5 New Restaurants Opened In North Jersey This Month

NORTH JERSEY — Now that Memorial Day weekend has passed, it's time to make summer plans, and that means dining outside.

May was full of restaurant openings in North Jersey, and the month isn't over yet. Here are five new eateries that Patch wrote about.

Mason’s Famous Lobster Rolls

The second New Jersey location of Mason's Famous Lobster Rolls opened in Ridgewood on May 13 (the first was in Asbury Park). They offer lobster rolls in varieties like Connecticut Roll and Bar Harbor Roll, along with shrimp rolls, salads, and even hot dogs. Find them at 111 East Ridgewood Ave., and read more here.

Gnocci on 9th

Gnocci on 9th — an eatery with nine locations in New York City — has finally crossed the river. It opened in Jersey City on Friday. The menu includes Gnocchi Alla Bolognese with beef and tomato sauce, Gnocchi Black Truffle Cacio E Pepe, vegetarian and vegan options, salads, and tiramisu. The Jersey City location can be found at 512 Jersey Ave. Read more here.

Blu on the Hudson

Blu on the Hudson, a waterfront restaurant in Weehawken, opened its second location in Livingston on May 1. Executive chef Juan Carlos “JC” Ortega runs the kitchen, offering a menu centered on “world-class seafood and premium steaks” and drawing inspiration from “the Mediterranean and beyond.” The spot features inventive cocktails as well. They're located at 277 Eisenhower Parkway. Read about Blu here.

Violette's

Violette's Italian restaurant and lounge in Woodbridge —which opened this month — describes itself as "contemporary American Italian cuisine with Asian influence." What would that look like? Menu items include Truffle Tso's Chicken and shrimp & lobster risotto. As Patch noted, there are now five restaurants on Woodbridge's Main Street: Castello’s, Strickland’s steakhouse, Pino’s and Angelina’s Kitchen, which opened last year. Find Violette's at 2 Main St.

The View At Lokal

Lokal — a spacious restaurant and event spot on the Jersey City waterfront — now offers an intriguing new experience. The outdoor area will now be open year 'round and has been rebranded as The View at Lokal, with a menu of seasonal bites and craft cocktails. Besides dishes, drinks, and upscale desserts, The View has — of course — the view:

Described as a "cocktail-driven terrace," the menu "reflects a global point of view with Mediterranean influences, brought to life through locally sourced ingredients." Featured items range from tuna tartare to fresh oysters to a range of flatbreads. The View is located at 2 Second St. in Jersey City, beside the Hudson River and close to the Exchange Place PATH station. Find out more here.

Know of a restaurant opening in North Jersey? Let Patch know so we can include it.