15 New Jersey restaurants to check out during the holidays (Opinion)

Last year's holiday dining out was either severely restricted or non-existent in our state. Things are pretty much back to normal this holiday season. There are so many choices for an amazing dinner or lunch with a cozy holiday feel all over New Jersey. From north to south the choices are varied and many. We'll give you just a few of our favorites and resources for you to find more.

Let's start in 'Central Jersey' since that's where most of our listeners consider to be home.

Lambertville Station - Lambertville.

Check out the wine cellar at the pub for an unmatched atmosphere.

Drifthouse by David Burke - Sea Bright.

The views of the ocean and Shrewsbury River can't be beat any time of year.

The Perch at The Peacock Inn - Princeton.

Try the Jersey Clam Chowder and the Barnegat Sea Scallops

Frog and The Peach - New Brunswick.

It's one of the premier restaurants in the state. Even their bar menu is impressive

Metuchen Inn - Metuchen.

The place has been around since 1843 with a first-class wine list, so they must be doing something right.

FARTHER NORTH:

Waterside Restaurant - North Bergen.

With stunning views of the Manhattan skyline and "New American" cuisine, you can't go wrong here.

Sofia - Englewood.

Formerly known as Chop Smokehouse, it's now a chic Italian steakhouse and bistro. Try the colossal shrimp Venezia.

Blur Morel - Morristown.

Healthy food and great atmosphere.

Anthony David's - Hoboken.

If you can deal with the traffic and the parking, it's worth the trip.

Bernard's Inn - Bernardsville.

Fine dining in a stunning atmosphere.

SOUTH JERSEY:

River Winds - West Deptford.

Go for lunch for a great riverside view of planes landing across the Delaware at Philly International. Try their Chicken Bruschetta.

Ye Olde Centerton Inn - Pittsgrove.

Braddocks's Tavern - Medford.

Food and lodging have been offered here since 1823. The current building dates from 1843. The food and the atmosphere are excellent.

Blue Pig Tavern - Cape May.

Check out their legendary brunch offerings.

Knife and Fork - Atlantic City.

Located in the Lower Chelsea neighborhood away from the casinos. Great any time of year but especially magical at Christmas.

The post above reflects the thoughts and observations of New Jersey 101.5 talk show host Dennis Malloy. Any opinions expressed are Dennis Malloy's own.