You cannot say ANYTHING negative about this place. Food service and ambiance unbeatable ! We wish we could eat here all the time ! Peter and Larry make you feel so comfortable - can't wait to go back. Soon!!! read more

Matisse 167 - Three birthday boys celebrating at Matisse - New American Near Me - Rutherford, New Jersey

This restaurant never disappoints! The consistency of this place is like no other! From the food to the atmosphere and the folks who run this precious gem (Adrian is an incredible waiter! So personable, on point and professional!). I had another exceptional dining experience this wknd (to add to the many I've had). Thank you so much for making this establishment such an awesome experience! read more

I dined there last night and the food was better than ever. Pre-Covid we used to go to Cafe Matisse a few times a year as the restaurant is perfect for special occasions. We would go more often if we didn't live 45 minutes away! Beautiful, romantic decor. The service is always spot on and yesterday was no exception. Thank you Adrian, an incredible server! The 4 course grazing menu offers 3 selections for each course including vegetarian options. Each dish is complex and the flavors are amazing. Each course was better than the next. The outdoor dining area is stunning as well. Highly recommended. read more

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Came to Matisse for the first time and what an incredible experience, chef Graig is incredible and Adrian is so fun, made our evening remarkable, will definitely return for the new menu. read more

I came to Cafe Matisse with some friends for my birthday, and it was a unique experience! This tasting menu is $105 for 4 courses, one of them being dessert. The atmosphere of the restaurant was homey and inviting, and the garden is beautifully decorated for the winter. I went with 3 other people, so we got to share and try all the dishes! The restaurant is socially distanced for COVID, and it's reservation only. Now let's get into the important stuff- the food! 1st course: Spicy Panko Crab Cake with Shrimp- I loved this appetizer! Lots of flavor and crispy on the outside. The corn components are delicious with the crab cake, and the shrimp on top is huge! Fried Artichoke wrapped in Speck Ham: The artichoke is very juicy and the ham is great with the sauces. Burrata with Ginger Butternut Squash (Seasonal Appetizer)- Delicious and refreshing! This appetizer is a little on the sweeter side, a great end to the first course. I love burrata, and theirs was great! We got this extra to share with the table and did not regret it. 2nd course: Chilean Sea Bass- The fish was nice and juicy with a nice macadamia nut crust. I liked the coconut vanilla hints to it as well! Pan Seared Sirloin- The sirloin was cooked perfectly medium rare! The blue cheese was a little strong, but the caramelized onions go well with the dish. The potatoes and brussels sprouts are good as well. 3rd course (I was getting full at this point): Shrimp and Scallops with Gingered Butternut Squash- The shrimp and scallop were huge and so juicy. I loved the scallop, but I wish there were more than one. The soba noodles were a little on the sweet side, and I would've preferred it to be saltier. Matisse Burger- The burger was not my favorite as the cheese was very strong, and the burger was a bit tough. The wings were crispy, but not meaty enough. Good flavor on the wings though. Dessert course (I was stuffed): Strawberry Vanilla Cheesecake- Great strawberry jam! Cheesecake was a little heavy, but that's expected of a cheesecake. Chocolate Brownie- The banana with the brownie was so good! The little malt balls are also very good. Overall, this is a nice and intimate experience! The servers are attentive and entertaining. I was extremely full at the end of this, which I was not expecting. I love how the menu changes with the seasons! I would definitely want to sit in the beautiful garden and eat when it gets warmer. read more

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Quaint BYO. Food, ambiance and service are excellent. Great for date night or double date.

