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Cardinal Bistro - Permanently Closed, Ventnor City, NJ

Cardinal Bistro - Permanently Closed

4.6
4.6
373 Reviews
$31 to $50
American
Cardinal Bistro offers a beautiful cozy atmosphere in down beach Ventnor New Jersey. A small 38- Seat BYOB declared as one of Craig Laban's Favorite New American Byo's at the shore, will dazzle you with the stunning culinary creations of Chef Michael. From our signature menu selections like Cioppino, Shrimp and Popcorn Grits or the award winning Green Circle Chicken there is something to surely please all appetites. Started by father and son team Thomas and Michael Brennan Cardinal Bistro is like walking into our home, so come see what the talk of the town is and we will see you at the Bistro!

Permanently Closed

This restaurant is permanently closed.

Additional information

  • Dining style

    Casual Dining

  • Cuisines

    American, Contemporary American, Bistro

  • Hours of operation

    Brunch Wed–Sun 10:00 am–3:00 pm Dinner Wed–Sun 5:00 pm–10:00 pm

  • Phone number

    (609) 541-4633

  • Payment options

    AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

  • Dress code

    Casual Dress

  • Executive chef

    Michael Brennan

  • Neighborhood

    Ventnor City

  • Cross street

    New Haven Ave

  • Parking details

    Public Lot

  • Additional

    BYO Liquor, BYO Wine, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Weekend Brunch, Wine

What 373 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

4.6
4.6 based on recent ratings
  • 4.6Food
  • 4.7Service
  • 4.5Ambience
  • 4.4Value

NoiseQuiet

Sort by

  1. OpenTable Diner

    Philadelphia

    10 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on May 26, 2019

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Delicious last dinner at Cardinal Bistro—one of our favorites. We will miss you but look forward to your next restaurant.
  2. leofoodie17

    Atlantic City

    28 reviews

    5.0

    28 reviews

    Dined on May 26, 2019

    overall5food5service5ambience3
    Always good
  3. Seth

    Philadelphia

    48 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    48 reviews

    Dined on May 26, 2019

    overall4food4service2ambience4
    We ate here twice this weekend as one of our favorite local spots is now closing. Dinner Friday night was delicious. Although they were out of 2 entrees ( the duck and the wild boar) what we did have was delicious. Brussel sprouts never disappoint, the shrimp appetizer was fresh and yummy as was the tomato tarter. The salmon was pan seared perfectly and those who ordered the steak were very happy as well. Dessert was the chocolate ganache and the cheesecake- both plates were licked clean. The service was stellar because we had our favorite waiter Grayson who is always so attentive and on point. Today we went for brunch . We were seated right away but clearly there was not enough staff on to accommodate today’s patrons. We did not receive our usually complimentary beignets and poor Saige was so busy running inside and out . It looked like there were only 2 servers for the entire restaurant. Service was slow - over an hour to receive our brunch entrees and although she did the best she could the kitchen was painfully slow today. With just one more day to go the service was very disappointing although our meals were good . Wishing Chef Michael and his dad Tom best of luck wherever they end up. We will miss Cardinal Bistro as it truly was a neighborhood gem.
  4. Beis

