Cafe Matisse, Rutherford, NJ: A Restaurant Review
Prestigious "Best Restaurant" Recognition
Awarded to establishments earning 3 stars or higher for culinary excellence, service, and overall dining experience.
Cafe Matisse ---- a destination restaurant for upscale fine dining and a great place to celebrate a special occasion or for an intimate romantic occasion.
Cafe Matisse: Restaurant Highlights
Fare: Eclectic / Int'l
Price: Very Expensive
Food Quality: Outstanding. Serves a well executed, eclectic menu and prepared using high quality local and seasonal ingredients.
Service: Professional, attentive, without being intrusive
Ambiance/Decor: Elegant, has an air of sophistication and romance.
Overall Rating: 3 1/2 Stars
Note: Four star Rating System from 1/2 Star = poor to 4 stars= Best in Class
Noise Level: Moderate, high during peak times
Dress: Upscale Casual
Recommended For: Diners who enjoy a top rated, special occasion restaurant and are willing to pay more for the experience.
Not Recommended For: Budget conscious diners who prefer traditional, casual family style restaurants.
Liquor: BYOB, If you forgot to bring your own, there is a wine shop on site with assistance to choose the wine to accompany your meal
Nestled within a restored 19th-century horse-and-buggy firehouse, Café Matisse stands as a pinnacle of upscale fine dining in New Jersey, offering an intimate, adults-only escape perfect for romantic evenings or milestone celebrations.
While the restaurant forgoes a traditional bar, its focus on refined cuisine, artistry, and meticulous service cements its status as a destination worthy of its acclaim.
The restaurant pays homage to its namesake, Henri Matisse, through vibrant wall art, plush seating, and Murano glass chandeliers that cast a warm glow across two distinct dining spaces: the jewel-toned main room exudes timeless elegance, while the Moroccan-inspired front room adds an exotic flair.
During warmer months, the Garden Patio enchants with lush greenery and fountains. Winter transforms the garden into a magical realm with private heated igloos, —a cozy retreat for 2–6 guests.
Executive Chef Greg Power crafts a rotating prix-fixe menu (4 courses Wed–Sun; 3 courses available Wed/Thurs/Sun) that highlights locally sourced ingredients with creative precision. Diners can expect artfully plated dishes that balance innovation and tradition, while vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free preferences are gracefully accommodated with advance notice.
Attentive staff elevate the experience with welcoming, attentive service and their dedication to detail.
Indulge in a sensory journey where culinary artistry and romantic ambiance converge at Café Matisse—a destination designed to linger in memory long after the final course.
Hours: Dinner served Wednesday–Sunday.
Note: The sophisticated atmosphere is tailored for adults; children are not recommended.
Updated: February 2025
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