As great as I remember it 30 years ago. They dont rush you out. If you havent been I would highly recommend. read more

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This is by far a must go. I wish I could give 6 stars for this review. Came here for dinner on a Satruday night, and this not being my first time here I knew to expect a top of the line mea. Berta's has been in business since the 1920s and I certainly know why. Please keep in mind there is a dress code and do not wear shorts to this place. Hidden in the woods of Wanaque this place is a complete gem. Also this isn't a quick meal by any means with 5 courses that will make you walking out almost wanting to work out after. Dinner includes Appetizer, Pasta/Soup Course, Main Course and also includes Dessert & Coffee. To start this meal they bring out a dish of vegetables, dipping spreads, and a assortment of bread which is all amazing including the dips. I decided to start with the shirmp alla berta which was a meaty type sauce served cool and delicious. Other people in the group decided on the Fresh Avacado, the smoked trout with a horseradish-lime and the Prosciutto with Melon. The next course I decided on the pesto noodles and were fabulous. And the rest of the group went with the Eggplant Parmigiana appetizer. Yes only on appetizers at this point. For our meals we decided on the duck ( fabulous) I decided on the filet which again fabulous. The other people in the group went with Veal Saltimbocca which I have to say was the juiciest and tender piece of veal I have ever had and the Filet of Sole.. Overall we did get dessert which included the peach malba with ice cream and the the Rum cake. All of the courses were delicious. Service was excellent and so was the waiter and chef coming by the table and helping out. Must go must go must go. Pricey but 100% worth coming. With all the courses and service you receive paying for this meal is totally worth it. read more

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Fabulous food and experience. If you want an amazing wine and food selection, this restaurant offers both. Very cozy setting with a high level of service. Plan on spending time here and select from the dinner menu as it offers various courses. The chef frequently visits tables and takes the time to explain the origin of the food and how it is prepared. Will be back soon. read more

Tonight my husband and I re-visited this charming restaurant, after moving away 30 years ago. The owner could not have been nicer, the menu extensive, the service wonderful, and the food fantastic. Prior to making our reservation I read online reviews, since it had been 30 years. No idea what the people who posted negative reviews experienced, we could not have had a better evening. Highly recommend! read more

After reading website of description of the sauce, I expected to be greeted with a wafting aroma as I walked thru the door. I was not. Breads, crudités, and spreads were a nice touch. Salad was excellent. When we asked waiter questions about the menu and food preparation, we were interrupted by the owner (?) who was very loud and condescending. Main course of eggplant permesan missed the mark. Sauce tasted uncooked, eggplant was mushy, spinach was cold; would have ordered a second glass of wine and paid for it, but we were not asked. All this being said, we would give it another try. read more

The best restaurant anywhere. Period. Chef/owner Peter has perfected fine dining with European flair. The food is astonishing, the wine list is incredibly impressive, the service is low-key yet very professional, and the atmosphere is extremely welcoming. On arrival, you're presented with a large crudités platter, breadsticks, dips, beautiful olives, and fresh-baked breads. It's usually enough that you might not want to actually order anything else. But save room - the appetizers and entrees are well worth it. Rack of lamb, any seafood dish, ravioli, escargot, veal: it's all amazing. The farina cubes served with dinner are different but delicious (ask your grandmother). read more

We have been going here on and off since the 1980s. The food is always excellent. Extensive wine list. Perhaps a bit pricey for some. I'm reading that there are bargain nights (Mon & Thurs?) and we should probably check those out. The restaurant is tucked away on a side street and it's like finding someone's home. read more

