The Highlawn made my twin daughters’ B’Mitzvah a huge success. The place and view are spectacular, the food is outrageous, and Gianna who booked us and Jose the banquet manager were so accommodating and flexible. They bent over backwards to answer all my questions and make my vision happen. The party was amazing and the guests are still calling to tell me how amazing The Highlawn was. Such a great experience working with such professionals!!!!I would recommend The Highlawn for any party, large or small!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
David Lieberman
Wonderful restaurant and catering venue in the South Mountain Reservation of West Orange, New Jersey overlooking the New York City and Newark skylines and the New Jersey suburbs and cities just west of Manhattan!My sister had an amazing Bat Mitzvah party for my twin nieces in the Highlawn main hall overlooking the city as aforementioned. Highlawn's servers are formal perfect attired, offering guests great hors d'ouvres like Southwest chicken cones, baby lamb chops, spiced warm shrimp, excellent slider burgers and other assorted finger food starters. The main courses included beautifully prepared buffet chafing dish items like poached (baked?)salmon, various chicken dishes in sauces, asparagus in Himalayan pink salt sauce, caesar salad, a number of other delectable, well prepared dishes and a staff attended sliced filet mignon board. The Italian style charcuterie board of prosciutto, cappacola, mortadella, salami and other meats in decorative rosette and chevron patterns and the imported and domestic cheeses board were exceptional and beautifully presented. There was also warmed focaccia bread.Their bar service was also excellent with a great, creative bartender mixing delicious libations both alcoholic and non.All in all a really fun and lovely place to have a small or large affair or party in the West Essex suburbs of New Jersey.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Gina Beresford
I had my daughter’s bridal shower at The Highlawn on Sunday. What a spectacular day! From my first meeting with Anthony through all the planning, I was so happy with everything. The Frungillo family is top notch… just wonderful people. And their staff was wonderful… thank you Nick, Jose, Tammy, Sabrina, Noah and Gianna (who was amazing with all my questions and always returned my calls and emails quickly). The room is gorgeous, food is fabulous and the best service! I cannot say enough about the day! Thank you to all! ❤️
Edward Barry
Did not go into the Restaurant yet, but I enjoyed the New York City Skyline from Eagle Rock.
Tamara Brown
It is one of the most upscale dining restaurants in New Jersey. With a grand atmosphere, professional staff, and a great view. The food was cooked to perfection. I had the veal and chicken. Valet parking was excellent as it was raining. I will definitely return.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
A J
The service was just terrible and for dessert we had to wait for the donuts and they came out cold. The waiter was not attentive at all. Very disappointed!!
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 3
Service: 1
Werner Bustamante
I wanted to take a moment to share my recent experience at The Highlawn. I worked directly with Nick to plan an amazing proposal. Throughout the entire process he was incredibly helpful and attentive with my concerns and details. Aside from being personable, Nick was incredibly professional and willing to work with me until the very last detail with what I wanted to do.In regards to the facility and support staff, I have nothing but positive remarks. Everyone here is friendly, professional, and accommodating. The food was exquisite, the atmosphere was delightful and the service was top notch. Thank you to Nick and everyone at The Highlawn for helping me create an ever lasting memory!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Owen Lang
Dear Reader,The view here is breathtaking. The food was amazing and the service was impeccable. Manuel was very gracious
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Carleen Kelly
We went to Highlawn for Easter. Here are the positives: beautiful restaurant, great view, size of portions and food. Here are the negatives: very loud, very chilly, expensive and service was not good. We also had to pay $13.00 service charge to use our credit card. We were sitting at the table for 15 minutes before our waitress took our drink order. My Bloody Mary was too spicy hot to drink. I asked for another. The waitress did not wait to see how it was. Again, it was too spicy hot and I could not drink the 2nd. We actually were considering whether to leave or not. When our waitress finally came back, we asked her to take our order. This was such a long 30 noisy minutes after sitting. We would not go back again.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 3
Recommended dishes: Caesar Salad, Doughnut French Toast
andrea piccirillo
Beautifully done from start to finish!!! I hosted my daughter’s bridal shower here last weekend and I can’t say enough about how wonderful the day was. Gianna, our event planner, was so easy to work with. She gave me some great ideas which were so helpful and everything we discussed was carried out exactly as I requested. On the day of shower, Jose’ and Alondra were incredible, ensuring that the entire event ran smoothly. Also, the staff was so attentive making sure that not just myself but every guest was well taken care of. The ambiance is beautiful and the food was absolutely delicious!! I can’t thank you enough for helping me give my daughter such a beautiful bridal shower!
