The Highlawn

4.4

1424 Reviews

$31 to $50

American

Make a reservation

2 people

Dec 21, 2024

7:00 PM

Booked 19 times today

Experiences are available.

Great for scenic views
Good for special occasions
Fancy

Nestled atop the picturesque Eagle Rock Reservation in West Orange, NJ, The Highlawn is regarded throughout the region for fine dining and its dedication to making each celebration memorable and unique. It has been the trusted venue of many private groups, Fortune 500 companies, non-profit organizations, local community associations, and many more, and is a recipient of OpenTable's Diners' Choice Awards for the Top 100 Scenic View Restaurants.

The landmark has been revitalized to provide patrons with a premier fine dining experience and world-class site for weddings and special events. With world class Culinary Director and Executive Chef William Prunty now at the helm, diners can expect an out-of-this-world meal.

Additional information

Dining style
Fine Dining
Price
$31 to $50
Cuisines
American, Steakhouse, Italian
Hours of operation
Brunch Sun 11:30 am–3:00 pm Bar Tue–Sun 4:00 pm–11:00 pm Dinner Tue, Wed 5:00 pm–9:00 pm Thu–Sun 5:00 pm–10:00 pm
Phone number
(973) 731-3463
Website
http://www.highlawn.com/
Dress code
Business Casual
Catering
Built into the Watchung Mountain Ridge of West Orange’s Eagle Rock Reservation, the Wine Cellar is a venue like no other for private events, corporate functions, tastings, and celebrations. The event space hosts 15-65 guests and is the ideal setting for any gathering.
Private party facilities
The Skyline Ballroom features the most iconic panoramic views of New York City—anywhere. The event space hosts up to 200 guests and is the perfect setting for receptions of any kind

Location
1 Crest Dr, West Orange, NJ 07052
Neighborhood
West Orange
Parking details
Valet
Additional
Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Chef's Table, Entertainment, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, View

Experiences

Christmas Pre Fixe Menu
Dec 25, 2024 only
The best place to celebrate Christmas is at The Highlawn with the most friendly staff and the best food around town. Our New Chef is bringing all the Holiday Cheer. Christmas Day in the restaurant will be a pre-fix Christmas Dinner from 11-6 pm for $145 per adult and $45 per kid (not including beverages, taxes, and gratuity). Menu Options will be Choice of Smoked Salmon & Horseradish Crostini Roasted Cauliflower Veloute Butter Poached Crab Leg Entree Selection Dover Sole Roasted Free Range Chicken Prime Rib Dessert Buche Noel Children Menu Selection Highlawn Cheese Pizza Chicken Fingers & French Fries Spaghetti & Meatballs Penne & Butter Brioche French Toast Assorted Christmas Cookies
Christmas Dinner Buffet
Dec 25, 2024 only
The best place to celebrate Christmas is at The Highlawn with the most friendly staff and the best food around town. Our New Chef is bringing all the Holiday Cheer. Please join us for our Christmas Buffet $85/ per person excluding gratuity & taxes. Children 10 & under $45/per person. Children 3 & under are free of charge. For party sizes 12 and over, please call the restaurant for reservations at (973) 731-3463. Please note price does not include beverages, taxes & gratuity. Buffet Menu SALAD Caesar or Mixed Green CHARCUTERIE TABLE PASTAS Wild Mushroom ravioli Penne Vodka CARVING: Turkey Prime rib FISH Fennel Salmon CHICKEN Chicken Francese SIDES Garlic Mashed Potatoes Roasted Asparagus Maple Carrots DESSERT Mini Pastries Cookies Cakes

Popular dishes

Blueberry Almond Crumble$18.00
Amaretto Sabayon, Toasted Almond Ice Cream
Lemon Ricotta Cheesecake$18.00
Pistachio Sponge, Candied Kumquats, Mascarpone Mousse, Pistachio Tuile
Salted Butterscotch Crème Brûlée$18.00
Popcorn & Pretzel Cracker Jack
Chocolate Olive Oil Torte$18.00
Orange Curd, White Chocolate Orange Mousse, Chocolate Hazelnut Shell, Hazelnut Ice Cream
Cinna Bun Bread Pudding$18.00
Cream Cheese Anglaise, Cinnamon Crunch Ice Cream
The Highlawn Sundae$20.00
Chocolate & Caramel Sauce, Brownies, Candied Walnuts, Chocolate Tuile, Brandied Cherries, Vanilla Chantilly, Chocolate & Vanilla Ice Cream

Coffee & Tea

Assorted Teas$5.25
Cappuccino$6.25
Decaffeinated Coffee$4.25
Decaffeinated Espresso$4.25
Espresso$4.25
Latte$6.25
Regular Coffee$4.25

Dessert Cocktail

Gigi's Espresso-Tini$18.00
Vodka, Fresh Espresso, Licor 43, Housemade Vanilla Syrup | With or Without Bailey's

Apéritif & Digestif (2oz Pours)

Amaro Averna$14.00
Amaro Montenegro$14.00
Amaro Nonino$17.00
Anisette$12.00
Aperol$12.00
Campari$13.00
Cocchi Americano$12.00
Disaronno Amaretto$12.00
Dom Benedictine$13.00
Fernet Branca$12.00

What 1,424 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.4

4.4 based on recent ratings

4.3Food
4.6Service
4.6Ambience
3.9Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

New Jersey
Most Booked 1000-Point Tables
Essex
Great for fine wines
Essex
Romantic
Essex
Most Booked

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

The Highlawn offers an exquisite dining experience with breathtaking views of the NYC skyline. Guests praise the "spectacular service," "phenomenal food," and "exceptional atmosphere." While some note areas for improvement, especially regarding service and pricing, the venue remains a cherished spot for special occasions, thanks to its stunning setting and attentive staff.

