Orange Squirrel One of Top 30 NJ Restaurants

Bloomfield’s own restaurant has made the Star-Ledger’s list of the “30 finest dining experiences from around the state.” 

Montclair made the list too (five times) as well as South Orange, which means Essex County can claim a full seven of the thirty top dining spots in New Jersey, according to the Ledger.

The Orange Squirrel at 412 Bloomfield Avenue features American and Italian cuisine with signature dishes like Prince Edward Island mussels, dry aged rib eye steak and whole Bronzini. 

Patch visited the Orange Squirrel last May, to the  

“. . . what arrived at the table next was among the closet things to heaven my palate has ever encountered.  A lovely seared diver scallop, served with brown butter and cauliflower puree, lightly sprinkled with poppy seeds. Simple – but not simplistic. The cauliflower puree, infused with rich brown butter so closely imitated the essence of fresh, sweet, yet savory, scallop. With the subtle toasty crunch of the poppy seeds, it was, in a word, ethereal!”

Another had this to say about the restaurant: 

“It may not be where you'd go to catch the big game (the restaurant instead shows classic films like Nosferatu on their lone flat screen) but it works with their chic vibe and beautifully executed dishes.

“The great part about the kitchen is that there's no door, allowing guests to see the culinary majesty happen.”

Montclair's top restaurant, according to the list, are , Costanera, CulinAriane, Fascino, and Restaurant Passioné. 

The publication called CulinAriane "the toughest-to-get reservations" in the state.  When it comes to Blu on Bloomfield Avenue, it described a menu that can change hourly "and it's all at the whim of a kitchen wizard who believes that culinary school is nonsense, a place that brainwashes its students."

(Read the Patch review of Blu )

The article called the ceviche at Costanera "a fireworks of lime, three different chilies and cilantro" and the ricotta gnocchi with sweet sausage Bolognese and pecorino romano at Fascino "unlike gnocchi as you know it."

There was also high praise for Restaurant Passioné, but since the reviewer’s visit, Passioné has closed.  A new restaurant,, now occupies the space at 77 Walnut Street. 

For a look at the entire list, go here.  What do you think?