There’s no denying even great meals can be enhanced by spectacular views. Case in point, The Charlesworth Hotel & Restaurant is an old-fashioned seafood house on the Delaware Bay in Fortescue. The menu features traditional American cuisine served either in a luxurious dining room or out on their deck.
The 5,000-square foot Charlesworth Hotel & Restaurant offers first in class dining with a stunning view of the water. “It literally feels like you’re on a cruise,” says co-owner Syboll, who runs the restaurant. In fact, patrons drive from shore towns like Cape May, Sea Isle, and Avalon just to dine at the Charlesworth. “Ninety percent of our business is an hour or more away,” Syboll says.
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A Fine Dining Experience on the Water
The expansive interior can seat over 100 diners, in addition to spacious outdoor seating during warmer months as well. Guests can look forward to not only irresistible food, but an unforgettable atmosphere. “It looks like an estate room of the Titanic,” Syboll describes. “Windows are all the way around.”
All food is made in house from scratch by chef and co-owner Julian Krady; while Blaze Costanzo is the front of the house co-host. (Amy Munger Grabfelder is also a co-owner, who runs the attached Charlesworth Hotel). In particular, they craft desserts on site and use top cuts and meats from Vineland’s Marcacci Meats; The Charlesworth also locally sources oysters.
Popular starters include tuna tartare, which Syboll says is “Out of this world” with a similarly impressive presentation. Likewise, the Oysters Rockefeller can match those found in Paris. The Chilean Sea Bass and Filet Mignon are signature entrees, and the latter uses sauce that cooks for 8 hours. “The sauce makes the meat melt in your mouth,” Syboll adds. The Seafood Platter, however, is Syboll’s favorite, served with broiled or fried flounder, homemade crabcakes, and two giant scallops.
Desserts & More
The Charlesworth prepares homemade desserts including key lime pie. “It’s real key lime. People literally travel hours for it,” Syboll says. Other crowd pleasers include the chocolate chip cookie pie, mud pie, chocolate banana bread pudding, and vanilla crème brulee. While they already serve a number of specialty drinks, The Charlesworth plans to build a wine bar; as well as an outdoor bar they aim to open by next spring.
Siblings Syboll and Amy hail from Philadelphia, but spent their childhoods summering in Fortescue. Meanwhile, Syboll and Chef Julian went to college together, forming a partnership that led to co-owning The Charlesworth. Of course, the hotel aspect of The Charlesworth offers overnight stays in newly decorated rooms overlooking the bay. The venue as a whole serves as a great option for special events or weddings.
Visit The Charlesworth Hotel & Restaurant at 224 New Jersey Ave in Fortescue. (Click to see them on Google Maps.) To learn more: Click here to visit their website | Follow them on Facebook | Click to give them a call.
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The Charlesworth Hotel & Restaurant FAQs
Yes, they accept reservations.
They can make any menu item gluten-free, yes.
The Charlesworth Restaurant offers vegetarian options, yes.
They offer takeout, yes.
No, they do not offer delivery.
Yes, they serve wine from Cedar Rose Vineyards and are also BYO.
There is a kids’ menu, yes.
All Photos: © The Charlesworth Hotel & Restaurant