I have gone here many times in the past since the early 1970's and moved away in the late 90's only to return to Berta's a few weeks ago. We made reservations for a Sunday afternoon at 2:00 PM and when we arrived there was only one other couple in the entire place. We sat down to order a cocktail and the waiter had to get his father (Peter) from the kitchen to make us a drink. My mate wanted a mojito and Peter said (in a stuck-up and nasty tone) "this is an Italian Restaurant we do not make those drinks here." What no bartender during the daylight hours or on Sunday's? The small dips and bread stick came out on the table and as I remember the crab spread was white with crab and other seasonings mixed in. The crab spread that we got was grey in color and did not look appetizing. I wanted to order king crab legs but our waiter (Peters son) said that they did not have any in stock so I ordered a lobster tail. I was expecting the lobster tail they served before, a large tail broiled and partially removed from the shell with melted butter on the side. What I got was two small rubbery pieces of lobster out of the tail and very tasteless. My mate ordered risotto and she said it was not as good as the $9.00 risotto she had in Asbury Park. The bottom line is after a two hour drive to get to Berta's. two cocktails, two entrees, one bottle of wine and a $200.00 bill, I could have gone to the local pizzeria brought my own wine and had a better meal. read more

4 Stars, mainly because of a large selection of interesting choices and comfortable atmosphere. Even though it was a Saturday night they were not crowded. Perhaps because the place is so big, with lots of room for privacy it almost seemed empty. It is very clean and the staff is helpful without being overly attentive. It is obvious that the restaurant has been in business and under the same management for quite some time. I would like to go back and sample some other items on the menu as well as learn more about the place. I seems to be somewhere that people continue to frequent for many years and has many stories. A generous bread and cracker assortment with horseradish and cheese spreads came out quickly as did the starters, although that didn't prevent us from nibbling on them throughout the service. The mozzarella and tomato appetizer was good, but I have had better. The tomatoes were small and dark and the mozzarella didn't burst with the creamy flavor I was hoping for. I may be slightly jaded here since it was only a few months ago I was eating this dish in Italy almost every day. The clams casino was very nice, baked just right with lots of flavor. The steak au poivre was a beautiful filet at least two inches thick and very tender, however the pepper was overpowering. It would have been nicer to taste the flavor of the meat. The Alaskan cod was similar in that it was a very nice piece of fish, cooked nicely so that it was flaky and moist however again the vinegar overpowered the taste. We had to leave before coffee and dessert, still disappointed about that. I really wanted to try the homemade NY style cheesecake and a coffee. Guess that means I have to go back soon and experience more of this charming place with lots of personality. read more

Berta's Chateau is the best Italian restaurant in the United States! Having grown up in this sleepy little town and getting to have experienced this gem of a restaurant with a wine list that will make anyone salivate! The farina dolce and the crudités and breads and spreads to munch on while deciding on which amazing dinner selection make this the most wonderful place to enjoy Northern Italian cuisine! A MUST VISIT for everyone!!! read more

