2 New Jersey Restaurants Among Nation's Best, Website Says

Two New Jersey restaurants — one in South Jersey, the other in North Jersey — have been named among the best in America for 2017 by Open Table. The analysis was based on feedback from more than 12 million reviews left by users of the popular restaurant reservations website.

In New Jersey, the Saddle River Inn and Steve & Cookie's By The Bay in Margate were included.

The best restaurants list was released Wednesday. Open Table said it considered more than 26,000 establishments as it amassed the top 100. Diner reviews used in the process were collected between November 1, 2016, and October 31, 2017.

The Saddle River Inn, which serves up French food in a rustic setting, is located on Barnstable Court in Saddle River. There, patrons can enjoy a seasonal tasting menu with four, five or six courses prepared by chef Jamie Knott. There is also an à la carte menu with seafood, chops, steaks and more.

The Saddle River Inn received an "excellent" rating from The New York Times in a 2015 review.

Going south, Steve & Cookie's is located on Amherst Avenue in Margate. No surprise that the restaurant and oyster bar is known for its seafood, but it also boasts and extensive wine list.

At Steve & Cookie's "well-trained servers offer on-target suggestions from the menu of excellent locally sourced fare and extensive wine list," according to Zagat, which describes the mood there as upbeat. "Regulars recommend reservations in the summer and on weekends year-round," Zagat said.

"The 100 Best Restaurants in America for 2017 are consistently putting out delicious dishes, providing impeccable service, and paying attention to every detail to orchestrate one-of-a-kind dining experiences time and again," Open Table wrote.

In nearby Philadelphia, Open Table selected eight restaurants as being among the nation's best. Notable Philly spots — including steakhouse Barclay Prime, Zahav, which serves Middle Eastern cuisine, and well-known Italian restaurant Vetri Cucina — were included.

California and New York were tied at the top of the list, each home to 19 of the best restaurants.

Click here to see all 100

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