Closings
Tito’s Burritos & Wings, all remaining locations
After more than two decades in New Jersey, this beloved, fast-casual, California-style Mexican kitchen has announced it will permanently close its remaining Jersey locations in Summit, Ridgewood and South Orange. The closures follow earlier shutdowns in Boonton, Morristown and Tenafly.
The news, shared February 17 via social media, has sparked an outpouring of frustration and nostalgia, with longtime customers mourning the loss of a go-to neighborhood staple and sharing memories of their favorite orders. One commenter described the news as “heartbreaking,” while another wrote that “crushed doesn’t even begin to describe it.” Many are urging each other to visit one last time before all doors close for good on March 1.
Baonanas, Jersey City
This Filipino-inspired banana pudding shop has closed after 11 years in business. Co-owners Lloyd Ortuoste and Patricia Villanueva thanked the Jersey City community for supporting their small business over the years in a message on their website. “What started as two college kids trying to raise money for a car repair turned into a journey that shaped our lives in ways we never could have imagined,” they wrote.
Caffe Buon Gusto, Hoboken
This authentic Italian restaurant on Washington Street caught fire on February 11 and is temporarily closed. The cause of the fire remains under investigation, and no reopening plans have been announced.
Meryendang Pinoy, Jersey City
This small, family-owned Filipino restaurant on Newark Avenue suffered a fire on February 9. A GoFundMe campaign has since raised more than $20,000 to help cover rent and basic expenses until it can reopen.
Openings
King Falafel, Tenafly
The third King Falafel in North Jersey has officially opened. The menu features a range of fresh, authentic Middle Eastern dishes, including falafel, hummus, kebabs, shawarma and assorted platters.
Pasta e Passione, Northvale
Indulge in fresh, house-made pasta, unique pizzas and authentic Italian specialties at this new BYOB restaurant, open every day except Monday.
A Taste of Haifa, Glen Rock
The vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean are on full display here. The kitchen highlights fresh ingredients, aromatic spices and traditional, transregional recipes, from creamy hummus to crisp falafel to tasty salads.
Il Dono, Hamilton Township
Indulge in fine wine and refined flavors at Il Dono, now open in Central Jersey. The Italian-American restaurant offers house-made pasta, flavorful steaks and more.
Meadows Diner, Gloucester Township
This long-running South Jersey diner is back in business after a series of small fires temporarily closed it in early February. The diner has renovated its lighting system after identifying the neon lights as the source of each fire.
Dining news
Following in the footsteps of Apollo Bagels in Hoboken, PopUp Bagels—Yelp’s No. 1 bagel spot in New York City—is crossing the Hudson. Known for its “rip-and-dip”-style bagels served with creative cream-cheese schmears, the shop has announced that it is coming to Westfield. An opening date has not yet been announced.
From Scratch, a popular Italian spot in Ridgewood, is opening a sister takeout-and-delivery location in March called Pizza by From Scratch. The new outpost will specialize in Roman pinsa—pizza with a lighter dough made from soy, rice and wheat flour—as well as stuffed focaccia, with most toppings imported from Italy. Owner and chef Claudia Rovegno first introduced Roman pinsa during the pandemic; strong customer demand has prompted this expansion.
On February 17, the Millburn Deli in Morristown temporarily closed, pending its relocation from Morris Street to South Street. Rest assured, Morristown: the triple-layer Sloppy Joe recipe will remain unchanged. Indoor seating at the new location will better accommodate lunch and dinner rushes. The shop expects to reopen by the end of the month.
Jersey chefs, bartenders and mead makers are turning to local beekeepers—or even starting colonies of their own.
Plus: A Caribbean chain says goodbye to Jersey, while a lively Peruvian spot comes to Elmwood Park.