Solid meh but priced for more. Went for date night, lots of little kids, doing the things little kids are supposed to do, kinda ruined what should have been an upscale vibe.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 3
Service: 2
Tawanna Turner
DO NOT GO TO THIS PLACE!!! I reserved a an anniversary party for my parents in the wine cellar. When my party arrived the women at the desk told them they did not have a party under the name that was giving so I had my guests contacting me asking me ..”Are you sure there is a party here, they said your name is not here.” Which caused much embarrassment on my behalf and my parents behalf. Then they said since the room is not rented we can give you a party.. which means if my guests were not really my guests they would have given the room away and we really wouldn’t have had a party!!! SMH… they then finally spoke to management and found my reservation. When I arrived with my parents the room reeked of a mildew smell. I had to let the women in charge of the party aware of the scent as if she didn’t smell it the entire time she was preparing. They then put a lemon grass scent on that flowed the the vents which should’ve been on so the my guests didn’t have to smell the awful smell.. but why would they do that when they weren’t expecting my party. Then they gave 4 bowls of calamari to a party of 20 of which was not enough, and 4 tray of 3 meatballs , AGAINwhich was not enought!! was under the impression that when a party is reserved with a set menu that the appetizers would be unlimited. When I asked for more, the attendant ask me how much and she only gave two extra bowls for A PARTY OF 20 which was NOT ENOUGH.. and forget about additional meatballs.. I didn’t even bother to ask. From previous experiences at venues that offer set menus., they watch the party to see if more needs to be added. I contacted the person that setup the party the day after she told me they would get back to me the next week because they are closed on Mondays. They never got back to me. I then contacted the restaurant, they assured me the general manager would get back to me. It has been a week pass and no one has contacted me so that I can express my experience. IT WAS AWFUL!!! DO NOT GO TO THIS PLACE!! The views are great but the service is HORRIBLE!! The saying you get what you pay for is not the rule at this place.. don’t waste your time.. you will be better off standing outside to watch the views than to go in this place and let the mildew scent seep into your clothing.. also your gona leave hungry because they are not going to give you what you’ve paid for. I’ve been to many venues that advertise an experience that offers many amenities that they stand by and execute….THIS IS NOT ONE OF THEM!! DONT WASTE YOUR TIME!! i even requested that we order off the menu, i believe we wouldve got more bank for our bucj and maybe it wouldve been better for them because the prepped meal wasnt ready for ua anyway. as a business owner myself, i stand on high quality customer service!!! this is what expands on your clientele.. we still decided to tip our service attendant, I don’t believe it was her fault, she only work at the place, she’s not the owner.. the fact she looked like the wind blew her into a stinky environment made my heart go out to her and she did the best she could with what she had. Again DO NOT GO TO THIS PLACE!!! Or eat before you go, because you definitely won’t be satisfied!!! I was trying to hold off on leaving this review!! But I had to do it… why??? Because no one ever called me!!
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
Simple Samosa
This website is awesome
TONI LEE HIGH
Recently had my daughter in laws surprise 30th birthday at the Highlawn. The event was beautiful. And she was surprised. The event was held in the beautiful ballroom. The staff was terrific and the food delicious. The set-up of the room was perfect for our 50 guests. I cannot thank Gianna enough for her help with the planning. She made sure that every detail was handled expertly. Julio, our maitre d, was excellent. He kept me updated and involved in the timing of the day and catered to our every need. We got nothing but compliments from our guests. So glad that we had our party at the Highlawn.
