Cafe Matisse in Rutherford, NJ is a precious jewel box of a restaurant that engages and thrills the senses at many levels. Since it opened in 1992 it has garnered abounding rave reviews and it remains as wonderful today.
Back then there were few choices for really great restaurants in and around Montclair. There was 28, Raymond Badach's fine restaurant that preceded Raymond's at 28 Church Street. One of the first to bring hip and delicious dining to Montclair. Another was Dish in Passaic Park. Both were favorites of ours that we frequented often. But despite all good intentions we never got to Cafe Matisse. Oh what we had been missing.
This past Sunday we dined there on the urging of our wine and foodie friends Lori Ann and Jim. We were delighted.
One of my key criteria for a really good restaurant is how well the place takes you away. Lets you imagine yourself in another city, another country. Cafe Matisse's exquisite dining room does just that. You could easily imagine yourself in any number of European cities, in another place and time. And oh so romantic.
In the spring and summer you can experience another place when dinner is served in their Secret Garden.
Lori Ann and Jim brought lovely wines from their recent trip to France and we brought some great South African wines from a recent trip to Gary's. Although after Barcelona, South Africa is probably our next destination.
The menu at Matisse is unique, they offer what they call their "grazing menu." It is not a traditional appetizer then entrée portions but rather grazer, larger than an appetizer yet smaller than an entrée. The richness of the food makes these courses more than satisfying. The pricing is rich as well $66 per person for two courses and dessert, $80 for three and a sweet. Worth every penny. We tasted several dishes, sharing everything, and were utterly overjoyed.
The environment is enchanting, the food four star, and the people, they really make it, friendly, entertaining and competent in every way.
A perfect place for any very special occasion. Celebrate often. Reservations are essential.
BYOB, but there is a small wine shop at the entrance with a wonderful international selection of fine wines, beers and spirits selected with the cuisine and your varied tastes in mind.
167 Park Avenue
Rutherford, NJ 07070-2307
(201) 935-2995
