Best Restaurants for Special Occasions in Branchburg

Our server servers were fantastic. They all worked well together and noticeably helped each other. Service was great. My buffalo shrimp appetizer were the biggest shrimp I’ve ever had here before!! Will definitely be back!

Prior to COVID, we dined at Ryland Inn ten or more times a year. They have been closed for some time but recently reopened and since we were visiting the area, booked a reservation. While it is no longer the amazing farm-to-table menu, the food prep was very impressive. Tom, our bartender, was very knowledgeable and professional. We knew the previous team very well and he would have fit in nicely. He made my Sazarac beautifully. On to dinner: Skip the wedge salad- while trying to be clever, the red leaf lettuce wasn’t properly washed and much too gritty. Too bad- the blue cheese and bacon were excellent. The salmon (special) was perfect. As was the shirt rub and grits. Wines are very pricy. So we opted to order by the glass and found a very drinkable Cabernet. We both ordered the crème brûlée for dessert which was creamy and delicious. So, while not the same Ryland inn we were accustomed to, it is still very good.

The Pluckemin Inn is one of the few places where every aspect of your experience will be exceptional. After several years I think I have figured out how to order here: enjoy a cocktail while perusing the menu, talk to your server about what's on offer, figure out what you'd like to have, then speak to the Sommelier about your wine selection. If you aren't taking advantage of access to one of the best wine collections you will ever encounter you are not fully experiencing the Pluckemin Inn. The seafood is wonderful, especially the oysters, as are the pastas and main course offerings. I find it difficult to not order the veal chop. It is always the finest piece of veal I have ever eaten.

As an appetizer I liked the East Coast oysters platter presented nicely with dry ice and all the accompaniments. Great hot popovers offered with a fresh bread selection. I had the Pub crab-cake and it was the best and freshest in a long time. My wife loved the shredded short ribs with fresh, soft gnocchi.

One of the best locations I have been. It was nice ambiance, cozy and warm on a very cold NJ night. Our server Maria was on top of her game! We celebrate another birthday there, we were offered a special spoon appetizer which was delicious as a compliment and also a taste of prosseco. My friend felt very special.