The Highlawn

Name: The Highlawn
Address: 1 Crest Dr, West Orange, NJ, United States, 07052
Telephone: (973) 731-3463
Price range: $31 to $50
Rating: 4.6

4.6

1182 Reviews

$31 to $50

American

Top Tags:

Nestled atop the picturesque Eagle Rock Reservation in West Orange, NJ, The Highlawn is regarded throughout the region for fine dining and its dedication to making each celebration memorable and unique. It has been the trusted venue of many private groups, Fortune 500 companies, non-profit organizations, local community associations, and many more, and is a recipient of OpenTable's Diners' Choice Awards for the Top 100 Scenic View Restaurants.

The landmark has been revitalized to provide patrons with a premier fine dining experience and world-class site for weddings and special events. With world class Culinary Director and Executive Chef William Prunty now at the helm, diners can expect an out-of-this-world meal.

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Nov 29, 2023

7:00 PM

Booked 46 times today

Experiences are available.

Dining areas

Additional information

Dining style
Fine Dining
Price
$31 to $50
Cuisines
American, Steakhouse, Italian
Hours of operation
Tue–Sun 5:00 pm–10:00 pm Brunch Sun 11:00 am–3:00 pm Lunch Tue–Fri 11:30 am–3:00 pm
Phone number
(973) 731-3463
Website
http://www.highlawn.com/
Dress code
Business Casual
Catering
Built into the Watchung Mountain Ridge of West Orange’s Eagle Rock Reservation, the Wine Cellar is a venue like no other for private events, corporate functions, tastings, and celebrations. The event space hosts 15-65 guests and is the ideal setting for any gathering.
Private party facilities
The Skyline Ballroom features the most iconic panoramic views of New York City—anywhere. The event space hosts up to 200 guests and is the perfect setting for receptions of any kind

Location
1 Crest Dr, West Orange, NJ 07052
Neighborhood
West Orange
Parking details
Valet
Additional
Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Chef's Table, Entertainment, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, View

Experiences

Annual Highlawn Santa Brunch
$65.00 per person
Dec 2 - Dec 24, 2023
You're invited to our Annual Santa Brunch at New Jersey's Premier Dining Experience, The Highlawn! Please join us every Saturday and Sunday throughout the month of December, beginning at 11am. What a time to share with family and friends, while savoring delicious food from one of NJ's top 30 restaurants with unforgettable views. Enjoy the afternoon with Santa, sweet treats and even complementary face painting for the kids. Please note that we will only be offering a Prefix Menu for both $65 adults and $25 children (10 and under). Visit us on social media for more information; book reservations today via phone (973)731-3462 or online on OpenTable. *Taxes, Gratuity and Beverage NOT Included in Price Per Person*

Popular dishes

Jumbo Lump Crab Cake
Calabrian chili, Sorrento Lemon Aioli, Microgreens
- MP
Highlawn Meatball$20.00
Ricotta, Grilled Garlic Anchovy Bread
Mozzarella di Bufala$22.00
Cherry Tomato Conserva, Basil Oil
Fritto Misto$26.00
Calamari, Sweet Shrimp, Long Hot Peppers, Haricot Verts, Saffron Aioli, HL Tomato Sauce
Tuna Tartare$25.00
Castelvetrano Olives, Chives, Alepo pepper, Olio Verde, Avocado
Bacon Steak$25.00
Smoked Bacon, Maple Bourbon Reduction, Pickled Fennel, Micro Salad
Meat and Cheese Board$26.00
Chef's Selection of Cheeses and Salumi, Marinated Olives, Grilled Bread

Sandwiches

The Limited$30.00
Shaved Prime Rib, Melted Provolone, Peppers, Onions, Veal Jus
Grilled Chicken$24.00
Sun-dried Peppers, Sliced Avocado, Baby Arugula, Basil Aioli
HL Burger$22.00
Two 4oz Patties, Minced Onion, Pickle, Highlawn Sauce, Sesame Seed Bun, Skinny Fries
Porchetta$25.00
Roasted Pork, Sautèed Broccoli Rabe, Shaved Provolone Cheese, Chopped Long Hot Peppers
Maine Lobster Roll$31.00
Celery, Lemon, Old Bay Chips
Highlawn Pastrami$26.00
Jewish Rye, Deli Mustard, Pickles
Meatball Parm$21.00
Housemade Mozzarella, Marinara
Turkey Club$22.00
Avocado, Bacon, Tomato, Arugula, Green Goddess Dressing

