Location: Basking Ridge
Top Restaurants in Basking Ridge
Top Things to do in Basking Ridge
- 1. The Raptor Trust Center
- 2. Environmental Education Center at Lord Stirling Park
- 3. Leonard J. Buck Garden
- 4. Cross Estate Gardens
- 5. Natirar Park
- 6. Morristown National Historical Park, Washington Headquarters and Museum
- 7. Holmes Creek Canoe Livery
- 8. Schiff Nature Preserve
- 9. Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey
- 10. Scherman Hoffman Wildlife Sanctuary
Basking Ridge Food Guide: 10 Must-Eat Restaurants & Street Food Stalls in Basking Ridge
Basking Ridge is an unincorporated community located within Bernards Township in the Somerset Hills region of Somerset County, New Jersey, United States. As of the 2010 Census, the population for the ZIP Code Tabulation Area (ZCTA) 07920 was 26,747.
Things to do in Basking Ridge
1. Sette
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 111 reviews
Executive Chef Allan Philip Russo's highly acclaimed restaurant Sette resides in prestigious countryside Bernardsville, New Jersey. Nationally recognized as "One of the Top 100 Best Restaurants in the United States" by OpenTable, a status rating of "Excellent" by Zagat and an honorary recipient of "Best Chefs in America", Russo welcomes guests to his "Elegant Tuscan" dining room while delivering European hospitality.
Reviewed By Benzman79 - Freehold, New Jersey
Wife and I made reservations (which you will need) for a Saturday night and it didnt disappoint. Everything is fresh and delicious. She had the grilled shrimp with cabbage and she loved. Her grouper was also outstanding, Had the file which was good too. Its a BYOB and its small place with great food.
2. The Grain House
Overall Ratings
4 based on 328 reviews
American Fare with Historic CharmDating back to the 18th century, the Grain House Restaurant has always been the most popular destination for locals and visitors alike. Known for its historic charm and American inn fare, the popular Grain House Restaurant is conveniently situated next to the hotel. Enjoy Basking Ridge dining in a unique and historic setting, handsomely trimmed with beamed ceilings, masterful fireplaces, rich woods and striking hearths.The Grain House Restaurant, Basking Ridge, NJ is open for lunch and dinner in our cozy dining rooms and on our patio for outdoor dining during summer months. Guests can also enjoy Saturday à la carte breakfast and a sumptuous brunch buffet on Sundays. For casual cocktails and happy hour specials, the Grain House Restaurant features the Coppertop Pub, voted “the best coziest spot for drinks” by the NJ Monthly Magazine. If a private party is on your agenda, the Grain House Restaurant would be honored to host and cater your event.
Reviewed By PsiChi - Bloomfield, New Jersey
Although The Grain House is lovely and cozy, having gone there many times before, I suggested that a friend accompany me for the first visit there. I asked to be seated in front of the fireplace. The young man at the kiosk brought us into the bar where the table in front of the fireplace was vacant and the dining room relatively empty. He brought us to a very small (my friend is large and 6'2) table NOT visible to the fireplace. We asked if there was one in the main dining room and he then put us at a drafty window with a solid barrier so we could not see in no where near the fireplace again. We were very displeased and once more, put in our first request. One waiter "reminded" us that we had moved twice already. Seriously? We are twice his senior and were disrespected by two inferior, ill-mannered staff members, clearly not the professional personnel one would expect to find in an establishment such as this. The young man then said he could seat us at a wall table in the bar as the original table was for a party of four. HOWEVER, needless to say, minutes later another couple came in and wanted that table. He placed them at the one next to it and when the gentleman complained, the young man immediately dropped the menus on the table and whisked away the additional settings for two and seated them there. As we witnessed the entire scenario, I told the waiter to please relay the incident to the manager. I ordered a glass of pinot noir and without inquiring as to which one, the waiter brought the most expensive one to me. At the cost of close to 100. for "lunch" as my friend had a few Jack Daniels, we left angry and disappointed. I then sent an email to the manager and have yet to receive a response. I will admit that the food is excellent as is the cozy period edifice but some of the staff need to be replaced.
