Tammy Paolino

@CP_TammyPaolino

From Bordentown to Cape May Point, South Jersey is blessed with a culinary scene that would be enviable for many parts of the country. In part because of the population center that is Cherry Hill, in part because of its proximity to Philadelphia and the shore, and in part because of its rich farmland, the southern part of the Garden State offers food lovers a bounty of great options. Authentic Indian cuisine? Got it. Kitschy comfort food? Definitely. Farm-to-table food? Absolutely. For those of us with a passion for food, our stretch of the Garden State couldn’t be more delicious.

When the James Beard Awards offered its 2017 nominations last month, South Jersey got several nods, and that’s no surprise.

There are dozens of worthy restaurants in our region, reflecting a host of global cuisines, and we all have our favorites. Indeed, we write about wonderful eateries — and bakeries and food trucks and diners and caterers — all the time and not just in this section.

Today, though, we are taking a moment to celebrate (in no particular order) 10 restaurants that continue to create a buzz. Some are new to the local food scene, others have been here a while but continue to set the bar for dining in South Jersey.

They all have one thing in common: All bring flavor, creativity and style to this region we call home.

Zeppoli

Chances are, if you deem Zeppoli the best restaurant in all of South Jersey, you will get little argument.

When dining critic Adam Erace first reviewed the Collingswood restaurant shortly after it opened four years ago, he called it “simply the best.’’

“The Sicily-by-way-of-Collingswood BYOB seats 35 in a busy, simply furnished room that, admittedly, can get a little loud. But to call this earnest Italian restaurant noisy would be like calling the Vatican Museum overcrowded; of course it is, but surrounded by such jaw-dropping splendor, who gives a flying fork?

STATEWIDE FOOD AWARDS:SJ figures big among nominees

“That's what the cooking is like from Vetri-schooled chef/owner Joey Baldino. … Full of honest little thrills, impressive execution and a smattering of the exotic (prickly pears, rosewater, couscous) that reminds you that, oh yeah, Sicily is a subtropical island that's been conquered by, um, everyone.’’

The passage of time has done nothing to dim our opinion of Baldino or his diminutive BYOB, where chefs from Philadelphia are known to chow down on their nights off.

The James Beard folks obviously agree, having just nominated Baldino as Best Chef in the MidAtlantic region for the fifth time.

618 W. Collings Avenue, Collingswood;(856) 854-2670;zeppolirestaurant.com; Twitter, @_zeppoli; Instagram, @zeppolirestaurant

Red Store

It may seem odd to in one breath say Red Store is creating a buzz, and in another breath call it one of New Jersey’s best-kept secrets.

But both things are true.

HOT SHORE RESTAURANTS: Buzz-worthy at the beach

Red Store is an old general store in the center of Cape May Point, where the eclectic fine dining restaurant can be found surrounded by sea gulls, beach-goers in flip-flops and some of the best chatter about dining in Jersey you are likely to hear.

James Beard-nominated Chef Lucas Manteca offers outstanding brunches, as well as dinners in season. Red Store’s supper clubs and other special events keep fans driving south in the slower months. The company also just launched The Taco Shop beside Cape May Brewing.

500 Cape Ave., Cape May Point;(609) 884-5757;capemaypointredstore.com/home.html; Twitter, @CMredstore; Instagram, @redstore

IndeBlue

With locations in both Philadelphia and Collingswood, IndeBlue shows up frequently on Best Of and Top 10 lists.

And with good reason. From that first bite of warm coconut naan to the last sip of spicy chai, IndeBlue delivers an authentic and memorable Indian food experience.

The Collingswood restaurant is beautiful inside, and also offers open-air BYOB dining on a porch that includes live music when weather permits.

Go for the korma and stay for the sitar, and make sure to check out the mango lassi.

619 Collings Ave., Collingswood; (856) 854-4633;indebluerestaurant.com; Twitter: @IndeBlue; Instagram: @indeblue

Park Place Café & Restaurant

One of South Jersey’s newest restaurants, this tiny BYOB just opened in Merchantville in January.

Chef Phil Manganaro helped launch Stephen Starr restaurants, prior to coming to Keg & Kitchen in Westmont, where he manned the kitchen until the time was right for venturing out on his own.

