Rats Restaurant - Grounds for SculptureA special treatAbsolutely wonderful outdoor dining and indoors looked lovely. Unique cuisine with something for every palate . Service by Harry was exemplary and made for a wonderful lunch. We will go back again for dinner but it will be a special occasion as prices are not inexpensive but certainly worth it.6/12/2013 12:00:00 AMThoroughly enjoyable! I willThoroughly enjoyable! I will always remember it. Lovely gift shop. It's a shame the sculpture gardens are not free to visit.6/8/2013 12:00:00 AMWonderfulAmazing Food & Great Service! One of my favorites. Be sure to try the cheese sampler and the short rib.6/8/2013 12:00:00 AMFood and Service were great but....Our dining room was uncomforfably warm. We asked about air conditionaing and the waiter fanned us. Don't you have air conditioning?6/8/2013 12:00:00 AMAlways wonderfulThe food is fabulous and innovative; the soft-shell crabs were as good as any I've had. The service is lovely; Maynor was particularly attentive and entertaining. We always go early to enjoy a drink at the bar before dinner. The setting cannot be beat; whether it is a quick stroll to see the few sculpures near the restaurant or a longer walk through the Grounds (half-price admission by the time we're done with dinner, and it's spectacular in the dark - beautiful lighting), it's like a mini-vacation.6/1/2013 12:00:00 AMWe had a lovely dining experienceWe had a lovely dining experience and thought the food was very good. Ambience is outstanding and would recommend to those who are celebrating a special occasion.6/1/2013 12:00:00 AMGreat meal & service; lousy view!!Meal & service were first rate, cocktails & wine list terrific. Small menu selection but very fresh & beautifully presented. But we were disappointed when we were seated upstairs at an inside balcony table with NO VIEW of the spectacular pond, mist & sculptures. Our view was of the plexiglass roof covering the first floor terrace! After telling others, we realized we missed out on half of the special dining experience because we didn't get a decent view! We used a gift card so unfortunately, it will be quite some time before we can afford to return for another dinner. So be advised, and insist on a seat with a view in order to to justify the expense and to fully appreciate the experience.6/1/2013 12:00:00 AMMore than worth the price, sort of.A great way to start a Grounds for Sculpture day or finish it off with a delight!5/31/2013 12:00:00 AMWonderful restaurant. AlwaysWonderful restaurant. Always love it. Like being tucked away in France. Feels like you are a million miles away from central NJ. The food is spectacular, as is the service and atmosphere. Had a lovely view of the slate terrace out to the lake. Very romanitc and a great celebratory place.5/29/2013 12:00:00 AMA One of a Kind ExperienceA fantasy dreamworld that comes alive, brings the passion and beauty of art and creativity into your soul before you even get to the table. Often a fine meal is out follows a basic pattern...welcome, menus, suggestions, etc... Thank you, Seward Johnson, for your vision.
I don't want to give it all away...Go for yourself and experience pure creativity.5/25/2013 12:00:00 AMFabulous!!!A wonderful experience all around. Menu varies from season to season because they source from local farmers. Can't wait to go back!!!5/25/2013 12:00:00 AMWonderful Experience!Hope I get the chance to go again when the weather is good and I can see the sculpture too.5/23/2013 12:00:00 AMAmazing views, food, outdoor diningJust amazing. A walk through the sculpture garden ($6 fee, absolutely worthwhile, take 30-45 min or so, with a drink), then outdoor dining. Cheese and cold cuts selection: delicious and I tried the branzino, also amazing. Combined with good service and great wine (had to do by the glass, and also for 'by the glass', there is a good selection.5/22/2013 12:00:00 AMExcellent romantic diningThe food was delicious as was the ambience. The waitstaff was outstanding very attentive..
