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The Highlawn, West Orange, NJ

The Highlawn

4.4
4.4
1433 Reviews
$31 to $50
American

Make a booking

2 people
19:00
Booked 31 times today
  • Great for scenic views
  • Fancy
  • Good for special occasions
Nestled atop the picturesque Eagle Rock Reservation in West Orange, NJ, The Highlawn is regarded throughout the region for fine dining and its dedication to making each celebration memorable and unique. It has been the trusted venue of many private groups, Fortune 500 companies, non-profit organizations, local community associations, and many more, and is a recipient of OpenTable's Diners' Choice Awards for the Top 100 Scenic View Restaurants.

The landmark has been revitalized to provide patrons with a premier fine dining experience and world-class site for weddings and special events. With world class Culinary Director and Executive Chef William Prunty now at the helm, diners can expect an out-of-this-world meal.

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Fine Dining
  • Price
    $31 to $50
  • Cuisines
    American, Steakhouse, Italian
  • Hours of Operation
    Brunch Sun 11:30–15:00 Bar Tue–Sun 16:00–23:00 Dinner Tue, Wed 17:00–21:00 Thu–Sun 17:00–22:00
  • Phone number
    (973) 731-3463
  • Website
    http://www.highlawn.com/
  • Dress code
    Business Casual
  • Catering
    Built into the Watchung Mountain Ridge of West Orange’s Eagle Rock Reservation, the Wine Cellar is a venue like no other for private events, corporate functions, tastings, and celebrations. The event space hosts 15-65 guests and is the ideal setting for any gathering.
  • Private party facilities
    The Skyline Ballroom features the most iconic panoramic views of New York City—anywhere. The event space hosts up to 200 guests and is the perfect setting for receptions of any kind
  • Location
    1 Crest Dr, West Orange, NJ 07052
  • Area
    West Orange
  • Parking details
    Valet
  • Additional
    Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Chef's Table, Entertainment, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, View

Menu

Highlawn Desserts

  • Blueberry Almond CrumbleUS$18.00

    Amaretto Sabayon, Toasted Almond Ice Cream

    • Lemon Ricotta CheesecakeUS$18.00

      Pistachio Sponge, Candied Kumquats, Mascarpone Mousse, Pistachio Tuile

      • Salted Butterscotch Crème BrûléeUS$18.00

        Popcorn & Pretzel Cracker Jack

        • Chocolate Olive Oil TorteUS$18.00

          Orange Curd, White Chocolate Orange Mousse, Chocolate Hazelnut Shell, Hazelnut Ice Cream

          • Cinna Bun Bread PuddingUS$18.00

            Cream Cheese Anglaise, Cinnamon Crunch Ice Cream

            • The Highlawn SundaeUS$20.00

              Chocolate & Caramel Sauce, Brownies, Candied Walnuts, Chocolate Tuile, Brandied Cherries, Vanilla Chantilly, Chocolate & Vanilla Ice Cream

              Coffee & Tea

              • Assorted TeasUS$5.25

                • CappuccinoUS$6.25

                  • Decaffeinated CoffeeUS$4.25

                    • Decaffeinated EspressoUS$4.25

                      • EspressoUS$4.25

                        • LatteUS$6.25

                          • Regular CoffeeUS$4.25

                            Dessert Cocktail

                            • Gigi's Espresso-TiniUS$18.00

                              Vodka, Fresh Espresso, Licor 43, Housemade Vanilla Syrup | With or Without Bailey's

                              Apéritif & Digestif (2oz Pours)

                              • Amaro AvernaUS$14.00

                                • Amaro MontenegroUS$14.00

                                  • Amaro NoninoUS$17.00

                                    • AnisetteUS$12.00

                                      • AperolUS$12.00

                                        • CampariUS$13.00

                                          • Cocchi AmericanoUS$12.00

                                            • Disaronno AmarettoUS$12.00

                                              • Dom BenedictineUS$13.00

                                                • Fernet BrancaUS$12.00

                                                  Last updated: 7 February 2024

                                                  What 1,433 people are saying

                                                  Overall ratings and reviews

                                                  Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

                                                  4.4
                                                  4.4 based on recent ratings
                                                  • 4.3Food
                                                  • 4.6Service
                                                  • 4.6Ambience
                                                  • 3.9Value

                                                  Noise • Moderate

                                                  Loved For

                                                  • New Jersey

                                                    Most Booked 1000-Point Tables

                                                  • Essex

                                                    Great for fine wines

                                                  • Essex

                                                    Romantic

                                                  • Essex

                                                    Most Booked

                                                  Review summary

                                                  AI-generated from verified diner reviews
                                                  The Highlawn offers an exquisite dining experience with breathtaking views of the NYC skyline. Guests praise the "spectacular service," "phenomenal food," and "exceptional atmosphere." While some note areas for improvement, especially regarding service and pricing, the venue remains a cherished spot for special occasions, thanks to its stunning setting and attentive staff.

