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✔️Lunch ✔️Dinner ✔️Dine in
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Closed for the season. This inspiring outdoor venue, located at the AAA 4-diamond Grand Cascades Lodge, allows guests a truly unique garden-to-table dining experience amidst beautiful organic vegetables, flowers, herbs, and views of the Kittatinny Mountain Range. Our 100% organic garden is a beautiful alfresco space where you can learn about and savor the region’s seasonal bounty. Watch as the chefs pick ingredients from the surrounding gardens and use them to prepare your meal right in the outdoor kitchen. In addition, the full premium bar offers guests the finest seasonal libations, wines and beers. Come experience the Chef’s Garden restaurant in NJ, bringing fresh and local dining to a whole new level.
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Chef’s Garden Restaurant NJ | Crystal Springs Resort
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Reviews
Z H
Chef’s Garden is a small resturant that is outside/outback on the grounds of the Grand Cascades resort. The food was excellent. Honestly some of the best brisket we have had. Great smoke flavor and the meat just melts on your fork. The atmosphere is meant to be like outside at a picnic or in a garden I guess? I am not a fan of eating dinner on a tiny folding table and chair. We did not have any issues with bugs, temperature, or sunlight as it was a nice night, but this area is completely open without walls to the gardens and outside so that may be an issue at other times. Our service was a tad slow, but overall acceptable and friendly. We would gladly eat here again based on the quality of the food.
… moreJane C
If you’re into farm-to-table fare or al fresco dining, you couldn’t do better than Chef’s Garden. The restaurant is connected to the Crystal Springs resort, so getting there involves a bit of a walk through the grounds. Not that that’s a bad thing. The resort is beautiful, and what you see right before entering the restaurant is the lush vegetable garden that provides much of the raw goodies for the menu offerings.
The restaurant itself is quite small and intimate, so timed reservations are required. And while we’re on the subject of time, keep in mind that certain entrees might take a while to cook. At the time our family dined, there was a 54 oz. steak on the menu that caught our interest. Our server informed us that it would take an hour to cook it to medium doneness, which meant we were sitting for some time before we actually enjoyed it.
That said, the steak is absolutely worth it. We split this giant bone-in behemoth of a meat chunk as five adults, and there was more than enough to go around as a heavy appetizer. An almost comical amount of potatoes was served alongside (which was also the case for the seafood platter), along with some grill-charred onion slices.
While waiting, we noshed on a fair number of other appetizers and individual entrees, all of which were similar in the quality of preparedness. Some things – like the focaccia and the garden pickles – blew us away in freshness and flavor. Other things, like the octopus and the pork ribs, were decent but left us wanting for more in their tapas-like serving size.
Also notable is their service. The servers here work SO hard. We had two of their best dedicated to our large party, and we found them to be attentive, incredibly thoughtful, and well-versed on the menu items.
… moreThe restaurant itself is quite small and intimate, so timed reservations are required. And while we’re on the subject of time, keep in mind that certain entrees might take a while to cook. At the time our family dined, there was a 54 oz. steak on the menu that caught our interest. Our server informed us that it would take an hour to cook it to medium doneness, which meant we were sitting for some time before we actually enjoyed it.
That said, the steak is absolutely worth it. We split this giant bone-in behemoth of a meat chunk as five adults, and there was more than enough to go around as a heavy appetizer. An almost comical amount of potatoes was served alongside (which was also the case for the seafood platter), along with some grill-charred onion slices.
While waiting, we noshed on a fair number of other appetizers and individual entrees, all of which were similar in the quality of preparedness. Some things – like the focaccia and the garden pickles – blew us away in freshness and flavor. Other things, like the octopus and the pork ribs, were decent but left us wanting for more in their tapas-like serving size.
Also notable is their service. The servers here work SO hard. We had two of their best dedicated to our large party, and we found them to be attentive, incredibly thoughtful, and well-versed on the menu items.