1,424 Reviews

B
Bob
Washington DC
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined 3 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Simply one of the best places in New Jersey ! Another amazing job.
Is this helpful?
A
Andrea
VIP
New York City
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined 6 days ago
1. Overall 3
2. Food 2
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
We went to this event last year and it was great. This year the food was not as good and they cut back on many things especially when it came to the food. Unfortunately we will not be going back to the Santa Brunch event.
Is this helpful?
R
Ruthy
New York City
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined 7 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
We were a party of 4 for dinner and the food and service were amazing! It was a little loud for our friends an older couple but nonetheless we enjoyed our experience and highly recommend the place.
Is this helpful?
r
robert
VIP
New York City
84 reviews
3.0
84 reviews
Dined 7 days ago
1. Overall 3
2. Food 3
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 2
Our experience was just ok. Not terrible not wonderful. The majority of window seats were reserved for large parties so getting one was impossible. The line about you can see the view from the mirrors was really annoying. Our server was outstanding. We never felt rushed on a busy night. Food is just mediocre. My son in law loved the duck but the pasta dishes had very little flavor.
Is this helpful?
E
Evan
Washington DC
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on December 10, 2024
1. Overall 3
2. Food 2
3. Service 2
4. Ambience 4
Food was unfortunately below expectations in flavor. The wrong food was served to us for our apps and the waiter questioned why we were saying it was a different menu item. Overall disappointed with the experience for the price
Is this helpful?
M
Martha
Pittsburgh
6 reviews
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on December 10, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
The pre fixed lunch menu was delicious. It felt a bit restrictive but the food was executed perfectly.
Is this helpful?
T
Tom
New York City
2 reviews
4.0
2 reviews
Dined on December 8, 2024
1. Overall 4
2. Food 5
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 4
Beautiful ambience. Decorated wonderfully for the Christmas season. Food was outstanding. A really rewarding holiday family experience.
Is this helpful?
c
carolec
New York City
3 reviews
4.0
3 reviews
Dined on December 8, 2024
1. Overall 4
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Lovely Santa Brunch - great for the season. Bit pricey - but super festive and we got to see SANTA!
The HighlawnResponded on December 11, 2024
Thank you for joining us; it was our pleasure to host you. We thank you for taking the time to leave us a review. Your feedback is most appreciated and welcomed. We look forward to seeing you again! Very best, Laine Facatselis HL Assistant General Manager
Is this helpful?
D
Donna
VIP
New York City
18 reviews
4.0
18 reviews
Dined on December 8, 2024
1. Overall 4
2. Food 3
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 4
Being totallyhonest food lacked flavor! My fettuccine bolognese needed salt and tney never offered cheese? I feel the food last year was outstanding? Very disappointed but will try again
Is this helpful?
D
Diana
New York City
12 reviews
4.0
12 reviews
Dined on December 7, 2024
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
We celebrated a milestone birthday and The Highlawn was everything we wanted it to be. A wonderful place for a special occasion.
The HighlawnResponded on December 11, 2024
Thank you for joining us; it was our pleasure to host you. We thank you for taking the time to leave us a review. Your feedback is most appreciated and welcomed. We look forward to seeing you again! Very best, Laine Facatselis HL Assistant General Manager
Is this helpful?

FAQs

The Highlawn is rated 4.4 stars by 1424 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people

Dec 21, 2024

7:00 PM

Booked 19 times today

Experiences are available.

1 Crest Dr, West Orange, NJ 07052

Additional information

Neighborhood
West Orange
Hours of operation
Brunch Sun 11:30 am–3:00 pm Bar Tue–Sun 4:00 pm–11:00 pm Dinner Tue, Wed 5:00 pm–9:00 pm Thu–Sun 5:00 pm–10:00 pm
Price
$31 to $50
Cuisines
American, Steakhouse, Italian
Dining style
Fine Dining
Dress code
Business Casual
Parking details
Valet
Additional
Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Chef's Table, Entertainment, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, View

Website
http://www.highlawn.com/
Phone number
(973) 731-3463
Catering
Built into the Watchung Mountain Ridge of West Orange’s Eagle Rock Reservation, the Wine Cellar is a venue like no other for private events, corporate functions, tastings, and celebrations. The event space hosts 15-65 guests and is the ideal setting for any gathering.
Private party facilities
The Skyline Ballroom features the most iconic panoramic views of New York City—anywhere. The event space hosts up to 200 guests and is the perfect setting for receptions of any kind

The Highlawn

Make a reservation

Additional information

Christmas Pre Fixe Menu

Christmas Dinner Buffet

Fettuccine Bolognese

Spaghetti & Meatball

Center Cut Filet Mignon

Highlawn Desserts

Blueberry Almond Crumble$18.00

Lemon Ricotta Cheesecake$18.00

Salted Butterscotch Crème Brûlée$18.00

Chocolate Olive Oil Torte$18.00

Cinna Bun Bread Pudding$18.00

The Highlawn Sundae$20.00

Coffee & Tea

Assorted Teas$5.25

Cappuccino$6.25

Decaffeinated Coffee$4.25

Decaffeinated Espresso$4.25

Espresso$4.25

Latte$6.25

Regular Coffee$4.25

Dessert Cocktail

Gigi's Espresso-Tini$18.00

Apéritif & Digestif (2oz Pours)

Amaro Averna$14.00

Amaro Montenegro$14.00

Amaro Nonino$17.00

Anisette$12.00

Aperol$12.00

Campari$13.00

Cocchi Americano$12.00

Disaronno Amaretto$12.00

Dom Benedictine$13.00

Fernet Branca$12.00

Overall ratings and reviews

Loved For

Review summary

FAQs

How is The Highlawn restaurant rated?

Is The Highlawn currently accepting reservations?

Make a reservation

Additional information