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The Highlawn, West Orange, NJ

The Highlawn

4.4
4.4
1424 Reviews
$31 to $50
American

Make a booking

2 people
7:00 pm
Booked 8 times today
Experiences are available.
  • Great for scenic views
  • Good for special occasions
  • Fancy
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 am–3:00 pm Bar Tue–Sun 4:00 pm–11:00 pm Dinner Tue, Wed 5:00 pm–9:00 pm Thu–Sun 5:00 pm–10:00 pm
  • 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

Experiences

  • Christmas Pre Fixe Menu

    25 Dec 2024 only
    The best place to celebrate Christmas is at The Highlawn with the most friendly staff and the best food around town. Our New Chef is bringing all the Holiday Cheer. Christmas Day in the restaurant will be a pre-fix Christmas Dinner from 11-6 pm for $145 per adult and $45 per kid (not including beverages, taxes, and gratuity). Menu Options will be Choice of Smoked Salmon & Horseradish Crostini Roasted Cauliflower Veloute Butter Poached Crab Leg Entree Selection Dover Sole Roasted Free Range Chicken Prime Rib Dessert Buche Noel Children Menu Selection Highlawn Cheese Pizza Chicken Fingers & French Fries Spaghetti & Meatballs Penne & Butter Brioche French Toast Assorted Christmas Cookies
    Christmas Pre Fixe Menu photo

  • Christmas Dinner Buffet

    25 Dec 2024 only
    The best place to celebrate Christmas is at The Highlawn with the most friendly staff and the best food around town. Our New Chef is bringing all the Holiday Cheer. Please join us for our Christmas Buffet $85/ per person excluding gratuity & taxes. Children 10 & under $45/per person. Children 3 & under are free of charge. For party sizes 12 and over, please call the restaurant for reservations at (973) 731-3463. Please note price does not include beverages, taxes & gratuity. Buffet Menu SALAD Caesar or Mixed Green CHARCUTERIE TABLE PASTAS Wild Mushroom ravioli Penne Vodka CARVING: Turkey Prime rib FISH Fennel Salmon CHICKEN Chicken Francese SIDES Garlic Mashed Potatoes Roasted Asparagus Maple Carrots DESSERT Mini Pastries Cookies Cakes
    Christmas Dinner Buffet photo

Menu

Highlawn Desserts

  • Blueberry Almond CrumbleUSD 18.00

    Amaretto Sabayon, Toasted Almond Ice Cream

    • Lemon Ricotta CheesecakeUSD 18.00

      Pistachio Sponge, Candied Kumquats, Mascarpone Mousse, Pistachio Tuile

      • Salted Butterscotch Crème BrûléeUSD 18.00

        Popcorn & Pretzel Cracker Jack

        • Chocolate Olive Oil TorteUSD 18.00

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

          • Cinna Bun Bread PuddingUSD 18.00

            Cream Cheese Anglaise, Cinnamon Crunch Ice Cream

            • The Highlawn SundaeUSD 20.00

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

              Coffee & Tea

              • Assorted TeasUSD 5.25

                • CappuccinoUSD 6.25

                  • Decaffeinated CoffeeUSD 4.25

                    • Decaffeinated EspressoUSD 4.25

                      • EspressoUSD 4.25

                        • LatteUSD 6.25

                          • Regular CoffeeUSD 4.25

                            Dessert Cocktail

                            • Gigi's Espresso-TiniUSD 18.00

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

                              Apéritif & Digestif (2oz Pours)

                              • Amaro AvernaUSD 14.00

                                • Amaro MontenegroUSD 14.00

                                  • Amaro NoninoUSD 17.00

                                    • AnisetteUSD 12.00

                                      • AperolUSD 12.00

                                        • CampariUSD 13.00

                                          • Cocchi AmericanoUSD 12.00

                                            • Disaronno AmarettoUSD 12.00

                                              • Dom BenedictineUSD 13.00

                                                • Fernet BrancaUSD 12.00

                                                  Last updated: 7 February 2024

                                                  What 1,424 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.

                                                  1,424 Reviews

                                                  1. Bob

                                                    Washington DC

                                                    3 reviews

                                                    5.0

                                                    3 reviews

                                                    Dined 3 days ago

                                                    1. Overall 5
                                                    2. Food 5
                                                    3. Service 5
                                                    4. Ambience 5
                                                    Simply one of the best places in New Jersey ! Another amazing job.