I'm glad that I've finally tried this place that I've bookmarked for so long. However not sure if I'll return anytime soon. The food is prepared with effort and care, the service was attentive and warm, the dining room is lovely, but I just don't think I want to pay $75 for app, entree, and dessert. I feel like I can get something comparable or better in the city for that price. Some dishes I enjoyed were the panko crusted crab cake and shrimp, which is always on the menu. It was tasty, but the corn bread was a tad bit salty for me. Liked the truffley foie gras with scallops. The burger was ok. Fries that came with it were meh. There was a confusion with the order so it was delivered to the wrong table. Sat there for a bit and sent back to the kitchen. Then it was delivered to me,so it wasn't hot as it should have been. Perhaps it would have tasted better had it come hotter. This dish is pretty hearty although it seems small at first. Didn't enjoy the shrimp and crab gazpacho so much. However the seafood is very fresh. Dessert was just so so for me. If you want a special occasion, fine dining option in NJ then give it a try. But for me, there are better options in the city. read more

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There is a new chef and he is concocting amazing dishes that look as wonderful as they taste. This is a beautiful little gem of a restaurant. read more

Let me begin with apologies for no pics of all of the perfectly executed meals we had last night. We where a party of 8 and each and every dish was delicious, beautiful and they all where served together. The service here is always exceptional, from the time you enter and through the entire visit they are there for your every need. Many thanks to chef Peter for his perfect execution of each and every dish. Also the ambiance in this place is romantic hopefully our next visit we can enjoy the beautiful garden read more

We celebrated my parents 50th Anniversary in the court yard. The setting was picturesque, the food was amazing and the staff and service could be more perfect. They made the day so special for my family. We highly recommend this Resturant. read more

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It is a truly beautiful place. There's an enchanting garden in the back that they open in when it's warmer. The inside is also very beautiful and unique. It's good for: + 2-4 people dining + very special occasions (since it is a pricey and romantic) + romantic dates for 2 Dress: Business Casual Food Favorites: + They only have a 3 or 4 course tasting menu. it's definitely pricey but the food is well worth it. ($50 to $80). BYOB. + Beef tenderloins + Banana creme dessert + crab cake + scallop entree + filet mignon Small plates but everything was so nicely made and well put together and so delicious. You can tell all the work that went into it. The service was very nice, the staff was very attentive and they wanted to make sure we were pleased. If you want fine dining in North Jersey, this is the place to go. read more

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Cafe Matisse has been on our list of must try restaurants for a while, and so glad we were able to celebrate our Anniversary here. Love that they only offer a Prix Fixe, so you know the Chef definitely perfected each item present. The food was delicious and beautifully plated. With the 4 courses, it was the perfect portion. Staff was super attentive and actually had personalities! Can't wait to go back for the next seasonal prix fixe menu! read more

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High end cuisine. Every dish was very well made with beautiful combinations of flavor. Prefix menu set up. Café Matisse in Rutherford. Little hole in the wall, probably would drive right past it in most cases. The outdoor seating is beautiful. Looks like you're in the middle of a garden in what feels like an escape out of New Jersey. Very elegant with great service. 3 course $75 4 course $95 5 course $115. We ended up doing 7 courses total. BYOB - they kept my wine on ice and my glass full without ever having to ask for anything. Definitely a special occasion. read more

Matisse 167 - New American Near Me - Rutherford, New Jersey

Came here for a birthday celebration and was my first time. Was quite disappointed. The food definitely did not reflect the price. The smallest portions and we sadly left hungry after paying a few dollars short of $350. We dined indoors and the ambiance was not that great. They're outside patio was nicely decorated so I'm guessing that's where you go for ambiance. Overall I would not dine here again or recommend it. It wasn't an unforgettable experience for me and nothing stood out. Other than pricing it felt like any other restaurant in BC. read more

Matisse 167 was a great culinary experience. Each course was unique and the ambiance of the outside garden made it a romantic evening. Adrian provided us wonderful service from helping us choose which dish we should get when we got stuck between two to bringing an upbeat energy between each course. We look forward to trying the other seasonal menus in the future. read more

Always a great dining experience! Food is amazing and service is always top notch. My husband and I have been there several times and have never been disappointed read more

The room was ver small and too loud. My appetizer (tuna sushi) had a little bug in it. When I brought it to the waiter's attention he seemed upset and asked me if I wanted another one (I was expecting him to take it back and bring another one). The portions were super small and they took over 25 minutes in between courses. A waitress finally brought my food and when I was about to take a bite (yes, I had already dug my fork in the plate) a waitress came to our table and told me that that plate was not actually for me so she took it. Finally, I got my Chilean sea bass which was bland and watery and the rice was cold. The dessert was ok (strawberry shortcake). Definitely not worthy for the price we paid (over 300$ including the tip) read more

