It was the best of times, it was the worst of times— at least that's how 2021 seemed to go for the Central Jersey restaurant scene.
For some restaurateurs, the new year following the onslaught of COVID-19 brought more opportunities to pursue their foodie dreams, including reduced rents, an ability to open slowly, and an opportunity to fill the void that many cabin-fevered diners felt.
But for other restaurant owners, the new yearbrought a severe staffing shortage, changing customerlifestyles, patrons' continued sense of uneaseand a questionable future, leading to the demise of many of the region's eateries.
COVID-19 or not, an onslaught of restaurant openings and closings is the nature of the beast. Here's who we welcomed this year, and here's who we'll miss.
Opened restaurants
Ani Ramen, a local restaurant groupfeaturing Japanese eats such as ramen, bao buns and rice bowls in bold, modern quarters, opened its seventh location in June. 37 Easton Ave., New Brunswick;732-317-8200,aniramen.com
Basilico,an Italian restaurant with an Italian-born chef who makes everything from scratch, opened in June.46 W. Somerset St., Raritan;908-393-1600,basiliconj.com
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BayCity Restaurant and Sports Bar,a modern American spot, opened in November.273 High St., Perth Amboy;732-442-8100,baycitynj.com
The Borscht Belt, a Jewish deli under the direction of celebrity chef Nick Liberato in the Stockton Market, opened in June.19 Bridge St., Stockton;609-460-4051,theborschtbelt.com
Crab du Jour,a Cajun-inspired seafood boil chain, opened its 10thstaterestaurant in February. The location is an "xpress," providing counter-service and limited dine-in service.1326 Centennial Ave., Piscataway;732-529-5975,crabdujourpiscataway.com
Cree Wine Company, a wine bar with a limited food menu owned by the state's only Master of Wine, opened in November at the historic Perryville Inn.167 Perryville Road, Union Township;908-200-7772,creewineco.com
DiCosmo's Italian Ice,a century-old Italian ice shop making their own flavors every day, opened its second location in March.20 New St., Metuchen; 732-243-9328,dicosmos.com
East Hana Sushi & Ramen,an Asian restaurant with an array of Japanese and Chinese items, opened in October.656 Middlesex Ave., Metuchen;732-372-7600,easthanasushi.com
El Wadi Grill,a casual Halal Mediterranean restaurant, opened in June after it replaced 30 Burgers, which closed last year due to the pandemic. 601 Route 206 Unit #24, Hillsborough;908-829-4004,elwadigrill.square.site
Epic Cookies, a counter-serve spot for cookies with extended night hours, opened in May by the owner of 22 West Tap & Grill.92 W. Main St., Somerville;908-300-8160,epiccookies.com
Fire & Flavor,a Portuguese barbecue restaurant, opened in August.640 Middlesex Ave., Metuchen;732-662-7000,facebook.com/FireFlavorgrill/
Got a nighttime craving?:New cookie spot stays open late in Somerville
The Ice House,a family-owned and operated ice cream shop featuring soft-serve, milkshakes and dairy-free ice cream, opened in March.378 S. Branch Road, Hillsborough;908-262-2048,theicehousenj.com
Pappa Vegan,a casual vegan restaurant and bakery, opened at the former home of Shakes N Scoops. It's operated by the same owner, though, who changed his focus to vegan cuisine after threeheart attacks.438 Route 206, Hillsborough;908-262-7288,papavegan.com
Pastry Lu,a dessert bistro and bakery with strong Dominican influences, opened in April.397 Main St., Metuchen;732-967-6700,pastrylu.com
Perry Wings Plus,a chicken wing delivery-only business, opened in Perth Amboy in February. Its the brand's third U.S.location.1127 Convery Blvd., Perth Amboy;perrywings.com
Ristorante MV, an Italian restaurant owned by an iconic Brooklyn restaurant family, openedat the former location of Rudolph’s Steakhousein March.1 Mill St., Bernardsville; 908-766-7979,ristorantemv.com
Sakana Sushi & Japanese Cuisine,an all-you-can-eat sushi restaurant, opened this fall at the former home of Fatto Americano.338 George St., New Brunswick;732-867-9308,sakananewbrunswick.com
Tribos Peri Peri,a two-year-old local chain named after theAfrican Bird’sEye chili pepper, opened in October.401 Main St., Metuchen;732-243-9305,tribosperiperi.com
Victoria's Cake,a French bakery co-owned by a French mother and daughter, opened in September.409 Westfield Ave., Westfield;908-228-2720,victoriascakeofficial.com
Closed restaurants
Ciro's Italian Restaurant,a stylish pizzeria and modern Italian eatery, closed at273 High St., Perth Amboy after opening in May 2020.
The Coffee Box, a coffee shop that continues to operate its Rahway store, closed its Plainfield store at 1359 South Ave.in August after a lease dispute with the building's owners.
Culinary Creations,an American restaurant with a catering business, closed in June at 434 Route 206, Hillsboroughafter the owner passed away.
Florence Ravioli,an 80-year-old pasta and Italian specialtyshop at 391 Park Ave. in Scotch Plains, closed in February due to rising rent.
Sad news:The Coffee Box in Plainfield to close after lease dispute
Just Subs, a sub sandwich chain with six locations, closed its Somerville location this fall at 15 W. Main St.after openingabout three years ago.
Kings Bowl Cafe,a health-focused restaurant and juice bar at331 W Broad St., Westfield, closed in October after two years in business.
Red Crab - Juicy Seafood,the Flemington outpost of a seafood boil chain restaurant at 294 Route 202, closed after opening in June 2020.
Seville Diner,a landmark at1035 Route 18,East Brunswick for 50 years, closed over the summer after filing for bankruptcy in April.
Slim Chickens,a fried chicken tender restaurant that opened its first Northeast location in Flemington at39 Route 31 to much fanfare, closed in September after eight months in business.
Soto's Kitchen,a Puerto Rican restaurant spotlighting family recipes, opened in March at 790 Amboy Ave. in Perth Amboybut closed in August.
Xocolatz,a casual restaurant that served a mix of American and Latin fare, closed at235 Elmer St., Westfield, in November.
Jenna Intersimone has been a staff member at the USA Today Network New Jersey since 2014, after becoming a blogger-turned-reporter following the creation of her award-winning travel blog. To get unlimited access to her stories about food, drink and fun, please subscribe or activate your digital account today. Contact: JIntersimone@Gannett.com or @JIntersimone.
