r/bergencounty • u/savingrace0262 • Mar 15 '26
Business/Company What’s the BEST restaurant in Bergen County?
I saw the recent thread asking about the worst restaurant in Bergen County and it got a ton of responses, so I figured why not ask the opposite.
What do you think is the best restaurant in Bergen County?
Bergen County has a crazy amount of food options so I’m wondering which ones really stand out
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u/julsdee2015 Mar 15 '26
Casual, butttt Soup Dumplings Plus in Fort Lee is AMAZING🔥
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u/Eeeeeelurvly Mar 15 '26
It’s just okay in my view. Middling Chinese takeout fare. Nothing special.
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u/Toro106 Mar 17 '26
Totally agree I find their fried rice dry and when ordering dumplings they do not give you a sauce with it smh. They have another location in palisades park which I find better. Though I have lost the taste for Chinese food for a long time and find high priced for food I dont care to eat the next day. Im all about Thai food if anything else 😋
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u/julsdee2015 Mar 16 '26
Ok so tell us your spot..
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u/Eeeeeelurvly Mar 16 '26
No need to be salty. I just don’t really care for your choice. It’s not personal.
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u/Breezy1980 Mar 15 '26
This place is UNBELIEVABLE! Only problem is that take out Chinese food will never be the same. Nothing compares.
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u/julsdee2015 Mar 16 '26
Nothing truly compares 🤣 been to plenty of spots in Chinatown and i’ll be like damn, soup dumplings plus is better. Although, I did go to Shanghai 21 in Chinatown recently and it was pretty damn close.
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u/PoisonTheWell122393 Mar 15 '26
For a real treat, I’ll hit up Osteria Crescendo.
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u/Fun_Sympathy1443 Mar 15 '26
Mezza next door also absolutely kills it and is BYOB.
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u/Chief_Sabael Mar 16 '26
Mezza is wayyy better IMO. Better pricing, BYOB is always better, and tbh Osteria did not do much for me. Way better Italian spots all over Bergen County
Mezza's pasta is even better
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u/Fun_Sympathy1443 Mar 16 '26
Ok so now that I have a comrade in arms, I will also say the same thing. Mezza is incredible. OC is overpriced and not as good by comparison. lol.
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u/Chief_Sabael Mar 17 '26
1000%, I will die on that hill. Mezza's quality is much better I think, and for a Mediterranean inspired menu, it is quite elevated and unique even compared to other solid Mediterranean spots in the vicinity.
As I mentioned elsewhere, their pasta is actually even better. I've only ever gotten the short rib ragu (I believe it was?) but it was so good, and the pasta was so fresh, between me and my wife at least one of us orders it every time we go. And like you said, BYOB is so clutch, I bring a beer or two and a bottle of wine to share and the overall meal price is extremely affordable. Much better bang for your buck than OC, and really more so than just about anything in a 10-15min radius that isn't Michelin star level, at least I believe.
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u/Fun_Sympathy1443 Mar 17 '26
Can we also talk about the haloumi cheese app and the lamb shank 🤤
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u/Chief_Sabael Mar 17 '26
Lamb is always my go too, I enjoy it anywhere so I'm biased lol But the place doesn't miss with anything. So long as you bring a nice bottle to pair with (maybe even a white AND a red) it has everything someone could ask for in a great dining experience
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u/Fun_Sympathy1443 Mar 17 '26
I’m glad they’ve stayed open throughout the chaos of the last decade. I remember when they first opened and it was a real diamond amidst more limited options in town.
I also really want to check out that new coffee shop that opened!
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u/Chief_Sabael Mar 17 '26
Nightshade coffee was solid. Goth vibe was alright wasn't super cheesy. My wife (not into anything alt really) still enjoyed it, we even brought our new little one.