3. Ninety Acres at Natirar
Overall Ratings
4 based on 430 reviews
The Natirar Estate, a nearly 500-acre site atop the mountains of Peapack, is the home of Ninety Acres Culinary Center, which consists of a cooking and wine school, and a restaurant offering unique and exciting menus featuring produce and livestock fresh from the estate farm. The restaurant, along with our private party facilities, redefines what a quality dining experience can and should be. We offer an a la carte menu in our dining rooms, a light bar menu in our bar and lounge areas, and the "Bring Me Food" experience, our interpretation of the tasting menu concept, exclusively in our kitchen dining area.
Reviewed By Jimrad - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
Let me get straight to the point – we both were very disappointed in our $105 per person “Bring Me Food” dinner.
We had used this dining option twice before, where you are just given a list of ingredients that the Chef turns into 5 to 7 tastings. The first 2 dinners were, although expensive, exceptional and 5 Star experiences.
I’m afraid this time it was just a very expensive experience.
The over 25 ingredients all sounded interesting and ranged from Bay scallops to Venison to Walleye to Organic mushrooms. The presentation of each dish was beautiful but that’s where the magic stopped.
The “looking forward” to the next exciting plate was not there on this visit with each one just being OK to Good.
The staff, and we met at least 5, were all enthusiastic, professional and knowledgeable but not one ever asked, as we moved from course to course, what we thought of our meal.
So with 2 cocktails and 2 glasses of wine, tax and before tip, the bill came to $282 and I’m sorry to say not worth that price. I’m not a believer in “well I guess the kitchen had an off night” – especially at these prices.
4. Stirling Hotel
Overall Ratings
4 based on 128 reviews
Reviewed By Salde49 - NYC
Top-rated burgers? Not according to the two in our party of four who ordered the ale house version - decidedly average. Fries no great shakes either. My German potato bacon soup was devoid of both and quite bland. Steak and soft shell crabs were okay but can't really screw those up. But when the salad is the best dish, it doesn't say much for the chef. Saving graces are service and a great beer selection.
5. Penguin Ice Cream
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 40 reviews
Reviewed By s1jag - Morristown, NJ
I have been a long-term supporter of The Penguin and was dismayed to find that the most excellent ice cream imported from Maine is no more, in favor of "locally sourced" fair that is barely the equivalent of the couple of ice cream stores down the street in Bernardsville. No more "Maine Guide," Moose Tracks," "Wild Maine Blueberry," etc. It used to be worth the extra effort to find parking near the shop, but, at least for me, no more. Au revoir pingouin!
6. Focacceria
Overall Ratings
4 based on 66 reviews
Reviewed By Alan B - Woodbridge, New Jersey
We tend to dine at local restaurants and our friends recommended Focacceria. We were seated right away, upstairs (too muggy out to sit outside, although it would have been nice under dryer conditions). My wife and I always share an appetizer and salad. We had the Garden Salad and the Meatballs. Salad was typical greens but the Meatballs were really good and if a larger portion, might have made a good entrée. For the entrée, my wife had the Veal Fungi and I had the Chicken Madeira. Both turned out to be excellent choices. For dessert, we shared the Warm Chocolate Cake with Hazelnut Gelato
7. Origin Thai
Overall Ratings
4 based on 154 reviews
Reviewed By Andrew K - Warren, New Jersey
My wife and I went to dinner at 6:15pm. The early seating was nice since the restaurant noise level was low. My wife had the Chilean Sea Bass and I had the Lobster Casserole. Both were terrific. The Sea Bass was fixed perfectly, moist and tender. The Lobster Casserole was also done extremely well. Both were large portions that more than satisfied us. Try this place for a relaxing dinner.
8. The Bernards Inn Restaurant
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 178 reviews
Renowned for exquisite dining and an award-winning wine collection, the Bernards Inn offers two magnificent dining rooms - The Great Room and Conservatory - along with a warm, clubby piano bar featuring live entertainment Wednesday through Saturday. The fine dining restaurant features progressive American cuisine prepared under the direction of Executive Chef Todd Mark Miller and a 12,000-bottle wine collection from Wine Director Terri Baldwin.
