Restaurant Reviews

Patria

November 17, 2011

After making his name at the original Patria in Manhattan, chef Andrew DiCataldo reinvigorates the new Patria in Rahway.

Chelseas Restaurant and Pub

Quick Bite

November 6, 2011

CHELSEAS RESTAURANT AND PUB 1051 Route 22 East Lebanon; 908-437-0311 Hours: Mon-Sun, 11:30 am-11 pm Price: $$ Style: Casual, family-friendly… Read the rest

Civile É Tornato

Quick Bite

Civile É Tornato 140 Durham Avenue Metuchen civileisback.com, 732-548-7740 Hours: Tues-Sun, 5-10 pm Price: $$ Style: Dark wood floors and… Read the rest

Hamilton’s Grill Room

October 24, 2011

"Diamonds and burlap." That's how Jim Hamilton describes the food of his 23-year-old Lambertville institution, Hamilton's Grill Room. Example? Cowboy steak with bordelaise sauce and crisp onions, courtesy of executive chef Mark Miller, from whose charcoal grill many other good things come as well, write Robin Damstra & Jim Salant.

Rare

October 18, 2011

Rare steakhouse in Little Falls may look a bit like a sports bar, but wander back into the dining room and you are in the realm of terrific aged prime beef.

Luke Palladino’s at Harrah’s

October 10, 2011

Luke Palladino’s Italian-Italian showplace debuts on a big stage.

Slate Restaurant and Lounge

Quick Bite

October 2, 2011

Slate Restaurant & Lounge 437 Main Street, West Orange 973-731-5000; slatenj.com Hours: Dinner—Sun–Sat, 7–10 pm; bar opens at 4:30 pm,… Read the rest

Little Island

Quick Bite

LITTLE ISLAND 378 South Branch Road Hillsborough 908-336-8744 Hours: Tues–Sat, 11 am–9 pm; Sun, noon–7 pm. Price: $ Style: Real… Read the rest

Dublin Square

September 29, 2011

"We can't make ourselves any more authentic, other than being in Dublin," says Ian Whitfield, executive chef of Dublin Square in Cherry Hill, Bordentown and Washington Township. Jill P. Capuzzo visits the Cherry Hill branch and finds nearly all the dishes "generous...hearty and satisfying."

TwoFiftyTwo

September 20, 2011

What's in a number? If the number is TwoFiftyTwo, a French- and Italian-influenced restaurant in Bedminster, the answer is a place that "should feel like an extension of home," says chef/owner Melissa Hill. Read Pat Tanner's review.

Mes Rêves

September 13, 2011

From Vietnam to Bloomfield, a dream of fine French food becomes reality.

Lovin’ Oven

Quick Bite

September 11, 2011

Lovin’ Oven 62A Trenton Ave, Frenchtown 908-996-7714 lovinovenfrenchtown.com Hours: Wed–Sat, 8 am–9 pm; Sun, 8 am–3 pm Price: $/$$ Style:… Read the rest

American Grill

Quick Bite

American Grill 816 Arnold Avenue Point Pleasant Beach 732-714-6919; americangrillppb.com Hours: Mon–Fri, 6 am-2:30 pm; Sat and Sun, 8 am–3… Read the rest

Village Gyro

Quick Bite

September 4, 2011

Village Gyro 8 Reading Road Flemington 908-824-7484 Hours: Tues–Sun, 10:30 am–9 pm. Price: $ Style: Taverna / Mediterranean market  Don’t… Read the rest

Windward Tavern

Quick Bite

Windward Tavern 292 Princeton Avenue, Brick 732-892-9463 Hours: Daily, 11:30 am–2 am. Price: $$ Style: Since opening in June, Windward… Read the rest

McDonagh’s Pub

Quick Bite

McDonagh’s Pub 2 West Front Street, Keyport 732-264-0999, mcdonaghs.com Hours: Daily, 11:30 am­–midnight Price: $$ Style: Irish pub meets American… Read the rest

Thai Kitchen

Quick Bite

Thai Kitchen 1351 Prince Rogers Avenue Bridgewater; 908-231-8822 Hours: Lunch, Mon–Fri, 11 am–3 pm. Dinner, Mon–Thurs, 5-9:30 pm; Fri–Sat, 5–10:30… Read the rest

Urban Table

August 31, 2011

A respected restaurant group adds another eatery to its roster, in Morristown. How does Urban Table and its eclectic menu rate? Sam Kadko tells all.

West Side Gravy

August 24, 2011

West Side Gravy in Collingswood offers an affordable menu with plenty of comfort classics prepared with precision and artistry.

Rat’s

August 17, 2011

At Rat's in Hamilton, there's art in the park—and on the plate.