What a great little place. I was able to get some frozen meals, fresh “heat and eat” meals. Sauce, pasta, bread, salad and cheese…. Definitely willBe going back soon.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
numagpie65
Love the farm to table concept and ever changing menu. But...much aroma with not enough substance. Second time we've returned food to kitchen as it was cold. Pork chop is a venerable go to. Lamb shank lacked flavor. This place isn't bad it's just not up to where it could be. And that's a shame because we really want to go more.
luvgoodfood
Our server, Janice, was incredibly attentive and sweet. We had the Brussels Caesar Salad and the Beet Burrata for starters and the Spaghetti (amazing!), the Cod, Pasta Special and the Tuna.
Jim T.
We have eaten here a bunch of times and previously I would have said this place is a solid 4-4.5 stars but something was different on our last visit. We had one of the regular servers who is usually really good but they continuously made "jokes" that were condescending and off putting to the women at our table. Feeling so rushed to order, we even got a "60-second shot clock." The restaurant now almost forces you to finish in 90-minutes NO MATTER WHAT! Entrees were served before we finished our appetizers and they walked by trying to clear the table 3 times when we were still picking and chatting amongst ourselves. It just really kills the experience, and when we left there were 2 people waiting... it's not like we were taking up someone's table. I felt like I broke the law staying for 1hr 45 minutes vs the 90 minute mandate. Guys, we left that behind with Covid, years ago, or at least EVERY other restaurant did, just not here. We ordered the burrata, the ruvolo, scallops, pork chop, tagliatelle and short rib. The pork chop is always good, no complaints. My wife enjoyed the tagliatelle as well. But everything else was average in our opinion. The burrata just didn't work, none of the 4 of us cared for it and it's cheese, hard to mess up. The scallops definitely needed to be seared more, the $45 short rib is a piece of pot roast... and the ruvolo pasta was not great although a neat concept. $278 for 4 people no alcohol, it needs to be better at that price point. Not sure what has changed but we won't be rushing back any time soon, which honestly is a bit disappointing because we have always spoken highly of this place, but can't anymore. And check the recent reviews on google, many, many people saying the same things... you'd think they would listen to their customers at some point. What worked before won't always work moving forward...
Started with Brussel Caesar salad! Outstanding. I had braised short ribs. Meat was tender no knife needed for this beautiful cut. Potato was slightly dry. The gravy was delicious. My guest had the polenta special. Nothing left on her plate so I'm guessing it was delicious. Ended with the Meyer lemon zeppola. (FYI our lovely server secured a single candle on the dessert bowl when she presented the zeppola)! Very nice gesture for my upcoming birthday.
The starter - a salad made from shaved Brussels Sprouts - was perfect. Great flavor and unique. My pork chop —- its speciality — was the best pork chop I have ever eaten and I love pork. My wife and daughter both got pasta dishes and I tried a taste of each of theira. Both excellent as well. Overall a tremendous meal.
KimP
Everything about the entire was great. Our server was awesome. I'm so sorry I can't remember her name. She kicked off the evening with a fun and professional attitude. We will definitely be back soon. Kim Price
annie
It's been too long since we've been to Semolina. And, after last night's meal, we will be going back very soon! Everything was exceptional. The burrata and sweet potato croquettes were delectable. We then shared a pasta dish with braised beef and caramelized onions. We each picked the carbonara and the pork chop. It will be difficult for me to order anything else in the future! Oh, and the dessert? We had the special white chocolate torte. Amazing! And, it's BYOB.
AnneD
Tried something different tonight. Went with the sweet potato croquette to start and braised short ribs for dinner. Glad we shared the croquettes. There were too many for one person. I'll definitely return – never a disappointment.
byobrestaurantlover
Friendly hostess and waItress. We started with beet salad. Very fresh, cold and delightful. We then had pork chop and Octopus Bolognese. Because we were sharing the chef sliced the pork chop - it was great. And the pasta came out hot and delicious! Skipped dessert. Great service. Only negative is that tables are close to each other and so noise level can be high.
A great restaurant with creative dishes. The chef is always evolving the menu. How much better than great food and service while you can BYOB. Cheers and kudos to the team @ Semolina
We love semolina and over have spent thousands of dollars there. But tonight was the first time we were so disappointed. Our reservation was for 5:15pm, and by 6:15pm, our waitress told us that she was going to give us the evil eye because her next reservation had arrived. We decided to skip ordering desert and left. I spend a lot of money on high value restaurants and do not deserve to be rushed out.
Apps and meals were well prepared. Portions were plentiful. Apps can be shared. Personable and efficient waitress. Pork chops one of the best had recently. While we understand and observed the 90 minute dining time frame we prefer to linger a bit longer while dining out.
Best modern Italian experience in NJ! If you haven't been, GO! It's an intimate dining experience with friendly staff and unbeatable food. The pasta selection is unique and just delicious every time. Can't recommend Semolina enough!
LisaC
Semolina was recommended by a couple of friends. I was a bit put off by all the rules involved with making reservations (Open Table only, $20 per person fee for cancelling with less than 24 hours notice) and the dining experience (90 minute limit, no more than 4 guests), but went with an open mind. We could not have been more pleased with the evening. We had to cancel at the last minute, then cancelled the cancellation and the staff was extremely gracious about it. Our server was lovely and made terrific recommendations, and the food was fantastic. We split an appetizer, had pasta entrees, coffee and split a dessert. We were done in 70 minutes and did not feel rushed at all because each course came out so quickly. But again, no rushing by the servers. After dining there, I understand they need all the rules in order to turn the tables, make a profit and keep the quality of the food extremely high. Love that they support and source from local famers, purveyors etc. Already planning to return with other friends.
