3 Morristown Restaurants Win 2023 Wine Spectator Award

MORRISTOWN, NJ — Three Morristown restaurants were recently named among Wine Spectator's 2023 Restaurant Award Winners.

Wine Spectator awarded more than 3,500 restaurants worldwide.

To qualify for the "Award of Excellence," which 2001 locations received, a restaurant needs "well-curated lists with approximately 90 selections or more." The "Best of Award of Excellence" winners take it a step further, with 350 selections or more—1,411 restaurants received the award.

This year, 1776 by David Burke and Rod's Steak & Seafood Grille won the Award of Excellence for 2023. Jockey Hollow Bar and Kitchen won the "Best of Award of Excellence" award.

"Even while dealing with the challenges that linger from the pandemic, restaurants around the world have found ways not only to excel and distinguish themselves with wine but to exceed their previous accomplishments," Cassia Schifter of Wine Spectator writes.

While this was the first time 1776 by David Burke made the list, Rod's Steak & Seafood Grille has been on the list since 1999, and Jockey Hollow Bar and Kitchen has been a consistent winner since 2018.

The list's highest honor is the Grand Award, which goes to restaurants with "world-class wine programs" that typically feature at least 1,000 selections. Only 93 restaurants worldwide have received the accolade, including two in New Jersey: The Pluckemin Inn (Bedminster) and Restaurant Latour (Hamburg).

Sixteen New Jersey establishments earned Wine Spectator awards this year. The awards include wine programs from all 50 states and more than 75 countries and territories.