Two downtown Ridgewood dining establishments have secured coveted spots on New Jersey Monthly's annual statewide culinary rankings, highlighting the village's sophisticated dining landscape. The recognitions emphasize how the local hospitality sector continues to draw regional patronage, reinforcing downtown foot traffic and bolstering the municipal commercial core.
Lula, an intimate 54-seat restaurant located in the heart of the downtown district, earned praise for its elevated New American and Mediterranean cuisine. Opened in January 2025 by chef and owner Conor Browne, the establishment has rapidly built a dedicated local following. Notable menu standouts driving the restaurant's acclaim include a hot honey-glazed Peking duck-leg starter, signature house focaccia served with whipped herb butter, and locally sourced poultry from Goffle Road Poultry Farm. The restaurant's neighborhood-oriented atmosphere and refined culinary execution have made it a key anchor on the local dining circuit.
In addition to Lula's modern American success, Shumi Ridgewood has been recognized as a premier destination for Japanese cuisine as it celebrates a decade of operation in the village. Known for its high-quality sushi and curated omakase menus featuring fish flown in daily from Japan, Shumi remains a primary draw for culinary enthusiasts across Bergen County. Under the leadership of chef and owner David Seo, the establishment has maintained its reputation for precision and quality while expanding its footprint to include innovative pop-up concepts and lunch offerings.
These elite dining establishments, operating alongside celebrated local venues like Felina on Prospect Street, form a dense culinary core that directly benefits Ridgewood's property values and business district vitality. For local stakeholders, a highly regarded restaurant scene functions as a critical economic driver, sustaining robust weekend foot traffic and ensuring the long-term desirability of the community.