Press

No. 1: Customshop
This intimate restaurant has been an Elizabeth fixture for more than 15 years, and it’s only gotten better under a new chef and owner.

Why we love it: Each visit will be a new experience because owner and executive chef Andres Kaifer, who moved here from Miami in 2022, changes the menu weekly based on the availability of ingredients from local farms. Customshop is elegant without being pretentious, with a flavorful but approachable menu. It’s a favorite for us because it’s an warm, celebratory spot for any occasion, from date night to a girls’ night out.

Must-order dish: Start with burrata ($16), a rich mainstay on the menu. All of their hand-made pasta is divine, but the blue crab ravioli ($28) stands out.

And be sure to save room for the brioche bread pudding for dessert.
Cost: Expect to pay about $28 for a plate of pasta, and $43 for a ribeye. Starters range from $12-$16.

Details: Customshop is at 1601 Elizabeth Ave.

It’s open Tuesday-Thursday from 5pm-10pm, Friday and Saturday from 5pm-midnight. Closed on Sunday and Monday.There’s a parking lot across the street from and behind the restaurant in addition to street parking. It’s also located along the Lynx Gold Line Trolley.

The food is hyper-seasonal, simple, but elegant. The attention to detail throughout the entire experience was top-notch. Everything from the food, service and drinks was exceptional … Another restaurant that I go to often is Menya. Extremely delicious, super consistent and just an incredible price point for the quality you receive