Soups and Salads

Add Grilled Chicken $10...Roasted Salmon $13...Skirt Steak $16

Tuscan Kale Salad$19.00
Crispy Prosciutto, White Fig, Gorgonzola, Hazelnuts, Amarena Cherry Vinaigrette
French Onion Soup$19.00
Gruyère Cheese, Crouton
Highlawn Caesar$20.00
Romaine, Parmesan Cheese, Anchovy, Capers, Croutons
Tricolori Salad$21.00
Trevisano, Wild Arugula, Endive, Italian Vinaigrette, Grana Padano
Roasted Market Beets$19.00
Honeyed Yogurt, Fennel, Sicilian Pistachio, Mint
Soup of the Day$13.00
Highlawn Cobb Salad$24.00
Grilled Chicken, Eggs, Crispy Bacon, Avocado, Frisée, Tomato, Blue Cheese Crumbles

Entrées

Omelette of the Day$17.00
Roasted Branzino$23.00
Tuscan Kale, Lemon, Black Olive Gremolata
Faroe Island Salmon$38.00
Celery Root Purée, Porcini Mushroom, Braised Fennel, Sea Beans, Thyme, Espagnole Sauce
Chicken Milanese$24.00
Wild Arugula, Radicchio, Lemon, Pecorino *Offered With Grilled Chicken*
Center Cut Filet Mignon 10 oz$66.00
Prime Dry Aged Bone In Strip 16 oz$82.00
Skirt Steak Frites$31.00
Chimichurri, Skinny Fries
BEC Omelette$18.00
Nueskes Bacon, Vermont Cheddar

Sides

French Fries$13.00
Truffle Soy Aioli
Charred Long Hot Peppers$13.00
Foraged Roasted Mushrooms$19.00
Garlic Crumbs
HL Creamed Spinach$13.00
Rainbow Carrots$13.00
Drizzled with Vincotto
HL Mashed Potatoes$13.00
Lobster Mac and Cheese$27.00
Three Cheese, Pangratto
Charred Broccoli Rabe$13.00
Garlic, Chili Flakes

What 1,182 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.6

4.6 based on recent ratings

4.5Food
4.6Service
4.7Ambience
4.2Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

New Jersey - North
Great for scenic views
New Jersey - North
Most Booked 1000-Point Tables