    Philadelphia

    29 reviews

    vip
    1.0

    29 reviews

    Dined on May 25, 2019

    overall1food1service2ambience3
    First two points, unbeknown to us, we ate there at what was their last weekend before moving. We had visited there once before last year. and did enjoy it, but nothing could be further from our experience this time. Not only was the service poor, but the food was basically terrible. I should also note that I am much less tolerant of restaurants that charge up to $45 per entree. First, they were out of several items by the time we had dinner (not particularly late). What was more troubling was that the food represented both poor concept and execution. We started with the Beet and “Tomato Tartare” appetizers. The Beat appetizer consisted of whole beats with tahini and some crumbled cheese. A totally bland dish demonstrating almost no skill or culinary concept. The “Tomato Tartare” was even worse. As best I could tell, it was a dish consisting of chopped canned tomatoes with garlic, oil and sugar served with a few undercooked greasy onion rings. Bland and unappetizing. We asked for bread and got a bowl of fried bread. Now that is not a terrible thing, but if you are serving it, it needs to be fresh and hot, cold, soggy and greasy is what we got. Inedible. My partner got the prawns which were not fresh (a huge problem if serving seafood) and were served over a cold semolina custard, which had good flavor but essentially cooled the shrimp down. I had the salmon and frankly, it came overcooked and with more of the canned chopped tomatoes and an unidentified cream sauce. On the plus side, when we complained about the prawns it was taken off the bill. I will also note that the owner did try and offer us coffee and dessert which we declined. He seemed genuinely concerned and he gets points for that. We wish them luck in their new location, but will not be back.
  5. OpenTable Diner

    Philadelphia

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 24, 2019

    overall1food1service5ambience5
    Brussels sprouts too much sauce, truffle gnocchi had no taste, Beet salad way too salty, pheasant was cold and over cooked. Tasted like warmed up chicken. Came in a huge kitchen skillet which was awkward. Last time good was excellent though. This time all 3 courses were not good. And it cost $50 so it wasn’t like it was inexpensive. Bummer. Love byob places
  6. Foodie1

    Atlantic City

    21 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    21 reviews

    Dined on May 18, 2019

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Always delicious and consistent. Very friendly and knowledgeable staff
  7. Zach

    Philadelphia

    44 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    44 reviews

    Dined on May 11, 2019

    overall4food5service5ambience3
    Closing for the summer???
  8. KrisM

    Atlantic City

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 11, 2019

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Absolutely exquisite! Rob came to our table made sure we chose the best menu items and dessert option. Hand down one of the best meals I’ve had in a long long time. I can’t wait to go back again. Also... their bread service is my favorite I’ve had.
  9. OpenTable Diner

    Philadelphia

    37 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    37 reviews

    Dined on May 11, 2019

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Excellent diner & service. One of the best at the Beach
  10. MARILYNG

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 8, 2019

    overall3food1service3ambience3
    Food was too salty. Told waiter/father and he said chef was young and had a heavy hand. Bad reply. Ruined the meal, for me 😪
  11. MarcP

    Philadelphia

    56 reviews

    vip
    2.0

    56 reviews

    Dined on April 27, 2019

    overall2food2service2ambience3
    Food was served haphazardly. 2 of the 4 dinners were cold and had to be taken back. After being "warmed" were still cold. 2 people received the main courses while the others waited.
  12. RandyS

    Atlantic City

    21 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    21 reviews

    Dined on April 21, 2019

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    This restaurant is a gem and unfortunately will be closing May 27. They will Be reopening in December somewhere in AC with a much larger venue and full bar. The dishes are very creative and the fusion of flavors are unparalleled to anything in South Jersey. Get a taste before they close
  13. Sheri

    Philadelphia

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on April 21, 2019

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    We had a very enjoyable Easter Brunch at Cardinal Bistro. The service was excellent, the food was delicious, portions were huge and the entire staff was super friendly. Loved the avocado toast and truffle fries !! We will definitely be back for brunch again
  14. Lynne

    Charleston

    9 reviews

    5.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on April 17, 2019

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We we're very impressed with this restaurant. It was very cozy, but elegant at the same time. The service was superb, and we liked the fact that it was family owned and operated. It's a must visit if you're in the area. The chef is very skilled with lots of attention to detail. The beet salad with microgreens was excellent!
  15. MaxS

    Atlantic City

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on April 13, 2019

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    After an awesome brunch over last summer, I made my first trip to Cardinal Bistro for dinner. We shared the brussell sprouts, gnocchi and duck confit appetizers, all of which were fantastic. Service was very good and the filet was top notch. Looking forward to my next visit.
  16. Kathy

    Sacramento

    6 reviews

    4.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on April 10, 2019

    overall4food4service5ambience4
    An enjoyable experience. Very accommodating and well worth a return visit.
  17. Shmooby