Loved the grounds and will definitely recommend it to our friends and will look forward to dining
Their again.5/21/2013 12:00:00 AMMajestic Setting!I took my staff to Grounds for Sculpture for our office anniversary. It was also my wedding anniversary. It was truly amazing! This place is so beautiful I can not wait to take everyone that I know there. The staff here was so great and attentive they gave us there full attention and were very accommodating. This is the place to go, the pictures on line do not do it justice!5/21/2013 12:00:00 AMAMAZING!!!I have eaten here twice. In those 2 meals, every single bite of everything has been unbelievable. The service is spectacular and the ambiance is superb. Simply amazing all around.5/18/2013 12:00:00 AMEngagement DayIt was perfect for the day my girlfriend and I got engaged. This is the second time coming here and both waiters we had were extremely nice and were overall great. We will definitely come back again.5/18/2013 12:00:00 AMA French Country Restaurant in NJThe name may not be the most inspiring for a restaurant and I know where it comes from, but there isn't another thing to question about this terrific restaurant. We were seated promptly at our reservation time. Everyone was very friendly and courteous without being stiff or pretentious. As you might expect in a French restaurant, they had great bread, with a nice crust and warm chewy inside. I had the porcini mushroom ravioli with a cognac, butter and foie gras sauce for an appetizer. It was amazing. For my entre, I selected the Bronzino with broccoli rabe. Like the ravioli, perfectly cooked with an excellent sauce. We shared the Chocolate Soufflé (takes 12 minutes) for a perfect end to an incredible, perfectly paced dining experience.5/18/2013 12:00:00 AMRomantic and beautiful restaurantWe've been going to this restaurant for many years.. it's an incredible restaurant. The view is stunning and the food is always good. I highly recommend for any occasion but especially for a special occasion.5/11/2013 12:00:00 AMFairy Tale Setting......From the name plucked from the book The WInd in the Willows, to the gypsy caravan front door to the food this is a must do dining experience. My only wish is that we had explored it 5 years ago when my daughter was attending a nearby university as this would have become our go to dining spot..5/11/2013 12:00:00 AMOutstanding appetizers and dessertsMy family of 4 had a nice lunch on the Saturday before Mother's Day. The service was very attentive. We had the assorted cheese plate and the assorted mezes plate for appetizers - both of which were absolutely outstanding. Disappointed with the main course - this isn't to say that they were at all bad; they just didn't measure up to the quality of the appetizers. This was more than made up for by the desserts - we split two desserts, both of which were fantastic - I highly recommend the pavlova, but the profiteroles were also very good.
It is perhaps the most perfectly situated restaurant in NJ - definitely go for a walk in the Grounds afterwards. (Ironically the name of the restaurant is considered "inappropriate language" by this site.)5/11/2013 12:00:00 AMFantasticMy friends and I loved the restaurant. The food is delicious especially the mussels. Atmosphere, scenery, friendliness was all exceptional. Thank you5/10/2013 12:00:00 AMGreat RestaurantThis restaurant is a one--of-a kind experience. The food is quite good and the ambiance is hard to duplicate. The staff is very friendly yet professional.5/9/2013 12:00:00 AMWhat a place!!Food, service, ambiance all perfect! I will be back again and again.5/9/2013 12:00:00 AMGreat restaurants and ground, but..a bit pricey. Be prepared to spend at least $70 per person.5/7/2013 12:00:00 AMGreat first visit!The lunch menu is very eclectic but there is something for everyone in your party to try. Everything we had was delicious. Our server was very welcoming and explained the various menu choices, as well as the day's special dishes. Hope to come back again!5/7/2013 12:00:00 AMcelebrated birthdayWe arrived 1hr15min earlier to walk the ground of sculptures before the dinner.
It was raining a little while walking but did not have us wet.
Actually cloudy weather was good for walking.
I was surprised that the admission fee was required to enter the ground of sculptures this time.
It use to be free if you were to use the restaurant.
Always good to celebrate occasions there.
Quality of workers are excellent always but especially this time.
We had a drink named E=mc². I liked the name of the drink.
I wish the meal was little more delicate.5/7/2013 12:00:00 AMExcellentThis is the perfect restaurant! Most importantly, you are guarenteed excellent food every time you visit!5/4/2013 12:00:00 AMAtmosphere galoreThe food is good, not great, but the atmosphere is to die for! Excellent service and fantastic views make this cozy restaurant one of the best. Very romantic and a great place for that special occasion, and makes a good impression. I am looking forward to going again!5/4/2013 12:00:00 AMSweet 16It was a wonderful way for my daughter and friends to celebrate her 16th birthday. Very Special and she wants to go back for every birthday from now on!5/3/2013 12:00:00 AMAn experienceWell worth the price. Everything was perfect, and they make sure its that way for you.5/3/2013 12:00:00 AMDELIGHTFUL DININGwhen you are outdoors you are eating in Monet"s gardens at Giverny. interesting views of his bridge, water lillies and large koi.Also easy access to the Grounds for Sculpture4/30/2013 12:00:00 AMExceptional, with Goregous SettingThe setting overlooking a lovely lake at the Grounds for Sculpture is as satisfying as I've experienced in decades of world travel -- a nigh perfect spring day with ducks waddling around the table only served to heighten the experience. Service was flawless, ditto all courses including notably superior bread and butter. Creativity here is not a gimmick, but a welcome enhancement except with the calfoutis dessert which falls short of more conventional treatments at family meals and restaurants in France.
