New Jersey’s dining and dessert scenes are heating up with two exciting additions on the horizon. From authentic Georgian cuisine and curated wines in Jersey City to handmade chocolate creations in Bergen County, food lovers have plenty to look forward to in the coming months.
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Oda Wine Bar & Restaurant: From Catskills Charm to Downtown Jersey City
Downtown Jersey City will soon welcome Oda Wine Bar & Restaurant, the second location of a concept that started in the Catskill Mountains ski country. The original Oda Wine Garden opened in 2023 in Margaretville, New York, where owners Anastassia Tsivadze and Noli Alaj built a loyal following with their warm hospitality, fine wines, and authentic Georgian dishes.
The new space at 114 Brunswick Street, long dormant, will undergo a full transformation thanks to Jersey City Zoning Board approval, which includes the installation of a full kitchen. Unlike the Catskills location, which operates mainly on weekends, the Jersey City restaurant will offer extended hours to meet urban demand.
The menu will showcase the flavors of Georgia — a culinary tradition known for its fresh herbs, unique spices, and signature breads and cheeses — alongside other Mediterranean and Eastern European-inspired plates. Expect popular dishes like burek pies, kebab sandwiches, and handmade pasta, paired with a thoughtful wine list that highlights Georgia’s ancient winemaking heritage.
With a mix of rustic charm and city sophistication, Oda Wine Bar aims to be a gathering place for casual dinners, romantic nights out, and leisurely wine tastings. While no opening date is confirmed, the unanimous board approval is a promising sign that Jersey City foodies won’t have to wait too long.
Mindy’s Munchies: Handmade Chocolate Heaven Comes to Midland Park
While Oda is bringing savory elegance to the Hudson waterfront, Bergen County is about to get a major dose of sweetness. Mindy’s Munchies, the beloved chocolate shop known for its small-batch confections, will open a new location at 637 Godwin Avenue in Midland Park in late September 2025.
Founded by Mindy Mosca, the business began humbly when Mosca started making chocolate treats for school events and family gatherings. The enthusiastic response to her creations inspired her to open retail locations, and the brand now has stores in New Jersey, Florida, and Maine.
Mindy’s Munchies shops are part candy store, part chocolate lab, and part edible playground — offering everything from dipped pretzels and chocolate-covered strawberries to inventive seasonal creations. All products are made in small batches with traditional ingredients, ensuring each piece delivers the rich, nostalgic flavor of old-fashioned chocolate-making.
While an exact opening date hasn’t been announced, the Midland Park shop is expected to debut just in time for the fall chocolate season, making it the perfect stop for holiday gifts or a well-earned personal indulgence.
A Culinary One-Two Punch for New Jersey
With Oda Wine Bar adding international flair to Jersey City and Mindy’s Munchies bringing handcrafted sweetness to Bergen County, New Jersey’s food scene continues to evolve in delicious ways. Whether you’re craving a glass of amber Georgian wine with warm khachapuri bread or a decadent chocolate truffle fresh from the kitchen, the Garden State has you covered.
Both openings reflect what makes New Jersey’s dining landscape so vibrant — a mix of global inspiration, local entrepreneurship, and a commitment to quality that keeps food lovers coming back for more.
For more updates on restaurant openings, local dining news, and where to eat next, visit our Restaurants section.
