Old Bridge, New Brunswick Restaurants Named Two Of Best In State

OLD BRIDGE, NJ — Dined at Heirloom Kitchen lately?

This locals' secret on Rt. 516 in Old Bridge was just named to New Jersey Monthly's list of the top 30 best restaurants in the state. Heirloom Kitchen joins The Frog and the Peach in New Brunswick, which appears every year on the list, and newcomer Il Nido in Marlboro.

Writes NJ Monthly of Heirloom Kitchen:

“... Crispy skate wing with caramelized cauliflower, and an upscale s’mores with dark-chocolate cremeux. “I’ve been cooking 19 years, and I didn’t think I’d ever be surprised again,” said chef David Viana. “But we’re growing again, and I feel very optimistic.” BYO. 3853 Route 516, 732-727-9444

And we can thank Heirloom Kitchen — sort of — for their role in the opening of Aberdeen's new craft beer brewery, which just opened last month. It was while dining at Heirloom Kitchen that Aberdeen brewery owner Scott Novick first heard that the old Bow Tie movie theater was for sale. He bought the space and turned it into the craft brewery, called Alternate Ending.

The Frog and the Peach in New Brunswick is regarded year over year as one of the best restaurants in New Jersey. Writes NJ Monthly:

"With new chef de cuisine Joe Beninato, a Jersey veteran, the F&P dialed up a sophisticated spectrum of pleasures, from black-truffle ricotta gnocchi to pepper-crusted Wagyu skirt steak with green-peppercorn Cognac sauce." 29 Dennis Street, 732-846-3216

And Il Nido on Rt. 9 in Marlboro serves: "a ravishing menu that ranges from a lobster and crab salad sparked with citrus and mustard to a unique pasta dish, mugnaia, consisting of one long, unbroken strand in a light sauce braced with cruschi peppers and garlic. With three separate dining rooms, Il Nido had well-spaced tables before that became a necessity. Service, gracious and attentive, has been another hallmark." 184 Route 9 North, 732-851-6347

Read NJ Monthly's entire list here: The 30 Best Restaurants in New Jersey

Aberdeen Brewery Opens Wednesday; Talula's of Asbury Park Will Run Kitchen