Cafe Matisse   

I planned my parent's 40th wedding anniversary here and it was a blast. My family and their friends are an eclectic crowd wth european taste for the finer things in life. This was an amazing experience. The staff waited on everyone hand and foot. The decor and ambiance was perfrect for a party of around 30 people. The garden was a gem. I cannot believe it's in Rutherford, NJ. Thank you Larry and your staff for making this event such a hit. We'll certainly be back and spread the word.

Hands down the lovely dining experience in NJ and the most delicious! Try to get there in the summer and dine in their "secret garden". BYOB but they have a little wine shop by the entrance.

My husband and I went to Cafe Matisse for his birthday last night, and prior to getting there, wondered whether or not the rave reviews would be true. They were!! Everything at Cafe Matisse is ambrosial, exquisite, and delectable. Each serving brought to us in its visually appealing format was like opening up mouthwatering presents one at a time. As we finished each course, we couldn't wait for the next one (we had the 4 Course Taster). So many different tastes -- spicy, sweet, succulent, and savory. My husband and I have had the opportunity to travel extensively, and we both talked endlessly about how absolutely exceptional the staff is. There is a very unusual choreography of staff that is inclusive of a warm, engaging, endlessly attentive and kind group of people that are also not at all intrusive or too ceremonial -- we thought that they were the most wonderful staff that we had ever encountered. Another level of Cafe Matisse's perfection. We were also delighted that the bottle of white wine that we purchased in their wine store was delicious and beautifully presented by another phenomenal staff member -- he suggested a wine that was also enormously reasonable in price, as well as very tasty. The Maitre De was amazing, and he really heard my request (when making my reservation) that it was a special birthday for my husband, and we wanted a romantic table (the whole place is romantic, cozy, and enchanting, but he gave us what we considered to be the most idyllic spot in the restaurant for two). Because it's a relatively small place, it does get a little boisterous when the place is full, but there is so much joy and pleasure in the whole experience, that for us, the bit of clamor just blended into the complete festivity and bliss of Cafe Matisse. If I were a critic, I would give it five stars, and make sure that you find a moment in your life to get there for a couple of hours of rapture.