Ventanas Restaurant Review:
A must try spot in Fort Lee, NJ

Ventanas @ The Modern
200 Park Avenue
Fort Lee, NJ

Prestigious "Best Restaurant" Recognition
Awarded to establishments earning 3 stars or higher for culinary excellence, service, and overall dining experience.

Ventanas: Restaurant Highlights

Fare: Asian, Cuban, American, Sushi

Price: Very Expensive

Food Quality: Well-executed inspirational menu, Instagram quality artful presentation.

Service: Friendly, attentive, though varies with server. Wait time for a table can be lengthy.

Ambiance/Decor: Attractively lit, swank, and stylish.

Overall Rating: 3 Stars

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

Noise Level: Moderate - Loud

Dress: Upscale Casual - Dress to impress. Men should wear collared shirts and pants. Women should wear elegant attire, no excessively revealing clothing.

Recommended For: Date nights, celebrations, brunch, nightlife

Not Recommended For: Budget-conscious diners, BYO fans

Recommended dishes: When available, The Dry aged Porterhouse for two, The Angry Lobster Paella for two; and The Braised Lamb Shank.

Liquor: Full-Service Bar, excellent specialty cocktails, versatile wine list.

Ventanas blends upscale ambiance with bold fusion cuisine, helmed by culinary icon David Burke and visionary restaurateur Alexander Duran. Known for its striking décor, inventive dishes, and vibrant nightlife, it’s a top pick for special occasions and stylish outings.

🏛️ History & Ownership

Ventanas @ The Modern is the brainchild of Alexander Duran, a seasoned restaurateur behind Son Cubano, and Chef David Burke, a James Beard Award-winning culinary innovator. Their shared vision: to create a dynamic dining and nightlife destination that fuses Modern-American, Asian, and Latin flavors in a glamorous setting

🍽️ Food & Cuisine

Ventanas offers a fusion-forward menu that celebrates global influences:

Cuisine: Modern-American, Asian, Latin, and Cuban fusion
Quality: High-end ingredients, artful plating, and bold flavors
Signature Dishes:
- Lobster Dumplings
- Clothesline Bacon (a Burke signature)
- Tuna Tartare Tacos
- Salt-Aged Beef
- VENTANAS Sushi Roll
While not strictly farm-to-table or organic, the menu emphasizes freshness and creativity. Sushi and seafood dishes are particularly praised for their quality

👨‍🍳 The Chef: David Burke

Chef Burke is a culinary titan with:

James Beard Award for “Best Chef”
Numerous TV appearances and patents (e.g., salt-aging technique)
Renowned for whimsical, bold presentations and inventive flavor pairings His influence is evident in Ventanas’ playful yet refined menu

🎶 Ambiance & Décor

Ventanas is swank and stylish, ideal for both brunch and late-night revelry:

Décor: Elegant, modern, with clubby touches and dramatic lighting
Vibe: Transforms from relaxed brunch to energetic nightlife
Features: Outdoor patio with views of a pond and park
Noise Level: Moderate to loud, especially on weekends
Table Spacing: Comfortable but can feel crowded during peak hours
Dress Code: Upscale casual—collared shirts for men, elegant attire for women

🤝 Service

The staff are generally friendly and attentive, though service can vary by server

🍸 Other Features

Bar Service: Full bar with craft cocktails and vibrant lounge scene
Child-Friendly: Not ideal for young children; better suited for adults and teens
Recommended For: Date nights, celebrations, brunch, nightlife
Not Recommended For: Budget-conscious diners, BYO fans
Parking: Available at The Modern complex
Holiday Hours: Open Mother’s Day brunches and holiday events. Call ahead for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter availability