    Atlantic City

    6 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on April 5, 2019

    overall4food4service5ambience4
    Our meal meal at Cardinal bistro was very creative. The gentleman who was our server was polite and informative. The ambience is nothing special and the noise level was a little louder than comfortable but tolerable. The only complaint that we had regarding the food was that considering the freshness and creativity of the chef, The salt content of the appetizers and side dishes and main dish was a little overwhelming. Not sure if anyone has complained of this before but reducing the saltiness of the foods would be a definite improvement.
  18. JohnM

    Atlantic City

    8 reviews

    3.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on March 31, 2019

    overall3food5service2ambience5
    We took my sister out for her birthday to Sunday brunch on March 31. The restaurant was not busy two tables of 6 and two tables with 2 and our table of 3. We were not rushed but it seem our waitress forgot or just didn't care about us. The owners father was great he took our drink order 2 coffee and one water that was fine and as always he was very nice. But then we come to the waitress took our food order and brought the food that was it. She never checked back in or ask if we needed any thing, or if everything was ok. They did not know it was my sister birthday. But we overheard the waitress ask the table next to us if they wanted any desert. Hearing what they had to offer it sound pretty good to us and with it being my sister birthday we were interested. But no the waitress without asking if we wanted any she just dropped off our check, feeling slighted we were ready to go. Sad to say but I thought about letting my tip reflect my feelings but no we are better then that.
  19. Maddy

    Philadelphia

    14 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    14 reviews

    Dined on March 31, 2019

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great food and service. I am very particular about scrambled eggs. They were perfect as was the bacon. There are many other great choices on the brunch menu but I just love their bacon and eggs. It is also a great place for dinner.
  20. RichieC

    Atlantic City

    28 reviews

    5.0

    28 reviews

    Dined on March 31, 2019

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    One of the best restaurants in the area! Truly a top 3 for me..
  21. RichardG

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 30, 2019

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Five star is not enough. The service was excellent, the food was magnificent especially the popcorn grits. We will definitely back for dinner and lunch!
  22. ReneK

    Philadelphia

    25 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    25 reviews

    Dined on March 24, 2019

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Always my favorite for food, service and ambiance! Chef Michael continues to impress every time he changes the menu! Lucky to have Cardinal Bistro in our town!
  23. OpenTable Diner

    San Francisco

    7 reviews

    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on March 24, 2019

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Had a lovely brunch with my father and boyfriend, I used to work in fine dining in Philadelphia so getting that same level of exceptional service you expect when going to a super fancy place found in a small beach town bistro-was so refreshing. I'll definitely be coming back whenever I'm in town.
  24. snewjersey

    Atlantic City

    28 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    28 reviews

    Dined on March 9, 2019

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Amazing !!!
  25. Caren

    Philadelphia

    20 reviews

    5.0

    20 reviews

    Dined on March 8, 2019

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    This family owned restaurant should not be missed. The chef is outstanding and the staff are just as good!
  26. LinaV

    Atlantic City

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 8, 2019

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Amazing food , amazing service, great atmosphere, everyone in my group loved it
  27. Shane

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 8, 2019

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Delicious food. Great atmosphere. I highly recommend.
  28. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 3, 2019

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Great food!
  29. BandV

    Fort Lauderdale

    71 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    71 reviews

    Dined on February 24, 2019

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Cardinal Bistro is predictably excellent. The food, the welcoming staff - really everything. It is always wonderful to taste the new creations by Chef Michael. His newest version of Brussels Sprouts is a must to try, even if you think you don’t like Brussels Sprouts.
  30. OpenTable Diner

    Philadelphia

    37 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    37 reviews

    Dined on February 24, 2019

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We have had several great dinners at Cardinal Bistro. Brunch is every bit as good. Food is excellent.
  31. Outoftowner

    Philadelphia

    79 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    79 reviews

    Dined on February 23, 2019

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The food at Cardinal Bistro is always outstanding. Each visit there are new choices of appetizers and entree’s. Everyone in our party thought everything was exceptional. The service was welcoming and attentive, the pace was excellent.
  32. AnOpenTableDiner

