Brasserie Memere, A Closter, NJ Restaurant Review
Brasserie Memere: Restaurant Highlights
Fare: Classic French Bistro
Price: Moderate - Expensive (Reasonably priced)
Food Quality: Well executed menu, using high quality ingredients, prepared with care to not overwhelm the presence of seasonal ingredients.
Service: Professional, well trained, customer focused.
Ambiance/Decor: Elegant, upscale, attractive French bistro vibe
Overall Rating: 3 stars
Note: Four-star Rating System from 1/2 stars = poor to Four stars = Best in Class
Noise Level: Moderate - High
Dress: Business casual
Recommended For: Diners who enjoy chef inspired dining in an attractive, vibrant, elegant setting.
Not Recommended For: Diners who prefer a low key, casual BYOB with traditional food.
Recommended dishes: When available, The Frog's Legs, The Confit de Canard, duck legs, and for Brunch, The Scramble du Jour.
Liquor: Full-service, vibrant bar with specialty signature cocktails, and an extensive wine list by the glass and by the bottle
Brasserie Memère, a cozy yet vibrant French brasserie, is the latest culinary venture from acclaimed restaurateur and Executive Chef Thomas Ciszak.
Celebrating unpretentious, classic French fare, this destination spot charms diners with its Gallic-inspired brunch, lunch, and dinner menus, all served in a lively, inviting atmosphere.
Named after Ciszak’s grandmother (Mémère meaning “grandma” in French), the 145-seat restaurant blends Parisian bistro charm with modern flair. Think white mosaic tile floors, wicker chairs, a striking 30-foot zinc bar, and large ceiling fans evoking a breezy European vibe.
In warmer months, the serene outdoor patio adds seating for 50, perfect for alfresco dining.
Ciszak teams up with Chef Kevin Takafuji to craft a menu of timeless Gallic dishes—think hearty, artfully presented classics with a refined touch. The duo’s expertise shines:
Chef Ciszak grew up in northwestern Germany, learning from his grandmother, a private chef. His career spans Michelin-starred German kitchens, NYC’s Tavern on the Green, and NJ staples like The Manor and Blue Morel.
Chef Takafuji, a French Culinary Institute alum trained under Daniel Boulud and Eric Ripert, oversees daily menus and an on-site bakery producing flaky croissants, crusty baguettes, and decadent pastries.
The menu honors French tradition with dishes like coq au vin and steak frites, while the bakery counter offers fresh-baked delights. Service is polished yet warm, with a staff that’s knowledgeable and attentive without hovering.
Open Wednesday–Monday for lunch and dinner; closed Tuesday
Don’t miss the retail bakery for take-home treats.
A love letter to French comfort food and familial roots, Brasserie Memère is a must-visit for those craving authenticity with a dash of elegance.
(Updated: January 2025)
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