Bergen French/Belgian

FRENCH/ BELGIAN

CLOSTER

Harvest Bistro: New American/ French; Closter; 252 Schraalenburgh Rd @ Bergenline; 24/24/$54; 201-750-9966; Bistro feel- gorgeous interior feels like a living room, complete with fireplace; The brunch is outstanding- Cheese Fondue available and $25 Prix Fixe menu- 3 courses plus drink is a steal; French food fit for a picky American pallet! The Long Island Duck, and other New-American dishes will win you over.

EDGEWATER

Le Jardin: French; Edgewater; 1257 River Rd @ North St; 18/22/$55; 201-224-9898; Usual great Edgewater views; Food is fairly mechanical; Large menu of most commonly seen French selections; Open terrace best time to go, and for lunch. Nice bar area. Tuesday night martinis.

Magic Pot: Fondue; Edgewater; 934 River Rd @ Dempsey; 19/16/$36; 201-969-8005; Name says it all; Large variety of fondues and dipping items to choose from; They also do flavored broths and have different styles of cooking; BYO helps with price; Portions are not huge but it is a lot of fun; Great for dates.

FRANKLIN LAKES

Chef’s Table: French; Franklin Lakes; 754 Franklin Av @ Pulis Av; 26/19/$52; 201-891-6644; Bistro feel run by charming owners; BYO; Reserve a week early for this always popular spot; Rack of lamb unreal; Crepes Suzette the top dessert choice; Sizable selection of items- all created with care. Venison, duck. Smallish place.

HOBOKEN

Elysian Café: French; Hoboken; 1001 Washington @ 10^th St; 20/21/$35; 201-798-5898; Oldest restaurant in Hoboken- in a converted Saloon; Fantastic brunch; Known for impeccable Steak-Frites; Inventive cocktails; Just a solid bistro, casual feel. Two for one entrees at the bar on Monday.

Melting Pot: Fondue; Hoboken; 100 Sinatra Drive @ 1st St; 20/20/$48; 201-222-1440; What a fun chain restaurant perfect for dates; Choose from cheese, oil, broth, or chocolate to dip in; Try the “Big Night Out” option for $42 a person; Romantic seating available; Excellent service with fondue made at your table.

MONTCLAIR

Passionne: French; Montclair; 77 Walnut St @ Grove; 23/18/$49; 973-233-1006; Dinner served Wednesday through Sunday; BYO policy; High end French cuisine from an up and coming chef; ‘New French’ almost; Duck dishes and Lamb stand out; Refined menu of unique offerings; Formal yet cozy feel.

NORTHVALE

Madeleine's Petit Paris: French; Northvale; 416 Tappan Rd @ Paris; 25/20/$54; 201-767-0063; French country inn setting; Red Snapper and Duck L’Orange are specialties; BYO Tuesdays only; Prix Fixe is a great value; Family owned and operated- outstanding service; Welcoming feel.

RIDGEWOOD

Latour: French; Ridgewood; 6 E Ridgewood Av @ Broad; 26/22/$56; 201-445-5056; Classic French cuisine; BYO; Chef-owner Michael Latour will spoil you; Closed Monday; Spacious, elegant, tasteful lay out; Seafood Risotto; Menu for everyone. Best vibe here. Go with Prix Fixe if you can.

WESTWOOD

Melting Pot: Fondue; Westwood; 250 Center Av @ Westwood; 20/20/$48; 201-664-8877; What a fun chain restaurant perfect for dates; Choose from cheese, oil, broth, or chocolate to dip in; Try the “Big Night Out” option for $42 a person; Romantic seating available; Excellent service with fondue made at your table.

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Ian Hunter's Guide to New York's Best Restaurants, Bars, and Gourmet Markets