618 Restaurant, Freehold, NJ: A Dining Review

618 Restaurant is one of the best Central Jersey restaurants. It is a fresh alternative to the many mediocre BYOBs and franchise restaurants in the area. 

618‘s high rating is achieved by hitting all the important restaurant marks for food quality, ambiance/decor, service, and noise comfort level.

This is where diners come to enjoy a creative American menu with healthy food options in an attractive, trendy, rustic atmosphere with a vibrant well-stocked, handsome bar. It's a popular spot to celebrate a special occasion, or for meeting up with friends and family for drinks and dinner, and for celebrating a romantic occasion.

Opened in November 2016, 618 Restaurant is the creation of Matt Borowski, and part owner/Executive Chef Christopher Dutka.

Chef Dutka honed his culinary skills at Whole Foods Market as a Prepared Foods Team Leader and at several restaurants in Florida including the highly-rated Marina Cafe in Destin, FL.

In April 2018, Chef Dutka appeared at The James Beard House in NYC as Jersey Spring Fling guest chef. The famous James Beard House regularly hosts dinners prepared by culinary masters from all regions of the United States and around the world.

The team at 618 is hands-on and on target with the latest trends in New Jersey restaurants.

They are committed to serving the freshest food from local sources when available, complemented by shipped-in quality ingredients. No "Old World" menu, or ambiance.

Chef Dutka serves a seasonally changing menu with inspirational dishes prepared using fresh, locally sourced produce and seafood, and meats sourced from quality purveyors.
Produce is locally sourced, farm to table, from Beyond Organic Growers in Freehold, NJ who use vertical, aeroponic tower technology going beyond organic to produce fresh and non-GMO fruits and vegetables.

Seafood is shipped daily from Trinity Seafood in Lakewood. Meats are sourced from Pat LaFrieda Meat Purveyors, known for their aged prime and choice grade beef, from antibiotic and hormone-free Black Angus Steers, raised on small, family-owned farms.

Most of the menu items are prepared from "Scratch" --- meaning that the food has not undergone significant modification, including being heated, marinated, assembled, or a combination of those procedures. 618 Restaurant has no freezers.

Organic gluten-free, and other healthy items can often be found on the menu.

To enjoy the true experience of the Chef's cooking skills and the use of the freshest ingredients, order one of the daily specials.

Save room for homemade desserts, their signature dish, the warm sticky toffee cake with sea salt and orange-whipped mascarpone is outstanding.

Do not be put off by the plain exterior that gives little hint of what is inside. Once entered you will be surprised to find attractive, modern rustic decor with high exposed ceilings, magnificent hanging rustic candle crystal chandeliers, and exposed brick walls. A feature of the interior is the handsome bar at the entrance of the dining area. The 20+ seat rectangular bar overlooks walls of exposed brick lined with bottles of wine and spirits and soft rustic hanging lamps.

The dining area tables are set with cordless soft-lit table lamps and spaced comfortably apart for non-intrusive conversation.

For that added touch to its romantic vibe, the noise level is ideal with contemporary background music kept to a comfortable level for quiet intimate conversation.

Service is professional, well trained, with a good knowledge of the menu, friendly, and attentive without being intrusive.

Private party dining is available for both small and large events with three private party rooms for up to 170 guests.
The Oak Room can accommodate up to 50 guests. The walls are adorned with a beautifully painted mural, greenery, & brick, and a private bar with floral accents.
The All Seasons Room can accommodate up to 70 guests. This room gives off a romantic, yet modern vibe. Features large windows, brick walls, lots of greenery, beautiful large chandeliers and a cozy fireplace.
The Banquet Room can accommodate 50-170 guests. Located on the second floor with a private entrance. it features cozy fireplaces, accent and string lighting hung throughout, a large bar, an in-house speaker system, a dance floor, private restrooms, and a large media screen.

Convenient onsite parking is available.

618 Restaurant is open six days/week: Tuesday - Sunday

Reservations are recommended, especially on Friday & Saturday Evenings.

Updated September 2024