Rachael Baldwin
TLDR: Top tier brisket. Nearly as good as Texas brisket and certainly best I have had in New Jersey thus far. The hidden restaurant in the middle of a garden is so quaint and peaceful, I recommend going for lunch or a cozy dinner. View of the surrounding hills is also amazing.
Quality of Food: I had no complaints about the food. The garden salad was refreshing and did not lack in its flavor. The brisket was AMAZING. If you look at my other reviews, you will find I am originally from the south and have frequented a few BBQ places in New Jersey, all of which have fallen short of what I have come to find as quality BBQ. This. Did. Not. Disappoint. The brisket was slightly marbled and melted in your mouth. I can only imagine the quality of the Rib Steak if the brisket was top notch. The cornbread was the only thing I could say was standard taste and quality.
Quality of Service: It was neither over-the top nor mediocre service. Seemed like a decent amount of young adults were waiting on tables. We stopped in for a quick bite before heading to a festival, but we had no issues getting our order taken, food delivered and check processed quickly.
Environment & Ambiance: Can’t be compared to the other locations at the resort. The garden by itself is adorable and makes you feel like you’re in a storybook. Looking out towards the hills provides a feeling of awe. The outside ambiance and cute tables and chairs makes you feel like you’re joining Alice at a tea party.
Pricing and Concerns: It’s certainly not cheap if you are ordering their higher priced options. However, that being said, it is most definitely worth every penny. Not to mention you’re at a resort, so what would you expect besides expensive dishes? For a party of two you can keep it under $$$. Add drinks or an extra person and you’re going over. No other concerns to note.
Comment and Recommendation: Yes! I recommend! If I didn’t already make it obvious – go for the brisket!
… moreQuality of Food: I had no complaints about the food. The garden salad was refreshing and did not lack in its flavor. The brisket was AMAZING. If you look at my other reviews, you will find I am originally from the south and have frequented a few BBQ places in New Jersey, all of which have fallen short of what I have come to find as quality BBQ. This. Did. Not. Disappoint. The brisket was slightly marbled and melted in your mouth. I can only imagine the quality of the Rib Steak if the brisket was top notch. The cornbread was the only thing I could say was standard taste and quality.
Quality of Service: It was neither over-the top nor mediocre service. Seemed like a decent amount of young adults were waiting on tables. We stopped in for a quick bite before heading to a festival, but we had no issues getting our order taken, food delivered and check processed quickly.
Environment & Ambiance: Can’t be compared to the other locations at the resort. The garden by itself is adorable and makes you feel like you’re in a storybook. Looking out towards the hills provides a feeling of awe. The outside ambiance and cute tables and chairs makes you feel like you’re joining Alice at a tea party.
Pricing and Concerns: It’s certainly not cheap if you are ordering their higher priced options. However, that being said, it is most definitely worth every penny. Not to mention you’re at a resort, so what would you expect besides expensive dishes? For a party of two you can keep it under $$$. Add drinks or an extra person and you’re going over. No other concerns to note.
Comment and Recommendation: Yes! I recommend! If I didn’t already make it obvious – go for the brisket!
Ma-Lé
Overall, it’s okay.
The service and the garden atmosphere was the highlight.
Food was OK at best.
1 piece of small octopus tentacle is not enough to warrant the appetizer’s price point.
Cocktails ok, not great. Better off ordering wine instead.
The selection of 3 different naturally flavored waters is nice for summer.
Best time to dine during summer months is getting a reservation 30 minutes – 1 hour before sunset. Otherwise, it is too hot outside.
Also, request table seating farthest from walking paths so people / kids do not continuously walk / run around right behind or around you.
Our server and the hostess were pleasant and polite.
… moreThe service and the garden atmosphere was the highlight.
Food was OK at best.
1 piece of small octopus tentacle is not enough to warrant the appetizer’s price point.
Cocktails ok, not great. Better off ordering wine instead.
The selection of 3 different naturally flavored waters is nice for summer.
Best time to dine during summer months is getting a reservation 30 minutes – 1 hour before sunset. Otherwise, it is too hot outside.
Also, request table seating farthest from walking paths so people / kids do not continuously walk / run around right behind or around you.
