Zagat Survey Shows New Jersey Dining Downturn

Nearly Three-Quarters of Respondents Say They Are Adopting Cost-Saving Measures

Restaurateurs Respond with Bargain Prix Fixes, Special Offers and Downscaling

Jersey Diners Among Nation's Highest Tippers, Despite Subpar Service

NEW YORK, May 6 /PRNewswire/ -- According to the just released Zagat 2009/10 New Jersey Restaurants Survey the current economic downturn is shaking up the state's dining scene. Based on 6,377 local diners, the new guide covers 1,003 eateries statewide. In a sign of the current tough times, 74% of the survey respondents say that they are making cost-saving adjustments, e.g.: dining out less, picking less expensive places and cutting back on alcohol, appetizers or dessert. For the first time ever in New Jersey, the number of people saying that they are eating out less (at 26%) exceeds the number who say they're eating out more (23%).

In response to diners' focus on value and cost cutting, NJ restaurateurs have adopted all sorts of tactics, e.g.: offering prix fixe lunch and dinner menus, serving simpler and more comforting fare, and opening casual less expensive offshoots to their existing high-end restaurants.

Winners: Two restaurants in the Garden State have unlocked a secret recipe to gain loyal clientele: this year, Middletown's Nicholas is celebrating its seventh consecutive year as No. 1 for Service, its fifth year as No. 1 for Food and its third year as New Jersey's Most Popular restaurant. Located on the Grounds for Sculpture in Hamilton is Rat's, which wins Top Decor for the ninth year in a row. This year's top-rated Newcomer is Il Mulino New York in Atlantic City's Trump Taj Mahal. Although the No. 1 spots haven't changed, there have been some big moves just below that with No. 2 for Food Lorena's moving up from 13th place last year, David Drake jumping from 14 to No. 3 and Ajihei moving from 26 to the No. 4 Food spot.

Best Buys: Since value is so important these days, the new guide offers a list of New Jersey's 40 "Best Bangs for the Buck." Topping the list is local chain Five Guys Famous Burgers & Fries, where the food is "a cut above," but the price is a cut below. The guide also touts White House, the popular sandwich spot in Atlantic City, Benny Tudino's in Hoboken, Hiram's Roadstand in Fort Lee and WindMill as some of New Jersey's other Best Buys.

Top Toques Trim Sails: As another sign of the times, celeb chef Bobby Flay has turned his attention from grilling steaks at Atlantic City's ritzy Bobby Flay Steak to cooking burgers at his new Bobby's Burger Palace in Eatontown and Paramus. Impresario Stephen Starr, whose signature restaurants include Atlantic City's Buddakan and Continental, has done an about-face at Teplitzky's -- a tuna melt and tomato soup diner at the Chelsea Hotel in AC. And Michael Cetrulo has opened Asbury Park's Stella Marina, a stylish Italian serving pizza and more at prices well below his prix fixe dinner tab at Scalini Fedeli in Chatham.

Comfort Makes a Comeback: While the economic downturn has no doubt contributed to some restaurant closings, newcomers continue to sprout, many geared to today's financial realities. Newcomers Avenue Bistro Pub in Verona, 9 North in Wayne, Backyards Bistro in Hoboken and The Orange Squirrel in Bloomfield are banking on attracting business with homey, affordable fare like mac 'n' cheese and frittatas. Meanwhile, value-priced grilled-chicken chains with a Latin accent are spreading their wings, among them Pollo Campero in West New York and Pollo Tropical in several North Jersey locations. In general, this year's class of newcomers costs substantially less than the $39.24 statewide average tab.

Weighing In: When dining out in New Jersey, 69% of surveyors say it is important to have low-carb, low-fat or heart-healthy items available on the menu. In addition, 64% of local diners would support a ban on trans fats from food preparation in New Jersey restaurants. Another 65% of respondents feel it is important that their food be locally grown or raised. Joining the ranks of eco-friendly eaters, 11% of diners have changed their orders from bottled water to tap water to cut back on waste. When it comes to forking out more for green food, 49% say they will pay more for food that has been sustainably produced, while 46% will pay more for food that is organic.

Facts and Figures: Service remains the biggest irritant associated with dining in New Jersey as cited by 72% of surveyors. But despite complaining, New Jersey diners are among the nation's highest tippers, leaving an average of 19.4%, on the heels of the nation's top tippers, Philadelphians, at 19.6%. One thing is clear: locals are fond of their restaurants, giving New Jersey's food an overall rating of 21.59 (very good on the Zagat 30-point scale) and service a 19.83 overall rating.

The Guide: As with all Zagat surveys, 2009/2010 New Jersey Restaurants is created by consumers for consumers. In addition to Top Lists for Popularity, Food, Decor, Service and Best Buys, the guide lists the Key Newcomers and maps the Most Popular restaurants. 2009/2010 New Jersey Restaurants ($14.95) and the 2009/2010 Jersey Shore Restaurants pocket guide ($6.95) was edited by local editors Mary Ann Castronovo Fusco and Pat Tanner, local coordinator Brooke Tarabour and staff editor Sharon Gintzler. The guide is available at bookstores and other retail outlets, through ZAGAT.com or by calling 888-371-5440. Content is also available online at ZAGAT.com and on mobile devices via ZAGAT.mobi and ZAGAT TO GO for iPhone, BlackBerry and smartphones.

About Zagat Survey, LLC

Known as the "burgundy bible," Zagat Survey is the world's most trusted source for information about where to eat, drink, stay and play around the globe, and as such has become a symbol of quality. Zagat Survey rates and reviews airlines, restaurants, hotels, nightlife, movies, music, golf, resorts, shopping, spas and a range of other entertainment categories in more than 100 countries. It has been lauded as the "most up-to-date, comprehensive and reliable guides ever published" and as "a necessity second only to a valid credit card." Zagat content is available in print, on the web, on the mobile web, iPhone, BlackBerry and on TV. For more information, please visit ZAGAT.com.

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