Best Restaurants in Somerville Nj Looking for the ultimate dining experience in Somerville, NJ? Look no further, because we've got the inside scoop on the best restaurants in town.We've scoured every corner, from charming bistros to upscale fine dining spots, to bring you a comprehensive list that will satisfy even the most discerning palate.From delectable Thai dishes with a French twist to fresh and light Greek flavors, Somerville has it all. Get ready to indulge in a culinary adventure like no other.Join us as we explore the top dining destinations in Somerville, NJ.Key TakeawaysDa Filippos offers exquisite Italian plates in a rustic ambiance with live piano music for a pleasurable dining experience.Savor Restaurant is an upscale space for fine dining, serving homemade pastas and succulent steaks in a classy atmosphere with exceptional service.Origin and Origin Thai II are foodie magnets on Division Street, offering yummy Thai-inspired dishes with a French twist, cozy and inviting atmosphere, and friendly and attentive staff.Thai Kitchen is a charming and popular BYOB Thai joint in Bridgewater Township, serving authentic Thai dishes with adjustable heat levels, with their Pad Thai being a must-try dish.Da FilipposWe absolutely love Da Filippos for its exquisite Italian plates. Located in Somerville, NJ, this restaurant is a gem among the many fantastic dining options in the area. Da Filippos offers a pleasurable dining experience with its rustic ambiance and live piano music. As soon as you step inside, you're transported to a cozy Italian trattoria, complete with warm lighting and charming decor.The menu at Da Filippos is a celebration of authentic Italian cuisine. From homemade pastas to succulent steaks, every dish is prepared with the utmost care and attention to detail. The flavors are rich and bold, showcasing the best of traditional Italian cooking. Whether you're craving a classic dish like spaghetti carbonara or something more adventurous like osso buco, Da Filippos has it all.The service at Da Filippos is exceptional. The staff is friendly, attentive, and knowledgeable about the menu. They're more than happy to provide recommendations or answer any questions you may have. The atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming, making it the perfect place to enjoy a leisurely meal with friends or family.If you're looking for a memorable dining experience in Somerville, NJ, look no further than Da Filippos. With its exquisite Italian plates, rustic ambiance, and exceptional service, this restaurant is a must-visit for anyone who appreciates fine food. So, the next time you're in the area, be sure to make a reservation at Da Filippos and indulge in the flavors of Italy.Savor RestaurantLet's explore Savor Restaurant, an upscale space for fine dining located on Main Street in Somerville, NJ. If you're looking for a memorable culinary experience, Savor Restaurant is the place to be. Here are five reasons why this restaurant stands out among the other restaurants near Somerville, NJ:Exceptional Cuisine: Savor Restaurant offers a menu that showcases the best of both land and sea. From homemade pastas to succulent steaks, every dish is crafted with precision and passion. The flavors are thoughtfully balanced, and the presentation is a feast for the eyes.Classy Atmosphere: As you step into Savor Restaurant, you'll be greeted by an elegant and sophisticated ambiance. The tastefully decorated interior creates a warm and inviting atmosphere, perfect for a romantic date night or a special celebration.Outstanding Service: The staff at Savor Restaurant goes above and beyond to ensure that every guest has a memorable dining experience. The waitstaff is knowledgeable, attentive, and friendly, providing top-notch service from start to finish.Prime Location: Situated on Main Street, Savor Restaurant is conveniently located in the heart of Somerville, NJ. Whether you're exploring the town or attending an event nearby, Savor Restaurant is easily accessible, making it a popular choice for locals and visitors alike.Attention to Detail: From the moment you walk through the door, you'll notice the meticulous attention to detail at Savor Restaurant. From the perfectly set tables to the carefully curated wine list, every aspect of your dining experience is thoughtfully planned and executed.With its exceptional cuisine, classy atmosphere, outstanding service, prime location, and attention