We were for a long time looking again for a good French restaurant, after the change of ownership at the chefs table in Franklin Lakes. Chez Catherine was excellent in every aspect. Food, ambiance and absolut outstanding service. We recommend it to everybody who appreciates French cuisine. The restaurant is small, may be 10 tables, but that's what we like. The menu is great, but only a number of options, which is a guarantee that the dishes are really prepared fresh. The waiter was way more than what you are used too, he knows all about the food, what wine goes with what, at the end I had a half ounce cognac (not cheap) but really a amazingly smooth and tasty. We are already thinking about when to go there next time, even though it's more than an hour drive for us, but absolutely worth it.
ZulyM
Dining at Chez Catherine was an enchanting experience, seamlessly blending impeccable service, an inviting ambiance, and culinary excellence from start to finish. Upon arrival, we were greeted by the host, whose charm and efficiency set a welcoming tone for the evening. Elegantly dressed, the host exuded a warmth that felt both professional and genuinely friendly, ensuring that every detail of our seating was perfect, and our comfort was prioritized. The wine list was thoughtfully curated, offering a fantastic selection of French vintages that paired beautifully with each course. The host was knowledgeable, recommending the perfect wine to complement our dishes, enhancing the flavors and elevating the entire dining experience. La vie est trop courte pour boire du mauvais vin," as they say in French — life is too short to drink bad wine. This restaurant is a must-visit for anyone looking to indulge in the art of French cuisine at its best.
Yorleny Moreno
Very disappointed for a 250.00 a meal service
Food: 2
Recommended dishes: Cassoulet De Lotte
Vidalia
Wonderful birthday dinner with family. The fois gras was amazing. Everyone had different first courses but each one was so enjoyed-including mussels and salad. Main courses were all a treat. Especially the Dover Sole cooked and deboned tableside. So buttery delicious. The evening special of red snapper was excellent. The steak was perfectly prepared as was the chicken with a delicious sauce. Dessert included chocolate mousse - almost as thick as a pot de crème - such an indulgence. The soufflé was a black raspberry which you could smell prior to its appearance at the table. Yum!!!! Always delicious with wonderful service in a pretty dining area.
Phil50
Our Go To restaurant for fine French dining in New Jersey. We have been dining at Chez Catherine for more than 30 years. We have never been disappointed. Upon entering, we are greeted by a friendly host/maitre'd/waiter. He greets you with humor. The dining room is small but there is plenty of space between tables. There is a nice cocktail list and wine by the glass. We opted for a bottle of wine from their extensive collection. There is wine for every budget ranging from $50 to $1750. The menu is prix. fixe with either a 3 course or 4 course option. A few of the items have an up charge. The meal began with a basket of delicious french bread sourced from a local bakery along with an amuse bouche of apricots stuffed with brie. My wife had mussels and I had the steak tartare ($5 up charge). Both were outstanding and the portions were large. For entrees my wife chose the duck breast and I had the cassoulet. Both were delicious, and I took about half of my cassoulet home. For dessert, the souffle of the day was raspberry and we both selected the souffle. We look forward to our next trip.
MartinP
Chez Catherine exceeds expectations. Owner's attention to detail provides for a thoroughly enjoyable dining experience. Innovative selection and preparation of hors-d'ouvre, entree and dessert. Wonderful presentation. Impressive choice of wines and drinks to pair with the food. Cozy environment; attentive service. Il est bien fait!
Enzo BARTHELEMY
Proper French Food, high quality, french speaking waiter.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 4
Alberto Perez
The best French food and wines.Parking: The parking lot is on the hotel next to they share the same building.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Emily B.
Such a great place for fancy night out! Service was impeccable and food was delicious. We got the branzino and Dover sole and both were phenomenal. Cant wait to go back some day!
Chez Catherine is always excellent! Stephane is a wonderful host, always making us feel welcome. He works closely with his kitchen staff to continually come up with new and innovative menus that change throughout the year. Outstanding French food, and creative cocktails too. The wine list is outstanding with something for every palate and wallet, the staff always ready to suggest a pairing. The monthly wine dinners are informative and fun. We highly recommend a visit.
sherriTaekwondo
This is one of my favorite restaurants. I travel from Buffalo, NY just to dine here. The Dover sole is delicious. Stephan is a wonderful host and always chooses perfect wine pairings for us. The staff is always attentive and kind. Make a reservation, you won't regret it.
Villanova
Chez Catherine is a gem. Classic French food in a quiet setting with excellent service. One of the last places to get delicious seared foie gras. Wine list was not extensive but it had all of the classics that you want to pair with classic French. Can't wait to go back!
Walter Stuart
Such a nice place for a special date night! Quite small and intimate, the special service and delicious menu choices made for a memorable evening. We had the risotto and escargot as appetizers and lamb shank and duck for entrees and were completely satisfied. Our server (the owner) was an absolute legend, helping me with menu choices and recommending a fantastic dessert wine to accompany my chocolate mousse. The wine list is extensive and reasonably priced.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Crème Brûlée, Duck Breast
Our first time at Chez Catherine celebrating our anniversary. It was an exemplary experience from start to finish. The food was incredible, service was top notch. The dining room is small, so be prepared to sit closely to other parties. Hopefully, your dining “neighbors” will be pleasant. Prices are high, but with the quality of food & service, well worth it. We'll be back for sure!
