Grain House Restaurant, Basking Ridge, NJ:
A Dining Review
Grain House Restaurant At the Olde Mill Inn
225 Route 202
Basking Ridge, NJ
Fare: American Traditional Noise Level: Moderate - High Located next to the Olde Mill Inn, this is fine dining in a historic, picturesque setting. Separated by a parking lot and a wooden bridge to the Olde Mill Inn, this historic building dates to the 18th century and was used as storage for the Continental Army in the winter of 1779. The ambiance is historic with a fireplace in the main dining room, and comfortably spaced tables. Walls are adorned with historic pictures of George Washington. The Kitchen is run by Executive Chef John Benjamin, a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America. He later honed his culinary skills collaborating with famed chefs Thomas Keller, Charles Palmer and John Halligan. and restaurants Aureole in New York, The French Laundry in California, and the Hyatt Regency in Connecticut. The menu is well prepared and many of the selections have been created using fresh local, organic ingredients, and sustainable agriculture. They also have gluten free items. Salad dressings are home made. Ingredients are sourced from their on-site large Grain House Organic Garden featuring produce and herbs, supplemented by locally sourced, organic providers. Their seafood is of sustainable quality, sourced directly from domestic fishermen. There is also an extensive kids’ menu. The restaurant is popular with families celebrating special occasions. Save room for desserts, they offer many selections of homemade desserts. Service is attentive and friendly, without feeling rushed. The Grain House Restaurant has outdoor patio dining during the warm months. They are open seven days/week for lunch and dinner and offers an a la carte brunch on Saturday and Sunday. They are also open on Thanksgiving & Christmas Eve. Updated October 2024 Our Restaurant Rating Criteria to Ensure Minimum Subjective EvaluationGrain House Restaurant: Highlights
Price: Expensive
Food Quality: Well-executed menu. Prepared with locally sourced, organic ingredients, and sustainable seafood directly from domestic fishermen.
Service: Attentive and friendly, without feeling rushed.
Ambiance/Decor: Historic with a cozy fireplace in the main dining room. Walls are adorned with historic pictures of George Washington
Overall Rating: 2 1/2 Stars
Note: Four-star Rating System from no stars = poor to Four stars = Best in Class
Dress: Casual
Recommended For: Diners who enjoy old style dining and traditional American food in a historic, rustic setting.
Not Recommended For: Diners who may prefer upscale, trendy ambiance with more complex or eclectic food preparations.
Recommended Dishes: When available, The Berkshire Pork Chop with spinach spaetzle, bacon braised red cabbage, whiskey pan jus: The center cut Petite Filet Mignon with grilled asparagus, Yukon potato gratin, port demi-glace; and The Sauteed Brook Trout with snow pea shoots, wild rice pilaf, peas and carrots, toasted almond sauce.
Liquor: Good selection of reasonably priced wines and specialty cocktails.