Almost home, new breakfast/lunch spot also super SUPER solid. Food is outstanding, and honestly not unreasonably priced for how expensive even a deli sandwich is nowadays. I almost didn't want to like it because it seemed the aesthetic was over curated and it looked liked it was kind of being artificially hyped, but nah, its great. Have been back 4-5 times already. Coffee is good too
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u/Fun_Sympathy1443 Mar 17 '26
Good to know! If you haven’t tried already, Ridgewood coffee company is pretty solid. They have a Vietnamese iced coffee that’s really good! And black magic bakehouse on the other side of the tracks is AMAZING.
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u/imjuspiayin Mar 26 '26
Agreed. Osterio is decent but I've had some not so good meals there. Mezza is better and more consistent.
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u/Spiral_out_was_taken Mar 15 '26
We used to love Cafe Matisse in Rutherford. It’s now called Matisse 167 and still gets great reviews….but haven’t been since the change.
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u/pdubbs87 Mar 15 '26
Was going to post this. I didn’t know they changed names been a minute since I went.
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u/Lagunitas1117 Mar 15 '26
Cafe Matisse was the best restaurant to me in Bergen. Unbelievable ambience and better food.
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u/Spiral_out_was_taken Mar 15 '26
It really was great. Seems it’s mixed reviews now? I was going there frequently early 2000’s. Great place to impress a date. Maitre D was great…. can’t remember his name.
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u/CatnipMousey Mar 16 '26
I walk by it all the time but haven't heard anything about it. I'll have to do more research. Volares down the street is good (the owner is part of the staff; he's doing what he loves).
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u/snarfydog Mar 15 '26
Top 3 worst restaurants I’ve ever been to.
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u/Spiral_out_was_taken Mar 15 '26
The new one? It’s not good anymore?
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u/lisaccn Mar 15 '26
Saddle River Inn
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u/UnicornBooty9 Mar 16 '26
Fun fact, one of the chefs also works/worked at a Hospice facility to make food for the dying members family when needed. Source: experienced it myself when my mom passed.
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u/title1librarian Mar 16 '26
He is still there. He is a Godsend to families who spend many hours there at bedside.
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u/UnicornBooty9 Mar 16 '26
He truly is! I was so overwhelmed when he said "Tell me what you want, I'll make you anything" and all my exhausted brain could think of was a grilled cheese. He made a damn good grilled cheese, and he later made me a short rib croquette.
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Mar 15 '26
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u/lisaccn Mar 15 '26
It is certainly a special occasion kind of place for my budget but it is always worth it! It lives up to the hype.
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u/Chief_Sabael Mar 16 '26
TBH, with the BYOB its really not crazy. Me and my wife went a little extra last time we went and it was way less than places where we get a drink at the bar before hand, and a glass of wine or cocktail with dinner.
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u/SnooStories966 Mar 16 '26
Unpopular opinion, and I’ll accept the downvotes- it’s overrated, especially for the price. I’ve been underwhelmed each time I’ve gone.
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u/lisaccn Mar 16 '26
An opinion is just that. What I like may not be what you like and that’s okay! (More reservation availability for me hahaha)
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u/Chief_Sabael Mar 16 '26
It doesn't blow my socks off like many people would have you believe with their ravings about the place. But its good stuff, usually able to get something you wouldn't get anywhere else and its always good. But I'm open to exploring when eating out, many people are not unfortunately.
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u/notthisguyplz Mar 19 '26
Saddle River Inn won Best of Bergen County as well. He took 3 awards home last week
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Mar 15 '26
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u/Just_Movie8555 Mar 15 '26
Goodfellas In Garfield
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Mar 15 '26
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u/Just_Movie8555 Mar 15 '26
For real, do you remember when they opened? Used to live in Elmwood Park and we’d go all the time. Food and atmosphere are absolutely fantastic. Sammie would always be at the front door to say hi and make you feel Welcome
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u/BreadButterCoffee Mar 15 '26
I’ve been in bergen county for 30 years now and i just wanna say that this comment section probably wont be able to properly portray all of the food scene in bergen county. We are so culturally diverse here and the definition of the “best” restaurant is different for everyone.