1,182 Reviews

OT
OpenTable Diner
San Francisco
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 3 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
My husband and I went there for his birthday . The food , the ambiance and customer services was fantastic. We just can’t wait to go back
Is this helpful?
m
mslovelyleah1
New York Area
6 reviews
5.0
6 reviews
Dined 3 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Wonderul service. Beautiful ambiance including the view of the park. The drinks are luscious. And the food, well the food was delicious and a pleasent surprise as I had randomly picked the place for my bff’s birthday.
Is this helpful?
JP
JoanP
New York Area
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 5 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
“Outstanding” is a good word to describe the Highlawn. It was the perfect combination of excellent food great service and amazing view with good friends. Would highly recommend the Highlawn for any special occasion or celebration, family dining, or a romantic night out. The owner and staff are very welcoming. Special live entertainment. Had a wonderful time!
Is this helpful?
MS
MaluS
New York Area
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined 6 days ago
overall4food4service3ambience4
It was an extremely long wait between the different food options. The food was delicious but there was a great amount of time in between each meal. Price was too expensive as well.
Is this helpful?
JC
JCR6
New York Area
10 reviews
vip
3.0
10 reviews
Dined on November 18, 2023
overall3food4service2ambience4
Seated 30 mins after reservation time. Service was slow, especially drinks. Attempted to slip in two dessert charges that were never ordered or received and server didn’t even apologize for his error. Menu prices are inflated to begin with (clearly accounting for credit card fees) then they add an additional credit card fee to entire check. Food was mostly good but not exceptional to warrant prices or to overcome aforementioned negatives.
Is this helpful?
DM
DaphneM
New York Area
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on November 18, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
A truly wonderful evening celebrating our son’s birthday.
Is this helpful?
MG
MichaelG
Caribbean
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on November 15, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
We had a professional client dinner in an atmosphere that was quiet, beautiful, and elegant. Our service provider gave us plenty of time to order at our pace, allowing for time to speak with our guests, and not rush or dinner. Food was fabulous as always. We greatly enjoyed the experience and will definitely be back for other events and for dinner with family and friends as well. Thank you for a wonderful evening.
Is this helpful?
MY
MikeY
New York Area
69 reviews
vip
5.0
69 reviews
Dined on November 14, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
great views, excellent steaks - was out of the Cakebread which was dissappointing.
Is this helpful?
MS
ManguStyle
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on November 11, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Excellent restaurant. The staff, location and food was great. Love it
Is this helpful?
SB
ShannonB
New York Area
15 reviews
vip
4.0
15 reviews
Dined on November 11, 2023
overall4food4service4ambience5
Great food, great atmosphere. Waitstaff had too many tables that disallowed for personalized attention
Is this helpful?
VC
VincentC
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on November 9, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Very nice atmosphere, very fancy.Food was very good.
Is this helpful?
JG
JimG
New York Area
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on November 9, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Fantastic. My go to place for birthdays. Great view of NYC.
Is this helpful?
l
lowvision
Atlantic City
32 reviews
vip
4.0
32 reviews
Dined on November 5, 2023
overall4food4service5ambience5
First and foremost our server Charles was excellent. Food was delicious but kitchen didn’t follow order as submitted. Medium Rare and over easy steak and eggs came out as well done and fried hard. Beets Appetizer was perfect. Salmon on salad was tender and tasty although a little too rare. Absolutely will return.
Is this helpful?
SB
SBRenie
New York Area
106 reviews
vip
5.0
106 reviews
Dined on November 4, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
The new Highlawn has really come a long way in 3 years. I am so happy to give it an excellent rating and it is well deserved. The new owners are doing a great job. This is such a special place, it looks great, the menu was perfect, and our service could not have been better. Such a great evening celebrating our anniversary!
Is this helpful?
OU
OrestesU
New York Area
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on November 4, 2023
overall5food4service5ambience5
The service was impeccable, from the maitre d who sat us, to the wait staff. All very professional, dressed professionally and very courteous. Our waiter was very attentive to our needs. The view from our table was phenomenal. I would recommend although it was a bit pricey but well worth it.
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on November 3, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Delicious food and atmosphere. The stuff is great
Is this helpful?
L
Lalo
New York Area
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on October 29, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Another wonderful experience, Nick took great care of us as we were with a special guest. 10 out of 5 stars. Highly recommend the Highlawn for lunch or dinner.
Is this helpful?
HS
HarryS
New York Area
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on October 29, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Phenomenal opulent dining the standards practiced are above and beyond very elegant place.
Is this helpful?
RS
RichardS
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on October 29, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
My wife and I went for our wedding anniversary. The host sat us at the window with an amazing view. The server was attentive to my food allergies. The food was hot and fresh. The bar made amazing Sinatra drinks. Top notch hospitality. Well worth the money
Is this helpful?
HK
HenrikK
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on October 29, 2023
overall4food5service4ambience3
Dinner at Highlawn was a great overall experience. The food was cooked well, and the service was excellent. The main issue for a Saturday evening in the main restaurant room was the noise level. It's common in many restaurants, Highlawn has a great opportunity with the high ceiling to improve noise reduction, and likewise, the floor plan can very easily be divided into some more cosy areas, with vertical dividers. The noise level was around 80-85db - which is not healthy for guests or personnel. A great opportunity exists to make Highlawn an even more unique restaurant. Good luck ahead.
Is this helpful?
LM
LindaM
New York Area
7 reviews
4.0
7 reviews
Dined on October 28, 2023