My husband made a reservation here for a pre-Christmas date night. (I think it is reservation only at this time) We loved it! They sat us in the front room. By the end of the meal, it was only us and one other couple which was nice and intimate. There was another dining room with more people but we didn't go in. The staff were attentive, knowledgable, kind, and funny. The food was delicious and we were told seasonal, except the crab cake dish which is there all year. We got to try all items and some specials. Lobster mac and cheese, crab cake, artichoke, and steak medallion were some faves. Restaurant is BYOB as well. The ice tea was very pleasant and sugar free. The coffee was nice too. They had a hazelnut latte. I didn't try because I don't love super sweet drinks or hazelnut but it looked very tasty for those who do! Thank you for a wonderful evening! read more

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What a wonderful dining experience my family had celebrating three anniversaries. The food and service is among the best I have ever had dining both in the United States as well as internationally. The outdoor garden is magnificent. You won't be sorry to celebrate your special occasion here. read more

Came for a Romantic dinner and that is what we got! I loved that me and my husband were able to choose different courses for the 4 courses and try a lot of different things. We chose to sit in the garden area (around end of august) and I am glad we did! Service was well orchestrated and they took time to explain everything to us as first timers. The timing and size of the courses was perfect, too. I didn't feel full but satisfied at the end! Definitely a little pricey depending on your budget, but worth it if you can! read more

Great service from the moment you walk it. It is reservation only. We had one. Someone didn't, and sadly they got turned away. The waiters were very nice and knowledgeable. It was my first time there, it was also my birthday yesterday. The prefix menu is PERFECT. Go on an empty stomach, I promise you, although the portions are "small" by the time desert comes you'll be STUFFED. I will absolutely come again. The outdoor seating is just stunning! We shall see you soon read more

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For $125 you can get a 2 star Michelin experience with amazing food from a chef/owner that has been cooking in that spot for over 40 years! The service was fantastic and the dining room is gorgeous! read more

Matisse 167 - Crispy Panko Crusted Crabcake & Chipotle Honey Glazed Shrimp - New American Near Me - Rutherford, New Jersey

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Great experience. Took my wife for our anniversary and to be honest I was a bit skeptical based on the menu online. But let me tell you... the mixed of flavors were unexpectedly amazing, the service was great and the atmosphere made you feel like if you were somewhere outside the US. Worth the money for such great experience. read more

Matisse 167 - New American Near Me - Rutherford, New Jersey

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Went here for wife's birthday. Service was excellent, food was mediocre for price. It's Michelin star insane price. Food was microwaved, not kidding and also prepped in advance. Could tell by the cold plates and freezing cold salad and then the lukewarm food and mildly warm plate. Clear sign of microwave. The chef should be ashamed of himself for this price. $300 for 2 ppl 2 stars, only because the service was excellent. read more

Truly a gem in the culinary world!! Service very Professional and courteous. Classic interior from the floor to the ceiling!!

My wife and I have been to Cafe Matisse many times in the years they've been in business and took our foodie 16 yr old daughter there for first time to celebrate her birthday last night. Ambience, service and fine cooking makes this one of the few quintessential special occassion restaurants in NJ. It being a BYOB only adds to the experience with us having a beautiful $70 Burgundy in tow. We were seated in the front dining room (probably not my preference and would have preferred to have been asked by host first) but was quieter and leant itself to nice conversation. The main room is more vibrant and I'd suggest be requested when making reservation if this is a first visit. We enjoyed the four course meal starting with me starting with crab cake and moving towards scallop on venison filet. read more

Had dinner for the first time with my wife, and it was excellent. It takes hard work and a high level expertise to run a restaurant at that level. We had the 4 course tasting menu. We ordered most of the items and they all exceeded our expectation. Since I'm not a food critic I won't break down the food profiles, but our taste buds had an orgy! Don't miss the chance to experience this culinary masterpiece!! read more

Food amazing, the portions weren't small. I chose the 3 course and 1 dessert, it was a lot of food ! Very satisfied! The place is romantic and cozy. read more

