Highlawn Pavilion vs. others

Need a recommendation for a nice restaurant for a special birthday (4 people).  Highlawn Pavilion has the beautiful setting but is the pricey food worth it?  Other suggestions?

We found the food mediocre, and the service impersonal. It may work for a birthday dinner, but I wouldn't recommend it for a date or anniversary celebration. 

We had a celebratory lunch there, last summer and were very disappointed, agree food is just mediocre, won't be going back.

I guess I'm in the minority.  I've been to 2 birthday dinners there.  The food was great, as was the service.

Chart House in Weehawkin if you're willing to go that far.  It's on a pier facing NYC.

Lorena's in Mplwd...

-s.

Highlawn seems "stale" - while we have always had a nice time i feel like i will run into my mom and dads friends there vs my age range (and i am in my 50's) 

have you looked into rats down in Hamilton at grounds for sculpture or 90 acres?

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Huntley Tavern in Summit.  NO, it is not a tavern, it is a very good restaurant, and it is close to Maplewood.

Hard to get into Lorena's.  Consider Verjus, also in Maplewood, also always in the top 25 restaurants.  Excellent bistro food - different from Lorena's - and it has a liquor license, very comfortable room, pleasant service and you are never rushed.  

we were just at Lorena's and it was not full! New room in back. Exceptional dinner.

Highlawn has exceptional views, excellent service, high prices and mediocre food.  You are paying for atmosphere.  Some people mentioned Lorena's.  We went there once about a year ago.  I was not really impressed.  I expected an incredible experience based on a lot of reviews I had read, but it was just OK. Have not tried Verjus but heard good things.  I like Roots Steakhouse in Summit for a high end dining experience in the area.  It's not exceptional, but good food.

A Toute Heurre in Cranford.  Amuse in Westfield.

I thought the food at Highlawn Pavillion was very good but haven't been in 6 years or so.

Tonight we had our anniversary dinner at the Appian Way... We agreed that we'll go back for another occasion.

I think ithe choice depends on the age and style of the OP. I really like Verjus because it is quiet and. Not glitzy and the food is uniformly excellent, but so have read comments on posts over the years from people who find the atmosphere too...old, maybe. Lorena's has struck me as not quite as good as I expect. It I have only been there two or three times. The menu is interesting at any rate. Atmosphere may be livelier. Maybe it is more new Maplewood, though there have been nice ambitious restaurants in the location for at least thirty years under various names.

 I just like Verjus better. I agree that Highlawn is about the view and setting as much as anything else. Used to really like Roots, but had a totally mediocre lunch there a few months ago with poor service. I do like Huntley Tavern but not for special events. Same ownership as Roots. Slightly weird service at times, but good food in what is sort of a preppy tavern atmosphere. 

We always enjoy ourselves at Appian Way...great suggestion! And Happy Anniversary!  

Apollo_T said:

Tonight we had our anniversary dinner at the Appian Way... We agreed that we'll go back for another occasion.

@karenmol,

Thanks

imho HP smells.  

Michael Altholz was/is exec chef at high lawn. He used to be chef/owner of Jocelyne's before it was sold and became Lorena's. It always got fabulous reviews. I can imagine that keeping up quality  for a restaurant the size of Highlawn could be grinding. Just a thought. 

Highlawn was mediocre last time I was there....

How about Ariane Kitchen and Bar in Verona.  I've eaten there a couple of times and find the food and service to be consistently very good with a nice bar/wine menu and a funky vibe

http://www.arianekb.com/

mantram said:

We found the food mediocre, and the service impersonal. It may work for a birthday dinner, but I wouldn't recommend it for a date or anniversary celebration. 

Request the upstairs room at Serenade in Summit.  Food is devine - pricey but not over the top.  Saturday only is fixed price

The Manor - - the sit down restaurant, not the buffet - - you CANNOT GO WRONG HERE - - - it truly is wonderful....then go upstairs to The Dome for a drink afterwards!

We love Verjus!

sac said:

We love Verjus!

Second!