Center Avenue in Westwood has solidified its position as a premier dining corridor in the Pascack Valley, driven by a wave of ambitious new concepts and high-profile local investments. This central artery is rapidly transforming the borough's commercial core, drawing both culinary talent and reality television interest to the local dining landscape.
Among the recent additions to the street is Toba Restaurant and Bar, located at 250 Center Avenue. Operating as a contemporary New American establishment, Toba has quickly garnered local attention for its cocktail program and modern menu, which features specialty seafood dishes like pan-seared cod alongside upscale bar classics. The venue balances a casual bar atmosphere with a formal dining space, addressing a growing demand for versatile date-night destinations within Westwood's walkable downtown.
Just down the block, substantial development is underway at 170 Center Avenue, the former site of the Prohibition bistro. The location is being completely remodeled to house Il Vero, a high-profile Italian restaurant owned by "Real Housewives of New Jersey" personalities Teresa and Gia Giudice. A virtual tour shared by the owners highlights an expansive interior redesign, featuring a grand main entrance bar, a floating staircase overlooking the dining area, and glass-railed partitions. Crucially, the venue plans to utilize the building’s rooftop space, introducing a rare outdoor elevated dining option to the Bergen County landscape.
These modern projects join an established network of culinary anchors that have long defined Westwood's dining reputation. Fine-dining mainstays like Chef Robbie Felice’s Osteria Crescendo continue to draw regional crowds with specialized modern Italian menus, while traditional landmarks like P.J. Finnegan’s, which has operated on Fairview Avenue since 1972, maintain the town's classic tavern appeal. This intentional mix of celebrity-backed projects, modern bistros, and historic taverns positions Westwood as a balanced, resilient culinary hub in northern New Jersey.