Matisse 167 - Burrata - New American Near Me - Rutherford, New Jersey

I'm really not sure why this place has great reviews but it may be because it's in an area of NJ where the food isn't the best. Had this restaurant been in Edgewater or Weehawken, even Cresskill or Tenafly, I'm sure it would've been 10 times better. Cold ramen with mediocre scallops and cod. The cod was great but why is a $115 per plate restaurant pairing cold ramen with their hot food.... Cold tuna with hot risotto?? The tuna was dry & cold..why is it over hot risotto?? The tuna (even though it was dry) would've paired much better with the cold ramen (still don't know why their using ramen...how about switching to something more elite like udon noodles....it literally says "ramen" on the menu...like come on. "One of the favorites," the crab cakes...I've had better in a crappy, grungy bar in Newport, Rhode Island. Oh & don't get me started with the "tuna sushi..." where was the rice, where was the flavor? All I saw in front of me was okay tuna tartare...not sure why the chef is trying to fool people with the name "tuna sushi." Truly a lack of creativity by the chef (of 40 years)...we're in 2021, maybe they should go out into the world & find new inspo for their dishes. I just started cooking this year & I can make all the dishes they have on their menu..better than what they've created... The key lime tart was the best part of the meal. For $115 a person (plus 6.whatever % tax (outrageous) I expected to be blown away..unfortunately, I left unsatisfied & still craving a fine dining experience. Next time I'll just go to a Michelin starred restaurant & pay the same for their prefix. I gave 2 stars (I should only give 1) because the waitstaff is really incredible, extremely nice & accommodating. But that's all they have going for them, a great waitstaff. Very disappointed. read more

One of the most magical dinners I've ever experienced. I've eaten in Michelin starred restaurants and yet I believe this was absolutely one of my favorite and most memorable dining experiences of my life. That said, I must admit this was our first dinner post pandemic that we ate indoors. Our reservations were for their outdoor dining patio, but weather was not agreeing so we moved to an indoor table. To start, the restaurant, is decorated life a beautiful small cafe you'd go to in Paris. Eclectic chandeliers, small tables and beautiful artwork on the walls. I loved that upon entering the cafe, you walked by the open kitchen and greeted the chef and staff.... Wonderful!!! I'm sorry to say, I didn't get the name of our waiter, but he was amazing. We were given recommendations when we asked and we were definitely steered correctly. There were 4 of us, both couples celebrating anniversaries. It's a tasting menu .... We had the fall choices. I can't eat cheese and the chef was extremely gracious t make a first course eliminating the cheese from mine. I had the beet salad.... amazing.... Mine was with red beets by companions had golden beets with goat cheese. The presentation of the dishes was spectacular, as my photos will demonstrate. Next, we all had the panko crusted crab cake with shrimp. Again, chef eliminated the cheese glazing on mine but it was spectacular. For our 3rd course, my husband and I had the special of the night, scallops with a savory biscuit... it was the perfect blending of flavors. One friend had the cod and scallops ramen dish and the other had the pan seared venison.... Both raved about their dishes. We ended our meal with candles on each of our desserts, a beautiful gesture from the kitchen. I had the key lime with one of our friends. My husband had the caramelized bananas and strawberries and our fourth party member, had the brownie. Everyone loved their dessert, and again presentation was artful. Our plan, now that we've discovered this gem, is to come each season with the menu change. Epic accolades and kudos to bother the chef and wait staff everything was perfect. read more

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Top notch cuisine. Hidden Gem is exactly how i would describe this place. If you like fine dining, you need to visit this place ASAP! Our dishes were superb. We all had different dishes as we wanted to try it all. One thing I will mention is that the service takes a little longer than usual and it's because each dish is made with such detail that when you see, smell and taste your dish you will 100% understand. This place has a beautiful and cozy patio. Some bring your best bottle or wine and unwind. Thank you to the owner who is an absolute delight! We will be back soon! read more

Matisse 167 - Outdoor sitting! Absolutely beautiful! - New American Near Me - Rutherford, New Jersey

