Village Green Restaurant

- 36 Prospect St, Ridgewood, NJ 07450

For New Jersey residents seeking a refined and sophisticated dining experience in Bergen County, the Village Green Restaurant in Ridgewood is a highly regarded destination. This establishment is celebrated for its New American cuisine, providing a calm and relaxing atmosphere alongside a menu that is dedicated to those with a genuine passion for fine food. Situated in a historic building, the Village Green offers an escape from the everyday, making it an ideal choice for a special occasion, a memorable date night, or simply an evening dedicated to culinary excellence.

The restaurant's cuisine is driven by the vision of its talented Chef, a Bergen County resident and Culinary Institute of America graduate, whose philosophy emphasizes simple, classic preparations paired with the freshest local and seasonal ingredients. This commitment to quality and sourcing, including the use of organic, heirloom, and local products, as well as hormone and antibiotic-free meats, resonates deeply with patrons who value sustainable and high-quality dining. The resulting dishes are consistently described as exciting to the senses and pleasing to the palate, earning the restaurant high praise for its "Sophisticated" and "High Quality" fare.

Village Green distinguishes itself by offering both an extensive seasonal à la carte menu and enticing tasting menus, allowing diners to explore the chef’s creative range. Many local fans rave about signature dishes like the incredibly rich short rib and the exquisite house-made pastas, which showcase the kitchen’s remarkable skill. The staff is consistently noted for being exceptionally well-trained, creating a seamless and personable dining experience that elevates an enjoyable night out. Furthermore, as a charming BYOB establishment, patrons have the flexibility to bring their favorite wine to perfectly complement the creative cuisine, adding an extra layer of personalization to their visit.

Whether you choose to indulge in a multi-course "food marathon" tasting menu or select a classic from the daily specials, the Village Green strives to deliver an experience that leaves guests feeling full, happy, and already planning their return. The upscale yet cozy atmosphere, suitable for everything from a romantic dinner to a family gathering, solidifies its reputation as a culinary gem in the heart of Ridgewood. It represents the best of New Jersey's dining scene: sophisticated food, attentive service, and a welcoming environment.

Location and Accessibility

The Village Green Restaurant is tucked away on a quiet street corner, located just off the bustling main traffic of Ridgewood Avenue in Bergen County. This slightly secluded positioning contributes to the restaurant's calm and relaxing ambiance, offering a tranquil space for dinner.

The precise address is: 36 Prospect St, Ridgewood, NJ 07450, USA.

The location is situated in a historic building, adding a unique charm to the dining experience. For guests traveling by car, there are multiple convenient parking options available, including on-site parking, as well as paid parking lots, paid parking garages, and paid street parking nearby. This variety helps ensure accessibility for all diners. The restaurant is also fully dedicated to universal accessibility, featuring a wheelchair-accessible entrance, wheelchair-accessible seating, a wheelchair-accessible restroom, and a wheelchair-accessible parking lot.

Services Offered

Village Green Restaurant provides a focused array of services centered on delivering a premier dining experience for the local New Jersey community.

• Dine-in Service: Enjoy the full, upscale, and attentive table service in a cozy and romantic atmosphere.
• Takeout Service: Meals are available for takeaway, with pre-orders accepted and appreciated to guarantee pickup times.
• Accepts Reservations: Dinner reservations are recommended, especially on weekends, due to limited seating.
• BYOB (Bring Your Own Bottle): The restaurant operates as a BYOB, allowing patrons to bring their preferred alcoholic beverages.
• Seasonal Tasting Menus: In addition to the regular à la carte menu, the restaurant offers seasonal tasting menus, such as the 4-Course Tasting Menu available Tuesday through Friday.
• Early Bird Menu: A special Early Bird Menu is offered Tuesday through Thursday from 4:30 PM to 5:30 PM for value-conscious diners.
• Catering: Services are offered for special events, extending the Village Green's culinary expertise beyond the dining room.
• Payments: Credit cards and debit cards are accepted for customer convenience.
• Child-Friendly Amenities: The venue is considered good for kids and provides high chairs, suggesting a welcoming approach for family dinners.

Features / Highlights

The Village Green Restaurant stands out in the competitive Ridgewood dining scene due to several distinctive features that enhance the patron experience.

• New American BYOB: As a BYOB, it offers a distinct advantage, allowing guests to enjoy sophisticated cuisine while controlling their beverage choices and costs.
• Commitment to Local and Organic Sourcing: The cuisine focuses on utilizing organic, heirloom, and local products, along with hormone and antibiotic-free meats, aligning with a dedication to high-quality and sustainable food practices.
• Signature House-Made Pastas and Short Rib: These specific items are frequently highlighted by local patrons as must-try dishes that demonstrate the chef's remarkable skill and attention to flavor.
• Refined Ambiance: The atmosphere is noted as being cozy, romantic, trendy, and upscale, making it perfect for date nights and special celebrations where ambiance is a priority.
• Chef-Driven Creativity: The extensive à la carte menu and seasonal tasting menus allow the chef to showcase culinary creativity, providing a fresh and exciting experience with every visit.
• Dietary Focus: The offerings include healthy options, organic dishes, small plates, vegan options, and vegetarian options, catering to a wide range of dietary preferences.
• Highly Praised Service: The staff is consistently described as exceptionally well-trained, friendly, and personable, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable dining journey from start to finish.

Contact Information

To secure a reservation or inquire about the menu and specials, please use the following contact details for the Village Green Restaurant:

Address: 36 Prospect St, Ridgewood, NJ 07450, USA

Phone: (201) 445-2914

Operating Hours:

• Tuesday - Thursday: 4:30 PM - 9:00 PM (Early Bird: 4:30 PM - 5:30 PM)
• Friday - Saturday: 5:00 PM - 10:00 PM
• Monday and Sunday: Closed

What is Worth Choosing

When dining at Village Green, the decision of what to choose often comes down to balancing the excitement of the tasting menu with the allure of the seasonal à la carte favorites. For the New Jersey diner looking for the ultimate experience, the following options are highly recommended by regulars:

The Tasting Menu is a signature choice and is particularly worth choosing for the adventurous diner or for a special occasion. Offering four or five courses (depending on the day and season), it provides a curated “food marathon” that expertly showcases the chef’s creativity and the kitchen's dedication to seasonal ingredients, often at an exceptional value. This is the best way to sample the variety of sophisticated dishes Village Green has to offer.

From the main menu, the Short Rib stands out as a consistently celebrated signature dish. Patrons rave about its rich flavor and tenderness, making it a must-try for any meat lover.

The House-Made Pastas are another star feature. Regardless of the seasonal preparation—which might include dishes like Spicy Duck Meatballs or Tagliatelle Carbonara—the pasta is noted for its freshness and perfect execution, reflecting the chef’s mastery of Italian-American techniques.

For those who prefer seafood, the seasonal fish entrees are a highlight, such as the Norwegian Salmon or Crispy Sautéed Branzino, all prepared with a focus on fresh flavors and unique pairings.

Finally, make sure to save room for dessert. The restaurant’s desserts are a strong point, with highlights often including items like the Chocolate Peanut Butter Tart or other seasonally inspired creations. Coupled with the great coffee and tea selection, concluding your meal with one of their sophisticated sweets provides the perfect finish to an enjoyable evening out. The combination of exceptional food, a romantic atmosphere, and top-tier service makes a visit to Village Green truly worthwhile.

Village Green Restaurant

36 Prospect St, Ridgewood, NJ 07450, USA