Great food and wonderful service. Everything you would expect from a high quality restaurant.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Souffle, Dover Sole, Fillet Mignon Steak
We were for a long time looking again for a good French restaurant, after the change of ownership at the chefs table in Franklin Lakes. Chez Catherine was excellent in every aspect. Food, ambiance and absolut outstanding service. We recommend it to everybody who appreciates French cuisine. The restaurant is small, may be 10 tables, but that's what we like. The menu is great, but only a number of options, which is a guarantee that the dishes are really prepared fresh. The waiter was way more than what you are used too, he knows all about the food, what wine goes with what, at the end I had a half ounce cognac (not cheap) but really a amazingly smooth and tasty. We are already thinking about when to go there next time, even though it's more than an hour drive for us, but absolutely worth it.
Dining at Chez Catherine was an enchanting experience, seamlessly blending impeccable service, an inviting ambiance, and culinary excellence from start to finish. Upon arrival, we were greeted by the host, whose charm and efficiency set a welcoming tone for the evening. Elegantly dressed, the host exuded a warmth that felt both professional and genuinely friendly, ensuring that every detail of our seating was perfect, and our comfort was prioritized. The wine list was thoughtfully curated, offering a fantastic selection of French vintages that paired beautifully with each course. The host was knowledgeable, recommending the perfect wine to complement our dishes, enhancing the flavors and elevating the entire dining experience. La vie est trop courte pour boire du mauvais vin," as they say in French — life is too short to drink bad wine. This restaurant is a must-visit for anyone looking to indulge in the art of French cuisine at its best.
Very disappointed for a 250.00 a meal service
Food: 2
Recommended dishes: Cassoulet De Lotte
Wonderful birthday dinner with family. The fois gras was amazing. Everyone had different first courses but each one was so enjoyed-including mussels and salad. Main courses were all a treat. Especially the Dover Sole cooked and deboned tableside. So buttery delicious. The evening special of red snapper was excellent. The steak was perfectly prepared as was the chicken with a delicious sauce. Dessert included chocolate mousse - almost as thick as a pot de crème - such an indulgence. The soufflé was a black raspberry which you could smell prior to its appearance at the table. Yum!!!! Always delicious with wonderful service in a pretty dining area.
Our Go To restaurant for fine French dining in New Jersey. We have been dining at Chez Catherine for more than 30 years. We have never been disappointed. Upon entering, we are greeted by a friendly host/maitre'd/waiter. He greets you with humor. The dining room is small but there is plenty of space between tables. There is a nice cocktail list and wine by the glass. We opted for a bottle of wine from their extensive collection. There is wine for every budget ranging from $50 to $1750. The menu is prix. fixe with either a 3 course or 4 course option. A few of the items have an up charge. The meal began with a basket of delicious french bread sourced from a local bakery along with an amuse bouche of apricots stuffed with brie. My wife had mussels and I had the steak tartare ($5 up charge). Both were outstanding and the portions were large. For entrees my wife chose the duck breast and I had the cassoulet. Both were delicious, and I took about half of my cassoulet home. For dessert, the souffle of the day was raspberry and we both selected the souffle. We look forward to our next trip.
Chez Catherine exceeds expectations. Owner's attention to detail provides for a thoroughly enjoyable dining experience. Innovative selection and preparation of hors-d'ouvre, entree and dessert. Wonderful presentation. Impressive choice of wines and drinks to pair with the food. Cozy environment; attentive service. Il est bien fait!
Proper French Food, high quality, french speaking waiter.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 4
The best French food and wines.Parking: The parking lot is on the hotel next to they share the same building.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Such a great place for fancy night out! Service was impeccable and food was delicious. We got the branzino and Dover sole and both were phenomenal. Cant wait to go back some day!
Restaurantji Recommends
Chez Catherine is always excellent! Stephane is a wonderful host, always making us feel welcome. He works closely with his kitchen staff to continually come up with new and innovative menus that change throughout the year. Outstanding French food, and creative cocktails too. The wine list is outstanding with something for every palate and wallet, the staff always ready to suggest a pairing. The monthly wine dinners are informative and fun. We highly recommend a visit.
This is one of my favorite restaurants. I travel from Buffalo, NY just to dine here. The Dover sole is delicious. Stephan is a wonderful host and always chooses perfect wine pairings for us. The staff is always attentive and kind. Make a reservation, you won't regret it.
Chez Catherine is a gem. Classic French food in a quiet setting with excellent service. One of the last places to get delicious seared foie gras. Wine list was not extensive but it had all of the classics that you want to pair with classic French. Can't wait to go back!
Such a nice place for a special date night! Quite small and intimate, the special service and delicious menu choices made for a memorable evening. We had the risotto and escargot as appetizers and lamb shank and duck for entrees and were completely satisfied. Our server (the owner) was an absolute legend, helping me with menu choices and recommending a fantastic dessert wine to accompany my chocolate mousse. The wine list is extensive and reasonably priced.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Crème Brûlée, Duck Breast
Our first time at Chez Catherine celebrating our anniversary. It was an exemplary experience from start to finish. The food was incredible, service was top notch. The dining room is small, so be prepared to sit closely to other parties. Hopefully, your dining “neighbors” will be pleasant. Prices are high, but with the quality of food & service, well worth it. We'll be back for sure!