OpenTable says these are the best restaurants in New Jersey for atmosphere.

Atmosphere is an important part of dinner.

OpenTable lists the top 10 restaurants in New Jersey by atmosphere.

Do you agree with the list?

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When deciding where to go for dinner in New Jersey, of course you want a place where the food is great, right?

But you probably also want a restaurant whose ambience, mood and ambiance are as appealing as the food.

OpenTable is here to help. The online restaurant booking company analyzed two million restaurant reviews around the world over the past four months to determine Best Restaurants in the Garden State by Atmosphere.

This is the top 10

215 Buck Street, Millville

Mission Spirits is a small-batch craft distillery where they produce and bottle handcrafted spirits made through proprietary fermentation, distillation and aging processes.

Using a practice called the “blending technique,” the distillery modifies and uses many different techniques to create original flavors. “Join us, enjoy our successes, and let our spirit lift your spirits for whatever mission you’re on,” the restaurant’s website says.

One OpenTable review says: “Mission Spirits is admired for its “amazing drinks” and “fantastic staff” who create a “relaxed and friendly” atmosphere, ideal for meetings. Although food is not offered, guests can bring their own or order from nearby. Unique cocktails, a warm atmosphere and attentive service make every visit a “wonderful experience” where you feel right at home.”

2 Bridge Street, Milford

Open since 2019, Canal House Station is a hidden gem tucked away in an elegantly restored 1870s train station on the banks of the Delaware River in Milford.

Christopher Hirsheimer and Melissa Hamilton, two women from Canal House Station, are chefs, writers and artists. In 2007, they founded Canal House, which includes a publishing company as well as a cooking, photography and design studio. Their cookbook, Canal House Cooks Every Day, won a James Beard Award in 2012, OpenTable writes.

The women cook together and share their love of gathering people around the table for a good meal.

According to the restaurant’s website, it offers a 5-course Sunday dinner every Sunday for $95 per person.

One OpenTable review says: “Canal House Station reminds me of a good country restaurant in France. The quality of food and service exceeds all expectations.”

1938 Washington Valley Road, Martinsville

Dolce Bene is located in the heart of Martinsville, where owner and chef Benny brings a unique twist to traditional Italian cuisine by combining classic recipes with modern culinary techniques, according to the restaurant’s website.

One OpenTable review says: “Dolce Bene has become our favorite local restaurant: delicious food, friendly service, great atmosphere, white tablecloths and background music – the perfect place to enjoy a fine meal and relax. I highly recommend it.”

1178 NJ-34, Aberdeen

Since 1997, Piazza di Roma has become a popular location for weddings and other events.

Then, in 2020, Limoncello was created in Piazza di Roman. This picturesque full-service garden restaurant serves organic, seasonal farm-to-table vegetables and imported Italian ingredients. One taste of authentic Sicilian and Italian cuisine will transport you back to the streets of Italy, writes OpenTable.

Try their signature Limoncello Spritzer, Nonna’s Sunday Sauce and other Italian classics.

One OpenTable review says: We love this restaurant! It feels like you’ve been transported to Italy. The food is fresh and delicious, the atmosphere is perfect and the service is excellent! We went to celebrate my and my daughter’s birthday and we felt special. The owners walk around, talk to guests and make sure your evening is perfect. I definitely recommend visiting this restaurant.

140 Stevens Street, West Cape May

Beach Plum Farm is located less than two miles from historic downtown Cape May. The working farm is open to the public. Since 2008, Beach Plum Farm has grown to produce over 100 varieties of fruits and vegetables, as well as chickens, eggs and Berkshire pigs. The farm also supplies produce and meat to local Cape May restaurants.

Dinners at Beach Plum Farm are farm-to-table dinners celebrating the farm’s seasonal harvest. Dine under the stars or in their party house, depending on the weather.
All dinners are BYOB.

One OpenTable review says: “My wife and I have been to Beach Plum over 20 times for farm to fork dinners. The atmosphere is great. The staff is great. The food is always delicious, fun and unique. We always seem to meet interesting people there. I highly recommend this. Especially if you like trying new foods.”

2000 NJ-38 #1025, Cherry Hill

Kooma Asian Fusion and Sushi Bar brings modern and sophisticated cuisine to the traditional atmosphere. With the belief that food is an art, we place special emphasis on unforgettable taste and beautiful presentation. We hand-select ingredients to ensure our guests receive only the freshest, highest quality food, the restaurant’s website states.

One OpenTable review says: “I really like the atmosphere of the restaurant. The unique drinks and food were amazing. One of the best sushi restaurants in the area. Highly recommend.”

87 Sussex Street, Jersey City

“A memorable culinary journey awaits at 87 Sussex, a new gourmet restaurant offering fine dining in the heart of Jersey City in the quaint Paulus Hook neighborhood of 87 Sussex Street,” the restaurant’s website states.

87 Sussex offers a menu inspired by global flavours, an extensive list of signature cocktails and much more.

Expect the elegant side of fine dining in a relaxed yet sophisticated environment. The interior design features architectural details that highlight natural light. These elements highlight a modern yet warm design, skillfully infused with an eclectic chic and cosmopolitan atmosphere.

“Expect exceptional hospitality and service from classically trained, friendly and welcoming staff. From the moment you walk in you become family and the team at 87 Sussex will leave a lasting impression on you, awakening your taste buds and feeding your soul,” the restaurant wrote on its website.

One OpenTable review says: “Perfect! Everything is around. Food, presentation, atmosphere and impeccable service! This is my second time dining here and certainly not the last. I wish I lived closer.”

206 Main St, Fort Lee

This BYOB prides itself on offering a daily tasting menu featuring fresh and seasonal ingredients in the heart of Fort Lee. Take a seat at the sushi counter and let the chefs demonstrate their passion for an unforgettable omakase experience.

Omakase costs $155 per person. It will feature a seasonal multi-course tasting menu including appetizers, sashimi, nigiri and desserts. Seating time is strictly two hours, only at the bar.

The experience is so intimate that there are only 12 seats available for each dinner seat at the sushi bar.

One OpenTable review says: “Amazing experience. Each portion was expertly prepared, explained and excellent! Definitely a gift for a special occasion. I highly recommend this whole experience to such lovers!”

890 Bear Tavern Rd, Ewing Township

The Patio at Mountain View offers a warm and welcoming atmosphere. This is a favorite place among locals. “Through thoughtful service and a cool atmosphere, we strive to provide everyone who comes with great food, great wine and great company,” the restaurant’s website states.

Enjoy alfresco and café-lit dining in indoor dining rooms that offer a relaxing and friendly atmosphere. Open year-round, The Patio is a great venue for private events and meetings on the outdoor patio, bar or ballroom.

One OpenTable review says: “Beautiful place to relax outdoors. Casual and comfortable. Very good food. Good variety on the menu. I’ll definitely be back!!”

167 Park Avenue, Rutherford

Voted the most romantic BYOB fine dining restaurant in Bergen County, Matisse 167 offers a seasonal chef-driven menu with artistically presented dishes and cool flavor combinations, according to the restaurant’s website.

Their garden patio awaits guests where they can enjoy a delicious al fresco dining experience. The elegant Matisse main dining room features silhouettes and jeweled chandeliers, while the front dining room is decorated in Moroccan style.

One OpenTable review says: “It was a wonderful dinner. The service was impeccable and the food was amazing! The atmosphere was beautiful. In my opinion there is nothing that could be improved. I highly, highly recommend.”

Is your restaurant ranked in the top 10 for Ambiance by OpenTable? If not, you might want to check one of these out in the future. Bon appetit!

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