Chez Catherine, Westfield, NJ: A Restaurant Review

Chez Catherine, Westfield, NJ, A restaurant review

Chez Catherine:  A go to restaurant for high quality French cuisine


Chez Catherine
431 North Ave.
Westfield, NJ

Best NJ Restaurant

Prestigious "Best Restaurant" Recognition
Awarded to establishments earning 3 stars or higher for culinary excellence, service, and overall dining experience.

Chez Catherine: Restaurant Highlights

Fare: Classic French

Price: Very Expensive

Food Quality: Serves a well executed, artfully presented seasonally changing menu using quality seasonal ingredients; committed to using local, farm - to - table, fresh ingredients when available.

Service: Professional, knowledgeable, and attentive. Guests are welcomed by the warm, engaging maître d' Robert Madden

Ambiance: A small 12 table dining room with elegant, formal, cozy, romantic ambiance

Overall Rating: 3 1/2 Stars --- One of the best French restaurants in New Jersey

Note: Four-star Rating System from no stars = poor to 4 stars = Best in Class

Noise Level: Moderate

Dress: Upscale casual

Recommended For: Diners who enjoy high end French cuisine complemented by special occasion, fine dining amenities.

Not Recommended For: Limited budget diners who prefer simpler food in a less upscale, casual setting.

Recommended dishes: When available, The Filet Mignon Beurre Cardinal Pan Seared Filet Mignon, Tomato Butter, and Fingerling Potatoe; The Sole de Douvres Meunière Dover Sole, Lemon and Brown Butter Sauce, Table Side Preparation Supplement; and The Magret de Canard aux Mûres Duck Breast, Blackberry Port Reduction, and Rice Pilaf

Liquor: Full service bar with an extensive wine selection

Chez Catherine offers one of the most authentic French dining experiences in New Jersey, making it a sought-after destination for special occasions and fine dining enthusiasts.

This esteemed restaurant is co-owned by Stephan Bocket and Michael Cowan, delivering an elevated culinary experience rooted in classic French traditions.

Stephan Bocket, a seasoned hospitality professional and former Maître d’hôtel, has worked alongside renowned chefs, including Chef Alain Ducasse, in both Paris and New York.

The kitchen is helmed by Executive Chef Christine Migton, a Culinary Institute of America graduate who earned her Bachelor of Professional Studies in 2007 with honors. Chef Migton refined her craft at esteemed establishments such as A Toute Heure Bistro in Cranford, The Grand Cafe in Morristown, Stage Left, and Catherine Lombardi in New Brunswick before joining Chez Catherine as sous chef. She was promoted to Executive Chef in March 2017.

Chef Migton curates a seasonal menu that showcases expertly crafted, artfully presented dishes, emphasizing high-quality, farm-to-table ingredients whenever possible.

Chez Catherine’s intimate 12-table dining room exudes elegance, romance, and warmth. The peach-toned walls, refined décor, and exquisite floral arrangements create a sophisticated yet cozy ambiance, making it an ideal setting for a special occasion or an intimate dinner for two.

Owner Stephan Bocket remains an attentive presence in the dining room, ensuring every guest enjoys a flawless experience. His engaging personality and charming French accent add to the restaurant’s welcoming atmosphere.

Chez Catherine is not recommended for children.

Hours of Operation: Lunch: Tuesday – Friday, Dinner: Tuesday – Saturday, Closed: Sunday & Monday (except major holidays)

Chez Catherine is open on Thanksgiving Day, offering a special holiday menu featuring traditional turkey preparations.

Guests can take advantage of free off-street parking conveniently located next to the restaurant.

Updated January 2025

How We Review Restaurants?

Our Restaurant Rating Criteria to Ensure Minimum Subjective Evaluation