Hearthside, Collingswood, NJ: A Restaurant Review

Hearthside is an extraordinary Collingswood BYOB restaurant offering well executed, inventive wood-fired contemporary American dishes with a rustic, elegant ambiance.

Hearthside is owned and operated by Chef Dominic Piperno and his wife Lindsay.

Chef Piperno received his formal culinary training at The Culinary School in Chianti, Italy. He later honed his culinary skills at Joey Baldino's Zeppoli in Collingswood, and later under acclaimed chef Greg Vernick at Vernick Food & Drink in Philadelphia, where he rose to become sous-chef.

Chef Piperno is committed to using fresh local and seasonal products. Many of the dishes are cooked over an oak wood fire resulting in inspired, creative dishes

The seasonally changing menu is divided into four parts, Small, Pasta, Large, & From The Hearth. The menu is well-executed, creative with a commitment to using local sourced ingredients. Dishes include a selection of dry-aged steaks, chicken, and seafood cooked over a wood-fired oven and grill, plus several pasta dishes --- but no Pizza!

Diners are encouraged to place your entire order at the onset (except desserts)

The design of the restaurant has been carefully undertaken to create a rustic, yet elegant vibe to the dining room.

The centerpiece of this 48-seat restaurant is the open kitchen with the soft glow from the wood-burning oven and grill emanating throughout the dining area. The smoke glass globes hanging from the ceilings enhances the warm glow. Wooden beams suspended from the ceiling in a triangular pattern also serve as soundproofing and control of the noise level. The interior is done up with floor-to-ceiling windows, and brick, and wood accents.

Tables are constructed of cherry wood with seating arranged in comfortable banquettes and cushioned chairs. There is also seating around a communal table and the chef's counter.

In the warmer months there is outdoor seating when they open their floor-to-ceiling windows. They also have heated floors on their front patio area

Hearthside is focused on paying attention to detail that contribute to it being a top restaurant operation, as an example, adding locally made Collingswood scented candles in the bathrooms.

Not recommended for children.

Reservations are necessary, especially for Friday and Saturday evenings

Hearthside is open for dinner five days/week, Closed on Sunday, Monday.

(updated: December 2024)