The Metuchen Inn
“Constantine, Victor and Rob at the bar will ensure a great dining experience for you.”
“While we couldn't afford to visit weekly we will visit again for another special occasion.”
“I still remember that the Osso Bucco was so tender and went very well the the risotto it was served with.”
The Metuchen Inn
Takes Reservations: Yes
Take-out: Yes
Accepts Credit Cards: Yes
Bike Parking: Yes
Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
Good for Groups: Yes
Has TV: Yes
Waiter Service: Yes
Caters: Yes
Price range.
$$$ Price range $31-60
3 reviews
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The husband and I made reservations for an anniversary dinner on a recent Saturday night. We wanted a great meal in a romantic setting and based on reviews and pictures thought we found it. We did. We pulled into the lot only to discover it was valet parking only. The husband grumbled as he feels perfectly adequate parking our car, but the valet was nice and reminded us that we were at a fancy restaurant. Once inside we were greeted by the host who took my coat and looked up our Open Table reservation. We were quickly brought to our table. Too bad we didn't get here just a bit early as the bar area seemed nice and I would have liked to check it out a bit. Our table was in a small room with four other tables. There was a small fake fireplace that set a nice mood for a romantic dinner. The tables were spaced perfectly to make us feel cozy yet private. Our server was good, not great, not bad, but good. He didn't really talk or smile. Our vodka clubs were well poured, as they should be for $12 each (a little pricey). In retrospect, buying a bottle of wine would have been a better idea. The food is amazing, from presentation to flavor. We started out with the scallop appetizer for $14 which was 2 scallops on a bed of butternut squash. They were amazing and the price for that quality seems about right. I had a special, Alaskan Halibut with lobster risotto for $34. Yes, it was as good as it sounds! The husband had the rack of lamb for $36, perfectly cooked and portioned. The portions were reasonable. We both had a dessert; he the Apple Strudel, me the Caribbean one with chocolate and coconut. Both were awesome and completely shareable, but hey it was our anniversary and we enjoyed them. Understand we listed our prices because other reviews reference the cost vs quality. The menu items are well priced for the great quality of the food. While we couldn't afford to visit weekly we will visit again for another special occasion.
I grew up in the town of Metuchen yet previous to Monday I had never stepped inside the Metuchen Inn. Actually this is a fairly new incarnation of the Metuchen Inn as the old building burned down within the last few years. I don't know why it had taken me this long to go. Probably due to the fact that it is a bit on the spendy side, but I was treating some people to dinner on this night and wanted something nice and this was the first place that came to mind. Why not? You can't take it with you.
The people I took hadn't been here since the old building burned down. When I asked why they hadn't been back for so long the reason was that others that had been here since they reopened said the menu seemed limited and the food was only so so. If someone gives you those reasons for not coming here they are very very wrong. The menu is definitely not limited and the food was pretty damn amazing if my opinion is to be believed.
As far as the menu goes, there are close to 20 different choices. Fish, meat, chicken and pastas are represented very well. Along with that they have a few daily specials of which 2 of our party ordered.
We started out with the Panzanella Salad. Fresh mozzarella cheese, tomatoes, black olives, beets and probably a few other things in a beautiful dressing. Very fresh as I imagine the ingredients are local. Tomatoes are a Jersey thing. Onto the main dish.
After looking at the menu and realizing I could eat everything on it I chose the Dayboat Scallops. I had just read an article about how scallops had been over-fished in NJ, but within the last few years they have been coming back. That is good news. Especially good news here as I have to go on record and say these were some of the best scallops I have ever had in my life. I wish I took a picture of the menu as I can't seem to find a very current one online. I don't remember what the sauce was that they used, but whatever it was it was amazing. The scallops came along with asparagus and mushrooms as well as some of the creamiest and lightest mashed potatoes I have ever had. Mashed potatoes can be heavy and rib-sticking, but these were the exact opposite of that. This whole dish was unbelievably good.
Some extras that came out of this meal that you don't normally see that I made a mental note about. The rolls that came out had rosemary in them. Along with the rolls came a tray that had not only butter but also olive oil and black olives. Two in our party had coffee at the end of the night and each cup came with a biscotti. These little extras took the meal to another level. That is the sign of a good restaurant.
Now the Metuchen Inn is on my radar. Obviously you can tell I quite enjoyed the meal. One of the best total meals I have had in a long time.
Metuchen Inn is an okay restaurant – the owner is really nice and tries really hard but I think his staff is overwhelmed and the food is okay but not fantastic. The restaurant itself is really nice, there are also private rooms available if you want to host an event. The parking situation is a disaster – they have a valet but even during weeknights it's not enough, the guy is rude and you have to wait. The food is okay, it's decent actually but way overpriced. The problem is that there are not many other options for "nice" restaurants in that area.