Wild Ginger is a gem. Why should you drive to Englewood for Japanese food? Because this is the best Japanese restaurant in Bergen County and one of the best restaurants in northern New Jersey! It is expensive, but the food here is exceptional. The soups are amazingly hearty. The salads (we had the lobster salad) offer a delicious ménage of flavors. The sushi, sashimi and rolls are sensational! Sushi’s not for you? Please go anyway. The shrimp and lobster versions (cooked) will knock your socks off. The entree’s are not traditional Japanese, but they cover the major bases (beef, chicken, duck and seafood) and are also very good. Even the parfait-like desserts were great! Wild Ginger is tiny and crowded. Go early, but please go! Lebanese-born Charles Hammade obviously knows what he’s doing. Closed Mondays. $$$$ [2/00, revisited 1/04]

 Il Mulino is one of the better Italian restaurants in the area. Located around the corner from where Beauregards was, this is a relatively large (100 seat) restaurant that is doing a lot of things well. Appetizers included an excellent Carpaccio with Arugula, Capers and Parmesan, covered with truffled oil. A varied selection of pastas included many that were sufficient for an entree. The lobster ravioli in Champagne sauce was delicious. The entrees didn’t disappoint; a large Veal chop was very tasty and fairly priced. Reservations are accepted. Seating is spacious and the decor is a pleasant pastel green. The service was fine. Check it out! $$ [12/99]

Topkapi Terrace has replaced the wonderful Saray restaurant at the same site. If you haven’t experienced Turkish cuisine, you really should. It has a lot in common with other middle eastern food, including Greek, so it’s not as “foreign” as you might think. Appetizers such as Tabuleh, Babagannus and Humus should be familiar and are well done here. The stuffed grape leaves are among the best I’ve ever had. The Shepherd salad (Coban Salatasi) will put a smile on your face and the Kebabs or seafood dishes are superb with fascinating spices that will have you returning to Cliffside Park. $$ [9/99]

Paisano’s has a well deserved local reputation. The food is strictly Italian, but there are enough interesting variations and the food is so well prepared that it’s definitely worth the trip. The stars are the numerous pasta dishes. All the pasta is homemade daily. Of course there are chicken, seafood and veal dishes as well as pizzas for one. Check out the ginger calamari! A nice touch is an interesting dipping sauce made from sun-dried tomatoes, oil and garlic. This is a welcome change from butter or olive oil with your bread, although these are also available. Portions are large, so plan on a doggy bag. There are approximately 20 tables plus outdoor dining at this nonsmoking restaurant. Make reservations or come early on weekends. $$ [8/99]

Pasta & Pollo is a small store front restaurant. More pesche than pollo, it features a large entree selection, including most of the Italian standards. We especially enjoyed the Portabella mushroom stuffed with crabmeat topped with brandy cream, the Linguini Marachiara (shrimp, clams, sun-dried tomatoes and escarole with mushrooms), and the Shrimp Mediterranean (with prosciutto and mozzarella in a garlic-lemon-wine sauce). This small (10 table) restaurant has potential. $$ [6/99]

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