                                                  1,433 Reviews

                                                  1. Katherine

                                                    VIP

                                                    New York City

                                                    3 reviews

                                                    3.0

                                                    3 reviews

                                                    Dined today

                                                    1. Overall 3
                                                    2. Food 2
                                                    3. Service 5
                                                    4. Ambience 5
                                                    Food is overrated. Nothing was special. I wouldn’t come back.

                                                    Is this helpful?

                                                  2. Maryann

                                                    VIP

                                                    New York City

                                                    41 reviews

                                                    3.0

                                                    41 reviews

                                                    Dined 1 day ago

                                                    1. Overall 3
                                                    2. Food 2
                                                    3. Service 5
                                                    4. Ambience 5
                                                    Not a good evening for us. Our filet mignons were not cooked to our liking. They were sent back and they still were not cooked..  They did compensate us with dessert, but overall it was not a great experience.

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                                                  3. David

                                                    Charleston

                                                    2 reviews

                                                    2.0

                                                    2 reviews

                                                    Dined 2 days ago

                                                    1. Overall 2
                                                    2. Food 2
                                                    3. Service 3
                                                    4. Ambience 4
                                                    I felt the waiter was over worked and did not have time to really engage with questions about the food. The appetizers were good but the main course meat was just ok. The desert and coffee were of an ordinary quality. Not what I remember as the quality I have experienced at the Highlawn before. Maybe Christmas was just a stressful night.
                                                    The HighlawnResponded 1 day ago
                                                    Thanks for visiting us, David. We're sorry to hear that your experience didn't match your past experiences at The Highlawn. We always strive to provide a balance between attentive service and engaging with our guests. We're glad you enjoyed our appetizers, but we apologize for falling short on the main course and desert. We appreciate your feedback and will use it to improve. We hope you'll give us another chance to impress you in the future. Best, The Management Team

                                                    Is this helpful?

                                                  4. Christina

                                                    Denver

                                                    1 review

                                                    2.0

                                                    1 review

                                                    Dined 2 days ago

                                                    1. Overall 2
                                                    2. Food 2
                                                    3. Service 4
                                                    4. Ambience 4
                                                    Second time that we were disappointed with the food quality.

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                                                  5. Donna

                                                    VIP

                                                    New York City

                                                    19 reviews

                                                    1.0

                                                    19 reviews

                                                    Dined 2 days ago

                                                    1. Overall 1
                                                    2. Food 1
                                                    3. Service 1
                                                    4. Ambience 1
                                                    Worst experience!!! Very few employees working Service herrific 2 bartenders and one man was a server and bartended for the entire grill room! Waited 30 minutes for drinks ! Salad and sushi ok but when we finally got food cold ! Steak overcooked I specifically asked for scallops to be carmelized!! Bartender did write it down but they came out cold and pale? I also asked for them not to be put in a bed of squash which no one listen to either No music until we complained then in and off with commercials ! Saw woman in ladies room Who was having a party in the wine room she said absolutely awful?? I don’t know what’s going on there but a lot of people we knew have a quick I must say Danny the manager took very good care of us and was running Over the restaurant helping in every area! We have spent many holidays there never had such an awful experience don’t plan on returning until they get their act together thank you

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                                                  6. Daniel

                                                    VIP

                                                    New York City

                                                    8 reviews

                                                    5.0

                                                    8 reviews

                                                    Dined 5 days ago

                                                    1. Overall 5
                                                    2. Food 5
                                                    3. Service 5
                                                    4. Ambience 5
                                                    Food was fantastic!! Waiter was very informative and attentive. Would. highly recommend this restaurant!!
                                                    The HighlawnResponded 1 day ago
                                                    Thank you for joining us; it was our pleasure to host you. We thank you for taking the time to leave us a review. Your feedback is most appreciated and welcomed. We look forward to seeing you again! Very best, Laine Facatselis HL Assistant General Manager

                                                    Is this helpful?