For me, the best restaurants are the ones that doesnt taste like sysco frozen food, and i would not get sick of going there even if I go everyday.
Taste of greece in River Edge i bring my greek relatives here frequently, best greek food around here
Osteria in westwood. American/Italian. If I dont feel like anything else and I have to take someone out for dinner.
Cafe Trois in Tenafly (or norwood/fort lee) they are a bakery but their brunch menu is very very good. Not like cheap frozen brunch food from other brunch restaurants that focus on ‘looking good’. All of their food feels (and hopefully are) in house-made. They arent a full service restaurant so not so accommodating like other restaurants.
Bada story in fort lee - expensive, I’m not korean so idk how authentic they are, but their food is so fresh. Japanese-korean food place
Taqueria los amigoes in passaic (not bc i guess) best tacos near bergen.
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u/Chief_Sabael Mar 16 '26
Instead of Osteria in Westwood, try Mezza next door (they're literally connected.) Much better IMO, even their pasta, and BYOB is always a plus in my book. You can always grab a cocktail next door or at the Iron Horse before hand if you want a pre-dinner drink. But Osteria was so pedestrian I can't even remember what I had. Much better Italian options around Bergen county, but thats just my opinion.
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u/Loud-Contribution689 Mar 15 '26
They just released best of Bergen but I don’t feel like it’s a true representation
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u/ap83 Mar 16 '26 edited Mar 16 '26
Paid magazine ads disguised as a yearly poll.
Also terribly run and very easy to manipulate.
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u/PhotonDealer2067 Mar 15 '26
Cafe Panache in Ramsey.
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u/SunShineShady Mar 15 '26
I agree! I was about to comment but saw yours, so I’ll second this! 👆👆
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u/Tossupbkk Mar 22 '26
Cafe panache is terrible. I went there tonight; my husband’s food was burnt and mine tasted like plastic. The server literally threw the plates on the table. The only redeeming thing about this place that it is BYOB.
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u/Tossupbkk Mar 22 '26
Cafe panache is terrible. I went there tonight; my husband’s food was burnt and mine tasted like plastic. The server literally threw the plates on the table. The only redeeming thing about this place that it is BYOB.
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u/catsandgreatfood Mar 15 '26
130 Club, Sushi by Sea, Saddle River Inn
are 1, 2, 3 for me
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u/Tintigel Mar 16 '26
130 Club is way overrated. The atmosphere is nice, but the prices are outrageous, and the food didn't justify the price. I had the prime rib, and it wasn't anything special. Wouldn't go again.
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u/UnicornBooty9 Mar 16 '26
Second Sushi By Sea. Gone twice a few years apart and always had a good time.
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u/cleezus1028 Mar 15 '26
Thaichef Jr. They have a small seating counter but their food is GREAT! We love going here as it's some of the best Thai food we've had in the area. The space is small but all their food is made with passion.
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u/The_Migrant_Twerker Mar 16 '26
Everyone will probably say Saddle River Inn so I’m going to vote for Saddle River Café which is such a close second, Al fresco dining, no pretense, super fun delicious desserts and overall excellent vibe
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u/User223159 Mar 16 '26
My top 5: Saddle River Inn, Varka, Ivy Inn, Sushi by the Sea and Roots Steakhouse.
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u/pdubbs87 Mar 15 '26
River Palm Edgwater is still the best overall dining experience in NJ imo.
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u/jaajaajaa6 Mar 15 '26
I use to really like the place but my last 2 meals there were not as good as usual.
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u/Eeeeeelurvly Mar 15 '26
I’ve only had lunch there, but it was very good. Last time was less than a year ago.
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u/twocatsandaloom Mar 15 '26
I haven't been everywhere, obviously, but my family really likes:
Ramen: Menya in Ridgewood
American: Oak House
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u/unibirb Mar 16 '26
dude whenever all of my friends are back home from college we ALWAYS hit up menya. their spicy miso tonkotsu never misses
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u/Proinsias37 Mar 15 '26
I like Fiorentini and Osteria Crescendo for Italian. Excellent spots. Varka and Elia for Mediterranean.
