The Highlawn, West Orange, NJ:
A Restaurant Review
Prestigious "Best Restaurant" Recognition
Awarded to establishments earning 3 stars or higher for culinary excellence, service, and overall dining experience.
The Highlawn: Restaurant Highlights
Fare: New American
Price: Expensive
Food Quality: Well-executed inspirational, approachable menu.
Service: Professional, well trained, and attentive
Ambiance/Decor: Upscale, with stunning scenic views of the New York City skyline and Eagle Rock Park.
Overall Rating: 3 Stars
Note: Four star Rating System from 1/2 Star = poor to 4 stars = Best in Class
Noise Level: Moderate - High
Dress: Upscale Casual
Recommended For: Diners who enjoy creative well prepared American food in an upscale destination restaurant with scenic skyline views.
Not Recommended For: Budget minded diners who prefer casual dining in a less formal setting with lower menu prices and larger food portions.
Recommended dishes: When available, The Signature Slow Roasted Boneless prime cut; The Miyazaki prime sirloin steak; The roasted Branzino; and the 24-hour Bolognese
Liquor: Broad selection of wines and specialty cocktails. Bar scene is vibrant.
Nestled in Northern New Jersey, The Highlawn stands as a premier dining destination, combining breathtaking views of the Manhattan skyline with expertly crafted American cuisine.
Housed in a meticulously restored turn-of-the-century Florentine-style pavilion, the restaurant blends European elegance with modern charm, offering an inviting yet sophisticated atmosphere. Since its acquisition by the Frungillo family in 2021—renowned stewards of historic upscale venues—The Highlawn has undergone extensive renovations, emerging as a refined yet approachable spot for celebrations, romantic evenings, or impressing out-of-town guests.
The expansive dining room, framed by floor-to-ceiling windows, showcases uninterrupted vistas of New York City, though its lively ambiance may call for requesting a window-side table for quieter moments. In warmer months, the patio invites guests to savor seasonal dishes under the stars, with Eagle Rock Park and the skyline as a backdrop.
Leading the kitchen is Culinary Director and Executive Chef Will Prunty, a Culinary Institute of America alum whose resume includes stints at New York City’s Bouley and Liam, Brooklyn’s Frankies Spuntino and Prime Meats, and Basking Ridge’s former Ciao.
His menu balances innovation and familiarity, spotlighting prime dry-aged meats cooked on a hybrid wood-and-charcoal Argentinian grill—a technique that imparts nuanced flavors, distinguishing it from traditional steakhouses. Dishes are artfully plated, reflecting both precision and creativity.
Embracing an upscale-casual vibe, The Highlawn has relaxed its dress code while maintaining its commitment to excellence.
Open five nights a week (closed Monday and Tuesday), it also welcomes guests on major holidays, including Valentine’s Day, Easter, Mother’s Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Eve.
Updated: February 2025
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