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Shiraz features both Afghan and Persian cuisine. There are a wealth of offerings, from excellent stews and kabobs (lamb, chicken or beef), to broiled seafood, as well as numerous rice and vegetarian dishes. The stuffed pastry appetizers are exceptional. This is a family run operation and they try very hard to please. In case you are wondering, there is a theory that the Syrah grape originated near, and was named for, the city of Shiraz in Persia (today’s Iran). $ [5/01, revisited several times]
Cafe Matisse is one of the finest restaurants in New Jersey. The stunning new decor, the beautifully prepared and presented dishes (OK, so maybe they go overboard with the towers) and the solid service make this a restaurant to go back to. Expensive, but worth it. $$$$ [6/01, revisited several times] Villa Rosa Villa Rosa is one of those little Italian restaurants that have built a well deserved following of loyal, local customers. It isn’t fancy, the service is just adequate (though friendly), but the food is superb and freshly made with lots of down-home Mamma-in-the-kitchen love. Think southern Italian cuisine, and nothing on the menu will surprise you. Well, maybe the Honey Dipped Fried Chicken will. There are always a few specials that are a bit more creative. Everything here is good and portions are plentiful. The only caveat is that there isn’t a no-smoking section; not a big problem on most nights. $ [4/01] Ciao Bella Located, adjacent to Samdan, Ciao Bella is a very worthy Italian restaurant. It features interesting pizzas from a wood-burning brick oven as well as numerous seafood, chicken, veal and pasta dishes. Specials are always available and are reasonably priced. The grilled calamari and seafood Pappardelle that we tried were excellent. A quite respectable family style salad is included. Seating can be tight at some tables, so choose your table carefully. $$ [3/01]
One of the best Thai restaurants in the area is Wondee’s in Hackensack. They will gladly help you through a unique tasting experience. We thoroughly enjoyed the Chicken Satay (BBQ), Crispy Duck Salad, Keang Mustsaman (chicken curry with coconut milk, peanuts and tamarind sauce) and the Karna Moo Grob (stir fried crispy bacon with Chinese broccoli), but there are so many interesting sounding dishes that you can go here many times without tasting the same thing twice. Great food, great prices. $ [11/00, revisited several times] Mamacita’s Restaurant
Mamacita’s Restaurant at, has recently replaced the Nantucket Cafe. The old plastic Cadillac is still there, as is the soda fountain, but everything else is decidedly Mexican. The Mexican roots here are authentic. The owner (Alex) grew up with her family’s business, the late lamented Fiesta Hut in Paramus, which is now a McDonalds (Boo! Hiss! Just what we needed: another fast food place!). We always loved the Fiesta Hut: no atmosphere, but excellent, authentic Mexican food at a great price. Mamacita’s Restaurant is true to its roots. You’ll leave happy, with your belly and your wallet full. The service is helpful and perky. This "no smoking" restaurant is closed on Sundays. $ [8/00, revisited numerous times] Village Gourmet Village Gourmet is celebrating its 10th anniversary. It’s an unusual restaurant, with a liquor store in the middle of the restaurant (You may still bring your own). The food here is very good. Many of the dishes are blackened (Cajun-style). Many of the others come fairly spicy, but they will adjust the heat if that’s not to your liking. The fare is quite eclectic so there’s something for everyone. The Filet Mignon and Swordfish that we tried were excellent: remarkably moist and tender. $$ [5/00]
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