Frog and the Peach Restaurant Review: A must try spot in New Brunswick, NJ
The Frog and the Peach: A Modern Culinary Gem in New Brunswick
Prestigious "Best Restaurant" Recognition
Awarded to establishments earning 3 stars or higher for culinary excellence, service, and overall dining experience.
The Frog and the Peach: Restaurant Highlights
Fare: New American
Price: Very Expensive
Food Quality Excellent: Serves a well-executed, creative seasonal menu of French-influenced American and Mediterranean food using sustainable farming and fresh ingredients, especially from local sources.
Service: Wait staff is professional, knowledgeable, and well attended, though they tend to be a bit slow during peak times. However, if you need to have faster service, seats at the bar can be better option.
Ambiance/Decor: Upscale, with a clubby style dining room, a heated and enclosed greenery garden room, and an antique bar decorated with hanging tubular fabric and fixtures.
Overall Rating: 3 1/2 Stars
Note: Four star Rating System from 1/2 Star = poor to 4 stars = Best in Class
Noise Level: Moderate - High
Dress: Upscale Casual
Recommended For: Date nights, anniversaries, business dinners, and foodies.
Not Recommended For: Casual family outings with small children or loud group celebrations
Recommended dishes: When available, The Cast Iron Seared Wagyu Skirt Steak Smoked Mushroom and New Potato Hash with Haricot Vert, Red Wine Sauce; The Beer-Braised Lamb Shank Glazed Apples and Turnips, Hazelnut Puree, Lamb Jus; and The Steamed Dayboat Halibut Spaghetti Squash, Roasted Fennel, Tomato Bouillabaisse.
Liquor: Full-service bar service with an exceptional wine list. Bar scene is vibrant.
The Frog and The Peach in New Brunswick, NJ, is a celebrated farm-to-table destination known for its innovative American cuisine, elegant industrial-chic ambiance, and the culinary vision of Chef Bruce Lefebvre. It’s ideal for special occasions, wine lovers, and seasonal dining.
🐸 History & Vision
Founded in 1983 by Betsy Alger and Jim Black, The Frog and The Peach was named after a Peter Cook and Dudley Moore comedy sketch. From the start, the restaurant embraced a sustainable, locally sourced philosophy—well before “farm-to-table” became a buzzword. Their vision was to create a sophisticated yet approachable dining experience that evolves with the seasons and honors regional ingredients. The vision continues under the current ownership of Chef Bruce Lefebvre
🍽️ Food & Cuisine
The restaurant offers modern American cuisine with global influences, emphasizing seasonal, organic, and locally sourced ingredients. The menu changes frequently, reflecting the freshest market finds. Signature dishes have included:
- Jumbo Lump Crab Salad Napoleon with mango and green curry dressing
- Braised Short Rib with Bloody Butcher polenta and red wine veal jus
- A Peach Tasting Menu during their seasonal Festival of Peaches
Expect artful plating, bold flavors, and thoughtful wine pairings. Vegetarian and vegan options are available, and the kitchen is known for its meticulous preparation and balance of textures.
👨🍳 The Chef
Chef Bruce Lefebvre, who purchased the restaurant in 2012, is a CIA graduate and former chef at prestigious kitchens like The Ryland Inn and Aureole NYC. He’s been recognized for his innovative, ingredient-driven cooking and commitment to sustainability. Lefebvre’s style blends classic French technique with modern American creativity,
🪑 Ambiance
Set in a renovated industrial space, the décor is upscale yet relaxed, with exposed brick, high ceilings, and warm lighting. The Garden Room offers a more intimate, romantic setting, while the main dining area buzzes with energy. Key ambiance features:
- Industrial chic meets rustic elegance
- Well-spaced tables for privacy
- Moderate noise level, ideal for conversation
- Outdoor dining available in warmer months
- Background music is subtle and unobtrusive
🤝 Service
The staff are attentive and knowledgeable. Service is polished but friendly, with servers well-versed in the menu and wine list. Timing between courses is well-paced, and special requests are handled with care.
🍷 Other Features
- Bar Service: Full bar with a curated wine list and seasonal cocktails.
- Parking: Valet service only; nearby Hyatt Hotel garage is recommended
- Dress Code: Business casual to dressy.
- Child-Friendly: Not ideal for young children; better suited for adults and older teens.
- Recommended For: Date nights, anniversaries, business dinners, and foodies.
- Not Recommended For: Casual family outings with small children or loud group celebrations.
- Holiday Hours: Open on Mother’s Day and Thanksgiving; call ahead for Christmas and Easter availability
🔧 What Could Improve
- Parking limitations can be inconvenient during peak hours.
🌟 What Sets Them Apart
The Frog and The Peach stands out for its longevity, culinary innovation, and unwavering commitment to sustainability. Chef Lefebvre’s leadership has kept the restaurant fresh, relevant, and deeply rooted in local food culture, making it a cornerstone of New Jersey fine dining.
Updated October 2025
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