- Attraction: The Highlawn
- Location: 1 Crest Dr, West Orange, NJ 07052
- Industry: Fine Dining Restaurant
- Website: https://www.highlawn.com
Perched atop a cliff within Eagle Rock Reservation, this century-old Florentine-style pavilion transforms fine dining into a theatrical experience where New York City’s glittering skyline becomes your dining companion.
What began in the early 1900s as a simple refreshment stand called “The Reservation” has evolved into one of New Jersey’s most celebrated culinary destinations, where Thomas Edison once conducted top-secret military experiments in the very rooms where guests now celebrate life’s most precious moments.
The Highlawn carries more than a century of stories within its walls—from Revolutionary War lookout point to filming location for early motion pictures, from near-demolition in the 1950s to its current renaissance under the Frungillo family’s ownership.
The restaurant blends European elegance with New American sophistication, creating an atmosphere where business casual meets special occasion glamour.
Culinary Highlights You Won’t Want to Miss
The Signature Prime Rib: This slow-roasted boneless beauty arrives bathed in warm raifort sauce and 72-hour natural veal jus, accompanied by legendary English duck fat popovers that steal the show. The meat practically melts on your tongue, showcasing why this dish has become a cornerstone of the menu.
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Keep Exploring →Seafood Excellence: The miso-glazed Chilean sea bass delivers a perfect marriage of Asian-inspired flavors with classic technique, while the roasted branzino arrives flaky and crispy-skinned. Scallops get expertly seared to golden perfection, and the lobster thermador earns rave after rave for its decadent preparation.
Italian-American Favorites: The rigatoni in spicy vodka sauce brings perfectly al dente pasta coated in a robust, creamy sauce with just the right kick.
The carbonara gets high marks for its silky richness, and the Highlawn meatball—featuring fresh ricotta and anchovy butter on wood-grilled focaccia with micro basil—reimagines comfort food as something extraordinary.
Innovative Appetizers: The Fritto Misto puts a creative spin on fried calamari by adding Gulf shrimp, fried long hots, and haricot verts—the sweetness and spice creating an addictive flavor profile. French onion soup arrives with a deep, soul-warming broth and generous cheese topping.
Steak Perfection: LaFreida prime meats receive expert preparation, with the tomahawk steak (often served for two) and porterhouse consistently praised for ideal cooking temperatures and beautiful sears. The menu even includes doneness explanations for those newer to premium cuts.
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Discover MoreFresh Seasonal Touches: Under the culinary direction of Chef Maxime Kien, expect dishes that play with seasonality—think heirloom tomato salads with burrata and peaches balanced by balsamic vinegar, or seasonal gazpacho that captures summer in a bowl. The chef’s French-Italian background shines through in every thoughtfully composed plate.
Sweet Endings & Cocktail Culture
Dessert Masterpieces: The tiramisu features creamy mascarpone layers infused with liquor-spiked coffee flavor—Chef Kien promises it will become a signature, and early indications suggest he’s right.
The blueberry almond crumble topped with toasted almond ice cream and hazelnut whipped cream offers textural contrast and comforting warmth.
Don’t overlook the Highlawn Sundae with its homemade vanilla and chocolate ice cream, chocolate brownies, candied walnuts, and chocolate caramel drizzle.
Bar Scene: The newly renovated oak bar has earned recognition as NJ Monthly’s Best Date Night Bar, serving seasonal cocktails crafted with fresh juices and herbs. The Sinatra cocktail garners particular praise for its perfect balance.
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Keep Exploring →In warmer months, the bar opens to a spacious patio where you can sip specialty drinks while the Manhattan skyline provides the backdrop.
Sushi & Wine: The full restaurant menu extends to the bar area, which also features sushi offerings and an impressive wine selection, including a larger collection of Italian varietals that complement the cuisine beautifully.
Atmosphere & Setting
The Views: Every seat in the main Grill Room benefits from floor-to-ceiling windows showcasing the Manhattan skyline—at sunset, the city appears golden, with warm light reflecting off skyscrapers. As darkness falls, the twinkling lights create natural ambiance that rivals any decorator’s vision.
Interior Design: Soaring ceilings greet you in the entryway, along with marble flooring and a dramatic grand staircase leading to the Skyline Ballroom. Recent renovations brightened the space with white marble and gold accents while maintaining the historic charm. The open kitchen design creates an engaging energy, allowing you to glimpse the culinary team in action.
The Patio Experience: Two outdoor spaces—including a main floor patio seating 80—offer al fresco dining with those same panoramic vistas. Elegant seating and seasonal menus capture the essence of outdoor luxury against a backdrop of 400 acres of nature preserve.
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Discover MoreMultiple Spaces: Beyond the main dining room, discover the intimate Wine Cellar (perfect for 15-65 guests), the Piano Bar & Lounge with live entertainment, and the grand Skyline Ballroom for larger celebrations. Each space maintains its own character while sharing that signature view.
Dress Code: The restaurant embraces “business casual with flair”—gentlemen in collared shirts blend seamlessly with the come-as-you-are crowd, though the celebratory atmosphere tends to inspire guests to dress up a notch.
Planning Your Visit
Reservations Recommended: This popular destination fills quickly, especially for window seats and weekend evenings. Book ahead through their website or OpenTable, and request a window table if the skyline view is essential to your experience.
Pricing Perspective: Expect upscale pricing that reflects the quality and setting—this is special-occasion territory rather than casual weeknight dining. Entrees trend toward the $30-50+ range, with premium steaks and seafood reaching higher.
The investment matches the caliber of ingredients, expert preparation, and unmatched ambiance. Many guests feel the experience justifies the cost, particularly for celebrations and important occasions.
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Keep Exploring →Parking Made Easy: Valet service eliminates any concerns about finding a spot on the mountain. There’s also a parking lot available, with ample free parking for those who prefer to self-park.
Family-Friendly Touches: While the atmosphere skews sophisticated, families are welcome, especially for holiday brunches and special celebrations. The children’s menu elevates classics—think chicken fingers with multiple dipping sauces and colorful vegetable crudités with various dips.
Dietary Accommodations: Vegetarian and vegan options go beyond afterthoughts, with dishes like olive oil-poached summer squash and whole roasted maitake offering beautiful presentation and complex flavors. Gluten-free options are also available.
Best Times to Visit: Sunset reservations provide the most dramatic visual experience. The restaurant is open Tuesday through Saturday evenings, plus Sunday, and closed Monday and Tuesday. They also host special holiday services for Valentine’s Day, Easter, Mother’s Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Eve.
Service Pacing: Dining here unfolds at a leisurely pace—this isn’t a quick-bite destination. The service style encourages savoring the experience, so place drink orders early and settle in to enjoy the view, conversation, and cuisine.
The Highlawn
📍 1 Crest Dr, West Orange, NJ 07052