What a great little place. I was able to get some frozen meals, fresh “heat and eat” meals. Sauce, pasta, bread, salad and cheese…. Definitely willBe going back soon.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Love the farm to table concept and ever changing menu. But...much aroma with not enough substance. Second time we've returned food to kitchen as it was cold. Pork chop is a venerable go to. Lamb shank lacked flavor. This place isn't bad it's just not up to where it could be. And that's a shame because we really want to go more.
Our server, Janice, was incredibly attentive and sweet. We had the Brussels Caesar Salad and the Beet Burrata for starters and the Spaghetti (amazing!), the Cod, Pasta Special and the Tuna.
We have eaten here a bunch of times and previously I would have said this place is a solid 4-4.5 stars but something was different on our last visit. We had one of the regular servers who is usually really good but they continuously made "jokes" that were condescending and off putting to the women at our table. Feeling so rushed to order, we even got a "60-second shot clock." The restaurant now almost forces you to finish in 90-minutes NO MATTER WHAT! Entrees were served before we finished our appetizers and they walked by trying to clear the table 3 times when we were still picking and chatting amongst ourselves. It just really kills the experience, and when we left there were 2 people waiting... it's not like we were taking up someone's table. I felt like I broke the law staying for 1hr 45 minutes vs the 90 minute mandate. Guys, we left that behind with Covid, years ago, or at least EVERY other restaurant did, just not here. We ordered the burrata, the ruvolo, scallops, pork chop, tagliatelle and short rib. The pork chop is always good, no complaints. My wife enjoyed the tagliatelle as well. But everything else was average in our opinion. The burrata just didn't work, none of the 4 of us cared for it and it's cheese, hard to mess up. The scallops definitely needed to be seared more, the $45 short rib is a piece of pot roast... and the ruvolo pasta was not great although a neat concept. $278 for 4 people no alcohol, it needs to be better at that price point. Not sure what has changed but we won't be rushing back any time soon, which honestly is a bit disappointing because we have always spoken highly of this place, but can't anymore. And check the recent reviews on google, many, many people saying the same things... you'd think they would listen to their customers at some point. What worked before won't always work moving forward...
Started with Brussel Caesar salad! Outstanding. I had braised short ribs. Meat was tender no knife needed for this beautiful cut. Potato was slightly dry. The gravy was delicious. My guest had the polenta special. Nothing left on her plate so I'm guessing it was delicious. Ended with the Meyer lemon zeppola. (FYI our lovely server secured a single candle on the dessert bowl when she presented the zeppola)! Very nice gesture for my upcoming birthday.
The starter - a salad made from shaved Brussels Sprouts - was perfect. Great flavor and unique. My pork chop —- its speciality — was the best pork chop I have ever eaten and I love pork. My wife and daughter both got pasta dishes and I tried a taste of each of theira. Both excellent as well. Overall a tremendous meal.
Everything about the entire was great. Our server was awesome. I'm so sorry I can't remember her name. She kicked off the evening with a fun and professional attitude. We will definitely be back soon. Kim Price
It's been too long since we've been to Semolina. And, after last night's meal, we will be going back very soon! Everything was exceptional. The burrata and sweet potato croquettes were delectable. We then shared a pasta dish with braised beef and caramelized onions. We each picked the carbonara and the pork chop. It will be difficult for me to order anything else in the future! Oh, and the dessert? We had the special white chocolate torte. Amazing! And, it's BYOB.
Tried something different tonight. Went with the sweet potato croquette to start and braised short ribs for dinner. Glad we shared the croquettes. There were too many for one person. I'll definitely return – never a disappointment.
Friendly hostess and waItress. We started with beet salad. Very fresh, cold and delightful. We then had pork chop and Octopus Bolognese. Because we were sharing the chef sliced the pork chop - it was great. And the pasta came out hot and delicious! Skipped dessert. Great service. Only negative is that tables are close to each other and so noise level can be high.
Restaurantji Recommends
A great restaurant with creative dishes. The chef is always evolving the menu. How much better than great food and service while you can BYOB. Cheers and kudos to the team @ Semolina
We love semolina and over have spent thousands of dollars there. But tonight was the first time we were so disappointed. Our reservation was for 5:15pm, and by 6:15pm, our waitress told us that she was going to give us the evil eye because her next reservation had arrived. We decided to skip ordering desert and left. I spend a lot of money on high value restaurants and do not deserve to be rushed out.
Apps and meals were well prepared. Portions were plentiful. Apps can be shared. Personable and efficient waitress. Pork chops one of the best had recently. While we understand and observed the 90 minute dining time frame we prefer to linger a bit longer while dining out.
Best modern Italian experience in NJ! If you haven't been, GO! It's an intimate dining experience with friendly staff and unbeatable food. The pasta selection is unique and just delicious every time. Can't recommend Semolina enough!
Semolina was recommended by a couple of friends. I was a bit put off by all the rules involved with making reservations (Open Table only, $20 per person fee for cancelling with less than 24 hours notice) and the dining experience (90 minute limit, no more than 4 guests), but went with an open mind. We could not have been more pleased with the evening. We had to cancel at the last minute, then cancelled the cancellation and the staff was extremely gracious about it. Our server was lovely and made terrific recommendations, and the food was fantastic. We split an appetizer, had pasta entrees, coffee and split a dessert. We were done in 70 minutes and did not feel rushed at all because each course came out so quickly. But again, no rushing by the servers. After dining there, I understand they need all the rules in order to turn the tables, make a profit and keep the quality of the food extremely high. Love that they support and source from local famers, purveyors etc. Already planning to return with other friends.