Mitsuwa

Mitsuwa - 595 River Road, Edgewater, NJ (Japanese)
Not exactly what you'd expect in the middle of New Jersey, this Japanese-only food court and mall offers a range of produce, condiments, and even delicate goodies from the likes of Minamoto Kitchoan. The booths at Mitsuwa come complete with plate glass window displays featuring plastic replicas of their menu options - with dishes from Tonkatsu to Soba noodles. The food court is equally elegant - with the polished wood tables overlooking an expansive view of the Hudson River. For Japanese culinary fans, Mitsuwa is worth the trip....which isn't all that bad. Open 365 days a year, there's a bus available from Port Authority. So even if you don't have a car, it's a reachable destination!

Minado

Minado - 2888 Route 10 West, Morris Plains, NJ 07950 (Japanese)
A chain of Japanese restaurants located in various spots throughout NJ, NY, MA and even PA. Elegantly decorated, Minado specializes in all-you-can-eat seafood buffets (a concept which might make Nobu regulars sneer.) Yet the food is surprisingly good...especially the sushi. Available in a wide range of variations--both veggie and seafood--the rolls are fresh, artistically presented, and in ample supply (with chefs on hand to quickly refill as supplies run low.)

The hot entrees are high quality, too. No, there's no Okonomiyaki, but almost everything else is available - including tasty renditions of kinpira salad to udon, soba, tempura and chicken teriyaki. Desserts include fresh fruit, strawberry yogurt and little pastries such as chocolate or carrot cake. If you're in the mood, there's even Japanese beer and plum wine to finish off the meal....resulting in quite the satisfactory dining experience.

Running $16.50 for a weekend lunch, the prices are a little high...but the food is arguably worth it. Given the friendly atmosphere and variation, Minado is perhaps the perfect place for introducing a newbie to Japanese fare (not so scary, with lots to choose from.) No, it ain't Sakagura, but the Inari sushi and grilled eggplant are really to die for. What more can you ask for - especially in the middle of New Jersey!?