We followed this with a two-hour sculpture tour around the Grounds. By the time it all ended, by wife must have been the happiest lady in the Northeast -- and I didn't even have to buy her a new Porsche. Cheaper, too.4/30/2013 12:00:00 AMConsistently excellentOur third visit for lunch and it continues to exceed expectations. Our server (Jeffrey) was particularly knowledgable and helpful explaining item on the menu and describing the wines offered.4/27/2013 12:00:00 AMPicturesque SettingWe sat on the patio for lunch on a warm , sunny afternoon. The scenery would have delighted the impressionists. The menu is limited but something for almost every taste. Staff was pleasant and did not rush our lunch to conclusion.4/27/2013 12:00:00 AMJUST GO!Fantastic destination not just for lunch or dinner..but spend the day and tour the grounds either after dinner for a flood lite tour. Or before lunch and work up an appitite while seeing the art both inside and out. Decor modern and colorful..best outdoor dining w peacocks! cobb salad huge and fresh, burger fromage on brioch awsome!4/24/2013 12:00:00 AMEverything was excellent.Everything was excellent. Our waitress, Abby, was very attentive as well as knowledgeable about vegetarian and
gluten free offerings. The food was superb. The ambiance quiet, attractive and pleasant. They did not clear plates before
everyone (3) was done. Hurray!! No feeling of being rushed.
My only suggestion for the future is invest in teapots which keep the water hot!4/20/2013 12:00:00 AMWonderful setting, good drinks,Wonderful setting, good drinks, food and yummy dessert4/20/2013 12:00:00 AMGREAT, FUN Place with DELICIOUSGREAT, FUN Place with DELICIOUS food and good service.4/20/2013 12:00:00 AMPeaceful, Picturesque, Perfect!!!We were seated at exactly our reservation time. We were asked if we would prefer outdoor or indoor dining as both were available. Our waiter knew the menu inside and out and could explain all the nuances and would offer valuable suggestions. It was a no pressure but highly attentive waitstaff. Cannot wait to return again. Fabulous!!! Would love their recipe for the special soup of the day, mushroom bisque!!!4/17/2013 12:00:00 AMIt is a "tell all place"!It is a "tell all place"! I have mentioned to several coworkers. What a delightful time I had with my husband.4/13/2013 12:00:00 AMI went for lunch with my MomI went for lunch with my Mom and Sister for a special occassion. The restaurant is beautiful, and the view of the monet bridge and pond a perfect setting. The food and menu selection was great for all tastes. Highly recommend.4/6/2013 12:00:00 AMExcellent location to meetExcellent location to meet friends from South Jersey. Delicious dinner, service was slow but we were relaxed and wait staff was exceptional, proper yet friendly. Popovers served when time between courses was starting to feel a bit long. Lovely evening.4/5/2013 12:00:00 AMBeen there a few times, thisBeen there a few times, this was by far the best. Bronzino (sp?) was awesome.4/4/2013 12:00:00 AMAbsolutely spectacular! IAbsolutely spectacular! I will definitely be back.3/30/2013 12:00:00 AMIt's always a pleasure toIt's always a pleasure to dine in such a nice place for special occasions3/27/2013 12:00:00 AMThe price fix makes it affordable.The price fix makes it affordable. Otherwise this is (for me) a special occasion only place. Fabulous food and service.3/27/2013 12:00:00 AMWill be backThe name kind of scare you but, Everything was perfect. From walking in the door to walking out3/26/2013 12:00:00 AMThis restaurant is absolutelyThis restaurant is absolutely the most beautiful and romantic dining I have had since actually being in Giverny France. Th food is authentic and delicious. The ambiance transforms you into a different world. You forget where you are. The grounds are to be admired for the talent. Truly a memorable experience, one I would hope every one gets to experience. This is a real treasure!3/23/2013 12:00:00 AMGreat ChoiceWe had a wonderful evening at Ratz! The Lightly Smoked Duck was to die for. Better than duck dishes I've had at other comparable restaurants in the area. My dinner partner had the Caramelized Scallops which he said were fantastic. We recommend the eggplant salad--like an eponata--it's a strong flavored, caper filled salad that is truly marvelous. The cheese platter was also quite nice.
The atmosphere is fantastic and waiters have the right amount of attentiveness.
Wonderful place to dine and be relaxed.3/16/2013 12:00:00 AM