Diners looking for a unique experience while they enjoy Italian cuisine should know about A Salute in Matawan. That’s because the restaurant exists within the walls of an 1850s church. The 170-year-old building’s character has been preserved so you can eat lunch or dinner in a comfortable setting.
The 7,000-square foot restaurant with a full-service cocktail bar replaces Bart’s (open for more than 40 years). Paul Salute, an entrepreneur and first-time restaurant owner, is in charge of A Salute. The spot seats 120 at full capacity, with the dining room being in the actual church building. There’s also semi-private seating for up to eight guests on the former altar. “It’s a complete experience,” says Salute, who also praises the upbeat staff and high-quality food.
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A New Menu For an Old Building
A Salute boasts a completely different menu from the building’s former occupant as well; Salute recommends the Bolognese as well as the short rib ragu; that latter is rigatoni served with braised short rib, peas, carrots, pomodoro, and ricotta. One other favorite is the pork chop giambotta, a center cut with sweet and hot peppers, onions, potatoes, and vinegar. Dinnertime dessert highlights include tiramisu, pistachio tartufo, and lava cake; however, the lunch menu boasts a giant, warm pretzel with honey Dijon and cherry pepper aioli. Click here to see the full menu.
Meanwhile, the 30-seat cocktail bar and additional high-top seating is another way to dine, or just enjoy drinks. Curating the cocktail menu is an industry professional with years of award-winning experience. Salute recommends three options in particular, the 1850 Manhattan (the year the church opened), The Deacon, and Breaking Lent.
As the weather gets warmer, A Salute will offer outdoor dining with a full-service bar and live entertainment. The patio, complete with fire pits, can seat up to 180 guests. In the meantime, throughout the winter, you can step outside and sip a drink by the temporary fire pits.
To find A Salute, head over to 74 Main Street in Matawan (Click here to find them on Google Maps). To learn more, click here to visit their website or you can click here to call.
Click here to find the latest restaurants open in New Jersey.
A Salute FAQs
A Salute does offer reservations, yes.
Yes, there are Gluten-free options.
There are both vegan and vegetarian options, yes.
Yes, the restaurant offers takeout
Yes, A Salute offers delivery.
The restaurant serves alcohol and has a liquor license, yes.
Yes, there is a kids’ menu.
All Photos: © A Salute / Facebook
