporo (Japanese) in Millburn or my favorite BYOB the new kid in town beating out Lorena's in Maplewood is Luke's Kitchen. The difference at Luke's is that they are more casual with a younger crowd full of real foodies that know what good food taste like at a value. They were reviewed by the New York Times Very Good in its first year of opening. And by the way all the cooking is done by the chef owner Rod Hernandez. If you haven't been there you must try it to be up on your game.

www.lukeskitchen.com

[ChefJune]

Luke's sounds like a completely different vibe from Lorena's. How can you compare apples to oranges? Lorena's provides a superb dining experience in every way. I'm not saying Luke's does not, I haven't been there, but a "younger crowd" does not a better restaurant make! Sorry!

[jen kalb]

Is than Neelam Palace or Begum Palace? I havent been by for a while, but it used to be the latter.

[scott123]

D'oh! Good catch.

Yup. Staples/Madison is Begum. I'm not great with the name, but my feelings still stand- it's lost a lot of it's luster over the years.

Neelam (Berkeley Heights) has consistency good fare, but... whoah, is the selection limited. Parsippany selection isn't what it used to be (the lamb dish has pretty much gone the way of the dinosaur), but it's still at least 2 more main dishes than Neelam.

Indian food in Parsippany pretty much run circles around Summit/Madison/Berkeley Heights, etc. If you live in Summit, hop on 24 and then 287. Timewise, it's not much further than Madison and the food is so much better.

[2455Bklyn]

Thanks for the tip my husband and I love Indian food and are always looking for the best place. Any place you would recommend?

[queeks]

Fusion 22, on 22W Greenbrook, Thai fusion & Red Pepper, on 22E, Scotch Plains across from Bowcraft

[GarageRock]

Fusion On 22, which is a Thai/French fusion restaurant...mostly Thai based however...is absolutely awesome! We ate there for the first time 2 weeks ago (after eating at the original Fusion On Main in Flemington a few times) and were blown away :-) The "Drums Of Heaven" chicken wing appy is a must...you've never had wings remotely close to this unless you've had the dish of the same name at Ming's in Edison...they're unbelievable. The atmosphere and decor is awesome also, and everything we ate was ridiculously good. One word of caution for those that aren't "hot heads"...the dishes can be served mild, medium, or spicy, which is indicated on the menu and told to you by your waitperson....if you don't like extreme heat, do NOT order your food spicy, as you won't be able to eat it. Be safe and order medium the first time unless you're absolutely sure you can handle it....if you order mild you're totally fine. I had the Lamb Chili and ordered it spicy and it tested me, and I can tolerate extremely spicy food, so be careful. The dish was incredible, btw :-)

[GarageRock]

BTW I also mentioned Red Pepper a couple of posts above...definitely the best incarnation of Indian at this location since I've been living here (1990) and definitely worth a trip. The menu is HUGE, and great for vegetarians too!

[ansky4]

Red Pepper is always delicious. They have a $7.95 buffet six days a week that is terrific. They are packed week days and hope they stay around for a long time. This is the third or fourth incarnation of Indian food at that location. Try it...

[scott123]

Can any of the Red Pepper buffet fans confirm whether or not they do multiple chicken curries (beyond the sauce-less tandoori) and/or if they typically have a lamb or a goat dish?

I know lamb or goat is a lot to ask for $7.95, but, imo, a good buffet will offer more non-veg options than just chicken.

[GarageRock]

CLOSED!! Best Indian restaurant in the most heavily populated Indian area in the country, and it's out of business...totally stinks. This economy is horrible for the restaurant business :-(

[jen kalb]

which place is closed?

[jen kalb]

But did you say which places you like in Parsippany area? Ive been to chand palace several times and like it for what it is but would like to have other options that the meat eaters can enjoy. Also the lunch buffet is rather limited. On Rte 10 I think Cinnamon has some good dishes, Saffron is eh. Would love to hear about some others as new lunch options.

[jmoryl]

In Parsippany I have two current favorites:

Mysore Woodlands is south Indian vegetarian and is located in a little plaza on Rt. 46 W about 1/4 mile west of the New Rd./Rt. 46 intersection. Keep your eyes peeled, it is a bit hard to find. For north Indian/Pakistani style food try Baadshah in the plaza at the SW corner of Parsippany Rd./Rt. 46 intersection: another one that is not easy to see when just driving by.

Both have lunch buffets - that is my main experience with both.

[gooter]

SUBLIME in Gladstone, but I may be biased. I LOVE that place!!! Can't help it.