Growing, Changing Dining Scene Attracting Interest in Tenafly

Looking for a delectable pastry or some smooth and creamy frozen yogurt to assuage that persistent sweet tooth? How about pristinely fresh grilled fish for dinner, or the comfort of a freshly made gourmet hamburger? Local residents and visiting food fanatics from out of town are finding an exciting mix of longtime favorites and new businesses in Tenafly that are providing some of the area’s best food.

“There are lots of great restaurants and specialty food stores to choose from in Tenafly,” noted Bob Kutik, president of the Tenafly Business Improvement District (Tenafly BID). Comprised of local business and commercial property owners and Tenafly residents, the BID is a public/private partnership with the Borough of Tenafly dedicated to making the community a great place to live, to work and to visit. 

In addition to area favorites like Axia Taverna, Brasserie and Palmer’s Crossing at the Clinton Inn, in the past year several new restaurants and other food-related businesses have opened in Tenafly, with more in the planning and approval stages. That's good news for local diners and the local business community.

Andrew Lampach, editor of Boozy Burbs, an online blog covering the latest in food, drink and nightlife in Bergen County and beyond, has noticed the increased level of action and activity in Tenafly. The site, which includes a mix of new and upcoming bars and restaurants, food and drink events, hot spots for special occasions and more, has reported on everything in Tenafly from Café Savoy’s move to more spacious quarters on Jay Street to the grand openings of Korean restaurants Gangnam Tofu House and Sachun House and the latest player in the ultra-competitive hamburger wars, Blue Star Burger. 

Zestt opened recently in the space formerly occupied by Sushi Ten, serving “your favorites made fresh.” Zestt’s owner is an experienced restaurateur, known for his previous restaurants the Village Grille and Oasis, and will feature American comfort food with Mediterranean twists.

“At the end of the day, we all have to eat and people are increasingly interested in the foods they eat and being up to date on the local Bergen scene,” Lampach noted. “In recent months, new chefs and new menus at Tenafly’s existing restaurants have added energy along with a significant number of new restaurants that reflect the hottest dining trends.”

Diversity in Tenafly’s dining scene is one of its biggest strengths.  For casual fare, the Tenafly Classic Diner and Piermont Restaurant provide a wide range of food selections. Max’s Italian Grill, Tenafly Pizza and Paulie’s Pizza are popular among the area’s many fans of Italian cuisine. Café Angelique has one of the most attractive settings in the area, located in the historic Tenafly train station. Simply Vietnamese is a strong player among Bergen County’s many Asian eateries and was recently named one of Bergen's Best for 2013. The new Tavlin and the Tenafly Kosher Deli offer Kosher cuisine that adds to the many popular choices in town.

Equally important is the growing number of food specialty stores that are adding exciting new flavors to Tenafly’s mix of businesses. Local residents love the incredible baked goods at Café Savoy and Millers Bakery. Both Red Mango and Build Your Yogurt have loyal followings. Tenafly Fine Food & Spirits provides expert advice and an incredible selection of wine, spirits and gourmet food items.

“Based on the number of foodies from beyond the borough’s borders who follow these businesses and restaurants on Facebook and Twitter, and sites like Urban Spoon and Yelp, we know they are attracting new visitors who are also exposed to the other businesses and services we have to offer in Tenafly,” Kutik concluded.

For a complete directory of restaurants and food specialty stores in Tenafly, as well as other local businesses, or information about programs and services provided by the Tenafly BID, visit gotenafly.com. You can also follow news from Tenafly through social media at the BID’s Facebook page, Facebook.com/TenaflyNJ.