I remember my father taking us there when i was a youngster. Haven't been there in 60 years. Our family of 5 went on a Wednesday night. Only two other families were there. Strangely there is no sign on the street nor on the building itself. GPS gets you close. You turn in the driveway off a residential back street wondering if you are in the right place. Once you get there you will never forget how to get there. A most quaint restaurant with walls filled with pictures and drawings. Dated at best, but warm and comfortable, no glitz or glamour. Still run by family since 1925. The owner greets you. He is a grandson of the original family. He bartends and cooks as well, a son as waiter, wife in the kitchen and some non-family kitchen help. The table starts with some celery, carrots, etc, bread sticks, sesame crackers, home made rolls and three little bows of flavor filled, but not overpowering "dips" for the bread and veggies. The Menu is a treasure of standard and creative combinations. There are a bout 12 entrees but also 3 differently priced prix fixe four course dinners. A dozen appetizers, which included soft-shelled crab, soups, salad and half a dozen entrees in each group. Two of us opted for the four course dinners. I had the salad with blue cheese, a decent sized bowl with lots of crumbled aged blue. The owner brought out some blue dressing so the salad would not be so dry. One diner had the ricotta and spinach for his appetizer. One diner had a beautiful bowl of eggplant parm that could serve as a meal in itself. Another diner thoroughly enjoyed the soft-shelled crab in a light lemon sauce That we all dipped bread into till the plate was dry. One entree was the lamb chops. Six long bone chops cooked exactly as ordered, quite pink in the center. A visual delight. My one son, vegetarian, had spinach and ricotta wrapped in a light crepe that was then sauteed and served with crisp edges. They know how to treat vegan and vegetarian diners, explaining the ingredients and preparation of appropriate menu items. A dish of appropriately steamed broccoli-cauliflower and another of spinach with olive oil was sent out with small side dishes. I am thinking this was to be the family style vegetables with the entrees. I say "appropriately steamed" because the tendency is to minimally blanche vegetables and send out mostly raw. Another diner ordered ravioli stuffed with veal home-made, with a light bolognaise sauce. There were so many ravioli he took half his dinner home. I chose the trout almondine, a large boned filet, lightly battered with the same light lemon sauce as the soft-shelled crab. By this time everyone is well stuffed with four of the five entree plates CLEAN. All portions were most sufficiently decent sized. Then the dessert menu comes out. Four of us shared two rum cake a la mode. The fifth diner was too full to have dessert but had a large bowl of chocolate mousse anyway. We received a nice portion of cake and a scoop of premium vanilla ice cream. I want to try the cheese cake next time. One diner had the expresso coffee, another a cappuccino and two of us regular coffee. Berta's is a must visit and jewel in the crown of fine north Jersey restaurants. We want to go back soon to try some other dishes. read more

Have been here twice since they opened outdoor dining. Food is as excellent as it always has been. Soft shell crabs are in season - get them with the garlic - you won't be sorry! My favorite dish! But then, you can't go wrong with the rack of lamb Gorgonzola either. read more

So... Here's the e-mail I received from Berta's: Come on, wait for it: Yes, today I AM going to make you an offer you can't refuse, really: It's clear that we're going to get slammed with snow overnight and tomorrow and that doesn't bode well for Thursday's dinner crowd. I figure that we've got to pay the plow guy anyway so why not do some business (Biz-zin-ness) tonight. So here's what I'm proposing: I'm going to do a special Wed. edition of our "Choice" version of "Chef's" that is extra special given that you have more booze options and some items that only show on Thursdays. AND I'm not gonna charge the $31 price, not even the Wed. $28 price but (rim shot) only $21 (cash) for our best version. See the menu attached. So pick up eggs, milk, bread, & stop at the cash machine! "Don Pietro" Berta's is always offering specials, and this was a great offer. I tried to round up a group of friends to go, but late notice whittled it down to me and one other. Arrived at 7:15 and there was a decent sized crowd there, not packed. Walked into the bar and the owner, Peter, asked "Did you call?" "No" I said. He then walked back through the bar and met us just outside. "Sorry, I can't take you." "What?!?" "You didn't call." "The e-mail didn't say we needed to call." "Everyone here called. Sorry." And that was it! I've walked up to Berta's before. I've attended special wine dinners there. My sister had her wedding reception there. So much for customer loyalty. Try to help a failing business and you realize that the owner is part of the reason they're failing. Adding insult to insult, met a couple at another local place who said they had just come from Berta's. "I guess you called" I said. "No, you never have to call there." Ugh. Never again. There are too many places to get mediocre food. It sure was a good deal though! read more