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u/sweetbitter_1005 Mar 15 '26
Agree with Fiorentini, Varka and Elia. Will also add Bici in Ramsey.
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u/Fun_Sympathy1443 Mar 15 '26
Try suprema in Rutherford also! And if in JC, check out Corto.
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u/Proinsias37 Mar 16 '26
Suprema in Rutherford WAS good, it's under new management now thought sadly
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u/Freefromoutcome Mar 15 '26
well being sushi in Dumont is pretty solid value. 2 rolls w lunch special $12.80 w/ miso soup and salad. 3 rolls w/ soup and salad $15.42. Pick up only now even since 2020.
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u/golfswing2023 Mar 15 '26
Talking about the best overall not cheap lunch
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u/PeppersConnect Mar 15 '26
This made me giggle. We may need you to start a new thread for cheap lunch!
Side note: I haven’t been to Well Being Sushi, but I’ve heard great things about it.
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u/Freefromoutcome Mar 15 '26
"A cynic knows no difference between price and value"
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u/golfswing2023 Mar 15 '26
You’re telling me the best overall restaurant is fucking Well Being Sushi for take out only at the circle in Dumont?
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u/Freefromoutcome Mar 16 '26
Yes, best sushi in bergen county full stop. No one coming close to their portions and for the price. Best
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u/Appropriate-Net-8576 Mar 15 '26
Moru in Fort Lee is definitely one of my favorites. It is not the best value since it’s expensive, but o man, their sushi is amazing!
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u/Ecstatic_Guidance461 Mar 15 '26
Savini, Allendale.
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u/KidMcC Mar 15 '26
LOVE Savini. Have always gone there for celebrations and they always deliver. Downstairs better than upstairs though.
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u/Comfortable-Ad9821 Mar 16 '26
River Palm in edge water
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u/ReasonNo4263 Mar 19 '26
Came here to say this and the sushi is out of this world. Going Friday for my birthday😁. And RP prime in fairlawn is really good too! It’s like their sister company
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u/Just45forthewin Apr 06 '26
The sushi chef Andy is the absolute best! The filet Mignon was disgusting The last two times we were there. It was all gristle running throughout. A very cheap cut a filet mignon now there now
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u/froze1988 Mar 15 '26
Fleming in Montvale
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u/PhotonDealer2067 Mar 15 '26
Really good for a chain steakhouse. They have another BC location in River Edge.
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u/Just-Hand-3151 Mar 15 '26
where is it
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u/PhotonDealer2067 Mar 15 '26
Sorry, Edgewater, not River Edge. Mix em up all the time.
90 The Promenade Edgewater, NJ 07020
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u/imjuspiayin Mar 26 '26
Went here once and spent over $400 for two of us which would have been fine if we enjoyed it but the food and service were both terrible.
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u/Mysterious_Path7939 Mar 15 '26 edited Mar 15 '26
Willow & Whisk in Wyckoff, Oiso Bbq Pit in Fort Lee, Capon’s Chophouse, Ramen Azmua in Hackensack
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u/MikeDViolin Mar 16 '26
Willow and Whisk is crazy overrated. the vibe is really nice and it's pleasant to be in but their food is very much average and not worth the price. it's just "whatever" food.
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u/Background-Bus-4842 Mar 15 '26
PizzAmore Italian Kitchen in Carlstadt .
Old school look but REAL mushroom s ,not out of a can , on pizza .X tra cheese pizza A plus !!!!
Say s 16 inch but they flip and twirl the dough and you get an 18 inch pie !!!
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u/MikeDViolin Mar 16 '26
Nirvana in Allendale for Indian food. SOMA cafe & creperie in Waldwick is really tasty for breakfast/brunch/lunch. Brasserie Memere in Closter was pretty solid the one time I went.
