Lisa's Mediterranean Kitchen is homey and good.

Standing out amid the legions of Italian restaurants in Bergen can be tough. But if combining impeccable service, charming ambience and delicious food is the way to do it, then Dino's Restaurant is well on its way.

Dave "Fink" Finkelstein brings good barbecue back to Bergen at his eponymous restaurant.

On good nights — say, when the monolithic TV is tuned to the Retro station and diners are entertained by kitschy Bollywood musical numbers from the Fifties, Sixties and Seventies — eating at Diwani can feel homey, like dining in front of the tube with takeout.

Popular Montclair restaurant Raymond's opens in Ridgewood

The Bouwerie, is where intrepid travelers will find an excellent meal and friendly service in Old Tappan.

Red Hen Bistro in Wood-Ridge couldn't stray further from the "go big" model. The 22-seat restaurant is open only on Fridays and Saturdays, and walk-ins are not encouraged.

Old school meets old fashioned

Owners of Axia and the former Baste open a new restaurant in Ridgewood.

Located in a primarily residential part of Carlstadt, on the outside The Balcony looks a little Romanesque, complete with statuettes recessed into the exterior walls. Inside, the venue is divided into several sections, capable of holding a total of about 240 guests.

In its new location, The Kitchen offers a swanky backdrop for Chef Wade New's remarkable food.

Dos Cubanos offers an easy way for those unfamiliar with Cuban food to try it in a lively setting.

Customzied burgers are on the menu at Burgerwood.

If Italian restaurants are a dime a dozen in Bergen County, the solid food and extensive menu at Bel Posto in Hackensack are worth at least a few quarters.

Bat Barry's is an upscale and striking addition to downtown Westwood.

Their foods are often so distinctly different, it's easy to forget that China and India share a border. But when Chinese immigrants started moving to India, the flavors of each cuisine began to combine into a hybrid cuisine that remains popular in India to this day.

There are plenty of Turkish dishes offered at Europe Café & Grill, but owner Ersin Iscan says he gave his new restaurant in Tenafly a name that reflects the broader focus of its menu.

Kamal Palace has an expansive menu and a welcoming staff, making it a good option for a casual Indian dinner if you live locally.

With a warm atmosphere inside and an airy patio in the summer months, Fort Lee's Santorini Taverna features a menu of capably prepared standards.

Find Lebanese fusion fare at La'Mezza

Alberto Dautaj, the owner of two Passaic County restaurants, has opened a Northern Italian restaurant in Tenafly.

Behind the unusual name is an exciting new restaurant offering Chinese-Indian food.

Pearl Restaurant is a recently expanded new American restaurant in Ridgewood.

Francesca's Pizzeria is a small Italian restaurant with a lot of heart and Sicilian flavors.

Mykonos Restaurant in North Arlington is a small, no-frills casual Greek restaurant.

Joyce Venezia Suss takes a first look at Farmhouse Cafe

New Italian restaurant opens in Tenafly

Mavi Meze Grill offers a Turkish menu and a dramatic waterfront view.

Experience the best in New-style American cuisine at the Red Parrot Bistro in Englewood.