The town of Ridgewood is known for its charming downtown and tree-lined streets. But its culinary scene has been quietly improving for years. This Bergen County gem offers elegant French bistros, modern Italian kitchens, and cozy spots that utilize seasonal, local ingredients. Below are the result of our online poll to find The 5 Best Restaurants in Ridgewood.
These five restaurants represent the best of what Ridgewood has to offer. They boast ambiance that’s both elevated and inviting, menus rooted in culinary craft, and consistently high praise from locals. Whether in need of a romantic dinner, celebratory night out, or long-overdue catch-up, these are Ridgewood’s 5 Best Restaurants.
Quick Click Guide: Want to Jump Straight to Number One? Click any Number Below and see which restaurants made our list of The 5 Best Restaurants in Ridgewood.
| Number #5 | Number #4 | Number #3 | Number #2 | Number #1 |
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#1 in Ridgewood:
Latour
Where: 6 E Ridgewood Ave
Details: Latour is one of the few remaining authentic French fine dining restaurants in the state. Owner and Chef Michael Latour thoughtfully prepares a curated menu of dishes that transport guests to Lyon, Paris, and beyond. He also painstakingly prepares 20 different sauces like Bordelaise and Grand Marinier, each often taking days to finish. In addition, all breads are baked on-site and most vegetables come from the chef’s home garden in Ramsey. We recommend the dover sole, served with Grand Marnier sauce and fileted tableside.
#2 in Ridgewood:
Park West Tavern
Where: 30 Oak St
Details: This modern American tavern is popular for its contemporary selection of seafood, starters, and large plates. This includes appetizers like Itty Bitty Lobster Rolls, Charred Corn Risotto, Ribeye Spring Rolls, and Almond Chicken Nuggets. Their warm hospitality, cold craft beers, and signature cocktails also help Park West Tavern stand apart from other nearby restaurants. Plus, their Brioche Bread Pudding is the perfect way to end any meal. The versatile space is just as great for watching live sports at the bar as it is for date night.
#3 in Ridgewood:
From Scratch
Where: 44 E Ridgewood Ave
Details: From Scratch melds contemporary Italian cuisine with classic baked treats for a mouthwatering lunch or dinner experience. The restaurant specializes in handmade pasta entrees, from the classic Carbonara to their Lasagna alla Bolognese. We also recommend the Ravioli Alla Salsa Di Noci (ravioli with ricotta, spinach, pecorino romano, pine nuts, and walnuts). Chef Claudia’s signature desserts include Ricotta & Nutella Pie, and the Homemade Napolean (lemon custard cream, berries, and puff pastry).
#4 in Ridgewood:
Steel Wheel Tavern
Where: 51 N Broad St
Details: Steel Wheel Tavern offers modern American cuisine with a fun, laid back vibe. Their warm hospitality, top notch Happy Hour, and daily live music make them a popular hangout. Located across from the train station, the bar is an attractive hub for locals and travelers alike. Open late on Thursday (until midnight) and Friday/Saturday (until 1:30 am), they have a dedicated “Moonlight Munchies” menu. This after-dark menu features house made fried mozzarella, hot honey chicken tenderloins, truffle fries, and more. Steel Wheel Tavern also serves weekend brunch every Saturday and Sunday from Noon to 3:00 pm. Brunch highlights include our personal recommendation, the Goat Cheese & Chive Avocado Toast. Of course, their all-day lunch and dinner menu — coupled with their signature cocktails — makes any time the perfect time to visit. Steel Wheel Tavern is available to host private parties, corporate gatherings, and special events. Become a “Wheeler” on their website to receive a sweet birthday month treat.
| Visit Their Website | Reserve a Table | Follow on Instagram | Follow on Facebook | Call 201-882-1800 |
#5 in Ridgewood:
Felina
Where: 54 E Ridgewood Ave
Details: Felina is a fan-favorite Italian restaurant from the Landmark Hospitality Group. (Which also owns numerous wedding venues and popular spots such as the Maddy Rose at Liberty House in Jersey City.) The interior is a sleek, industrial space that brings a modern vibe to their classic Italian menu. Signature antipasti include Saffron Arancini, Mussels Fra Diavolo, and Tempura Fried Calamari. For dinner, we recommend the White Clam pizza, Chicken Scarpariello, or Garganelli alla Vodka pasta dish. They also serve Sunday brunch.
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Top Photo: © Steel Wheel Tavern | Website
