On the last day of Christmas my true love gave to me… a candle lit dinner for two, a delish meal that I didn't cook for myself, cocktails out on the town, and an evening kid-free!
Here are our picks for the most festive restaurants in Bergen County NJ for you and yours (hint hint) to close out 2016. Forward this onto hubbs so he can make reservations. It’s the best gift of all!
Saddle River Inn: If you can snag a table at this Bergen County favorite, just voted Top 100 restaurants in the US by Opentable, you can expect the perfect setting right on Saddle River and upscale cozy barn décor. The menu is always a pleaser, with French favorites like Tuna Carpaccio, Branzino and Duck. But during the holidays Chef Jamie Knott takes it up one more notch with Caviar, White truffles, lobster, and Mishima Ranch Wagyu Beef specials and not-to-be missed desserts to finish off your meal. (2 Barnstable Ct, Saddle River, (201) 825-4016)
Sofia: Vibe is the word at this Italian Steakhouse with valet parking set on Englewood’s Engle Street. Whether you reserve a large table to devour pastas and steaks or linger at the bar over one of their signature cocktails, put this on your hit list to wrap up 2016. Sources say their NYE bash- with an in house DJ and decadent specials is filling up quickly and will kick off 2017 on the right foot. (36 Engle Street, Englewood (201) 541-8530)
American Cut Bar & Grill: New chef Anthony Russo is serving up a “Feast of the Seven Fishes” menu for Christmas Eve for folks who want to enjoy a classic Italian tradition or people who just love clams, calamari, and pasta with seafood (basically everybody). And with a space specifically designed for the perfect party, American Cut will be hosting a Black & White party with a DJ, red carpet, champagne toast and inventive menu items. (495 Sylvan Avenue, Englewood Cliffs, 201-550-4460)
Restaurant X: Although not in Bergen County, this Rockland County restaurant is worth the drive to sit by the fire and enjoy a cocktail and Peter Kelly’s award winning American Classics- everything from Braised Short Rib to Aged Sirloin to Pork and Chicken. Whether you go for their special Christmas Eve or New Years menus or for any chilly night, the evening will warm your heart. (117 N Route 303, Congers, (845) 268-6555)
Viaggio: This newcomer cozy Italian had us at hello, with Batali alum Robbie Felice serving up belly-filling farm-to-table Italian favorites like Bruschettas and Cacciatores – the perfect place to carb-load into the colder winter months. Looking ahead to Christmas Eve, diners will choose between his pre-fixe “Feast of the Seven Fishes” ($85pp) and more diverse “Christmas Eve” menu ($69), and BYOB means there will still be money left over for last minute gift grabs. (1055 Hamburg Tpke, Wayne, 973-706-7277)
