Saddle River Inn: Food? Yes. Romance? No.

This contemporary French restaurant is known as a romantic spot, perfect for special occasions. After a recent visit, we asked ourselves, “Why?”

MULLING OVER OUR VISIT TO THE SADDLE RIVER INN

The Saddle River Inn is housed in a more than 200-year-old rustic barn with wood walls and ceilings and a dark-green rug, which creates a dull, austere space. Although there are white tablecloths, there are no pictures or flowers to brighten or soften the room. The best table is by the window, where you do get a beautiful and bucolic view of the Saddle River.

An amuse served in a shot glass of tomato/watermelon gazpacho with basil oil floating on top had a lovely tingling spice, and along with bread from Balthazar topped with rhubarb butter, we were off to a good start. A stellar colossal crabmeat salad with finely shredded Napa cabbage, crunchy slivered snow peas and orange bits had a light sesame dressing and was split in the kitchen. While the three lamb chops ($45) were tender and tasty the accompanying vibrant-green couscous with bits of apricots, pearl onions and yellow tomatoes was served cold, making it flavorless. For $35, we would have preferred a larger portion of the excellent local black sea bass with kale, shiitakes and a ginger and soy-brown butter. Broccolini with garlic, lemon and parsley was sweet and tender.

Cherry-and-chocolate-chip bread pudding with cherry-brownie ice cream and cherry compote tempted us; a delicious sounding combination of ingredients. However, we received a messy presentation with partially melted ice cream, exceedingly tart cherries and warm, soggy bread pudding. Tiny lavender sables and mini brownies were presented with the bill.

Service was attentive but a long list of specials were recited without the prices. The restaurant is BYO and your wine is not kept on the table so you have to rely on the waiter to keep an eye on your glass for refills.

Although we thought that the surroundings were drab and the prices too high, for the most part this was a pleasant dinner, where the use of quality ingredients were deftly prepared. The restaurant was quiet and tables set far apart. Silverware was replaced for each course and Laguiole knives were presented for our entrees—even for the fish which confused us—but, fine wine glasses were not part of the table setting. Romantic? Not by our definition. However, the restaurant was full on a Tuesday night with people dressed in everything from dungarees to a jacket and tie. If you dine here, let us know your thoughts. Our dinner, with one salad, two entrees and one dessert was $153 with tax and tip.

A seasonal tasting menu is offered with 4 courses for $75; 5 courses for $85; and 6 courses for $95. Whole table participation is required. Open Tuesday through Saturday for dinner.

IF

View from the window at the Saddle River Inn.

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Lamb chops.

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Black sea bass.

Photos courtesy of Lowell Saferstein

Saddle River Inn
2 Barnstable Court
Saddle River
201-825-4016
BYO

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This contemporary French restaurant is known as a romantic spot, perfect for special occasions. After a recent visit, we asked ourselves, “Why?”
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  1. Pat

    After going to the saddle river in we asked “Why?” too. Don’t get why they charge so much money for so little food. Not worth it!

    • DD

      Did you leave hungry?