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Lisa’s Turkish Kitchen
54 Chestnut Street, Ridgewood
(201) 251-8686

Lisa’s Turkish Kitchen has taken over the space previously occupied by Ivangie Tea House. The room is spacious and colorful, and the traditional middle eastern food is solidly prepared and presented. This is an excellent introduction to a wonderful cuisine. Whether you’re in the mood for meat, fish, or if you prefer vegetarian, there are many offerings to keep you coming back. The service here is earnest, and the portions are generous. The appetizers and the Sheperd’s salad are irresistible. $$ [4/07]

Mangoes
136 Main Street, Hackensack
(201) 343-8533

Mangos has been getting justifiably good press. Annette Coleman and Rita L. Owens have created a menu and an atmosphere that define the word “comfort.” The welcoming ambiance and the comfort food that combines Caribbean and southern soul food won’t take inches off your waist line, but they will put a smile on your face. Coconut and curried red snapper, southern fried chicken, jerky chicken, and macaroni & cheese are just some of the temptations. $$ [03/07]

Seafood Gourmet
103 W Pleasant Ave, Maywood
(201) 843-8558

Seafood Gourmet offers some of the best seafood in northern New Jersey. The restaurant is not fancy; it’s a 25-seat dining room behind a fish store. The style is American with a touch of Italian. The menu offers numerous regular items as well as specials. Some of the specials are quite sophisticated. The quality of the appetizers and entrees we tried ranged from very good to excellent. This tiny restaurant has been discovered, so either call for reservations or get there early on weekends. $$-$$$ [02/07]

Café Panache
130 East Main Street, Ramsey
(201) 934-0030

Café Panache is a contemporary American/European restaurant of the highest caliber. Kevin Kohler is not only a nice guy, he is an extremely talented chef who never rests on his laurels. The menu changes weekly, but many of the items remain constant, for the loyal regulars won’t allow Kevin to discontinue certain favorites. The waitstaff and kitchen staff are very professional. The menu may be viewed at www.cafepanachenj.com. $$$$ [01/07]

Café Matisse
167 Park Avenue, Rutherford
(201) 935-2995

Visually stunning, Café Matisse offers refined dining at a price. The menu has returned to the early days when a “grazing” menu was offered. Gone are the traditional appetizer and main course. You now choose three, four, or five courses. One course will be a dessert. There are approximately 15 choices, and the portions are such that most people will be very satisfied with four courses. Salads are unfortunately de-emphasized, but the culture-defying choices are varied, well thought out, and as delicious as they are visually appealing. Early- and late-bird specials are available on Friday and Saturday nights. The menu may be viewed at www.cafematisse.com. $$$$ [01/07]

Aldo’s Cucina
777 Hamburg Turnpike, Wayne
(973) 872-1842

Aldo’s Cucina offers consistently good Italian food. Although not daring, the execution of each dish shows attention to detail. The ambiance and service are also a step above the typical Italian eatery. Dinner for two is $50. Call for directions, for the restaurant is just off Hamburg Turnpike. [12/06]

Tina Louise
403 Hackensack St., Carlstadt
(201) 933-7133

Tina and Louise are two Shanghai-born sisters who have created a warm, welcoming restaurant with an exotic interior of brick and ocher and a glowing pressed-copper ceiling. Louise works the front of the house and Tina does the cooking which dips into all kinds of Chinese cuisine. Among the most popular dishes are wontons in spicy sauce. These soft, wrinkled packets are delectable in a peanut-y hot sauce. Also good: the meaty skewers of chicken teriyaki presented with a dipping sauce that is sweet and full of scallions. The chef's special of crispy coated jumbo shrimp and scallops is truly crispy with large and juicy scallops. $$