Chez Catherine Restaurant Review:
A must try spot in Westfield, NJ
Chez Catherine
431 North Ave.
Westfield, NJ
Prestigious "Best Restaurant" Recognition
Awarded to establishments earning 3 stars or higher for culinary excellence, service, and overall dining experience.
Chez Catherine: Restaurant Highlights
Fare: Classic French
Price: Very Expensive
Food Quality: Serves a well executed, artfully presented seasonally changing menu using quality seasonal ingredients; committed to using local, farm - to - table, fresh ingredients when available.
Service: Professional, knowledgeable, and attentive. Guests are welcomed by the warm, engaging maître d' Robert Madden
Ambiance: A small 12 table dining room with elegant, formal, cozy, romantic ambiance
Overall Rating: 3 1/2 Stars --- One of the best French restaurants in New Jersey
Note: Four-star Rating System from no stars = poor to 4 stars = Best in Class
Noise Level: Moderate
Dress: Upscale casual
Recommended For: Romantic dinners, anniversaries, business meals, special occasions.
Not Recommended For: Casual family outings or large, noisy groups.
Recommended dishes: When available, The Filet Mignon Beurre Cardinal Pan Seared Filet Mignon, Tomato Butter, and Fingerling Potatoe; The Sole de Douvres Meunière Dover Sole, Lemon and Brown Butter Sauce, Table Side Preparation Supplement; and The Magret de Canard aux Mûres Duck Breast, Blackberry Port Reduction, and Rice Pilaf
Liquor: Full service bar with an extensive wine selection
Chez Catherine in Westfield, NJ is a celebrated French fine-dining destination known for its elegant ambiance, impeccable service, and authentic cuisine. Open since 1979, it remains a top choice for romantic dinners, special occasions, and refined culinary experiences.
🏛️ History & Ownership
Founded in October 1979, Chez Catherine has earned a reputation as one of New Jersey’s premier French restaurants. In 2016, Stephane Bocket, a seasoned hospitality professional from Dunkerque, France, took ownership. With a background at Alain Ducasse’s restaurants in NYC and France, Bocket brings a blend of classic French tradition and modern hospitality to the Westfield institution.
🍽️ Cuisine & Signature Dishes
Chez Catherine specializes in authentic French fare, offering a limited but expertly curated menu that emphasizes fresh, seasonal ingredients. While not explicitly labeled farm-to-table or organic, the quality and preparation reflect a commitment to excellence. Signature dishes include:
- Foie gras
- Dover sole
- Red snapper
- House-made desserts
Each plate is beautifully presented, with attention to detail and flavor balance that honors French culinary tradition.
👨🍳 The Chef
The restaurant’s culinary direction is shaped by Stephane Bocket’s extensive experience in high-end French kitchens. His tenure at Alain Ducasse’s establishments suggests a refined, technique-driven style rooted in classic French gastronomy.
🎨 Ambiance
Chez Catherine evokes the charm of the Provençal countryside, with elegant décor, intimate table spacing, and a quiet, romantic vibe. The dining room is ornate yet welcoming, ideal for couples and small groups. There’s no outdoor seating, but the air purification system adds a modern touch to guest comfort.
🤵 Service
Service is consistently praised as warm, knowledgeable, and attentive. Staff are well-versed in the menu and wine pairings, enhancing the overall experience. From the greeting to the final course, guests feel genuinely cared for.
📝 Other Details
- Alcohol/Bar Service: Full wine list and curated drink menu available.
- Child-Friendly: Best suited for adults; not recommended for young children.
- Recommended For: Romantic dinners, anniversaries, business meals, special occasions.
- Not Recommended For: Casual family outings or large, noisy groups.
- Parking: Free self-parking on premises.
- Dress Code: Upscale attire recommended; fine dining environment.
- Holiday Hours: Thanksgiving. Open for sit-down and takeout
🔍 What Could Be Improved
- Small dining room: May feel cramped during peak times.
🌟 What Sets Them Apart
Chez Catherine stands out for its longevity, authenticity, and personalized service. With roots in French culinary excellence and a 38+ year legacy, it offers a rare blend of heritage and refinement that few competitors can match in New Jersey.
Updated October 2025
Our Restaurant Rating Criteria to Ensure Minimum Subjective Evaluation