to detail, Savor Restaurant is a must-visit destination for food lovers in Somerville, NJ.Now, let's delve into the origin and offerings of Origin and Origin Thai II, another culinary gem in the area.Origin and Origin Thai IIOrigin and Origin Thai II are two popular restaurants in Somerville, NJ that offer a delightful culinary experience. Bursting onto the scene in 2000, these restaurants have become a foodie magnet on Division Street. Origin Thai II serves up yummy Thai-inspired dishes with a French twist, while Origin offers a fusion of Thai and American cuisine.When you step into Origin and Origin Thai II, you're greeted by a cozy and inviting atmosphere. The rustic decor and warm lighting create a welcoming ambiance that makes you feel right at home. The friendly and attentive staff further enhance the dining experience, ensuring that you're well taken care of throughout your meal.The menu at Origin and Origin Thai II is filled with mouthwatering options that will satisfy any palate. From traditional Thai dishes like Pad Thai and Green Curry to unique creations like Duck Confit Spring Rolls and Lobster Mac and Cheese, there's something for everyone to enjoy. The chefs at Origin and Origin Thai II pride themselves on using fresh, high-quality ingredients to create dishes that are bursting with flavor.In addition to the delicious food, Origin and Origin Thai II also offer second to none service. The staff is knowledgeable about the menu and can offer recommendations based on your preferences. They're also attentive to your needs, ensuring that your dining experience is seamless and enjoyable.Whether you're craving Thai cuisine with a French twist or looking for a fusion of Thai and American flavors, Origin and Origin Thai II are the go-to restaurants in Somerville, NJ. With their cozy atmosphere, friendly staff, and mouthwatering dishes, these restaurants are sure to provide a delightful culinary experience.Thai KitchenThai Kitchen is a charming and popular BYOB Thai joint located in Bridgewater Township. Here are five reasons why you should consider dining at Thai Kitchen:Authentic Thai dishes with adjustable heat levels: Thai Kitchen offers a wide range of traditional Thai dishes that are prepared with authentic ingredients and flavors. Whether you prefer mild or spicy, you can adjust the heat levels to suit your taste buds.Must-try dish: Pad Thai: One dish that you should definitely try at Thai Kitchen is their Pad Thai. This classic Thai noodle dish is packed with flavors and textures, featuring stir-fried rice noodles, eggs, tofu, shrimp, bean sprouts, and crushed peanuts. It's a crowd favorite for a reason!Charming and inviting atmosphere: As soon as you step into Thai Kitchen, you'll be greeted by a warm and inviting atmosphere. The restaurant is cozy and decorated with Thai-inspired accents, creating a serene and relaxing environment for your dining experience.Friendly and attentive staff: The staff at Thai Kitchen is known for their friendly and attentive service. They go above and beyond to ensure that every guest feels welcomed and taken care of. Whether you have dietary restrictions or need recommendations, they're there to assist you.BYOB: Thai Kitchen is a BYOB restaurant, allowing you to bring your favorite beverages to complement your meal. Whether it's a bottle of wine or your favorite craft beer, you have the freedom to choose and enjoy your preferred drink with your Thai cuisine.With its authentic dishes, cozy ambiance, and friendly service, Thai Kitchen is a delightful choice for Thai food enthusiasts.Now, let's move on to our next restaurant, Kyma, which draws inspiration from the flavors of Greece.KymaWhen it comes to exploring the flavors of Greece, Kyma is a restaurant in Somerville, NJ that offers a fresh and light Greek dining experience. Conveniently located on Main Street, Kyma is known for its inspired dishes that showcase the vibrant and healthy ingredients of Greek cuisine. The restaurant's gorgeous space with Venetian flooring adds to the overall charm and ambiance of the dining experience.To give you a taste of what Kyma has to offer, here is a table showcasing some of their standout dishes:DishDescriptionPriceMoussakaLayers of eggplant, ground meat, and béchamel sauce, baked to perfection.$18SpanakopitaFlaky phyllo pastry filled with spinach, feta cheese, and herbs.$12SouvlakiGrilled skewers of marinated meat (choice of chicken or pork) served with tzatziki sauce.