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                                                  2. Andrea

                                                    VIP

                                                    New York City

                                                    1 review

                                                    3.0

                                                    1 review

                                                    Dined 6 days ago

                                                    1. Overall 3
                                                    2. Food 2
                                                    3. Service 5
                                                    4. Ambience 5
                                                    We went to this event last year and it was great. This year the food was not as good and they cut back on many things especially when it came to the food. Unfortunately we will not be going back to the Santa Brunch event.

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                                                  3. Ruthy

                                                    New York City

                                                    5 reviews

                                                    5.0

                                                    5 reviews

                                                    Dined 7 days ago

                                                    1. Overall 5
                                                    2. Food 5
                                                    3. Service 5
                                                    4. Ambience 5
                                                    We were a party of 4 for dinner and the food and service were amazing! It was a little loud for our friends an older couple but nonetheless we enjoyed our experience and highly recommend the place.

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                                                  4. robert

                                                    VIP

                                                    New York City

                                                    84 reviews

                                                    3.0

                                                    84 reviews

                                                    Dined 7 days ago

                                                    1. Overall 3
                                                    2. Food 3
                                                    3. Service 5
                                                    4. Ambience 2
                                                    Our experience was just ok. Not terrible not wonderful. The majority of window seats were reserved for large parties so getting one was impossible. The line about you can see the view from the mirrors was really annoying. Our server was outstanding. We never felt rushed on a busy night. Food is just mediocre. My son in law loved the duck but the pasta dishes had very little flavor.

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                                                  5. Evan

                                                    Washington DC

                                                    1 review

                                                    3.0

                                                    1 review

                                                    Dined on 10 December 2024

                                                    1. Overall 3
                                                    2. Food 2
                                                    3. Service 2
                                                    4. Ambience 4
                                                    Food was unfortunately below expectations in flavor. The wrong food was served to us for our apps and the waiter questioned why we were saying it was a different menu item. Overall disappointed with the experience for the price

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                                                  6. Martha

                                                    Pittsburgh

                                                    6 reviews

                                                    5.0

                                                    6 reviews

                                                    Dined on 10 December 2024

                                                    1. Overall 5
                                                    2. Food 5
                                                    3. Service 5
                                                    4. Ambience 5
                                                    The pre fixed lunch menu was delicious. It felt a bit restrictive but the food was executed perfectly.

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                                                  7. Tom

                                                    New York City

                                                    2 reviews

                                                    4.0

                                                    2 reviews

                                                    Dined on 8 December 2024

                                                    1. Overall 4
                                                    2. Food 5
                                                    3. Service 3
                                                    4. Ambience 4
                                                    Beautiful ambience. Decorated wonderfully for the Christmas season. Food was outstanding. A really rewarding holiday family experience.

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                                                  8. carolec

                                                    New York City

                                                    3 reviews

                                                    4.0

                                                    3 reviews

                                                    Dined on 8 December 2024

                                                    1. Overall 4
                                                    2. Food 5
                                                    3. Service 5
                                                    4. Ambience 5
                                                    Lovely Santa Brunch - great for the season. Bit pricey - but super festive and we got to see SANTA!
                                                    The HighlawnResponded on 11 December 2024
                                                    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

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                                                  9. Donna

                                                    VIP

                                                    New York City

                                                    18 reviews

                                                    4.0

                                                    18 reviews

                                                    Dined on 8 December 2024

                                                    1. Overall 4
                                                    2. Food 3
                                                    3. Service 4
                                                    4. Ambience 4
                                                    Being totallyhonest food lacked flavor! My fettuccine bolognese needed salt and tney never offered cheese? I feel the food last year was outstanding? Very disappointed but will try again

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                                                  10. Diana

                                                    New York City

                                                    12 reviews

                                                    4.0

                                                    12 reviews

                                                    Dined on 7 December 2024

                                                    1. Overall 4
                                                    2. Food 4
                                                    3. Service 5
                                                    4. Ambience 5
                                                    We celebrated a milestone birthday and The Highlawn was everything we wanted it to be. A wonderful place for a special occasion.
                                                    The HighlawnResponded on 11 December 2024
                                                    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 1424 OpenTable diners.

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

                                                  Make a booking

                                                  2 people
                                                  7:00 pm
                                                  Booked 8 times today
                                                  Experiences are available.
                                                  Google Map for The Highlawn

                                                  1 Crest Dr, West Orange, NJ 07052

                                                  Additional information

                                                  • Area
                                                    West Orange
                                                  • Hours of Operation
                                                    Brunch Sun 11:30 am–3:00 pm Bar Tue–Sun 4:00 pm–11:00 pm Dinner Tue, Wed 5:00 pm–9:00 pm Thu–Sun 5:00 pm–10:00 pm
                                                  • 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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