                                                  7. Elizabeth

                                                    VIP

                                                    New York City

                                                    13 reviews

                                                    3.0

                                                    13 reviews

                                                    Dined 5 days ago

                                                    1. Overall 3
                                                    2. Food 3
                                                    3. Service 3
                                                    4. Ambience 3
                                                    Server took a while to come over & introduce himself, drinks took 45 min. Apps came out before drinks. Duck carbanara was bland, tasted like pasta water. Server took it off the bill. No gentle background music. View was nice. Save your money. Overrated “fine dining”, didn’t feel special at all.
                                                    The HighlawnResponded 1 day ago
                                                    Thank you for your feedback; I am very sorry to hear about your unsatisfactory dining experience with us. We can assure you that our aim, day by day, is to create an unforgettable and satisfactory experience for every guest. Please provide us with an email so that a member of our management team can be in contact with you shortly. Very best, Laine Facatselis HL Assistant General Manager

                                                    Is this helpful?

                                                  8. Tim

                                                    VIP

                                                    New York City

                                                    40 reviews

                                                    5.0

                                                    40 reviews

                                                    Dined 5 days ago

                                                    1. Overall 5
                                                    2. Food 5
                                                    3. Service 5
                                                    4. Ambience 5
                                                    Just a fabulous evening, photos of friends and family in an exquisitely decorated fairytale setting, excellent food, picturesque views of NYC and Northern New Jersey, really a treat and a top restaurant hitting all high marks!
                                                    The HighlawnResponded 1 day ago
                                                    Thank you for joining us; it was our pleasure to host you. We thank you for taking the time to leave us a review. Your feedback is most appreciated and welcomed. We look forward to seeing you again! Very best, Laine Facatselis HL Assistant General Manager

                                                    Is this helpful?

                                                  9. Bob

                                                    Washington DC

                                                    3 reviews

                                                    5.0

                                                    3 reviews

                                                    Dined on 18 December 2024

                                                    1. Overall 5
                                                    2. Food 5
                                                    3. Service 5
                                                    4. Ambience 5
                                                    Simply one of the best places in New Jersey ! Another amazing job.
                                                    The HighlawnResponded today
                                                    Thank you for joining us; it was our pleasure to host you. We look forward to seeing you again! Very best, Laine Facatselis HL Assistant General Manager

                                                    Is this helpful?

                                                  10. OpenTable Diner

                                                    New York City

                                                    4 reviews

                                                    4.0

                                                    4 reviews

                                                    Dined on 15 December 2024

                                                    1. Overall 4
                                                    2. Food 4
                                                    3. Service 5
                                                    4. Ambience 5
                                                    Brunch with Santa was a hit with our family. Santa was engaging & entertaining. My five year old loved him! Food and ambiance are always special at the Highlawn
                                                    The HighlawnResponded 1 day ago
                                                    Thank you for joining us; it was our pleasure to host you. We thank you for taking the time to leave us a review. Your feedback is most appreciated and welcomed. We look forward to seeing you again! Very best, Laine Facatselis HL Assistant General Manager

                                                    Is this helpful?

                                                  FAQs

                                                  The Highlawn is rated 4.4 stars by 1433 OpenTable diners.

                                                  Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

                                                  Make a booking

                                                  2 people
                                                  19:00
                                                  Booked 31 times today
                                                  Google Map for The Highlawn

                                                  1 Crest Dr, West Orange, NJ 07052

                                                  Additional information

                                                  • Area
                                                    West Orange
                                                  • Hours of Operation
                                                    Brunch Sun 11:30–15:00 Bar Tue–Sun 16:00–23:00 Dinner Tue, Wed 17:00–21:00 Thu–Sun 17:00–22:00
                                                  • Price
                                                    $31 to $50
                                                  • Cuisines
                                                    American, Steakhouse, Italian
                                                  • Dining style
                                                    Fine Dining
                                                  • Dress code
                                                    Business Casual
                                                  • Parking details
                                                    Valet
                                                  • Additional
                                                    Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Chef's Table, Entertainment, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, View
                                                  • Website
                                                    http://www.highlawn.com/
                                                  • Phone number
                                                    (973) 731-3463
                                                  • Catering
                                                    Built into the Watchung Mountain Ridge of West Orange’s Eagle Rock Reservation, the Wine Cellar is a venue like no other for private events, corporate functions, tastings, and celebrations. The event space hosts 15-65 guests and is the ideal setting for any gathering.
                                                  • Private party facilities
                                                    The Skyline Ballroom features the most iconic panoramic views of New York City—anywhere. The event space hosts up to 200 guests and is the perfect setting for receptions of any kind
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