His commitment to classic cooking techniques and fresh produce is already getting noticed. Drop by for breakfast, lunch, dinner or weekend brunch.

Park Place also recently launched a take-out menu tailored to the beer lovers at Eclipse Brewing Company just up the street.

7 E. Park Ave., Merchantville; (856) 662-2200 orparkplacecafeandrestaurant.com; Instagram, @parkplace_nj

The Farm & Fisherman Tavern & Market

It is all too easy to label yourself “farm-to-fork’’ these days.

But this Cherry Hill restaurant, under the direction of chef-partner Todd Fuller, walks the walk — from its artisan cocktails to its seasonal desserts.

The restaurant is casual enough to be family- or lunch-friendly, but unique enough to offer a memorable dining experience that always lands in the direction of healthy.

Don’t miss the well-curated craft beer menu or the interesting small plates, with farm and winery partners clearly celebrated throughout.

1442 Marlton Pike East, Cherry Hill; (856) 356-2282 orfandftavern.com/home; Twitter, @FarmFisherman; Instagram, @thefarmandfish

ITA 101

While authentic Italian cuisine may be easier to find these days, Americans still have a lot to learn when they get beyond the Italian-American comfort foods they grew up on.

Dining critic Danya Henninger writes, “Teaching customers to appreciate the food of the Old Country — as opposed to the Italian-American fare that pervades South Jersey — is the overall mission of the restaurant; it’s right there in the name (Italian 101, capice?).

Under the direction of Kevin Maher and Tony Sparacio, Medford’s ITA 101 got raves right out of the gate. Recommended: Timabllo di melanzane, malfadine trapanese, pan-seared tuna, brasato di manzo and lemon peel tart.

20 S. Main St., Medford. Call (609) 654-0101 or visitita101.com; Twitter, @ITA101NJ; Instagram, @ita101nj

Two Fish

First, who doesn’t love a place that names itself after a Dr. Seuss book?

But this Haddonfield restaurant from Chef Mike Stollenwerk (formerly Queen Village’s Little Fish) is a serious contender on the dining scene.

When she visited late last year, Henninger raved about the experience, which she said left her entranced by the great atmosphere, cuisine and “near perfect pacing.’’

Her recommended order? Curry mussels, skate wing, barramundi, butternut squash cake.

Forgive us, but it’s off the hook.

26 S. Haddon Ave., Haddonfield. Call (856) 428-3474 or visit twofishbyob.com

Heart Beet Kitchen

Whether you are vegan, vegan curious or merely seeking a healthy lunch, Heart Beet Kitchen hits the mark.

For one thing, it’s beautiful inside. For another, they make a Coconut BLT that we swear will leave you not missing actual bacon.

Everything in Ashley Coyne's Westmont cafe is entirely plant-based. It's also all gluten-free, egg-free and dairy-free.

But you will never leave hungry, we swear it.

29 Haddon Ave., Westmont. Call (856) 240-1106 or heartbeetnj.com; Twitter, @heartbeetnj, Instagram, @heartbeetnj

Sabrina’s Cafe

When this popular Philadelphia restaurant group known for scrumptious brunch and comfort food announced it was coming to Collingswood two years ago, you could hear the cheers from space.

If you walk by the Haddon Avenue location on weekends, you can see the enthusiasm has not waned.

With its stuffed French toast, big salads and hearty favorites like short ribs and meatloaf, Sabrina’s also serves lunch and dinner. The BYOB restaurant offers plenty of cozy seating options from high top communal tables to comfy booths.

714 Haddon Ave., Collingswood. Call(856) 214-0723 or visitsabrinascafe.com; Twitter, @sabrinascafe; Instagram, @sabrinascafe

Lemongrass

Yelp reviewers call this place a hidden treasure, and it’s hard not to agree.

Danny Dang’s Cherry Hill BYOB opened in 2015 and quickly became the go-to place for Vietnamese and Vietnamese-French fusion. Bring along your favorite Asian beer.

High on the recommendation list: Lambs on Fire, lobster rolls, wok-seared flank steak, Cadeau de Soleil for dessert.

Don’t let the strip mall dissuade you. Dang is one to watch.

2442 Route 38, Cherry Hill. Call (856) 321-1888 or visit facebook.com/LemongrassAtCherryHill