Fine dining suggestions for central NJ?
 

We've been to the Fromagerie in Rumson and a few upscale places in New Brunswick. Any suggestions for other places to try? We're not into seafood so the shore stuff is not appealing. Freehold doesn't seem to have much. I know there are some nice places in Princeton. Also, I've heard good things about Odetta's (Just across the river) in New Hope, PA.

Suggestions?

Odette?s and the Black Bass Hotel (and they actially have rooms) are two of my favorites and I recommend both, but almost all places in/near New Hope or upper Bucks County are hopelessly over-crowded in the summer and the traffict to/from is even worse. I would stick with the Princeton area if that is where you will be.

MisterNice

The Frog and the Peach in New Brunswick gets very good reviews: http://www.frogandpeach.com/

We've been there several times. It is *quite* good. We're opting for Odette's this time -- I know New Hope/Lambertville is crowded in the summer, but we've not been out that way in a while and several people have told me it's a good place.

Particular suggestions in Princeton, anyone?

OK, it's not Princeton, but my parents (who live in Monmouth County) report that they had an excellent meal on Saturday at Brother's Moon in Hopewell. You might want to give that a try sometime.

In New Brunswick there is a very good place called Nova Terra. The same restaurateur has an establishment in Princeton called something like Terra Mare (I know that Terra is in the name). I have never been there, but if it is the equal of Nova Terra, it is certainly worth a visit when in Princeton.

Lahiere's in Princeton. Been around forever.

And in my experience has been inconsistent and frequently mediocre forever.

Well it's not in Boca or New York... ;) Whenever we've gone (typically before an evening at McCarter), the food and service has been quite pleasant.

Try the Ryland Inn.

The Ryland Inn is a member of the prestigious Relais & Chateaux. It has received various awards/honors including awards from the James Beard Foundation.

There is another restaurant in the same area called Ixora for Japanese-French cuisine.
Here's a review from November 2003.

FYI....Here's the Reader's Choice award from NJ Monthly August 2004 Issue for the Best of the Best Restaurants in NJ.

The Fat Darrell from the Rutgers trucks... ;)

http://abcnews.go.com/wire/US/ap20040818_3061.html

Any updated suggestions, especially for the area around Lambertville and New Hope? I believe the Ryland Inn is closed. Thanks.

www.terramomo.com is the Terra Momo restaurant group you're referring to. I've tried all of their establishments and can highly recommend them all. Teresa's is more on the casual side, Eno Terra is more on the fine dining side. Mediterra is sort of in between but tending toward fine rather than casual.

Nova Terra unfortunately is no more, but the other three locations are all top notch.

http://www.marhabalambertville.com/ is not what one would call fine dining in terms of refined service or presentation, but the food is hands down some of my favorite anywhere (and definitely my top choice in Lambertville).

Don't get me wrong, the service is friendly but very casual... no white tablecloths here!