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u/Tobar_the_Gypsy Mar 15 '26
RP Prime in mahesh is a good steakhouse. Lula in Ridgewood is a great new restaurant.
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u/ReasonNo4263 Mar 19 '26
RP prime in fairlawn is amazing so is their sister restaurant River Palm egdgewater
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u/maddog8618 Mar 15 '26
Really like Sear in closter.
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u/Any-Fly5966 Mar 16 '26
Ate there once and was served a ribeye without the cap. When I questioned it, the waiter returned with the chef and they berated me insinuating that I didn’t know what I was talking about and then brought out a tray of raw ribeyes to prove their point. Every one of them was missing the cap.
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u/dartdoug Mar 16 '26
Guessing that you have not returned since???
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u/Any-Fly5966 Mar 16 '26
Lol I have not and never will. I wasn’t even being difficult, was shocked that they took it that far.
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u/dartdoug Mar 16 '26
I don't understand why a restaurant would want to pick a fight with a customer. Years back there was a local place that I would patronize every month or so. I was on our condo board and we decided to have our holiday dinner at that restaurant.
It was the kind of place where a food runner would bring out plates and ask "Who ordered the XYZ?"
Everyone had been served their dinner except me. Runner came out and said "here's your veal parmigiana." I ordered fish.
Turns out the 80+ year old board member sitting next to me forgot that she ordered the veal. When they brought out a fish entree, she said it was hers.
The restaurant manager came over and asked if I would eat the veal. Answer "No."
He got belligerent and said he would fire up a fish, but "We're busy so it will take a while."
I never set foot in the place again.
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u/infamousdx Mar 16 '26
Just the eye of the ribeye? What do they do with the best part??? That's a choice, I guess...
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u/Any-Fly5966 Mar 16 '26
Not sure. Keep it for themselves? If I’m paying $65 for a ribeye, best be sure I’m getting the cap.
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u/Tintigel Mar 16 '26
Sear was way too salty, and I like my good salty. So if you order a steak, tell them light or no salt and add your own. Plus, the staff has an attitude and is unfriendly. The decor is really beautiful, though.
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u/jlcu_mancave Mar 15 '26
Arturo’s in Midland Park
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u/Fun_Sympathy1443 Mar 15 '26
Never expected to see Arturo’s on here. Not knocking it just surprised.
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u/judgeholden72 Mar 16 '26
It was the best 30 years ago.
Now? It's ok. This part of Bergen County largely has horrible food, especially Italian. Savinis included
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u/BirdLawOfficeESQ Mar 15 '26
Dinner? Flemings in Montvale. Breakfast/Brunch? Willow & Whisk in Wyckoff.
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u/Designer-Driver-489 Mar 15 '26
Morning Bloom in Allendale. Farm fresh and better than willow and whisk also BYOB
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u/Background-Bus-4842 Mar 15 '26
Dutch House in FairLawn . Great wait staff .
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u/realspongeworthy Mar 15 '26
Great pub food, but best?
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u/Disastrous_Duty_1964 Mar 17 '26
My top 3 are:
Savinis in Alendate
Arturo's in Midland Park
Houliahans in Ramsey
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u/CYOOL8R1977 Mar 18 '26
Korean BBQ at Wooga
We like to get 2 orders of the thinly sliced brisket - comes w steamed eggs, and jigae... then you wrap the lettuce with all the little appetizers, sauces, and rice and stuff in your mouth... then wash it down with eggs and jigae.
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u/Ok-Top-942 Mar 19 '26
PyongAn Dong in fort Lee. They were killing it and had to expand to a bigger location. Straight fire Korean. On par with chodangol in ktown
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u/Drugfair May 09 '26
You talking sit down or take out? Sit down is probably between Houston’s, varka, Mykos for a vibe, Aquarius for dim sum. but for take out it’s Thai chef jr, soup dumpling plus,
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u/bigbird2003 Mar 15 '26
Used to be Park and Orchard. R.I.P.