Famiy owned and operated since 1925!! I have been dining at this unique place for over 40 years, and I enjoy every visit. Many dishes are from the Piedmontese region if Italy, as well as other Continental favorites. Having know the Berta family for all these years, I feel like family when I dine there. Make sure you are hungry when you arrive, and order from the complete dinner menu. No one leaves this place without being well fed, in terms of quality and quantity. The wine list is fabulous and Berta's has been awarded Wine Spectator award of excellence for the past 25 straight years. Owner Peter, is incredibly knowledgeable about all wines, but he is a true expert on Italians. My favorite dishes after all these years: Appies- Shrimp a la Berta, Clams Casino, clams on the half shell, authentic escargot bourgonoigne. either lobster bisque or fresh tomato soup Pasta Course- - Homemade veal ravioli, fluffy eggplant parmigian, or green noodles with pesto Entree- - Duck, Chicken Pietro, any veal dish Dessert- - chocolate Mousse, or my favorite Prune and Apricot pie a la mode. Great esspresso as well. They have some great bargain nights here (Monday and Thursday) where you can't beat the deal, which includes wine. I prefer to order from the regular dinner menu and it isn't cheap, but I have never been disappointed in the food or outstanding service. The two main waiters, Peter and Joe have been there for over 30 years each. read more

Always enjoy going there, but find entrees disappointing. However, the preliminaries are amazing. I remember going there in the 1970s when Berta herself was still alive; it's gone downhill a bit since then. read more

Extremely disappointed. After joking to my girlfriend that they may "phone it in on Mondays" as we walked in, I was sad to be proven right. Being raised and living in Wanaque my whole life, I was excited to try something so prestigious in my home town. My own father bussed tables there in his youth and spoke highly of it. Apparently, it's fallen off. I have read reviews explaining that this was an experience and to expect a long dinner. What I did not expect was a cluttered menu in multiple fonts and long periods of inactivity. The time between receiving bread in hot room and having our dinner order taken seemed long but was forgivable. However, the 25 minutes to return after being told "I'll be back for your dessert order," was as unbearable as it was unacceptable. As far as food, I wasn't completely dissatisfied. My girlfriend's burger was excellent but unfortunately paired with greasy and underdone French fries. My Chicken Santese was good but served alongside bland sautéed spinach and a farina dolce that didn't pair well at all. The wine was very good, particularly the Chianti. I would have gladly paid for more than the two glasses included in the special had we ever been offered... I have nothing to say about dessert because after 2.5 hours of subpar service we were done and asked for the check... (another ten minutes.) The waiter was courteous but very disorganized, or perhaps overwhelmed. I believe Berta's may be resting on its laurels and could use fresh management. read more

Originally wanted to find a place that serves late night dinners for my birthday, and this place came up, but the hours on Yelp are wrong. Called them to ask what time they close on Friday, at first the guy said they dont have a set closing time, but when I asked again, he said if we walk in at 8:45 we will still be served. I almost wanted to tell him Yelp hours says 12am (the 5am was an obvious mistake), but I didn't appreciate his tone when he felt the need to remark "yea this is New Jersey, not Manhattan." Thank you, for losing a potential customer before even serving them! read more

I strongly, STRONGLY echo the sentiments of those below who recognized what is amiss with this eatery. We encountered a rude, haughty attitude when we made the reservations, the moment we walked in, throughout the meal, and the very moment we left. The fellow in charge (owner? manager? head chef?) seems to have zero interest in treating his staff, customers, or meals with respect. He shouted at staff in a demeaning tone, spoke loudly on his cell phone and cursed while doing so, wrongly accused us of bringing liquor and going behind his bar for a glass (and never apologized for his obnoxious mistake!!) and produced dishes that were mediocre at best (ugly presentation; muddy, flat flavors). I feel like a fool for spending several hundred dollars to be insulted in so many ways. read more

This place has been around for 30 years so I am told, they grow their own herbs and some veggies out back as well. Yes the place is dated, as well as some of the patrons. You do get a solid meal with many choices for the price and the service was really good. It is worth a stop in read more

I wanted to like Berta's more than I did. The food was good, but not great. Certainly not great enough to justify the high prices. However, the waiter Peter was attentive and friendly, which was a plus. My favorite thing might have been the overall feel of the place. It's like something out of the Twilight Zone! read more

My favorite place. Never disappointed in service or food. Sitting in the bar is like stepping into Europe. The relaxed service is something you normally do not get in the USA. Plan on at least 2-3 hours for dinner. read more

