Fine Dining • $$$
“Since 2003, the brainchild of the husband-and-wife duo team, Albert and Yanick Ranieri, have opened this premier restaurant and martini bar located on Valley Street in South Orange. Upon entering and translating from the French, a "butterfly" insignia floated above the bar, illuminating the various hues of the 57 martini and specialty cocktails offered. The interior evoked a sophisticated and modern vibe, with the lighting being subtle. Reservations were made by one of our party members calling the restaurant yesterday for some of us as first-timers. Greeted by the host, a table was waiting for us. The menu merges American, Caribbean, French, and Italian cuisine, leaning toward Southern and Cajun-style dishes. As an appetizer, my partner, our friends and I decided on the corn and crab croquettes. For our main meal, we opted for Stuffed Jumbo Shrimp with Maryland Crab Meat, Jambalaya, Coq Au Vin, Organic Roasted Chicken Breast, and Linguine with Shrimp. A complimentary assortment of breads with butter started our meal, which some of us washed with French martini. The food was delicious, and the sauces were flavorful. However, there was a slight snafu with the wording of one of the items on the menu, which was brought to the manager's attention. Listed was organic roasted chicken breast served with caramelized carrots, but what was received was the breast with part of the wings and carrots not caramelized. The service was wonderful, and our server was Mohammed. It was a nice time spent, which we could recommend.“
“To start, the food is absolutely delicious here. The unique Korean/French fusion had some interesting and tasty options. Will definitely go back to order things I didnt get to try. Unfortunately, it was evident that they were understaffed (maybe it was just this one night? Things happen). The person who sat us was also the server, food runner, and busser; with all these responsibilities, it was impossible to be as attentive as I know they could have been because they were very sweet and polite. Despite the service, I would still recommend coming here because the quality of food is outstanding.“
“I don’t usually write reviews but this place was too good not to show appreciation for!Amazing service!The atmosphere was a welcoming small Italian kitchen feel with a dining room with warm lighting! They also have a nice back patio if you prefer to sit outside.I ordered a a Classic Caesar Salad with the 8oz strip steak on top. The salad was so flavorful and one of the best I’ve had in a long time! The steak was cooked medium rare and cooked to perfection!I will definitely be returning!Absolutely delicious!“
“Went here with my girlfriend last weekend and had a wonderful time. The food is always delicious and everyone is so friendly. Our server, Adil, really made our experience here outstanding! When we come back we hope he takes care of us again because we were so impressed at how well he did his job! Thank you for such a wonderful brunch.“
“The staff was so patient with us being first time French cuisine timers. The food they had suggested was so flavorful and delicious. I can't wait to go back the restaurant ambiance is incredible and the attention to detail made it feel like they care. Definitely make a reservation!“
“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.“
“This is an interesting little venue with very good Japanese food / sushi. It is not really a fusion but rather distinct menu items (sushi and French (?)). We only tried the sushi and other Japanese dishes and loved them. Service was good but the space is tight and seatings are limiting (6 or 8 pm) but definitely worth a trip.“
“This is a wonderful French bakery with truly authentic French breads and pastries. I got a couple of loaves of fig and walnut bread that were discounted, and almond croissant that another customer convinced me to get, a turkey Brie and apple sandwich and I had actually ordered two croissants but for some reason they didn’t make it in my bag. I think there was a misunderstanding with the other customer; no matter, an excuse to return! The sandwich bread (a mini French baguette) was surprisingly crisp on the outside and didn’t at all get soft when I returned home 1.5 hrs later to enjoy it. Everything just looks and smells good. I look forward to returning.“
“We told our waiter Jose that it was our first time eating at Serenade. He made several recommendations. The short rib tortellini appetizer and the pork chop. He highly recommended the steak special which my husband ordered. All were delicious. We live a half hour away. We were glad we made the trip and look forward to returning. The food, service and atmosphere were all outstanding. A five star restaurant“
“We recently catered an event and were delighted with the quality and quantity of food. We had tea service with a variety of finger sandwiches, scones, frittatas and pastries delivered on time and beautifully arranged in trays. The teas were individually packed and had a good variety.Thank to the owner who dropped by with the food . They are a to go place for high tea??“
“The food here is incredible. The steak and frites were delicious; the steak moist and full of flavor in the reduction and the frites perfectly crisp. We also ordered one of the specials which was a sea bass and mashed potatoes. Whatever sauce they put on it I want to insert directly into my veins because it was seriously addictive. We had to hurry through dinner to catch a show at the nearby playhouse but I would definitely go back to take my time and order an appetizer.“
“The only time I have been here is for my friend's birthday brunch and she chose this place because I would have food to eat. I am vegan and gluten free and it is often difficult to find food I can enjoy. We went here last year and I got their burrito bowl. It was extremely tasty! This year, I was pleased to see they had an entire vegan/vegetarian menu to choose from. The almond milk pancakes were both vegan and gluten free. The pancake is actually just one huge pancake that fills the plate. The waitress said I would only need one pancake, however, I was still hungry after I ate it. So, I ordered an avocado toast with sweet potato hash on top. This was such a good meal! If they offer it when you go, you need to get it. Overall, I love their vegan options here and they are very accommodating to gluten free! I would say come early because parking on the street can be difficult.“
“5 stars! Celebrated and hosted our daughter’s baptism here and our guests are still talking about it til this day! Food was great, atmosphere was beautiful and Mary was so helpful and friendly and made planning a piece of cake. I hope to dine here soon.“