overall4food4service4ambience5
Love the Ambience/Views. Second time there since new ownership & change from Highlawn Pavillion. This time 8 of us instead of 2. Saturday eves extremely crowded. Despite a group of talented servers, service slows down significantly when crowded like that. Food was enjoyed by all except one person that ordered beef medium. Came out rare. Sent it back to cook more, took awhile & came back rare again. After our many requests, our server worked with management & removed it from bill. Kudos for that. Other enjoyed their veal, fish and vegetarian entrees plus apps & desserts very much, (Just a word of caution with beef if you go, was it was not a favorite when just 2 of us were there.)
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
69 reviews
vip
5.0
69 reviews
Dined on October 27, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
I have been really enjoying the soups at lunch very tasty !
Is this helpful?
MC
MadelineC
New York Area
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on October 26, 2023
overall5food4service5ambience5
Main meal needed side dishes. Great attention to detail. more than accommodating.
Is this helpful?
H
Holly
New York Area
2 reviews
2.0
2 reviews
Dined on October 24, 2023
overall2food1service3ambience3
Very disappointing! Turkey club looked like turkey was pre-chewed, not sliced! Chef’s salad only had frisée lettuce, I thought it would be a mixture. Asked for dressing on side, never got it, although didn’t really need it because I couldn’t eat all that frisée! A real let down!!
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
Philadelphia
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on October 22, 2023
overall4food4service5ambience3
Overall it was a very pleasant experience. Food was very good. Service was excellent. We were seated promptly. The view is great. Wine was overpriced. It was very loud.
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on October 22, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience2
Pleasant Experience with Room for Improvement Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ The restaurant's premise is beautiful with NY city view, but the lobby entrance could have been cleaner or mopped before dinner service. The food and staff were great, and the overall experience was better than last year. Kudos to the new owners and a new menu. Thumbs up!
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on October 22, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Delicious food, excellent service and the kitchen is very accommodating with food allergies so everyone can enjoy a meal.
Is this helpful?
JD
JackieD
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on October 22, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Our wait person was incredible. He made our birthday celebration the best. I wish I could remember his name. He was the absolute best.
Is this helpful?
E
Eastcoast
Dallas
4 reviews
vip
4.0
4 reviews
Dined on October 22, 2023
overall4food4service4ambience4
Although the atmosphere, service and food is good, I always have to wait at least a half hour to sit down at the table. This is usually between 7 and 8 (I have not gone outside those times). I don’t mind waiting a little but last night was 40min after my reservation time and prior times were at least a half hr as well.
Is this helpful?
T
Tara
New Orleans
4 reviews
vip
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on October 21, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Wonderful evening at the Highlawn! Impeccable service & food
Is this helpful?
TB
TiffanieB
New York Area
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on October 21, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Breathtaking views. Delicious food. Wonderful attentive staff.
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
1 review
vip
2.0
1 review
Dined on October 20, 2023
overall2food3service4ambience3
WAY overpriced from what you get. You’re paying for the ambience.
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
69 reviews
vip
5.0
69 reviews
Dined on October 20, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Still the best in class for Essex county dining. We all enjoyed our meals immensely.
Is this helpful?
DP
DannyP
New York Area
8 reviews
vip
5.0
8 reviews
Dined on October 19, 2023
overall5food4service5ambience5
The overall experience was outstanding. Two old friends with their wife and soul mate all getting together for the first time. The service was spot on, attentive while not encumbering, the food was very good with a few minor faux pas. Our waiter Joseph, was warm and engaging. We had a 7:00 reservation and stayed until about 11: 00. A wonderful environment lending itself to great camaraderie and dialogue! It would be difficult to raise the bar much higher...............
Is this helpful?
BR
BenjaminR
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on October 13, 2023
overall4food3service4ambience5
We had a group of 8, arrived at 6:53, but didnt start eating until nearly 9 oclock. All of our food was a little cold. Flavor was good, but no steam coming off anything. Kind of tasted like it had been sitting out for an hour waiting to be brought to us. Our waiter was great, and the other staff was friendly as well. It was a busy night, but we all enjoyed our evening with pleasant company. Maybe smaller groups would be better, or on a less busy night when staff can bring your food out hot off the grill.
Is this helpful?
D
Dinnarren
New York Area
16 reviews
5.0
16 reviews
Dined on October 11, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
The service and setting was superb. We have lived in the area forever, and never taken advantage of going to The Highlawn. Now, we will be regulars! Highly recommend!
Is this helpful?
B
Barb
New York Area
2 reviews
vip
1.0
2 reviews
Dined on October 8, 2023
overall1food2service1ambience3
I have had good experiences at the Highlawn and expected the same quality, but our meal this time was dismal. Our wine never arrived, our empty plate sat in front of us for 30 minutes, and we weren’t offered dessert. The service was just non-existent. I was left frustrated and disappointed. I will likely not return.
Is this helpful?
DF
DavidF
New York Area
4 reviews
4.0
4 reviews
Dined on October 8, 2023
overall4food3service5ambience4
Veal parm and calamari were fantastic. Octopus was slightly chewy and fishy, but totally decent. Prime rib was good, but a bit lacking in flavor, I think because the crust/surface was so separated from the inside meat. Sinatra drink was great but they could do better on the wine by the glass menu. All staff members were wonderful.
Is this helpful?
h
herb
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on October 6, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience3
Food & svs very good. My daughter married at Highlawn in 1995
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
7 reviews
vip
5.0
7 reviews
Dined on October 5, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
I was thrilled to return to the new Highlawn. Beautifully renovated with gorgeous views. The food and service was excellent. A lovely spot for any occasion.
Is this helpful?

