Saddle River Inn, Saddle River, NJ:
A Restaurant Review

Saddle River Inn, Saddle River, NJ. A dining review

Saddle River Inn
2 Barnstable Ct.
Saddle River, NJ

Best 2024 NJ Restaurant

Saddle River Inn: Restaurant Summary

Fare: New American- with French influences

Price: Very Expensive

Food Quality: Well executed menu using prime dry-aged beef, fresh line caught, sustainable seafood and locally sourced, fresh ingredients.

Service: Professional; warm, and attentive.

Ambiance/decor: A 19th century restored barn alongside the banks of the Saddle River, with elegant, rustic ambiance.

Overall Rating: 3 1/2 Stars

Four-star Rating System from 1/2 Star = poor to 4 stars = Best in Class

Noise Level: Moderate

Dress: Upscale Casual

Recommended For: High income diners who enjoy excellent food with upscale, rustic ambiance, and fine dining amenities.

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 Australian Lamb Chops; The Yellow-fin Tuna; and The Snake River Farms Wagyu Tomahawk Ribeye For 2

Alcohol: BYOB.

The Saddle River Inn is one of Bergen County's top restaurants --- a wonderful place for a romantic dining experience or to celebrate a special occasion.

The restaurant is co-owned and operated by Executive Chef Jamie Knott, who comes with excellent credentials having honed his culinary skills at high profile NYC restaurants.

This upscale Chef-Inspired Casual Dining restaurant has many of the amenities of a fine dining restaurant without the formal, "Old World" stuffy atmosphere found in typical fine dining restaurants.

Set in a 19th century restored barn alongside the banks of the Saddle River, the 80-seat restaurant has an attractive decor with an elegant, rustic ambiance. The dining area is spread over two floors, with rustic dark walls, ceilings, and hardwood flooring. The tables are surrounded with comfortable burgundy leather chairs and tables set with white linen and China ware.

Chef Jamie Knott received his formal culinary training at The New York Restaurant School and later honed his skills at Fascino in Montclair, Salute in NYC, under Chef Clifford Crooks. Executive Chef at China Grill, The Empire Hotel, Executive Chef at Artisanal Fromagerie and Bistro in NYC and at ESquared Hospitality in 2012 returning with famed chef Clifford Crooks.

Chef Knott offers a seasonally changing new American French influenced menu. The dishes feature the use of prime dry-aged beef, fresh line caught, sustainable seafood and locally sourced, fresh ingredients when available. Though on occasion, the menu offers entrees with an Asian influence.

The Saddle River Inn is open for dinner Tuesday through Saturday.

Not recommended for children. They are unable to accommodate children under 10.

(updated: December 2024)