Reviewed By Annex43 - Secaucus, New Jersey
Went there to celebrate my 75th birthday with my children, son-in-law and significant other. Service was OK but nothing special. They served us bread at the start of the meal but didn’t come back to see if anyone wanted anymore. We order two of each of the oysters And didn’t get a good explanation of which was which from the server. Had to ask twice for fresh pepper for one of the appetizers. When we asked for horseradish we were served prepared horseradish with too much vinegar. My significant other ordered the pasta special which she felt was mediocre at best. I ordered the special lobster pot pie which turned out to be a deconstructed pot pie. The sauce was very good however the lobster tail was overcooked and rubbery and the potatoes were undercooked and hard. Under ordinary circumstances I would’ve sent it back. The ice cream dessert was very good and I appreciated getting the chocolates and card from the staff.
9. Minuteman Smokehouse & Grill
Overall Ratings
4 based on 104 reviews
Reviewed By ArtyP - Short Hills, New Jersey
We stopped in to the Minuteman for lunch. We were never in the neighborhood and were not familiar with the name.
The barbeque and pie were excellent. I loved the brisket, ribs and harvest pie.
The service was fabulous. Mostly very attentive cute girls wearing flannel shirts. They knew their stuff.
On the way out we met the owners. It became obvious that their relaxed charm carried through to the restaurant's ambience.
10. 12 Islands Taverna
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 62 reviews
Reviewed By Michael L
Dined here with the family, including 2 school-age kids, one with a severe fish/seafood allergy, to celebrate my wife's birthday. We arrived early in the evening, avoiding the need for a reservation, though we called ahead just to make sure. We found it had its own parking lot, with ample spaces at the time. The atmosphere was clean and elegant, while also warm and homey, proudly Greek (lots of blue, like the flag), with various decor relating to Greece,
Nico, the gentleman who served us, was as warm and welcoming as we could have hoped for, very keen on striving to earn our repeat patronage. (Actually the evening began with a different gentleman server, who asked to take our orders several times, and each time we had to ask for a few more moments as we were still undecided. Not sure why he was eventually replaced by Nico, just when we finally were ready to order. Didn't ask. I suppose it happens sometimes.)
When Nico described the specials and the restaurant's signature dishes, he did so with gusto and pride. He asked if we had ever visited Greece--he seemed to be from there-- and encouraged us to try going there sometime.
We started with spanakopitakia and the beef-lamb meatball apps. For main dishes, two of us ordered lamb dishes--grilled lamb chops, and the special stewed lamb. Our youngest ordered a simple buttered pasta dish from the kids menu. My order was a sampler mix grill, which I paired with a glass of Greek white wine. For dessert, my wife and I had the baklava, while the kids had ice cream. Everything was outstanding, and everyone declared they enjoyed every course. The servings were plentiful; we had plenty to take home as leftovers for the next day.
Toward the end of the meal, Nico brought out for the two grownups a nice surprise, a couple of complimentary shots of traditional liqueur. I think it may have been Chios Mastiha. Nico explained that its flavor comes from gum tree extract. Delicious.
Then came the most memorable part of the meal. As wife and I were toasting with the liqueur and I discreetly wished her Happy Birthday as Nico was leaving, he happened to pick up on that, announced he'd be right back, and dashed out. When he came back a moment later he had in his hand...a small ceramic saucer. He led us in a round of the Happy Birthday song...and when we were done singing, he handed my wife the saucer and invited her to drop it onto the floor. My wife was stunned at first, which was very amusing for the rest of us! After some coaxing from all of us, she threw it down rather hard (I think she was supposed to just hold it out and let it go...), producing a loud noice, scattering shards rather widely (I'm glad not too widely or it might have been dangerous). I suspect she enjoyed it, and I was glad to see her let loose in a way she doesn't normally get to do. I think the kids liked seeing that side of her too. There came applause from other tables. The staff came promptly to sweep up the shards.
All in all, it's now one of this family's favorite locals places to dine. Very likely we'll be back. My wife and I have talked about going on a dinner date there, and try the seafood dishes.
