Best restaurants in North Jersey: Here's what AI thinks

Phew. I won't have to dust off my resume — just yet.

I asked Artificial Intelligence (AI) for the best restaurants in North Jersey and the list both surprised and worried me.

AI is the machine learning thingamajig that prognosticators say will take over most of our jobs, if not the planet.

Honestly, I don't know if AI is a machine, a device, a program, a system and/or an algorithm. What I do know is that ChatGPT, the AI model I used, came up with an okay, far-from-perfect list.

I expected a lot worse.

Talking to you, Yelp, and you, too, Open Table. I'd give you a shoutout too Trip Advisor, but thank Dionysus, you didn't insult us NJ food lovers with a list of your own.

The ChatGPT list isn't laughable: Common Lot in Millburn, Cafe Matisse in Rutherford, Fascino in Montclair and the Saddle River Inn in Saddle River, to name some on the list, are certainly top-notch restaurants. However, it includes some glaring inaccuracies. I should know: I'm the food editor for northjersey.com.

It's my job to suss out the top restaurants in the region, a responsibility I take seriously. I talk to many food lovers and professional cooks. I read other publications, check out social media, do a lot of research. I carefully study the region's dining scene. And, of course, I eat at many restaurants. And I can tell you that it takes time, money, experience and knowledge to come up with a solid, trustworthy, accurate list of great eating places.

It took ChatGPT a nanosecond to come up with its list.

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Maybe it should have taken more time. Maybe then it would not have included Cucharamama, the South American spot in Hoboken. Sure, many would agree Cucharamama is top-notch — it is one of only two Garden State restaurants to win a James Beard award (Good going, AI!). The problem, however: it closed nearly three years ago. (Oops.)

It also includes The Ryland Inn in Whitehouse Station and The Bernards Inn in Bernardsville, two tres elegant, well respected restaurants, which also probably would make it onto many NJ food-lovers' top dining spots (Again kudos AI). The problem, though: they are located in Central New Jersey. (Double oops.)

And one more error: Viaggio, acclaimed chef Robbie Felice's authentic Italian restaurant in Wayne, indeed is, terrific. And, yes, its homemade pastas are delectable. But pizza at Viaggio, something AI claimed is also delectable and available there? That, as they apparently say in the AI biz, is an hallucination.

Which is why I'm not too worried about AI replacing me anytime soon. Still, AI, experts will tell you, is just in its infancy. We apparently ain't seen nothing yet. In due time, the computer wizards predict, it's going to be able to drive cars, diagnose and eliminate illnesses, fight wars, predict crimes, stop meteors and do our kids' homework (if it's not doing it already).

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And, it's going to be able to write beautifully, proofread perfectly, edit superbly and tell you where the truly best restaurants in North Jersey are.

But — and this is why my job may be even more secure than the pundits would have me believe — AI needs me, or people who do my kind of work, to do its magic. It gets its smarts from the smarts it finds on the web. It works by lickety-split going through all the data it can find digitally, crunches the data, and then spews out what it has gathered. Who gave it the info on great restaurants in North Jersey to begin with?

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That's right — food critics, people who go out and eat the food and then report on it. So I'm still okay, at least until someone designs a discerning digital mouth and tastebuds.

My list would include the following omissions: Verana in Norwood, The Circle in Fredon, Osterio Cresendo in Westwood, Fiorentini in Rutherford; Serenade in Chatham, Faubourg in Montclair, Razza in Jersey City and Al Basha in Paterson.

Here is AI's list with copy it got from its world wide web search:

The Bernards Inn (Bernardsville): This elegant restaurant offers a refined dining experience with a seasonal menu featuring contemporary American cuisine. It has received accolades for its exceptional service and exquisite dishes.

Jockey Hollow Bar & Kitchen (Morristown): Housed in a historic mansion, Jockey Hollow features multiple dining options, including a fine dining restaurant, a casual tavern, an oyster bar, and a cocktail lounge. The menu focuses on fresh ingredients and creative dishes.

Saddle River Inn (Saddle River): Known for its romantic ambiance, Saddle River Inn offers a sophisticated dining experience with a French-American menu. The restaurant is celebrated for its elegant presentation, attentive service, and picturesque setting along the river.

Café Matisse (Rutherford): This charming restaurant showcases a fusion of French and Italian influences with an emphasis on artistic presentation. The menu changes frequently to highlight seasonal ingredients, and the outdoor garden seating adds to its allure.

Viaggio Ristorante (Wayne): Viaggio is renowned for its authentic Italian cuisine made with locally sourced ingredients. The restaurant's rustic and cozy atmosphere complements the delectable dishes, including homemade pastas and wood-fired pizzas.

Common Lot (Millburn): A contemporary American bistro with a focus on seasonality and sustainability. Common Lot offers a frequently changing menu with globally inspired dishes crafted from locally sourced ingredients.

Fascino (Montclair): With a cozy and intimate ambiance, Fascino serves modern Italian cuisine with a creative flair. The menu includes handmade pastas, flavorful sauces, and an impressive selection of wines.

The Ryland Inn (Whitehouse Station): Situated in a beautifully restored 18th-century farmhouse, The Ryland Inn offers farm-to-table American cuisine in an elegant setting. The menu showcases locally sourced ingredients and emphasizes seasonal flavors.

Cucharamama (Hoboken): A vibrant Latin American restaurant known for its innovative and authentic dishes. Cucharamama features a variety of Latin American cuisines, including Ecuadorian, Peruvian, and Mexican, and offers a lively atmosphere.

Café Panache (Ramsey): This long-standing French-American restaurant has a loyal following due to its impeccable service and exceptional cuisine. The menu features classic French dishes prepared with a modern twist.