Stonehouse, Warren, NJ:
A Restaurant Review
Stone House
50 Stirling Rd. (Stiles Rd.)
Warren, NJ 07059
Prestigious "Best Restaurant" Recognition
Awarded to establishments earning 3 stars or higher for culinary excellence, service, and overall dining experience.
Stonehouse: Restaurant Highlights
Fare: New American
Price: Expensive
Food Quality: Well executed menu prepared with locally sourced humanely raised products. Many of the ingredients are sourced locally from their on-site farm
Service: Attentive, friendly
Ambiance/Decor: Stunning, California modern rustic lodge ambiance set on 10 acres
Overall Rating: 3 Stars
Note: Four-star Rating System from no stars = poor to 4 stars = Best in Class
Noise Level: Moderate - high
Dress: Casual
Recommended For: Upscale dining, weddings, anniversaries corporate events.
Not Recommended For: Diners seeking quiet, old-world charm or budget-friendly meals
Recommended dishes: When available; The Osso Bucco, The Icelandic Codfish, and The Prime dry aged NY Strip steak.
Liquor: Full-Service Bar
🏛 History & Vision
- Owners: Frank and Jeanne Cretella of Landmark Hospitality, known for creating distinctive venues across NJ and NY.
- Vision: To merge high design with unforgettable cuisine, offering both a fine dining restaurant and event spaces
- Reputation: Recognized as a premier venue for weddings, private parties, and upscale dining in the Watchung Mountains
🍴 Food & Cuisine
- Style: Contemporary American with French influences.
- Quality: Locally sourced, humanely raised, and seasonal ingredients, many from their on-site farm
- Signature Dishes: Tomahawk steak, Osso Bucco, Black Garlic Truffle Fries, Brioche Bread Pudding
- Preparation: Emphasis on farm-to-table freshness, creative plating, and balanced flavors
👨🍳 The Chef
- Executive Chef: David Drake, hailed as a pioneer of modern American cuisine with classic French roots
- Credentials: Over 20 years of fine dining experience, recognized for innovation and artistryj.
- Style: Elevated comfort food with refined French techniques, blending rustic and contemporary elements.
🌿 Ambiance
- Décor: Industrial chic meets rustic lodge—distressed steel, glass wine tower, wood-burning fireplaces
- Vibe: Elegant yet cozy, ideal for both romantic dinners and large gatherings.
- Scenic Views: Set on 10 acres in the Watchung Mountains with gardens, fire pits, and outdoor dining
- Noise Level: Moderate, with spacious table arrangements.
- Features: Grand Ballroom with 16’ ceilings, The Lodge with floor-to-ceiling windows, and art-gallery-inspired cocktail spaces
🤝 Service
- Staffing: Attentive, knowledgeable, and consistent
- Experience: Welcoming atmosphere, professional event coordination, and reliable food quality.
📌 Other Factors
- Alcohol/Bar: Full-service bar with extensive wine selection.
- Child-Friendly: More suited for adults and special occasions; not ideal for families with very young children
- Recommended For: Weddings, anniversaries, upscale dining, corporate events.
- Not Recommended For: Diners seeking quiet, old-world charm or budget-friendly meals
- Parking: On-site, ample.
- Dress Code: Upscale casual.
- Holiday Dining: Open for major holidays including Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter, and Mother’s Day
- Private Parties: Multiple customizable spaces for banquets, weddings, and corporate events.
⚖️ What Needs Improvement
- Noise levels can rise during peak events.
- Menu could expand with more vegetarian/vegan options.
🌟 What Sets Them Apart
- Farm-to-table authenticity with ingredients sourced from their own farm.
- Architectural design that fuses rustic lodge charm with industrial chic elegance.
- Chef David Drake’s pedigree, bringing fine dining artistry to a suburban NJ setting.
- Event versatility, offering both intimate dining and large-scale celebrations.
Updated November 2025
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