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Impeccable service by Melinda and advice on multiple choices of our 4 course gourmet feast to our party of 3 women and 2 men. Beets in orange preparation, (tuna over guacamole also fab bt companions), scallops with foie grad, suceent version roasted slices potatoes, and a berry parfait, all for $125 is a bargian. The has paintings and frames fitted to Matisse style, outside too col tonight looked inviting for warm weather read more

The food was AMAZING. One of the best culinary experiences I've ever had. Top 3 for sure. I deducted one star because of the decoration in the back patio. It's so beautiful it really doesn't need all those flags and other decorations. I think without them, the place would feel more romantic and classy. Sometimes less is more. I also didn't like seeing all the products and tools used to care for the garden right by the entrance. These elements took away from the experience, but overall, I highly recommend it. read more

Matisse 167 - Strawberry Vanilla Cheesecake - New American Near Me - Rutherford, New Jersey

Had an AMAZING birthday dinner tonight! Chef Peter and his staff are absolute rockstars! Every course was perfection both in taste and presentation- culinary ecstasy with every bite! Sitting in the "garden" with my wonderful husband on a beautiful summer night elevated the experience even more! If you want to enjoy incredible food in a beautiful setting with the friendliest and most engaging staff, Get to Cafe Matisse ASAP! I never take pictures of my food but I just had to tonight because it was so beautiful to look at and unbelievably delicious to eat! read more

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My experience would have been far better without this particular waiter. The food is presented nicely in a pretty restaurant setting. However, for the $1,000 dinner bill ($115 pp for a set 4-course meal, including tax and 20% tip), I would have preferred more formality from our waiter and no fortuitous gossip at all. I also could use less creepy staring from the patrons, but it seems that this is the vibe here. If the Chef and owner is reading this: Be aware that your waiter is badmouthing you to your patrons without prompt, easily offering up unsavory commentary about your personality and style as he serves your works of art to a table of 6. I've never seen such rude and unprofessional behavior from a waiter. read more

Matisse 167 - New American Near Me - Rutherford, New Jersey

To me, this place lives up to the hype, in every single way. The food is absolutely incredible, the staff is as courteous and professional as can be and super knowledgeable when it comes to their dishes. read more

I surprised my friend by taking him here for his birthday. The atmosphere was very lovely and romantic. The lights were dim but not too dark, every table had a candle lit. Upon meeting the Matradee he asked if we brought any wine or beer, since the place is BYOB. If you didn't don't worry he recommends you to a liquor store not too far. He was very charming and all the waiters were very attentive. I ordered two 5 course meals for the both of us which comes 4 Savory dishes and 1 Dessert each. Every course was full of multiple flavors and was very delectable. My friend being use to taco bell and fast food was incredibly overwhelm by whatever was on his plate. Cafe Matisse does offer a Burger and Wing entree and before you ask no you do not have to fork and knife it. ^_^ My personal favorite dishes were Spicy Panko Crusted Crab Cake & Cheddar Glazed Shrimp and Honey Vanilla Soaked Banana Cake read more

Came here for our anniversary dinner and I was so impressed with everything. Our waiter had a great sense of humor and I can see how some people would get a bit put off by it but I loved it! I love that it was BYOB and although I had wanted to sit outside by the patio, we ended up being inside, bummer but whatever. Each dish is complex and the flavors are amazing. Each course was better than the next and toward the end I was stuffed. Highly recommend trying this place out! read more

Had the best Anniversary dinner date at Cafe Matisse!!! The owner is the best and super nice!!! The food were fantastic! My boyfriend and I loved and enjoyed this place so much! We'll def come back here again but we'll def try to get seated outside. Thank you for the great service and food ESP our gift . read more

Matisse 167 - Anniversary Dinner - New American Near Me - Rutherford, New Jersey

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It's small but pretty inside. I did appreciate the ambiance. The food was actually very good. But we went without checking the menu in advance and didnt realize they only served a course meal that was $115 per person (with tip and tax we walked out paying close to $300 for two people). That's a lot. It's a nice place to celebrate a special day. I recommend bringing your own bottle of wine and checking the menu to make sure you like what's included in the course. read more