Bergen Offers A Feast For All Foodies

No matter what you’re craving, our county is an ideal culinary destination for all tastes.

Our country is filled with travel destinations that beckon tourists specifically for the food. New Orleans, San Diego and nearby New York City all spring to mind—but there’s another food destination right here in our backyard.

Bergen’s culinary scene is second to none, and you could spend months checking out every restaurant our county has to offer. One day to dine out, for sure, is National Foodie Day, June 28.

Craving something specific? Check out these options, many of them Readers’ Choice winners and all of them highly rated (and stayed tuned for the list of winners in this year’s Readers’ Choice contest, to be announced in September):

If you’re looking for tradition…Sanducci’s Trattoria in River Edge, winner of our Readers’ Choice Award for Best Italian Restaurant, is family-owned and -operated and has been for decades. Traditional Italian dishes and flavors are done to perfection here. For more flavors of the Mediterranean, try Mezza Mediterranean in Westwood, which also offers fantastic Old-World flavors done in Old-World traditions. For classic American breakfast and brunch fare (including to-die-for pancakes and French toast), check out Wyckoff’s Willow & Whisk.

If you’re looking for something new…the county’s culinary scene is constantly expanding, so you’ll always find something to satisfy that craving. Here are some recently-opened options, all visited by BERGEN’s restaurant reviewer and given an enthusiastic thumbs up: Vezir in Lyndhurst offers a fantastic taste of Türkiye (he recommends the pirzola), Mexico Mi Amor in Dumont pairs fantastic south-of-the-boarder bites with an impeccable atmosphere (the sopes de queso were a hit) and Teaneck’s Sweet T’s Southern Eatery brings authentic Southern flavors right to our backyard (the Texas braised beef short rib was exactly what he wanted).

If you’re looking for comfort food…you may want to start with the familiar menu of Mahwah’s State Line Diner or Waldwick’s Matthews Diner, which tied for first place as Bergen’s Best Diner and have everything from wraps and paninis to disco fries and nachos. If pizza is what soothes your soul, look to Kinchley’s Tavern in Ramsey, a frequent flier on our “Best” lists with bites sure to please. Barbecue? Brothers Smokehouse, also in Ramsey, brings you brisket, wings, sliders and more.

If you’re looking for something vegetarian…Simply Green Café in Ramsey is a vegan spot with vegetarian options aplenty (its take on a meat-free Buffalo chicken wrap is a local favorite). Teaneck’s Veggie Heaven has a huge selection of Asian vegetarian dishes (these dishes are also kosher). Another option is the Alt Eats Café in Ho-Ho-Kus, where the food is also vegan and gluten-free.

If you’re looking for dessert…Bergen can accommodate any sweet tooth. Want ice cream? Cranberry Junction Ice Cream in Hackensack is your destination. Craving chocolate instead? Westwood’s Conrad’s Confectionery has perfected its treats over nearly 100 years in business. In more of a cake, pie or pastry kind of mood? Rispoli’s Pastry Shop in Emerson is one of Bergen’s best bakeries. (For cupcakes specifically, try Kara Cakes in Franklin Lakes.)

Have a favorite restaurant in Bergen? Tell us all about it on Instagram @bergenmagnj!