Scarborough Fair Restaurant Review:
A must try spot in Sea Girt, NJ
Scarborough Fair: A Rustic-Romantic Culinary Escape
Prestigious "Best Restaurant" Recognition
Awarded to establishments earning 3 stars or higher for culinary excellence, service, and overall dining experience.
Scarborough Fair: Restaurant Highlights
Fare: New American - Eclectic
Price: Expensive
Food Quality: Well executed menu using locally sourced ingredients from sustainable and organic purveyors, and include humanely raised organic meats and poultry, wild fish, and shellfish.
Service: Friendly, attentive, not intrusive
Ambiance/Decor: Beautiful --The interior is cozy, romantic, dimly lit, with a series of private dining alcoves that have the feel of eating in a rustic, country ski lodge.
Overall Rating: 3 Stars, an upscale, destination restaurant
Overall Rating: 3 Stars
Note: Four star Rating System from 1/2 Star = poor to 4 stars = Best in Class
Noise Level: Low in private alcoves, moderate-high in 2nd floor addition.
Dress: Casual
Recommended For: Anniversaries, date nights, holiday dinners, and intimate gatherings
Not Recommended For: Large families with young children or loud group outings
Recommended dishes: When available; The Black Trumpet Mushroom Crusted Rack of Lamb with Wild rice fusion, asparagus, roasted garlic and infused demi-glaze; The Wild Caught Salmon, Pistachio Crusted with Forest Mushroom Risotto, Lavender infused White Wine - Butter Sauce, and chive oil; and The Duck Breast a La Cerices with Maple Leaf Duck Breast cooked medium rare, Sour Cherrie Sauce, sauteed spinach, and Mashed Potato
Liquor: Full bar service. Offers a modest wine list of California and international wines.
Scarborough Fair offers a romantic, farm-to-table dining experience with locally sourced cuisine, elegant ambiance, and attentive service—ideal for couples and special occasions year-round.
🌿 History & Vision
Scarborough Fair Restaurant occupies a beautifully restored 19th-century farmhouse, originally built in the mid-1850s. For over a century, it served as a working homestead before transforming into one of New Jersey’s most romantic dining destinations. The current owners have preserved its rustic charm while infusing it with modern elegance. Their vision centers on creating an intimate, upscale experience rooted in sustainability and local pride
🍽️ Cuisine & Ingredients
Scarborough Fair specializes in eclectic American and international fare, with a strong emphasis on organic, locally sourced, and sustainable ingredients. The kitchen proudly uses humanely-raised meats, wild-caught seafood, and seasonal produce from nearby cooperatives. Signature dishes include:
- Crab Cake Appetizer – golden, crisp, and generously portioned
- Lamb Chop Entrée – expertly grilled and richly seasoned
- Shrimp Risotto – creamy, balanced, and deeply flavorful
- Filet Mignon – tender and perfectly cooked
Vegetarian and gluten-free options are available, making the menu inclusive without compromising quality.
👨🍳 The Culinary Team
With a focus on contemporary American cuisine, their kitchen team creates dishes where vibrant flavor, artful presentation, and technical precision come together in harmony.
🕯️ Ambiance & Décor
Scarborough Fair is celebrated for its romantic, whimsical atmosphere. The interior features:
- Rustic farmhouse architecture with exposed beams and cozy alcoves
- Elegant table spacing for privacy
- Soft background music that enhances the mood
- Low noise levels, ideal for conversation
- Seasonal outdoor dining options
The décor blends vintage charm with modern sophistication,
🤝 Service & Hospitality
The Staff are friendly, knowledgeable, and attentive. The restaurant maintains consistency in food quality and staffing, even during busy weekends and holidays.
🍷 Other Features & Policies
- Alcohol/Bar Service: Full bar with reasonably priced cocktails and curated wine list.
- Child-Friendly? Best suited for adults and teens; ambiance leans romantic over casual
- Recommended For: Anniversaries, date nights, holiday dinners, and intimate gatherings
- Not Recommended For: Large families with young children or loud group outings
- Parking: On-site parking available
- Dress Code: Smart casual to semi-formal
- Holiday Hours: Open on Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter, and Mother’s Day
🌟 What Sets Them Apart
Scarborough Fair stands out for its farm-to-table philosophy, romantic ambiance, and historic charm. Unlike many competitors, it offers a truly immersive dining experience—from the moment you step into its candlelit corridors to the final bite of dessert.
Updated October 2025
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