618 Restaurant, Freehold, NJ: A Dining Review
618 Restaurant: A Culinary Gem in Central Jersey
618 Restaurant
618 Park Ave
Freehold, NJ
Prestigious "Best Restaurant" Recognition
Awarded to establishments earning 3 stars or higher for culinary excellence, service, and overall dining experience.
618 Restaurant: Highlights
Fare: Creative New American with Mediterranean, Italian, Caribbean, Asian, and French flavors
Price: Expensive
Food Quality: Excellent - Serves a seasonally changing menu with inspirational dishes prepared using fresh, locally sourced produce and seafood, with meats sourced from quality purveyors.
Service: Professional, well trained, with a good knowledge of the menu. Friendly and attentive without being intrusive.
Ambiance/Decor: Upscale, contemporary rustic, with a romantic atmosphere.
Overall Rating: 3 Stars. One of the top restaurants in Central Jersey.
Note: Four star Rating System from 1/2 Star = Poor to 4 stars = Best in Class
Noise Level: Moderate - background music kept to a comfortable level for quiet intimate conversation.
Dress: Casual
Recommended For: Romantic dinners, celebrations, upscale nights out.
Not Recommended For: Casual family dining with young children.
Recommended dishes: When available, The Cabernet Braised Short Ribs; The 8 oz Filet Mignon; and The Grilled Organic Salmon.
Liquor: Full bar service featuring creative, hand crafted specialty cocktails, and a variety of craft beers and beers on draft, with a good selection well-priced wines by the glass and bottle.
618 Restaurant offers a modern-meets-rustic dining experience, blending creative New American cuisine with a romantic, upscale atmosphere. Known for its creative cuisine, inventive cocktails, and elegant yet welcoming vibe, it has become one of Monmouth County’s standout destinations.
🏛 History & Vision
- Owners: 618 was founded by Executive Chef Christopher Dutka and restaurateur Matthew Borowski in 2016.
- Vision: Their goal was to bring a creative, upscale yet approachable dining experience to Freehold, combining rustic charm with modern flair.
🍽 Food & Cuisine
- Style: 618 specializes in Creative New American cuisine, blending Mediterranean, Italian, Caribbean, Asian, and French influences
- Quality: Ingredients are fresh, with a focus on farm-to-table sourcing and seasonal menus.
- Signature Dishes: Chef Dutka curates menus featuring wine-paired dinners, inventive small plates, and globally inspired entrées
- Preparation: Dishes emphasize balanced flavors, artistic presentation, and modern techniques.
👨🍳 The Chef
- Christopher Dutka: Executive Chef and co-owner, also founder of Christopher’s Kitchen Catering
- Style: Known for creative fusion cooking and multi-cultural flavor profiles.
- Recognition: His catering and restaurant ventures have earned him a strong reputation in Monmouth County’s dining scene.
🎶 Ambiance
- Décor: A rustic-chic interior with romantic lighting, industrial accents, and modern finishes.
- Vibe: Elegant yet approachable, ideal for couples, celebrations, and upscale dining.
- Noise Level: Moderate, with live music
- Outdoor Dining: Available seasonally, enhancing the romantic atmosphere.
- Table Spacing: Comfortable, designed for intimate dining.
🤝 Service
- Staffing: Welcoming, knowledgeable, and attentive.
- Consistency: Service is professional with smooth coordination during both regular dining and private events
🍷 Other Factors
- Alcohol/Bar: Inventive cocktails, curated wine dinners, and themed mixology classes
- Child-Friendly: More suited for adults and couples; not primarily family-focused.
- Recommended For: Romantic dinners, celebrations, upscale nights out.
- Not Recommended For: Casual family dining with young children.
- Parking: On-site and nearby options available.
- Dress Code: Smart casual to elegant attire.
- Holiday Hours: Open for Mother’s Day, Easter
- Private Parties: Full-service banquet hall and wedding venue with capacity up to 175 guests
🌟 What Sets Them Apart
- Creative Culinary Vision: Chef Dutka’s fusion-driven New American cuisine stands out in Monmouth County.
- Event Flexibility: A rare combination of fine dining and full-service event hosting, blending restaurant and banquet hall experiences.
- Innovative Cocktails & Experiences: Monthly wine dinners, cocktail classes, and themed events create a dynamic dining culture
Updated November 2025
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