Rat's Restaurant, Hamilton, NJ: A Dining Review

Rat's Restaurant, Hamilton, NJ, A restaurant review

Rat’s Restaurant: A Fairytale Escape in Central New Jersey




Rat's Restaurant
16 Fairgrounds Rd.
Hamilton, NJ

Best NJ Restaurant

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

Rat's:  Restaurant Highlights

Fare: French

Price: Very Expensive

Food Quality: Excellent. Well-executed, artfully presented, and prepared using seasonal, fresh ingredients.

Service: Professional, attentive, without being intrusive, though a bit pretentious.

Ambiance/Decor: Outstanding. Located on the grounds that resemble a small European village. The dining rooms are adorned with original artwork, rustic fireplaces, and a mixture of Old-World elegance and New World color.

Overall Rating: 3 stars

Note:  Four star Rating System from 1/2 Star = poor to Four stars = Best in Class

Noise Level: Moderate

Dress: Upscale Casual

Recommended For: Diners who enjoy well prepared food with out of the ordinary, stunning decor, and are willing to pay more for a special dining experience

Not Recommended For: Budget minded diners and young families who prefer more casual dining with lower menu prices and larger food portions.

Recommended dishes: When available, The seared scallops with corn risotto, chanterelles and herb; The Strip loin of free-range veal with truffled leek pierogies, chanterelles, pea puree and chived fromage blac; and the vegetarian selection of wild mushroom pie.

Liquor: Excellent wine list and specialty cocktails.

Nestled within the enchanting Grounds for Sculpture, Rat’s Restaurant is a whimsical, romantic haven inspired by the pages of The Wind in the Willows and the idyllic French village of Giverny.

Owned by sculptor and philanthropist J. Seward Johnson Jr., this award-winning destination marries art, nature, and culinary excellence, offering an unforgettable experience for special occasions, Sunday brunches, or leisurely escapes.

They serve a well-executed, seasonal, organic menu run by Executive Chef Jules Odum (under the Constellation Culinary Group) spotlighting fresh, organic ingredients. Dishes are artfully plated, balancing elegance with approachability—no stuffy fine-dining vibes here.

Wine & Dine in Style: From truffle-infused entrees to delicate desserts, expect bold flavors and impeccable presentation, though some dishes lean toward the splurge-worthy.

Ambiance Straight from a Monet Painting

Five intimate dining rooms adorned with original artwork, crackling fireplaces, and Old-World charm. Each space feels like a hidden gallery, seating just 4–6 tables.

 Dine on patios overlooking serene lily ponds, arched bridges, and sculpted gardens. In cooler months, cozy up by the fireplace with a craft cocktail.

Beyond the Plate

Grounds for Sculpture: The restaurant is a gateway to Johnson’s 22-acre sculpture park, where art and nature intertwine. Post-meal, wander paths dotted with stunning installations.

Seasonal Hours: Open for lunch, dinner, and Sunday brunch—check ahead for days of operation. Holiday Celebrations: Open for Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, New Year’s, Valentine’s Day, Easter, and Mother’s Day, with menus tailored to the season.

Unwind & Explore: Meals unfold at a leisurely pace; leave time to explore the grounds (included with restaurant reservations).

With its storybook setting, culinary artistry, and seamless blend of culture and nature, Rat’s Restaurant isn’t just a meal—it’s a journey into a living masterpiece. 

Updated February 2025

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