Our server and the hostess were pleasant and polite.
D B
Wonderful restaurant with fresh ingredients and strong flavors. I started off with the Garden Salad which was all ingredients from the garden. The crisp freshness of this salad along with the wonderful dressing made for a delightful and light salad. Big enough for two. I split two mains with another table member, and got the smoked ribs and brisket, which have to be the best items on the menu next to the cornbread. The meat was juicy, moist, expertly seasoned and smoked to perfection. The cornbread was moist, sweet, and delicious with the honey butter (fresh honey from the garden). The staff were friendly and accompanying you our party members birthday, as well as another’s nut allergy. Highly recommend visiting here for lunch or dinner if you get the chance.
… moreLindsey Hoensch
We went July 5th for my Fiancés birthday we arrived and got the worst seat with sun in our eyes. Our waitress was sweet but didn’t seem fully immersed in explaining the menu clearly. We ordered wings that were gooey like not charred? The entrees came mostly all fat in his dish which to me seems like a rip off. My chicken was cold and dry. Very let down on the full experience. Not to mention the kids screaming. Lots of noise for such a high price point and very little effort in the food.
… more360SiteVisit 6317427742
Its like being on vacation. The great outdoor breeze and tropical feel.
The food was amazing. Fresh picked from their garden. We had the charcoal bun double burger. Fantastic. The bun is dark purplish color complements nicely with the cheese and bbq sauce.
We also had the fish taco. Good portion of fish and nicely done with the cilantro sauce.
Great deco and more importantly great food.
… moreThe food was amazing. Fresh picked from their garden. We had the charcoal bun double burger. Fantastic. The bun is dark purplish color complements nicely with the cheese and bbq sauce.
We also had the fish taco. Good portion of fish and nicely done with the cilantro sauce.
Great deco and more importantly great food.
Richa Gupta
The food was alright for the price and ‘farm to table’ hype. The portion sizes were really small.
I got the fire roasted vegetables which was basically 3-4 carrots, 3-4 beans with some sauce smeared on the plate. Not sure how is that supposed to be a filling entree. My bf’s fish was delicious but too little. Also got the dip which was good and the only filling thing due to pita. We ended up eating a second dinner later from elsewhere.
Appreciate the hospitality. The staff made me an espresso martini which wasn’t on the menu as I asked for a coffee based drink.
The ambience was really pretty. The place is inside a really cute resort which is why the 4 stars instead of the 3 which I would have given it otherwise. We enjoyed our time sitting by the fire pits after dinner. I went for dinner but I can imagine this place to be extremely gorgeous at sunset/brunch.
… moreI got the fire roasted vegetables which was basically 3-4 carrots, 3-4 beans with some sauce smeared on the plate. Not sure how is that supposed to be a filling entree. My bf’s fish was delicious but too little. Also got the dip which was good and the only filling thing due to pita. We ended up eating a second dinner later from elsewhere.
Appreciate the hospitality. The staff made me an espresso martini which wasn’t on the menu as I asked for a coffee based drink.
The ambience was really pretty. The place is inside a really cute resort which is why the 4 stars instead of the 3 which I would have given it otherwise. We enjoyed our time sitting by the fire pits after dinner. I went for dinner but I can imagine this place to be extremely gorgeous at sunset/brunch.
lacey faison
We absolutely LOVED our dinner at Chefs Garden! The food was outstanding! Fresh from the garden literally! Options for everyone kids and family with celiac. They were incredibly accomodating! Highly recommend a good dinner here while your visit Crystal Springs Resort at Grand Cascades
… moreAnthony Morano
Probably one of the best meals I have had in NJ in a very long time. The dining experience was one to remember, sitting under an outdoor gazebo surrounded by hand curated gardens. Knowing that our dinner was prepared with ingredients from the surrounding gardens make it even more special. The service was very personable with great recommendations given for food and drink. Overall, it was a very special experience that I would recommend to anyone that wants quality locally grown ingredients with a menu that would appeal to anyone’s appetite.
… more