Catherine Lombardi Restaurant, New Brunswick, NJ:
A Restaurant Review
Catherine Lombardi Restaurant
3 Livingston Ave.
New Brunswick, NJ
732-296-9463
Website
Restaurant Highlights
Food Quality: 3 1/2 Stars
Service: 3 Stars
Decor: 3 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 top Italian Restaurants in Central Jersey
The ambiance is attractive, upscale, romantic --- ideal for celebrating a special occasion.
Uses fresh farm to table products with quality ingredients .
Street parking is limited. Try parking across the street at the Heldrich Hotel valet parking service.
Fare: Italian
Price: Very Expensive
Value: Good
Noise Level: Moderate
Dress: Upscale Casual
Recommended For: Diners who enjoy well prepared traditional Italian food served in decent sized portions with upscale, vibrant ambiance
Not Recommended For: Budget conscious diners who prefer less pricey, traditional Italian dishes with fewer dining amenities.
Recommended dishes: When available, The Lamb Shank; The gluten free Filet Mignon with Roasted Rosemary Potatoes and Porcini Mushroom Sauce; and The gluten free Scottish Salmon w/ Roasted Garlic Risotto, House-Preserved Tomato & Fennel Confit.
Liquor: Full service bar service with an exceptional wine list
Restaurant Review
Catherine Lombardi is one of the best Italian restaurants in Central Jersey'
Operated by co-owners Francis Schott and Mark Pascal, Catherine Lombardi takes it's name from Mark Pascals grandmother, an Italian-American -- by way of Brooklyn
Catherine Lombardi is located on the 2nd floor, above the Stage Left restaurant, accessible by elevator. The decor is elegant, and romantic, with large windows providing diners with a view of the New Brunswick theatre district, two gas powered fireplaces, mood setting lighting and rich red walls faced with deep paneled, ivory wainscoting. Massive pillars, topped with gentle lighting, punctuate the dining area.
The menu items are well conceived and made up of quality meats, home made pastas, grains, cheeses and chocolates, free-range chickens, and organic vegetables.
The finer touches are all here, from the bottle of high quality Frantoia extra virgin Sicilian olive oil placed on each table for dipping your well prepared Italian bread, the fresh Parmesan cheese grated at your table, to the large European style silverware.
When available, sea food enthusiasts are urged to try the Branzini, a Mediterranean Sea Bass served whole with head and tail in true European fashion, and if you don't mind sifting through some bones, you will be rewarded with a very tasty, succulent dish.
They have an exceptional wine list, offering a good selection of domestic and international wines.
The service is well trained ----- very attentive, professional and knowledgeable, with an eye toward the details. The wait staff is sharply dressed in black outfits with men in black suits, white shirts and ties.
They are theatre goer friendly with a late night, after theatre menu
Catherine Lombardi is open seven days/week:
Sunday 4 pm - 11pm
Monday 5 pm - 11 pm
Tuesday through Thursday 5pm - Midnight
Friday & Saturday, 5 pm - 1 am
(updated: September, 2016)
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The methodology used is research, analysis driven --- as opposed to that of a single restaurant critic or a social media platform, viewer comment posting board.
