Here are some restaurants where our food editor Rosalie Saferstein has dined recently and recommends that you try:

BRANDL, Belmar (732-280-7501) (www.brandlrestaurant.com) Chef/owner Chris Brandl, a Johnson and Wales graduate, serves innovative American cuisine at this BYO, which we prefer in the winter. Try the crab cakes, cheese tasting, and soufflé of the day. A great deal is the three course prix-fix menu offered Sunday to Thursday for $30, cash only.

CAVALLO’S, Nutley (973-667-1008) Walk through a butcher shop and past a pizza take-out counter to find yourself in a 30-seat family friendly BYO restaurant. Options range from Italian cuisine to USDA prime meat freshly cut in the butcher shop. We love the linguini with vodka sauce.

DREW'S BAYSHORE BISTRO, Keyport (www.bayshorebistro.com) If you are craving Gulf Coast and Low Country cuisines check out this casual eatery where Chef/owner Andrew Araneo creates some lip smackin’ fare. Try the spicy gumbo, crawfish etouffee, or jambalaya. Pecan pie is a perfect finale. BYO.

HUNAN COTTAGE, Fairfield (973-808-8328) Ask for the Chinese menu geared for the Asian palate at this BYO that specializes in Shanghai cuisine. We always order the soup dumplings. Other must-trys for adventurous eaters are buffalo fish and mixed vegetables wrapped with bean curd skin.

NEXT DOOR, Montclair (973-744-3600) Comfort food is featured for lunch and dinner at this new BYO. Opt for salmon gravlox with cream cheese, avocado and tomato; penne with shelled mussels, white beans and hot Italian peppers; or meatloaf with mashed potatoes.

Where should Rosie eat next? E-mail suggestions to her at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it