Oliver a Bistro, Bordentown, NJ: A Restaurant Review

Oliver a Bistro, Bordentown, NJ
Oliver a Bistro
218 Farnsworth Ave
(between, Crosswicks & Church streets)
Bordentown, NJ
609-298-7177
Website

Restaurant Highlights

Fare: American with a French influence

Price: Moderate-Expensive

Food: 3 Stars

Service: 2 Stars

Ambiance: 2.5 Stars

Overall Rating: 3 Stars

Note: Four star Rating System from 1/2 Star = Poor to Four stars = Best in Class

Noise Level:  Moderate - High

Dress:  Casual

Recommended For:  Budget conscious diners who enjoy a casual, charming BYOB with well executed. limited menu featuring comfort food, burgers, and entrees.

Not Recommended For:  Diners who enjoy a high end eclectic menu with full bar service.

Recommended dishes:  Their signature burgers, The Pan Seared Jumbo Lump Crab Cakes, with Fresh Cut Fries, Southern Style Cole Slaw, and Cajun Aioli; and The Rack of Lamb with Sour Cream Chive Mashed Potatoes Ratatouille, and Port Wine Veal Jus

Liquor:  BYOB

Restaurant Review

Oliver a Bistro is a charming storefront BYOB in historic downtown Bordentown.

It's a popular spot for diners looking for a casual dining experience with a well execcuted menu that features comfort food and burgers, at a reasonable price.

Owned and operated by Chef Matthew McElmoyl, and his wife, Danielle who runs the dining room.

Chef Matthew received his formal culinary training in classical French cuisine at the Academy of Culinary Arts, at Atlantic Cape Community College He later honed his culinary skills at Brasserie Perrier and Lacroix in Philadelphia's before moving on the become the executive chef at Renault Winery in Egg Harbor and at Sails prior to opening Oliver a bistro.

The well executed menu is based on Chef McElmoyl's basic French cooking techniques employing a fusion of spices and flavors.

It features a menu of home styled comfort food and burgers, though there are options for appetizers, seafood, and a limited selection of entrees.

Save room for desserts, they are made in-house.

Their weekend Sunday brunch is creative and tasty. They offer a Bloody Mary mix that can accomodate your BYO vodka.

The service at Oliver A Bistro is friendly, knowledgeable, though spotty at times.

Tables are spaced close together and conversation can be a challenge over the high noise level.

Oliver a Bistro is open 5 days/week:
Wednesday & Thursday, 11am - 8:30pm
Friday & Saturday 11am - 9pm
Saturday Brunch, 11am-3pm
Sunday Brunch, 11am-3pm Closed Monday & Tuesday

Reservations are suggested, especially for high demand weekends.

Street parking can be a challenge. The City of Bordentown offers Shuttle Bus Service with Free Parking at the Carslake Community Center/Gilder Field Park area where the Shuttle will pick up passengers and take them downtown.

Updated February, 2019

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