The Highlawn made my twin daughters’ B’Mitzvah a huge success. The place and view are spectacular, the food is outrageous, and Gianna who booked us and Jose the banquet manager were so accommodating and flexible. They bent over backwards to answer all my questions and make my vision happen. The party was amazing and the guests are still calling to tell me how amazing The Highlawn was. Such a great experience working with such professionals!!!!I would recommend The Highlawn for any party, large or small!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Wonderful restaurant and catering venue in the South Mountain Reservation of West Orange, New Jersey overlooking the New York City and Newark skylines and the New Jersey suburbs and cities just west of Manhattan!My sister had an amazing Bat Mitzvah party for my twin nieces in the Highlawn main hall overlooking the city as aforementioned. Highlawn's servers are formal perfect attired, offering guests great hors d'ouvres like Southwest chicken cones, baby lamb chops, spiced warm shrimp, excellent slider burgers and other assorted finger food starters. The main courses included beautifully prepared buffet chafing dish items like poached (baked?)salmon, various chicken dishes in sauces, asparagus in Himalayan pink salt sauce, caesar salad, a number of other delectable, well prepared dishes and a staff attended sliced filet mignon board. The Italian style charcuterie board of prosciutto, cappacola, mortadella, salami and other meats in decorative rosette and chevron patterns and the imported and domestic cheeses board were exceptional and beautifully presented. There was also warmed focaccia bread.Their bar service was also excellent with a great, creative bartender mixing delicious libations both alcoholic and non.All in all a really fun and lovely place to have a small or large affair or party in the West Essex suburbs of New Jersey.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
I had my daughter’s bridal shower at The Highlawn on Sunday. What a spectacular day! From my first meeting with Anthony through all the planning, I was so happy with everything. The Frungillo family is top notch… just wonderful people. And their staff was wonderful… thank you Nick, Jose, Tammy, Sabrina, Noah and Gianna (who was amazing with all my questions and always returned my calls and emails quickly). The room is gorgeous, food is fabulous and the best service! I cannot say enough about the day! Thank you to all! ❤️
Did not go into the Restaurant yet, but I enjoyed the New York City Skyline from Eagle Rock.
It is one of the most upscale dining restaurants in New Jersey. With a grand atmosphere, professional staff, and a great view. The food was cooked to perfection. I had the veal and chicken. Valet parking was excellent as it was raining. I will definitely return.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
The service was just terrible and for dessert we had to wait for the donuts and they came out cold. The waiter was not attentive at all. Very disappointed!!
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 3
Service: 1
I wanted to take a moment to share my recent experience at The Highlawn. I worked directly with Nick to plan an amazing proposal. Throughout the entire process he was incredibly helpful and attentive with my concerns and details. Aside from being personable, Nick was incredibly professional and willing to work with me until the very last detail with what I wanted to do.In regards to the facility and support staff, I have nothing but positive remarks. Everyone here is friendly, professional, and accommodating. The food was exquisite, the atmosphere was delightful and the service was top notch. Thank you to Nick and everyone at The Highlawn for helping me create an ever lasting memory!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Dear Reader,The view here is breathtaking. The food was amazing and the service was impeccable. Manuel was very gracious
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
We went to Highlawn for Easter. Here are the positives: beautiful restaurant, great view, size of portions and food. Here are the negatives: very loud, very chilly, expensive and service was not good. We also had to pay $13.00 service charge to use our credit card. We were sitting at the table for 15 minutes before our waitress took our drink order. My Bloody Mary was too spicy hot to drink. I asked for another. The waitress did not wait to see how it was. Again, it was too spicy hot and I could not drink the 2nd. We actually were considering whether to leave or not. When our waitress finally came back, we asked her to take our order. This was such a long 30 noisy minutes after sitting. We would not go back again.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 3
Recommended dishes: Caesar Salad, Doughnut French Toast
