Brian's, Lambertville, NJ:
A Restaurant Review
9 Klines Ct
Lambertville, NJ 08530
(609) 460-4148
Website
Restaurant Highlights
Fare: New American - French/ Italian fusion
Price: Moderate - Expensive
Food Quality: 3 1/2 Stars
Service: 3 Stars
Decor: 2 1/2 Stars
Overall Rating: 3 1/2 Stars
Note: Four star Rating System from 1/2 Star = poor to Four stars = Best in Class
One of the best restaurants in Lambertville. Brian's serves a quality, creative, Prixe Fixe menu that changes daily.
Cash only, does not take credit cards
Value: Excellent
Noise Level: Moderate - high (if seated next to a large party)
Dress: Casual
Recommended For: Diners who enjoy excellent eclectic new American fusion food in a casual, yet elegant setting.
Not Recommended For: Budget conscious diners who prefer comfort food in a casual family setting.
Recommended dishes: When available, Sweetbreads Milanese; Jumbo Lump Crab Cake ; and Braised Beef a la mode.
Liquor: BYOB
Restaurant Review
Brian's. a contemporary American - French/ Italian fusion restaurant ------ one of the best, if not the best restaurant in Lambertville.
Located near Bridge Street in the Kline's Court alleyway, Brian's is the creation of owner and chef Brian Held, a 1995 graduate of the Culinary Institute of America. After his formal training, he honed his skills at the River Club in New Brunswick and in 2001 opened Juliana Rose in Richboro, PA. Previous to opening this Lambertville gem, he owned Rouget, a top French country restaurant in Newtown, Pa.
The decor is casual with an elegant feel. Set in a small, low-ceiling space with seating for 40, there is a curved counter separating the open kitchen from the dining room. The casual open kitchen offers an attractive contrast to the more elegant dining room's white linen tables and framed wall of mirrors.
Tables are decently spaced for intimate conversation, though on busy weekends the noise level rises when dining room is full or seated next to a large party.
Chef Held masterfully fuses French and Italian cooking styles into his contemporary menu. The rustic country Provence and Northern Italy influenced menu changes daily. He is committed to providing a venue for cutting-edge, sophisticated dining, with menu options that are reasonably priced.
In line with their commitment to serve reasonably priced, cutting-edge, sophisticated dining, they serve a three course, bargain priced Prix Fixe menu each evening from Tuesday–Sunday (On Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays, Prix - Fixe dinner is $5 more or $50/per person).
The menu features several selections of house-made pastas. Vegetarian and gluten free options are also available.
The wait staff is cheerful, attentive and knowledgeable, however when the restaurant is full the service tends to slow down. Partly because the kitchen prepares no more than 10 orders at a time to insure that each meal be created to Brian's precise standards.,
For diners forgetting to bring wine, there is a wine store is located nearby.
Parking is street metered. Except for busy weekends, a space can be found nearby. Be advised to bring plenty of coins. Meters are in effect until 9 PM.
(updated: October, 2016)
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