Cafe Matisse Cafe Matisse

Cafe Matisse Awards

Eclectic cuisine in an artful setting.
Openings: Dinner Wed.-Sun.

Features

Cafe Matisse, Rutherford, NJ


Cafe Matisse Restaurant Review:


Everything in this restaurant is influenced by the bold artwork of the master painter Matisse, from the décor to the dining. The jewel box space is bathed in red, purple and gold and punctuated with impressionist-style paintings and colorful chandeliers. The seasonal grazing menu --- which is the only menu --- is priced at $68 for three courses, $88 for four and $108 for five. The menu changes frequently but offerings have included seared venison and maple butter-glazed bay scallops with foie‎ gras terrine, duck prosciutto, phyllo date jam cashew tart, roasted cashew nut vinaigrette, butternut squash jus and pear ginger jam chutney. Count on subtle seasoning from chef-owner Peter Loria. The restaurant does not have a liquor license but there's a wine shop stocked with selections friendly to the café's menu. Desserts, also seasonal, may offer such surprises as brown butter blackberry cake with chestnut diplomat crème, candied ginger, white chocolate dipped blackberries and blackberry juniper coulis. Dining in spring, summer and early fall is especially nice when the lovely little garden can be viewed through floor-to-ceiling windows.