Hearthside, Collingswood, NJ: A Restaurant Review
Hearthside: An inventive wood-fired contemporary American restaurant
with rustic, elegant ambiance
Prestigious "Best Restaurant" Recognition
Awarded to establishments earning 3 stars or higher for culinary excellence, service, and overall dining experience.
Hearthside: Restaurant Highlights
Fare: Contemporary American
Price: Expensive
Food Quality:Excellent. Uses fresh local and seasonal products. Many of the dishes are cooked over an oak wood fire
Service:Friendly, knowledgeable, and attentive.
Ambiance:Rustic, yet elegant. The centerpiece is the open kitchen with the soft glow from the wood-burning oven and grill emanating throughout the dining area.
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
Dress: Casual
Recommended For: Diners who enjoy a well-executed menu with inventive dishes set in a rustic, elegant atmosphere.
Not Recommended For: Budget conscious diners who prefer a casual, traditional family style menu
Recommended dishes: When available, The Whole Roasted Bronzino with artichokes, mint, olives, chili butter, and white wine; The Lamb Chop with black lentils, kale saag, and crispy lamb belly; and the 30 day dry-aged porterhouse with mixed mushrooms, leeks, and crispy potatoes.
Liquor: BYOB
Nestled in Collingswood, Hearthside is a refined BYOB destination where Chef Dominic Piperno and his wife Lindsay craft an unforgettable dining experience.
Blending rustic charm with modern elegance, the restaurant showcases inventive wood-fired contemporary American cuisine, anchored by a commitment to hyper-seasonal, locally sourced ingredients.
A graduate of The Culinary School in Chianti, Italy, Chef Piperno refined his skills at Philadelphia’s Vernick Food & Drink (rising to sous-chef under Greg Vernick) and Collingswood’s Zeppoli.
His menu—divided into Small, Pasta, Large, and From The Hearth—celebrates the oak-fired hearth with dry-aged steaks, seafood, and artful pasta dishes (notably, pizza is absent). Diners are advised to order all courses upfront, allowing the kitchen to orchestrate a seamless, unhurried meal.
The 48-seat space revolves around an open kitchen, where the amber glow of the wood-fired oven illuminates a dining room adorned with reclaimed wood beams, brick accents, and floor-to-ceiling windows. Smoke-glass pendant lights and cherry wood tables with plush banquettes or chef’s counter seating enhance the warm, intimate atmosphere.
Cleverly designed triangular ceiling beams double as sound buffers, ensuring conversation-friendly acoustics. In warmer months, the space expands to an outdoor patio with heated floors, ideal for al fresco dining.
Every detail reflects Hearthside’s dedication to excellence, from locally made Collingswood-scented candles in the bathrooms to the curated absence of highchairs (the restaurant caters to adults seeking a refined evening). Reservations are essential, particularly on weekends.
Hearthside marries culinary artistry with atmospheric sophistication, making it a standout in South Jersey’s dining scene.
Hours: Dinner served Tuesday–Saturday; closed Sunday and Monday.
Updated: January 2025
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