Safety precautions

Cleaning & sanitizing
- Surfaces sanitized between seatings
- Common areas deep-cleaned daily
- Sanitizer or wipes provided for customers
Physical distancing
- Distancing maintained in common areas
- Extra space between tables

Screening
- Diner temperature check required
- Staff temperature check required

FAQs

The Highlawn is rated 4.6 stars by 1182 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Nov 29, 2023

7:00 PM

Booked 46 times today

Experiences are available.

1 Crest Dr, West Orange, NJ 07052

Dining areas

Additional information

Neighborhood
West Orange
Hours of operation
Tue–Sun 5:00 pm–10:00 pm Brunch Sun 11:00 am–3:00 pm Lunch Tue–Fri 11:30 am–3:00 pm
Price
$31 to $50
Cuisines
American, Steakhouse, Italian
Dining style
Fine Dining
Dress code
Business Casual
Parking details
Valet
Additional
Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Chef's Table, Entertainment, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, View

Website
http://www.highlawn.com/
Phone number
(973) 731-3463
Catering
Built into the Watchung Mountain Ridge of West Orange’s Eagle Rock Reservation, the Wine Cellar is a venue like no other for private events, corporate functions, tastings, and celebrations. The event space hosts 15-65 guests and is the ideal setting for any gathering.
Private party facilities
The Skyline Ballroom features the most iconic panoramic views of New York City—anywhere. The event space hosts up to 200 guests and is the perfect setting for receptions of any kind

The Highlawn

Make a reservation

Dining areas

Additional information

Annual Highlawn Santa Brunch

Jumbo Lump Crab Cake

The Highlawn Prime Rib

Miso Glazed Chilean Sea Bass

Raw Bar

Market Oysters on the 1/2 Shell$24.00

Traditional Jumbo Shrimp Cocktail (4pcs)$32.00

Appetizers

Jumbo Lump Crab Cake

Highlawn Meatball$20.00

Mozzarella di Bufala$22.00

Fritto Misto$26.00

Tuna Tartare$25.00

Bacon Steak$25.00

Meat and Cheese Board$26.00

Sandwiches

The Limited$30.00

Grilled Chicken$24.00

HL Burger$22.00

Porchetta$25.00

Maine Lobster Roll$31.00

Highlawn Pastrami$26.00

Meatball Parm$21.00

Turkey Club$22.00

Soups and Salads

Tuscan Kale Salad$19.00

French Onion Soup$19.00

Highlawn Caesar$20.00

Tricolori Salad$21.00

Roasted Market Beets$19.00

Soup of the Day$13.00

Highlawn Cobb Salad$24.00

Entrées

Omelette of the Day$17.00

Roasted Branzino$23.00

Faroe Island Salmon$38.00

Chicken Milanese$24.00

Center Cut Filet Mignon 10 oz$66.00

Prime Dry Aged Bone In Strip 16 oz$82.00

Skirt Steak Frites$31.00

BEC Omelette$18.00

Sides

French Fries$13.00

Charred Long Hot Peppers$13.00

Foraged Roasted Mushrooms$19.00

HL Creamed Spinach$13.00

Rainbow Carrots$13.00

HL Mashed Potatoes$13.00

Lobster Mac and Cheese$27.00

Charred Broccoli Rabe$13.00

Overall ratings and reviews

Loved For

Cleaning & sanitizing

Physical distancing

Screening

FAQs

How is The Highlawn restaurant rated?

Is The Highlawn currently accepting reservations?

Make a reservation

Dining areas

Additional information