NJ.com has shared their picks for New Jersey’s 31 best pasta dishes you need to try in 2026 (Read Story).

Becasue “pasta is a way of life” in the Garden State, due to “an influx of Italian immigrants during the first half of the 20th century” according to the article.

For those interested, the specific way the list was tabulated wasn’t shared with readers.

In particular Bergen County, three dishes made the cut for this year.

At Verana in Norwood (Website), the Rigatoni all Norcina was chosen—the “hearty Umbrian dish” features “layers of flavor and a refined technique “.

Another was the Meze rigatoni at Ora in Oradell that’s “not only delicious, but visually appealing”.

And finally the Angry Lobster at Varka (Website) in Ramsey which is “a flavor packed dish.