Let's Eat!

by Peter Proko | Feb 25, 2026
Let's Eat!
It’s no secret that South Jersey’s fine dining scene has garnered much attention in recent years thanks to the many celebrated chefs who continue to push the boundaries of culinary excellence. Whether it’s a new spot generating plenty of buzz or a longtime favorite that continues to impress year after year, the great diversity in cuisine and concepts has helped solidify the area as a true dining destination. Our annual Golden Forks spotlight recognizes the restaurants that consistently rise to the occasion, lauded for serving up alluring dishes that will leave you hungry for more.

ITA101 in Medford

Snaring a table inside this cozy dining room is always a welcomed achievement, providing you with the fortunate opportunity to immerse yourself in the skillfully prepared pastas and other inspired Italian specialties that combine traditional and modern influences while consistently delivering that wow factor.

June BYOB in Collingswood

In a restaurant-heavy town like Collingswood, this refined French eatery helps set the bar with an inviting atmosphere, attentive servers and meticulous preparations of succulent duck, luxurious beef wellington and other elegant plates that rival any you’ll find in South Jersey or elsewhere.

Two Fish in Medford

Two Fish’s six-course tasting menu is a carefully curated production of sophisticated seafood-centric dishes with each course further amplifying the flavor profile until you’ve reached a thrilling crescendo—just in time to finish the night off with an equally memorable dessert.

The ChopHouse in Gibbsboro

This beloved steakhouse has an in-house dry-aging program where carefully inspected cuts are stored for at least 28 days to help tenderize the meat and enhance its taste. In addition to the mouthwatering steaks, you’ll also find plenty of stellar seafood and more enticing options to satisfy your appetite.

Caffe Aldo Lamberti in Cherry Hill

A longtime fixture in the South Jersey fine dining scene, Caffe Aldo continues to impress with an assortment of classic offerings from the buffalo mozzarella Napolean and New York strip carpaccio to the homemade gnocchi, can’t-miss veal saltimbocca and the ultra-fresh seafood cioppino.

Giumarello’s in Haddon Township

With a focus on Northern Italian cuisine, Giumarello’s is known for standout dishes like the veal Marsala with Kennett Square mushrooms and jumbo lump crab meat or the espresso-rubbed New York strip with crispy onions and hot pepper rings alongside whipped Yukon gold potatoes.

Gass and Main in Haddonfield

Helmed by former James Beard semifinalist Dane DeMarco, Gass & Main has generated a buzz amongst local gourmands who flock to the restaurant to sink their teeth into elevated dishes that seamlessly blend comfort and creativity to leave a lasting impression.

Hearthside in Collingswood

Hearthside is a destination restaurant that will soon be relocating to neighboring Haddon Township. Until then, you can head to the original Haddon Avenue address to indulge in seasonal creations like the rigatoni with braised short ribs or the citrus-fed wagyu strip loin that’s been lovingly kissed by the wood-fired grill and served for two.

Carlucci’s Waterfront in Mount Laurel

The picturesque views only add to the terrific ambiance as you knife and fork your way through fan favorites like eggplant rollatini, chicken Francese, shrimp risotto and the handmade gnocchi coated in a pistachio pesto with burrata crema.

The Little Hen in Haddonfield

This quaint 18-seater’s rustic, intimate and inviting setting sets the stage for an array of French-focused cuisine that is approachable, unpretentious and undeniably delicious. Think sublime chicken liver mousse with pickled shallots, tender escargot swimming in a hazelnut butter with garlic and herbs or the delectable duck frites.

Estia in Marlton

Estia’s menu is full of dynamic dishes that showcase authentic flavors of the Mediterranean. All of the vibrant seafood options are worthy of your attention, but certainly no visit is complete without an order of the charcoal grilled octopus sidelined with a fava puree and pickled red onion.

Yokohama in Maple Shade

Only the freshest and finest ingredients make their way onto Yokohama’s diverse menu, and that discerning approach and reverence for Japanese cuisine is displayed with every inventive sushi roll, complex bowl of curry udon or crispy pork katsu that arrives to the table.

Il Villaggio in Cherry Hill

Start things off with an order of the grilled langostinos as well as the burrata with heirloom tomatoes, roasted peppers and prosciutto before settling in with a main course of the tagliatelle Bolognese or the sea bass outfitted with artichokes, sundried tomatoes, and finishing touches of white wine and lemon.

Spicy Affair in Swedesboro

Not only does this Indian restaurant boast one of the more beautiful dining rooms in the region, it also serves up some truly outstanding food. Whether diving into a bowl of spicy chicken soup, a plate of lamb biryani, the goat curry or another menu highlight, you’ll be captivated by the fragrant smells and layered depths of flavor.

Mare Monte in Haddonfield

You’re always in for something special when you sit down for a meal inside this popular eatery where fantastic food and superb service go hand-in-hand. We love the spicy squid ink linguine with shrimp, but the eponymous Veal Mare Monte—served with mushrooms, crab, candied walnuts and truffle gorgonzola cream—is also a worthy contender.

Braddock’s Tavern in Medford

Housed in a building steeped with history, Braddock’s serves upscale pub grub that is far from run of the mill. We’re talking sweet potato hummus, French onion burgers, Black Angus meatloaf and a rich, creamy mac and cheese made with Cooper sharp, cheddar and Parmesan along with toasted panko breadcrumbs.

Verona in Haddonfield

This mainstay has gained a loyal following thanks to its well-executed menu of classic dishes that pay homage to Italy’s diverse regions. Go for the swordfish steak topped with pine nuts, cherry tomatoes, raisins and olives in a white wine garlic sauce or the orecchiette comingled with broccoli rabe and hot sausage.

Albertino’s in Collingswood

Good luck trying to choose between irresistible temptations like the Berkshire pork chop with caramelized onion, pancetta and a rich demi-glace or the rigatoni with prosciutto, sage, Pecorino Romano and garlic, cooked with white wine and topped with hefty hunk of burrata.

 

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Author: Peter Proko

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