Autumn has arrived, and diners are ready for hearty fall dishes like stuffed acorn squash, pumpkin soup and butternut squash ravioli. But what if you could pair those classic autumn eats with red, orange and yellow foliage views?
At these Central Jersey restaurants, those leaf-peeping views are on the menu, from a restaurant at a Somerset County park steps from a 12-acre farm to an eatery that sits on the banks of the Delaware River surrounded by lush, color-changing trees.
Here’s where to head for dinner if you’re hungry for both fall fare and colorful foliage.
Lambertville Station Restaurant and Inn
You can’t get a better view of the Delaware River and the surrounding trees changing color than at Lambertville Station Restaurant and Inn in Lambertville, which sits on the riverbank.
Inside a former 19th-century train station, the eatery offers al fresco dining with herbs from its garden.
Pair American fare like Lancaster half chicken, a truffle Angus burger and broiled crab cakes with wines from Lambertville Station Restaurant’s wine cellar, which contains more than 50 varieties of boutique wines.
Go: 11 Bridge St., Lambertville; 609-397-4400, lambertvillestation.com.
Lory’s Lakeside
Farrington Lake and foliage views are paired with approachable American fare at Lory’s Lakeside in North Brunswick, a family-friendly restaurant and bar with an old-school flair and local crowd.
Choose from dishes like St. Louis ribs, pork chops with sausage stuffing, and blackened chicken Florentine, which can also be enjoyed with live music several nights per week.
But before you leave, take a walk over to the dock outfitted with Adirondack chairs, where you can get a front-row seat to the changing leaves.
Go: 97 Church Lane, North Brunswick; 732-297-4104, lorylakeside.com.
Ninety Acres
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Farm-to-table is true to the term at than Ninety Acres in Peapack, which is next to a 12-acre farm where it sources its dairy products, herbs and produce.
In the evening, warm up near outdoor fire pits on the patio and enjoy the ambiance of string lighting, while overlooking the rest of Natirar, a Somerset County park and resort that was once owned the king of Morocco.
Here, enjoy New American fare like roasted duck breast, poached Maine lobster with squid ink gemelli pasta, and basil lemon pavlova, just feet from where the ingredients were sourced.
Go: 2 Main St., Peapack; 908-901-9500, natirar.com/ninety_acres/.
Rat’s Restaurant
Located on the grounds of a 42-acre contemporary sculpture garden in Hamilton, Rat’s Restaurant brings a Claude Monet painting to life with a lily pond and footbridge surrounded by lush foliage that lights up with color in the fall. It’s inspired by Monet’s hometown of Giverny, France, and named for Ratty, a character in children’s book “The Wind in the Willows.”
The country-style French menu includes dishes such as coq au vin, duck a l’oranage, herb butter broiled escargot, and baked brie.
To visit, you’ll also need to purchase a $25-per-person Grounds for Sculpture ticket as this restaurant is nestled in the heart of the park − but the park is full of even more yellow, orange and red tones to enjoy.
Go: 16 Fairgrounds Road, Hamilton; 609-584-7800, ratsrestaurant.com.
Stone House at Stirling Ridge
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Surrounded by 10 lush acres in the Watchung Mountains, the Stone House at Stirling Ridge in Warren is a popular spot for weddings due to its rustic-elegant vibe and views. But you don’t need to be an engaged couple to enjoy its outdoor ambiance.
From its stone patio adorned with string lights and hanging greenery, diners can enjoy upscale American fare like grilled Spatchcock chicken, occo bucco, roasted pumpkin soup and raw bar items.
Or for water and foliage views, reserve a seat at the Water Table, where food on bamboo floats atop water between guests.
Go: 50 Stirling Road, Warren; 908-754-1222, stonehouseatstirlingridge.com.
Contact: [email protected]
Jenna Intersimone has been a staff member at the USA TODAY NETWORK New Jersey since 2014, although she’s a lifetime Jersey girl who considers herself an expert in everything from the Jersey Shore to the Garden State’s buzzing downtowns. To get unlimited access to her stories about food, drink and fun, please subscribe or activate your digital account today. You can also follow her on Instagram at @seejennaeat and on Twitter at @JIntersimone.
This article originally appeared on MyCentralJersey.com: Best fall foliage restaurants in Central Jersey
