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: 4.4

4.4

1422 Reviews

$31 to $50

American

Make a reservation

2 people

Dec 17, 2024

7:00 p.m.

Booked 24 times today

Experiences are available.

Great for scenic views
Good for special occasions
Fancy

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.

Additional information

Dining style
Fine Dining
Price
$31 to $50
Cuisines
American, Steakhouse, Italian
Hours of Operation
Brunch Sun 11:30 am–3:00 pm Bar Tue–Sun 4:00 pm–11:00 pm Dinner Tue, Wed 5:00 pm–9:00 pm Thu–Sun 5:00 pm–10:00 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
Neighbourhood
West Orange
Parking details
Valet
Additional
Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Chef's Table, Entertainment, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, View

Experiences

Christmas Dinner Buffet
Dec 25, 2024 only
The best place to celebrate Christmas is at The Highlawn with the most friendly staff and the best food around town. Our New Chef is bringing all the Holiday Cheer. Please join us for our Christmas Buffet $85/ per person excluding gratuity & taxes. Children 10 & under $45/per person. Children 3 & under are free of charge. For party sizes 12 and over, please call the restaurant for reservations at (973) 731-3463. Please note price does not include beverages, taxes & gratuity. Buffet Menu SALAD Caesar or Mixed Green CHARCUTERIE TABLE PASTAS Wild Mushroom ravioli Penne Vodka CARVING: Turkey Prime rib FISH Fennel Salmon CHICKEN Chicken Francese SIDES Garlic Mashed Potatoes Roasted Asparagus Maple Carrots DESSERT Mini Pastries Cookies Cakes
Christmas Pre Fixe Menu
Dec 25, 2024 only
The best place to celebrate Christmas is at The Highlawn with the most friendly staff and the best food around town. Our New Chef is bringing all the Holiday Cheer. Christmas Day in the restaurant will be a pre-fix Christmas Dinner from 11-6 pm for $145 per adult and $45 per kid (not including beverages, taxes, and gratuity). Menu Options will be Choice of Smoked Salmon & Horseradish Crostini Roasted Cauliflower Veloute Butter Poached Crab Leg Entree Selection Dover Sole Roasted Free Range Chicken Prime Rib Dessert Buche Noel Children Menu Selection Highlawn Cheese Pizza Chicken Fingers & French Fries Spaghetti & Meatballs Penne & Butter Brioche French Toast Assorted Christmas Cookies

Popular dishes

Blueberry Almond CrumbleUS$18.00
Amaretto Sabayon, Toasted Almond Ice Cream
Lemon Ricotta CheesecakeUS$18.00
Pistachio Sponge, Candied Kumquats, Mascarpone Mousse, Pistachio Tuile
Salted Butterscotch Crème BrûléeUS$18.00
Popcorn & Pretzel Cracker Jack
Chocolate Olive Oil TorteUS$18.00
Orange Curd, White Chocolate Orange Mousse, Chocolate Hazelnut Shell, Hazelnut Ice Cream
Cinna Bun Bread PuddingUS$18.00
Cream Cheese Anglaise, Cinnamon Crunch Ice Cream
The Highlawn SundaeUS$20.00
Chocolate & Caramel Sauce, Brownies, Candied Walnuts, Chocolate Tuile, Brandied Cherries, Vanilla Chantilly, Chocolate & Vanilla Ice Cream

Coffee & Tea

Assorted TeasUS$5.25
CappuccinoUS$6.25
Decaffeinated CoffeeUS$4.25
Decaffeinated EspressoUS$4.25
EspressoUS$4.25
LatteUS$6.25
Regular CoffeeUS$4.25

Dessert Cocktail

Gigi's Espresso-TiniUS$18.00
Vodka, Fresh Espresso, Licor 43, Housemade Vanilla Syrup | With or Without Bailey's

Apéritif & Digestif (2oz Pours)

Amaro AvernaUS$14.00
Amaro MontenegroUS$14.00
Amaro NoninoUS$17.00
AnisetteUS$12.00
AperolUS$12.00
CampariUS$13.00
Cocchi AmericanoUS$12.00
Disaronno AmarettoUS$12.00
Dom BenedictineUS$13.00
Fernet BrancaUS$12.00

What 1,422 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

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

4.4

4.4 based on recent ratings

4.3Food
4.6Service
4.6Ambience
4Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

New Jersey
Most Booked 1000-Point Tables
Essex
Great for fine wines
Essex
Romantic
Essex
Most Booked

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

The Highlawn offers an exquisite dining experience with breathtaking views of the NYC skyline. Guests praise the "spectacular service," "phenomenal food," and "exceptional atmosphere." While some note areas for improvement, especially regarding service and pricing, the venue remains a cherished spot for special occasions, thanks to its stunning setting and attentive staff.