AWFUL. Food and drinks were way overpriced.Service was atrocious. Waiter gave wrong information about the food. Quality was average at best.A party of seven, there were only 5 other tables of customers at the time and it took 3 HOURS to serve us the 4 course meal, and we had to take the deserts included home because the service was so bad . read more

Wanted traditional italian and felt the reviews were good enough. Went in shorts and found a sign on the door that said proper attire required, no shorts. The owner let us in. We went with our twin 5 yr olds b/c the description said good for kids- but not a kid in sight. Food was pricey but okay- not earth shattering. The extras (warm bread, chese, veggies, farina) were a nice touch. The chef came out of the kitchen a few times- nice man but his chef outfit needs a good bleaching - ick. Dont knowmif we would go again. read more

Not only is the food very good, the chef/owner makes a strong effort to source local farms, organic, humanely raised, etc. I really appreciate that. It is a great place to go for a quiet, unhurried meal. Go hungry! You will get lots of food. The wines and cocktails are terrific, (regularly wins Wine Spectator awards) and the servers as well as the owner can give great guidance on selections. I've been 3 times within the past 2 months; once for a special wine-tasting event (highly recommended) and twice more for dinner. Once the Wednesday night "chef special" and just this past Sunday. It IS fine dining (white tablecloths, etc.) but also very FRIENDLY dining. Very out of the way, you need good directions, but a real treat. read more

Been there twice in the last two weeks. Both times the food was delicious. Be prepared to eat! If the prices seem steep check out their Monday and Wednesday night deals, can't beat it. read more

Went here for a bridal shower in 2013. The place looks like it used to be a funeral home. The salmon was fishy, the prime rib was raw. The owner was walking around in a BLOODY APRON, I kid you not. There was really nothing good about this place. read more

Went to Berta's on New Year's Day. Wow, what a spectacular meal--from the Raviolini in Brodo di Cappone, to the Shrimp Scampi, to the Strawberry Rhubarb pie and beyond. What a wonderful way to start 2017. Every dish was expertly prepared. Don't miss out: make reservations now and then head out. Enjoy. read more

I loved this dining experience. We were coming off of a bad one and when we arrived we were pleasantly surprised. A diamond in the rough these days. I had the raviolis which were superb and had leftovers the next day and they tasted just as good. The service was awesome and attentive. I needed to be back in a certain time-frame, and they were fine with my request. The dishes are huge as well as the initial veggies and bread. We plan on making this place one of our top 10. Thank you for being so kind and continuing to please customers. Since then, I have spoken to numerous people who have been attending this restaurant for quite some time and now we know what all the buzz is about! read more

We went here with family (4 of us) before attending a wake for our cousin. Our waiter had bad body odor and when I ordered a bottle of wine he asked me what number it was? I'm not used to ordering wine by the number like a cheap breakfast at a diner. Our meal was taking a long time and twice I inquired and explained we had a wake to attend. Finally, I asked for the owner to come out and asked why we are waiting over 1 hour for our food when there were only 3 tables being occupied. He didn't like my attitude and told us to leave. I put a 50 bill on the table as we got up and he then threw it at my sister. He's lucky I didn't have time to deal with the paperwork or I would have laid his fat bottom on the dinning room floor. We will NEVER return. Our family started coming there in the 1950's Very sad to see the place is so run down and mismanaged. My Grandmother would be horrified. read more

Wow. A hidden gem up in the Wanaque. The frog legs and escargot were as good as I've had at great french restaurants in south jersey. The soft she'll crabs had a great delicate sauce. And the restaurant was so friendly it was like being in mama's kitchen. It's a bit of a wait but we'll worth it. read more