    Atlantic City

    16 reviews

    4.0

    16 reviews

    Dined on February 17, 2019

    overall4food3service4ambience4
    We always love eating and don’t mind the slight tweaks in preparation and presentation. The staff is always very friendly and the restaurant is very clean.
  33. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 15, 2019

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    My husband and I have found our new favorite restaurant! We found our experience to be spectacular; from the amazing customer service to the atmosphere to, of course, the absolutely delicious food! We ordered the gnocchi with black truffle sauce as a starter and were blown away! As a huge gnocchi fan, I can honestly say that these are the best gnocchis I have ever had. They 100% melt in your mouth and we learned that they are made with pastry rather than potatoes- they are a MUST try!! I also need to mention that the fried bread and dipping sauce that is provided to each table is simply out of this world. Next, we ordered the lobster and the halibut for our entrees and found both dishes to be outstanding. We followed up with the oatmeal crust cake for dessert, and it proved to be just as addicting as described by the attentive and personable owner. The price point is definitely on the higher side, but believe me, it is worth every penny! You need to check this place out! We will be back again very soon and we can't wait!
  34. leofoodie17

    Atlantic City

    28 reviews

    5.0

    28 reviews

    Dined on February 15, 2019

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Chef is truly talented! Creating visual and tasteful dishes That surprise
  35. Gilbert

    Atlantic City

    36 reviews

    5.0

    36 reviews

    Dined on February 14, 2019

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    I consider this restaurant to be the best on the island, bar none. The food is superb, the service impeccable, and the noise level very tolerable. The menu changes so often that is is rare to have the same thing twice. I couldn't recommend this restaurant more highly.
  36. Maddy

    Philadelphia

    14 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    14 reviews

    Dined on February 10, 2019

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Fantastic brunch. Eggs and bacon are superb. Highly recommend. For brunch, as well as dinner.
  37. juliem

    Philadelphia

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 7, 2019

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great little family run place with interesting and varied menu
  38. KevinM

    Atlantic City

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on February 7, 2019

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We had a wonderful dining experience. My wife and I each selected the four course Prix Fix menu, she selected the From, The Sea, and I went with From The Farm. Each course was fantastic. We have been a patron since its opening, and Chef Michael Brennan has nailed it. The quality, freshness, flavor, and taste sensations rival any top restaurant in NYC, and we are lucky to have him local to us in Ventnor.
  39. BobH

    New York Area

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on February 7, 2019

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    One o the best restaurants I have been to in the Atlqjtic City area. The sauces were incredible, service amazing, and the father and.son team are so nice. Had bnb the 5 course seafood dinner. Unbelievable. Cant wait to go back.
  40. GeorgeD

    Atlantic City

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 25, 2019

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Our second time to the Cardinal Bistro. Did not disappoint. Very unique and very delicious. The four of us choose three different dishes and they all were great. A must try!

FAQs

Cardinal Bistro - Permanently Closed offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (609) 541-4633.

Cardinal Bistro - Permanently Closed is rated 4.6 stars by 373 OpenTable diners.

Permanently Closed

This restaurant is permanently closed.

Google Map for Cardinal Bistro - Permanently Closed

6525 Ventnor Ave, Ventnor City, NJ 08406

Additional information

  • Cross street

    New Haven Ave

  • Neighborhood

    Ventnor City

  • Hours of operation

    Brunch Wed–Sun 10:00 am–3:00 pm Dinner Wed–Sun 5:00 pm–10:00 pm

  • Cuisines

    American, Contemporary American, Bistro

  • Dining style

    Casual Dining

  • Dress code

    Casual Dress

  • Parking details

    Public Lot

  • Payment options

    AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

  • Executive chef

    Michael Brennan

  • Additional

    BYO Liquor, BYO Wine, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Weekend Brunch, Wine

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  • Terms of Use
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  • Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information
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