1,422 Reviews

R
Ruthy
New York City
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined 3 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
We were a party of 4 for dinner and the food and service were amazing! It was a little loud for our friends an older couple but nonetheless we enjoyed our experience and highly recommend the place.
Is this helpful?
r
robert
VIP
New York City
84 reviews
3.0
84 reviews
Dined 3 days ago
1. Overall 3
2. Food 3
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 2
Our experience was just ok. Not terrible not wonderful. The majority of window seats were reserved for large parties so getting one was impossible. The line about you can see the view from the mirrors was really annoying. Our server was outstanding. We never felt rushed on a busy night. Food is just mediocre. My son in law loved the duck but the pasta dishes had very little flavor.
Is this helpful?
E
Evan
Washington DC
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined 7 days ago
1. Overall 3
2. Food 2
3. Service 2
4. Ambience 4
Food was unfortunately below expectations in flavor. The wrong food was served to us for our apps and the waiter questioned why we were saying it was a different menu item. Overall disappointed with the experience for the price
Is this helpful?
M
Martha
Pittsburgh
6 reviews
5.0
6 reviews
Dined 7 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
The pre fixed lunch menu was delicious. It felt a bit restrictive but the food was executed perfectly.
Is this helpful?
T
Tom
New York City
2 reviews
4.0
2 reviews
Dined on December 8, 2024
1. Overall 4
2. Food 5
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 4
Beautiful ambience. Decorated wonderfully for the Christmas season. Food was outstanding. A really rewarding holiday family experience.
Is this helpful?
c
carolec
New York City
3 reviews
4.0
3 reviews
Dined on December 8, 2024
1. Overall 4
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Lovely Santa Brunch - great for the season. Bit pricey - but super festive and we got to see SANTA!
The HighlawnResponded 6 days ago
Thank you for joining us; it was our pleasure to host you. We thank you for taking the time to leave us a review. Your feedback is most appreciated and welcomed. We look forward to seeing you again! Very best, Laine Facatselis HL Assistant General Manager
Is this helpful?
D
Donna
VIP
New York City
18 reviews
4.0
18 reviews
Dined on December 8, 2024
1. Overall 4
2. Food 3
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 4
Being totallyhonest food lacked flavor! My fettuccine bolognese needed salt and tney never offered cheese? I feel the food last year was outstanding? Very disappointed but will try again
Is this helpful?
D
Diana
New York City
12 reviews
4.0
12 reviews
Dined on December 7, 2024
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
We celebrated a milestone birthday and The Highlawn was everything we wanted it to be. A wonderful place for a special occasion.
The HighlawnResponded 6 days ago
Thank you for joining us; it was our pleasure to host you. We thank you for taking the time to leave us a review. Your feedback is most appreciated and welcomed. We look forward to seeing you again! Very best, Laine Facatselis HL Assistant General Manager
Is this helpful?
J
Joanne
New York City
24 reviews
1.0
24 reviews
Dined on December 7, 2024
1. Overall 1
2. Food 1
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 1
We went for the view and had none. The food is terrible and overpriced. There are very few vegetarian options - we are not vegetarians but prefer not to eat so much meat - and they pre-mix dishes so can't remove the meat in dishes that they otherwise easily could.
Is this helpful?
L
Lori
VIP
New York City
42 reviews
1.0
42 reviews
Dined on December 7, 2024
1. Overall 1
2. Food 4
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 1
My husband and I went to Highlawn. We love this place. We went and got all dressed up to celebrate the Christmas holiday. Last night, there was so much chaos, the lobby was mobbed with people. Unfortunately, every time we go and I believe we go a lot, we always get the same table. I happen to believe it is the worst table in the place. Every time we go, I complain. It is incredibly cold in the summer or winter. I always have to bring something to put on. Last night I wore my fur all during the meal. I always request a seat change. So we eventually were seated, much later then our reservation. I told them, that I hate the table and do not want to sit here. They then said they would try to find something. Please don't order anything we were told. We waited and meanwhile, a window seat became available. They never asked us to move and they sat someone else. We were left of the kitchen, behind us was the round table with the banquette. The table had all sorts of seats around it. My seat backed up to the tables seat but the waiters didn't see that to be a problem, they just plowed through. Hit me every time. Between not moving me and hitting me all night long and having to wear a fur coat. I was furious. It was a horrible experience. Not sure if I a say that I will come back. The staff did not care that I was unhappy. Don't promise that you will move someone if you have no intention of doing it. My Christmas experience at the Highlawn was horrible. For what I paid for dinner and wine, I can go to many other expensive restaurants and be treated far better than last evening. Not a happy customer!!!!!!!!!
The HighlawnResponded 7 days ago
Hi Lori, Thank you for taking the opportunity for us to make it up to you. See you 1/4 with the new menus !
Is this helpful?

FAQs

The Highlawn is rated 4.4 stars by 1422 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a reservation

2 people

Dec 17, 2024

7:00 p.m.

Booked 24 times today

Experiences are available.

1 Crest Dr, West Orange, NJ 07052

Additional information

Neighbourhood
West Orange
Hours of Operation
Brunch Sun 11:30 am–3:00 pm Bar Tue–Sun 4:00 pm–11:00 pm Dinner Tue, Wed 5:00 pm–9:00 pm Thu–Sun 5:00 pm–10:00 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

Additional information

Christmas Dinner Buffet

Christmas Pre Fixe Menu

Fettuccine Bolognese

Spaghetti & Meatball

Center Cut Filet Mignon

Highlawn Desserts

Blueberry Almond CrumbleUS$18.00

Lemon Ricotta CheesecakeUS$18.00

Salted Butterscotch Crème BrûléeUS$18.00

Chocolate Olive Oil TorteUS$18.00

Cinna Bun Bread PuddingUS$18.00

The Highlawn SundaeUS$20.00

Coffee & Tea

Assorted TeasUS$5.25

CappuccinoUS$6.25

Decaffeinated CoffeeUS$4.25

Decaffeinated EspressoUS$4.25

EspressoUS$4.25

LatteUS$6.25

Regular CoffeeUS$4.25

Dessert Cocktail

Gigi's Espresso-TiniUS$18.00

Apéritif & Digestif (2oz Pours)

Amaro AvernaUS$14.00

Amaro MontenegroUS$14.00

Amaro NoninoUS$17.00

AnisetteUS$12.00

AperolUS$12.00

CampariUS$13.00

Cocchi AmericanoUS$12.00

Disaronno AmarettoUS$12.00

Dom BenedictineUS$13.00

Fernet BrancaUS$12.00

Overall ratings and reviews

Loved For

Review summary

FAQs

How is The Highlawn restaurant rated?

Is The Highlawn currently accepting reservations?

Make a reservation

Additional information