Scarborough Fair Restaurant, Sea Girt, NJ:
A Dining Review

Scarborough Fair Restaurant, Sea Girt, NJ. A dining review

Scarborough Fair: A Rustic-Romantic Culinary Escape



Scarborough Fair
1414 Meetinghouse Road
Sea Girt, NJ

Best NJ Restaurant

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

Scarborough Fair: Restaurant Highlights

Fare: New American - Eclectic

Price: Expensive

Food Quality: Well executed menu using locally sourced ingredients from sustainable and organic purveyors, and include humanely raised organic meats and poultry, wild fish, and shellfish.

Service: Friendly, attentive, not intrusive

Ambiance/Decor: Beautiful --The interior is cozy, romantic, dimly lit, with a series of private dining alcoves that have the feel of eating in a rustic, country ski lodge.

Overall Rating: 3 Stars, an upscale, destination restaurant

Overall Rating:  3 Stars

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

Noise Level: Low in private alcoves, moderate-high in 2nd floor addition.

Dress: Casual

Recommended For: Diners who enjoy eclectic American food in an upscale romantic setting.

Not Recommended For: Diners who prefer basic food in a lower priced, modern, trendy, high energy setting.

Recommended dishes: When available; The Black Trumpet Mushroom Crusted Rack of Lamb with Wild rice fusion, asparagus, roasted garlic and infused demi-glaze; The Wild Caught Salmon, Pistachio Crusted with Forest Mushroom Risotto, Lavender infused White Wine - Butter Sauce, and chive oil; and The Duck Breast a La Cerices with Maple Leaf Duck Breast cooked medium rare, Sour Cherrie Sauce, sauteed spinach, and Mashed Potato

Liquor: Full bar service. Offers a modest wine list of California and international wines. 

Nestled in a lovingly restored 19th-century building, Scarborough Fair offers a charming blend of rustic elegance and intimate romance, paired with a commitment to fresh, locally sourced ingredients.

The exterior enchants with twinkling lights and a terraced brick walkway, setting the tone for a cozy, upscale dining experience.

Ambiance
Following a 2020 renovation, the restaurant expanded to include an upper-level dining room and a vibrant bar. While the new space features sleek slate floors and exposed brick walls, its open layout and lively bar area can amplify noise—particularly during peak hours.

For a truly romantic experience, opt for the lower-level alcoves. These secluded, dimly-lit nooks evoke the warmth of a countryside ski lodge, with natural elements like weathered wood, brick, and soft lighting enhancing their intimate charm.

During holidays like Christmas and Valentine’s Day, the entire restaurant glows with delicate string lights, adding magic to every corner.

Cuisine & Philosophy:
Owners Eva and Michael Fotinos, alongside Executive Chef Juan Carlos Hernandez (a Costa Rican native), curate an eclectic New American menu infused with Mediterranean flair. Dishes spotlight organic, humanely raised meats, wild-caught seafood, and seasonal produce from sustainable local purveyors. Vegetarian options abound, ensuring every palate is catered to with creativity and care.

Practical Details:

Hours: Tue–Fri 11:30 AM–9:30 PM; Sat 4:00–10:00 PM; Sun 3:00–9:00 PM.

Special Days: Open Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, New Year’s Eve, and Valentine’s Day.

Reservations: Highly recommended, especially for the coveted lower-level alcoves.

Parking: On-site lot available, though expect limited spaces on weekends/holidays.

Insider Tip: For a serene evening, avoid the bustling upstairs bar and request a private alcove when booking.

(Updated: February 2025)

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