7 outdoor dining options in N.J. that offer a side of beautiful views (2024)

This article has been updated to reflect the latest information for 2022.

When it comes to dining, out is in. As health and safety restrictions ease and the restaurant scene comes back to life, dining outdoors is a safer and, in many cases, a more scenic option.

Here’s a guide to some of New Jersey’s top venues serving up delicious food with a side of sensational views:

Batello, Jersey City

A versatile space situated along the Hudson, Batello’s rustic-chic vibe and stunning views of the Manhattan skyline are perfect for a casual night out with friends or a more dressed-up, special event. With the incredible waterfront location, live music on weekends and cool rustic-industrial charm — “when you’re dining here, you feel like you’re on vacation,” said director of events Dominique Calafiore. An Italian-based, seafood-influenced menu rounds out the waterfront experience. Since the restaurant often hosts private events, you’ll want to call ahead or make a reservation. Outdoor tables are available weather permitting; they can’t be reserved but must be requested upon arrival. Click here for more information.

Address: 502 Washington Blvd., Jersey City, N.J. 07310

Café Matisse, Rutherford

Dining in a European-style garden will have you feeling as inspired as the Impressionist painter after which this artful venue is named. The simple and elegant Café Matisse is currently open five evenings per week and outdoor seating is on the menu. Housed in what was originally a horse and buggy firehouse, the playful space underwent a recent expansion to accommodate more guests. The garden patio, which seats 25, adds a certain “je ne sais quoi” to the dining out experience. Reservations are required and can be made only by phone, 201-935-2995.

Address: 167 Park Ave., Rutherford, N.J. 07070

Toscana Ristorante, Cherry Hill

Treat yourself to a pleasant meal in Toscana’s lovely garden seating area. Recently enhanced to accommodate the increased desire for dining al fresco, the ample outdoor space has seating for 40 on the upper level and 75 on the lower level and features lush foliage, a fountain and plenty of fairy lights to set the mood. Serving up a mix of traditional Italian fare along with some of the latest trends making their way through Italy, the family-owned eatery now also offers patrons a selection of beer and wine. While Toscana accepts requests for outdoor seating when making reservations, tables are allotted on a first-come, first-served basis. Click here to learn more.

Address:1990 Marlton Pike East, Cherry Hill, N.J. 08003

The Windlass, Lake Hopatcong

Delicious dining and incredible views of Lake Hopatcong make for an unforgettable experience at this historic eatery at Nolan’s Point. The family-friendly restaurant offers delicious indoor and outdoor porch dining, live music and events year-round. Built during a tourism boom in the 1800s, the restaurant was once part of an amusem*nt park and roller rink. Today, the Windlass reflects its history and lake culture with a waterfront patio and outdoor gliders where guests can enjoy the beauty of the lake and the surrounding area. Click here to learn more.

Address: 45 Nolans Point Park Road, Lake Hopatcong, N.J. 07849

Rat’s Restaurant, Hamilton Township

A charming and exotic escape located on the Grounds For Sculpture, Rat’s Restaurant will give you the feeling you’ve stepped into the pages of a storybook. Named for a fabled character in “The Wind in the Willows,” the venue resembles Claude Monet’s beloved town of Giverny and offers country French cuisine, seasonal handcrafted co*cktails and an eclectic beer and wine list. With its spectacular views and rustic touches, it’s easy to see why this extraordinarily charming spot is a favorite for fine dining, celebrations and events and has been ranked among the area’s most romantic venues. Open for indoor and outdoor dining by reservation only. Click here to make a reservation.

Address: 16 Fairgrounds Road, Hamilton Township, N.J. 08619

Ninety Acres, Peapack

Savor the art of fine food and wine, reveling in the process of cultivating, harvesting, preparing and savoring each bite in the beautiful landscape where it was grown. “A table at the farm” awaits you at Ninety Acres, where epicureans can indulge their passion for food and wine in a serene setting reminiscent of the unspoiled English countryside. Ninety Acres is the site of the renovated carriage house on the Natirar estate. An anagram of “Raritan,” the massive, 491-acre estate spans what is now Route 206 to the north branch of the Raritan River, and straddles Peapack-Gladstone, Far Halls and Bedminster. The outdoor patio welcomes patrons with the cozy glow of fire pits, while various open-concept dining spaces create an easy flow inside. Click here for more information.

Address: 2 Main St., Peapack, N.J. 07977

Lambertville Station Restaurant and Inn, Lambertville

Housed in a charming restored train station on the banks of the Delaware River, the Lambertville Station Restaurant is a must-do for area dining aficionados. For more than 40 years, the venue has become a dining destination and popular spot for special events. Diana Reiter, general manager, said last year the restaurant saw its popularity grow as guests enjoy weekend getaways in Lambertville and neighboring New Hope, Pa. (which is within walking distance over a nearby footbridge). A variety of dining spaces include the 32-table patio with canal-side dining or the newly added six-table garden area that features stunning views of the river. Indoors, there’s a pub and wine cellar as well as the “platform” dining area with enormous glass windows from which to take in the spectacular views. Outdoor tables are first-come, first-served and cannot be reserved in advance. It’s recommended for guests to make an indoor reservation, then, upon arrival, ask if an outdoor table is available. Click here for more information.

Address: 11 Bridge St., Lambertville, N.J. 08530

Kerry Serzan is a freelance writer whose work has appeared in The Star-Ledger. A lifelong NewJerseyan, she lives “Down the Shore” in Sea Girt with her husband Joe and their children.

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