The Sicilian Sun
604A Maple Ave., Ho-Ho-Kus
(201) 444-3494

A solid little restaurant, The Sicilian Sun has both a "pizza" room and a "dinner" room. The pizza room is definitely a family affair. The crusts are relatively thin. The toppings include the usual as well as some interesting vegetable combinations. The pies are delicious! The dinners are very competently prepared. $ (pizza) - $$ (dinners) [10/94, revisited several times]

Tawara Authentic Japanese Restaurant
53 West Main Street, Ramsey
(201) 825-8712

Aside from the very good sushi, there is an overwhelming choice of dishes here. A few are Americanized, but most are authentic Japanese (truth in advertising!) and very interesting. The few we had were delicious. Service is somewhat erratic. Take out is available. $$ - $$$ [7/94]

Fratelli Trattoria
119 East Ridgewood Ave., Ridgewood
(201) 447-9377

Ridgewood abounds with BYO restaurants. This new one offers some surprisingly high quality Italian food, given the large open space and the casual atmosphere. Some interesting sounding pizzas are also available. The good news: this is a non-smoking restaurant that takes reservations. The less than good news is that the acoustics are very lively, to say the least. Go for the food, not the conversation. $$ [6/94]

Mela - Cuisine of India
47 East Ridgewood Ave., Ridgewood
(201) 445-6060

Ridgewood is now home to 2 fine Indian restaurants. Mela is colorfully decorated with a Carnival atmosphere. The selection is typical Indian fare that is well prepared. They will accommodate mild, medium and spicy palates. There is a non-smoking section and prices are moderate. It seems that many people are uninterested in even trying Indian cuisine. Don't miss the wonderful balance of contrasting flavors and textures (and the wonderful breads!) that make Indian food so special. $$ [5/94]

 Café Panache
130 E Main St., Ramsey
(201) 934-0030

Clearly a superior restaurant, Café Panache has it all: great creative food, lovely understated ambiance, friendly and very professional service, and even a guitarist some nights. The style here is creative continental with seasonal specials. Chef/owner Kevin Koller is a graduate of the Culinary Institute of American and it shows. He has created and refined one of north Jersey's best restaurants. Prices are high, but you won't complain. This is a place to bring that special bottle you've been saving! Reservations are a must. Avoid Saturday nights if you can. $$$$ [3/94, revisited frequently]

Enza's Restaurant
266 Warburton Ave., Hawthorne
(973) 423-4080

Although not at all pretentious, Enza's is a great place for honest down home Italian cooking. The menu features the usual southern Italian entrees, but along with the house specials, there is plenty to choose from and everything is hearty and satisfying. The crowd is mostly regulars, which says a lot. $ [2/94]

Kailash
22 Oak Street, Ridgewood
(201) 251-9693

This is a wonderful Indian and Thai restaurant. If you haven't already, you owe it to yourself to try this great cuisine. There are so many wonderful dishes to choose from that you'll be back many times and never get bored. The breads are an absolute must: Naan is wonderful, Onion Kulcha is sublime. The decor is elegant, prices are moderate and there is a no smoking section. $$ [12/93, revisited frequently]

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