Photo courtesy of The Frog and the Peach
When it comes to eating out, you first make decisions based on the menu and the quality of the food. But wouldn’t your dining experience be even better when the place is as beautiful as the food is delicious? These eight restaurants across New Jersey are among the prettiest of the bunch—their unique interiors and dining spaces up the ante when it comes to dining out. And, yes, their food (and drinks) are great too.
Keep reading to peek inside some of New Jersey’s most beautiful restaurants, many of which may just inspire your next kitchen, dining room or outdoor patio reno.
Cafe Matisse, Rutherford
Chef Peter Loria’s famous Bergen County restaurant has a bevy of dining rooms in which customers can dine—including the main dining room, a royal-inspired spot with vaulted ceilings, colorful chandeliers and furry dining chairs. Other options in one of Zagat’s highest-rated New Jersey restaurants are the “front dining room,” which we imagine is what the inside of a genie’s bottle looks like (oh, those jewel tones!), and the outdoor Garden, adorned with sun umbrellas and sparkly lights.
Caffe Aldo Lamberti, Cherry Hill
The bright, open and modern main dining room at this South Jersey staple is a sight to behold, but the real treasure is the Bordeaux Room, a hidden gem that’s bookable for private parties. Its piece de resistance is a wall made of corks taken from their own wine collection.
The Frog and the Peach, New Brunswick
Come for the award-winning wine list, stay for the tasteful atmosphere. This Middlesex County jaunt boasts high ceilings and several dining areas, including an upstairs area that overlooks the beautifully designed bar. The Garden Room is the most coveted spot, with plenty of plants and heated flooring that make it enjoyable for all-year-round dining.
Hunan Taste, Denville
Take one step inside this eatery and you won’t forget that you’re at a Chinese restaurant, that’s for sure. The Chinese décor, like its food, is authentic, with Chinese lanterns and large vertical fish tanks adjacent to many tables. Their outdoor space is stunning too, with red lanterns and sculptures to accompany you while you eat.
Rat’s Restaurant, Hamilton
Located inside the famous Grounds for Sculpture, Rat’s Restaurant is often touted as one of New Jersey’s most romantic eateries. It’s also one of the most serene, with its colorful backdrop almost transporting you into a Claude Monet painting. Here’s a view of the rustic restaurant as it peeks out onto the patio, from which you can ogle the property’s bridges, ponds and gardens.
Saddle River Inn, Saddle River
Its tranquil location on Barnstable Court is an indication of what to expect once you step inside chef Jamie Knott’s award-winning restaurant, easily one of the most romantic in the state. Knott and his culinary team transformed a little red barn into a chic rustic dining room with wood beams, lighting that sets the mood and a mezzanine reserved for special occasions. This curved mirror, mirror on the wall is befitting of the fairest restaurant of them all.
Scarborough Fair, Sea Girt
This Monmouth County outpost is known for its brick-on-brick walls and floors, ornate drapery and patterned wallpaper. It’s also a sight to behold during the holidays; book a table during November or December to get a glimpse of its “winter wonderland” décor featuring twinkly lights, snowflakes and more.
Stone House at Sterling Ridge, Warren
When you walk the grounds you’ll see why this popular restaurant is known for its outdoor dining ambience. Grab a table outside to experience firepits, bocce courts, pool, pergolas and a view of the Watchung Mountains. But it’s just as beautiful inside, with rustic chic décor, high ceilings, tables that can fit a crowd and an impressive floor-to-ceiling wine cellar. P.S.: Sometimes there’s live music too!
What do you think is the prettiest restaurant in New Jersey? Tell us on Instagram @njhomemag.