The rolling farmlands of Sussex County is now also home to a contemporary American dining experience. The Circle aims to bring a taste of New York City fine dining to the town of Newton. Here, co-owners and chefs Brendan Ullmann and Tyler O’Toole are combining their experience from previous Michelin-starred restaurants.
The name “The Circle” refers to New York City’s Columbus Circle; a spot where the duo would let loose after tough 16-hour restaurant shifts. In particular, Ullmann and O’Toole met while working at Jean-Georges in New York City. Now in New Jersey, they want to apply their NYC-minded experience and menu to NJ locals.
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Building The Circle
“For the longest time, we’d have so many ideas,” O’Toole recalls about their inspiration behind The Circle. “I’d think, ‘If I had my own restaurant, here’s how I’d go about that.’ It’s really fun being able to harvest those thoughts and feelings and go so far with creativity.”
A 300-year-old building houses the 2,400-square-foot restaurant that sits on a one-acre lot. The kitchen boasts the original woodfired oven, bread oven, and wood beams made of yellow pine from the property. Meanwhile, the interior seats about 60 guests, with outdoor dining for another 20 to 30 coming soon. (They are working on a wraparound porch patio.) In terms of the view, The Circle overlooks cornfields and a grassy area. “It’s super tranquil and pretty scenic,” O’Toole says.
In addition to their mission of bringing fine NYC dining to Newton, The Circle also showcases local businesses and artists. For example, the walls are decorated with paintings (that are also for sale) by John Thurston from Stillwater, NJ. “It’s super important to us that everything is local,” says O’Toole.
An Ever-Changing Menu
One specialty you’ll find is their fish, typically either halibut or cod. They also source salt oysters from Cape May. “It’s so simple that we wonder why everyone doesn’t do this,” O’Toole says about their tasty fish options. Click here to see the latest menu.
“We’re really proud of our bread service,” O’Toole adds. Baker, and friend, Rob Yaskovic works at a local bread company, but comes in midday to bake specialty breads. The Calabrian chili bread and lemon focaccia are both recent hits, for instance.
Just don’t forget to save room for dessert, including their ice cream and sorbets made in house. Likewise, the flourless cake is a signature dessert, topped with homemade espresso ice cream using espresso powder from KAR’S Coffee. Working in synergy, this local roaster also offers a Circle blend coffee, made according to the chefs’ specifications.
You can visit The Circle at 310 Route 94 in Newton (Click here to see them on Google Maps). To learn more, click here to visit their website or you can click here to give them a call.
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The Circle FAQs
Yes, they do take reservations.
Yes, The Circle offers Gluten-free options.
There are vegan and vegetarian options, yes
Yes, they offer takeout
They do not offer delivery, no.
No (BYOB), they do not serve alcohol.
No, but they can do pastas in red sauces, potatoes, and mac and cheese.
Top (Hero) Photo: © The Circle
Article Photos: © Rob Yaskovic Photography