Beautifully done from start to finish!!! I hosted my daughter’s bridal shower here last weekend and I can’t say enough about how wonderful the day was. Gianna, our event planner, was so easy to work with. She gave me some great ideas which were so helpful and everything we discussed was carried out exactly as I requested. On the day of shower, Jose’ and Alondra were incredible, ensuring that the entire event ran smoothly. Also, the staff was so attentive making sure that not just myself but every guest was well taken care of. The ambiance is beautiful and the food was absolutely delicious!! I can’t thank you enough for helping me give my daughter such a beautiful bridal shower!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Restaurantji Recommends
Great food and beautiful
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Solid meh but priced for more. Went for date night, lots of little kids, doing the things little kids are supposed to do, kinda ruined what should have been an upscale vibe.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 3
Service: 2
DO NOT GO TO THIS PLACE!!! I reserved a an anniversary party for my parents in the wine cellar. When my party arrived the women at the desk told them they did not have a party under the name that was giving so I had my guests contacting me asking me ..”Are you sure there is a party here, they said your name is not here.” Which caused much embarrassment on my behalf and my parents behalf. Then they said since the room is not rented we can give you a party.. which means if my guests were not really my guests they would have given the room away and we really wouldn’t have had a party!!! SMH… they then finally spoke to management and found my reservation. When I arrived with my parents the room reeked of a mildew smell. I had to let the women in charge of the party aware of the scent as if she didn’t smell it the entire time she was preparing. They then put a lemon grass scent on that flowed the the vents which should’ve been on so the my guests didn’t have to smell the awful smell.. but why would they do that when they weren’t expecting my party. Then they gave 4 bowls of calamari to a party of 20 of which was not enough, and 4 tray of 3 meatballs , AGAINwhich was not enought!! was under the impression that when a party is reserved with a set menu that the appetizers would be unlimited. When I asked for more, the attendant ask me how much and she only gave two extra bowls for A PARTY OF 20 which was NOT ENOUGH.. and forget about additional meatballs.. I didn’t even bother to ask. From previous experiences at venues that offer set menus., they watch the party to see if more needs to be added. I contacted the person that setup the party the day after she told me they would get back to me the next week because they are closed on Mondays. They never got back to me. I then contacted the restaurant, they assured me the general manager would get back to me. It has been a week pass and no one has contacted me so that I can express my experience. IT WAS AWFUL!!! DO NOT GO TO THIS PLACE!! The views are great but the service is HORRIBLE!! The saying you get what you pay for is not the rule at this place.. don’t waste your time.. you will be better off standing outside to watch the views than to go in this place and let the mildew scent seep into your clothing.. also your gona leave hungry because they are not going to give you what you’ve paid for. I’ve been to many venues that advertise an experience that offers many amenities that they stand by and execute….THIS IS NOT ONE OF THEM!! DONT WASTE YOUR TIME!! i even requested that we order off the menu, i believe we wouldve got more bank for our bucj and maybe it wouldve been better for them because the prepped meal wasnt ready for ua anyway. as a business owner myself, i stand on high quality customer service!!! this is what expands on your clientele.. we still decided to tip our service attendant, I don’t believe it was her fault, she only work at the place, she’s not the owner.. the fact she looked like the wind blew her into a stinky environment made my heart go out to her and she did the best she could with what she had. Again DO NOT GO TO THIS PLACE!!! Or eat before you go, because you definitely won’t be satisfied!!! I was trying to hold off on leaving this review!! But I had to do it… why??? Because no one ever called me!!
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
This website is awesome
Recently had my daughter in laws surprise 30th birthday at the Highlawn. The event was beautiful. And she was surprised. The event was held in the beautiful ballroom. The staff was terrific and the food delicious. The set-up of the room was perfect for our 50 guests. I cannot thank Gianna enough for her help with the planning. She made sure that every detail was handled expertly. Julio, our maitre d, was excellent. He kept me updated and involved in the timing of the day and catered to our every need. We got nothing but compliments from our guests. So glad that we had our party at the Highlawn.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5