My parents have been going to Berta's for years and telling me how great it is. After 29 years I finally made it there with them, and boy I wish I'd gone sooner. The food was excellent!! The service was top notch, all employees very friendly, and the atmosphere was great. Give yourself a few hours for dinner as it is not a rushed event. They take their time, but its well worth it. Have a few drinks and enjoy a great night with friends or family. Be sure to check out the history of the place with the old articles and newspaper clippings on the hallway walls. Great organic / grass fed options as well. read more

I have to say I disagree with the prior review. My family and I (and now my husband and friends) have been going there for years. It may not be "fine" dining, but it is always good and fresh and the service is great. Now there is a Monday night Chef's dinner--3 courses from a limited menu with 2 glasses of wine for 29.95, can't beat it. read more

I started going here in 2000. Great food! Too much food! lol Always great wines. The Chef's nights are great deals. One of the few places that is open on Monday's read more

Northern Italian cuisine doesn't get any better!! Been going to Berta's for many years and hosted special events there and have always been amazed. Although off the beaten track certainly worth the trip. All menu items are cooked to perfection. Hard not to fill up on the dips before dinner but from beginning to end you will be savoring each bite. Service is like being at a friends home if your friend happened to be a gourmet chef. Highly recommend. read more

Chicken catcatore was one of the specials. Very disapointing,precooked (baked) chicken thrown in a sause no green peppers. Service was poor additude boarded rude,seats old and uncomfortable well everything was.There are so many good italian restaurants this one is pizzarea grade read more

My husband,s family has been going to Berta's Chateau for 50 years - family run restaurant. Owners, Peter and Sandy, waiter Peter and Joe always make us feel like family. Food is superb and cooked to order. Crudites with 3 dips come with meal. Excellent cocktails poured, appetizers such as smoked trout, cold stuffed lobster tail, seafood stuffed avocado, wonderful homemade pastas and delicious entrees. Their fresh farina dolci comes with the meal as does fresh sautéed vegetables. Love to finish my dinner with their homemade biscotti and desserts. We never feel rushed. Sit back and enjoy a great meal. read more

We went here for our anniversary to recreate my parent's 1st anniversary from 40 years ago. The food and service were absolutely top notch. We will definitely come again. read more

We came for a special occasion today with our family. The place is a bit run down - old smell when you walk in and shabby, outdated bathrooms. Those things would have been ok if the food was good, but unfortunately it was not. Our party ordered several specials that the chef came out and discussed with us in person. He described dishes that were inspired by a restaurant in Italy, including one with several types of seafood. We ended up ordering that, as well as the scallop appetizer, stuffed sole, veal franchaise and shrimp scampi. I cant honestly say Ive ever been to a restaurant where everyones meal was mediocre. The food was bland and tasteless. My shrimp scampi tasted like something from a diner. The shrimp were not fresh and the sauce was mediocre at best. Even the rice wasnt fully cooked. How do you get that wrong? The stuffed sole was mush with no flavor. This is supposed to be a nice italian restaurant? We do not eat in chain restaurants and don't mind spending money for a good meal at good restaurants. This is not one of them. The price of our meals definitely did not reflect the quality we expected and paid for. Shame of them. The only reason Im giving them 2 stars is because the service was ok. read more

Have been going to Berta's since I was a kid and now enjoy it (just as much) as an adult with my own family, as well as with business associates. Chef Peter Bernstein (grandson of Berta) is highly knowledgable and can discuss any aspect of his menu, ingredients and/or preparation in depth and detail. He loves coming out to greet and chat with his customers and takes incredible pride in every dish and every course. he also travels throughout Italy and Europe hand selecting many of his ingredients and wines. Berta's is a real gem, is cozy, comfortable and the service is top notch! As mentioned, it is not easy to find, but well worth the effort. Don't miss it! read more

Food was great, came in on a monday and the bang for the buck was spectacular. Came in with our young child and were seated (as requested) far from the action but were never neglected, quite the contrary, the service was spot on, not hovery but prompt. Food was great, I had a steak that couldn't be beat and the extra's (breads, butters, crudite, etc) where generous and delicious. Can't wait to go again. read more