Restaurants that allow you to bring your own bottle of wine are often called BYOB restaurants; they're a boon to the diner. By bringing your own bottle, you save money by avoiding the markup that many restaurants charge on wine. In addition, you are not limited to the wine selection at the restaurant. New Jersey is home to many restaurants that allow you to bring your own bottle of beer, wine or other alcoholic beverage.
Tucked away on a peaceful street in the shore town of Cape May, Fresco's is a colorful spot for seafood and other Northern Italian delights. The readers of "New Jersey Monthly" magazine have repeatedly honored this eatery with the title of "Best Fine Italian Dining." Some of the offerings at this Victorian cottage are fresh Cape May salt oysters, handmade ravioli with creamy Gorgonzola sauce, grilled yellow fin tuna medallions and roast duck breast. Reservations are strongly suggested.
Fresco's Seafood Trattoria
412 Bank St.
Cape May, NJ 08204
609-884-0366
frescoscapemay.com
Organic and seasonal fare is front and center at this Montclair dining spot. Dishes include wasabi-crusted yellow fin tuna over bok choy, red snapper in a potato crust, and capellini with shrimp, lobster and scallops. Special menus are featured on Monday nights (Bistro Italian night) and Tuesday nights (sampling night); a vegetarian menu is offered at all times. Bistro 18 can also host private events, such as birthdays, anniversaries and showers.
Bistro 18
18 S. Fullerton Ave.
Montclair, NJ 07042
973-233-0800
bistro18nj.com
Located in quaint Collingswood, the Tortilla Press is a departure from the standard Mexican restaurant. The food and decor are Mexican-influenced, upscale and festive. Diners can enjoy honey-lime scallops, artichoke and black bean burritos, goat cheese and seafood enchiladas verde, and chicken quesadillas with mango and brie. The restaurant is available for parties; it also offers catering. Environmentally-friendly touches include biodegradable takeout containers, fair trade coffee, use of sustainable fish, and vegetarian and vegan menus.
Tortilla Press
703 Haddon Ave.
Collingswood, NJ 08108
856-869-3345
thetortillapress.com