$16BaklavaA sweet and nutty pastry made with layers of filo dough, honey, and crushed nuts.$8Each dish at Kyma is expertly prepared, allowing the flavors to shine through. The freshness of the ingredients combined with traditional Greek techniques creates a delightful dining experience that is both satisfying and light.Transitioning into the next section, if you're looking for a different culinary experience, Maggiano's Bridgewater specializes in Italian classics that are sure to please.Maggianos BridgewaterMaggianos Bridgewater is a family-friendly Italian restaurant that specializes in classic Italian dishes. As an upscale chain, it offers a polished and relaxed environment for diners.With a variety of expertly prepared Italian fare and a special kids menu available, Maggianos Bridgewater is a great choice for those looking for a delicious and enjoyable dining experience.Family-Friendly Italian ClassicsLocated in Bridgewater Township, Maggianos Bridgewater offers a delightful selection of family-friendly Italian classics. At Maggianos, you can expect a polished and relaxed environment, perfect for a casual family outing. The menu is filled with expertly prepared Italian fare that will satisfy both young and old taste buds.Here are five reasons why Maggianos is a great choice for family dining:Extensive menu: Maggianos offers a wide variety of Italian classics, including pasta dishes like lasagna and fettuccine alfredo, as well as delicious pizzas and mouth-watering desserts.Special kids menu: The restaurant understands the importance of catering to its younger guests, so they've a special kids menu with options that are sure to please even the pickiest eaters.Upscale chain: Maggianos is a well-known upscale chain with a reputation for delivering high-quality food and exceptional service.Relaxed atmosphere: The restaurant provides a polished and relaxed environment, making it a comfortable place for families to enjoy a meal together.Family-friendly pricing: Despite its upscale feel, Maggianos offers reasonable prices, making it an affordable option for families looking for a delicious Italian meal.With its extensive menu, family-friendly pricing, and relaxed atmosphere, Maggianos Bridgewater is a fantastic choice for families seeking classic Italian cuisine.Upscale Chain With VarietyWe thoroughly enjoyed the variety of options offered at Maggianos Bridgewater, an upscale chain restaurant in Somerville, NJ. From classic Italian dishes to specialty items, their menu has something for everyone. Here is a glimpse of the mouthwatering options available:StarterMain CourseSide DishDessertBruschettaChicken ParmesanGarlic Mashed PotatoesTiramisuMozzarella MarinaraLobster RavioliCreamed SpinachChocolate Zuccotto CakeCalamari FritteEggplant ParmesanFour-Cheese RavioliLemon CookiesStuffed MushroomsShrimp ScampiCrispy Zucchini FritteApple CrostadaEach dish we tried was expertly prepared and bursting with flavor. The polished and relaxed environment added to the overall dining experience. Whether you're looking for a romantic night out or a family gathering, Maggianos Bridgewater is the perfect choice. Now, let's move on to another delightful Italian spot in Somerville, Cafe Picasso.Cafe PicassoWhen it comes to Italian cuisine, Cafe Picasso has been our go-to spot since 1997. This charming restaurant is adorned with captivating art and exudes a romantic and intimate charm. Here are five reasons why Cafe Picasso is a must-visit:Authentic Italian dishes: At Cafe Picasso, you can expect to indulge in mouthwatering Italian dishes that are prepared with the utmost care and attention to detail. From classic pasta dishes like spaghetti carbonara to perfectly cooked seafood risotto, their menu is a true representation of Italian culinary traditions.Captivating art: As you step into Cafe Picasso, you'll be greeted by an ambiance that's adorned with captivating art pieces. The walls are adorned with paintings and sculptures that add to the overall charm and aesthetic appeal of the restaurant.Romantic and intimate charm: Cafe Picasso is the perfect spot for a romantic evening or an intimate gathering with friends. The dim lighting, cozy seating arrangements, and warm ambiance create an atmosphere that's both inviting and relaxing.Attentive service: The staff at Cafe Picasso goes above and beyond to ensure that every guest has a pleasurable dining experience. From the moment you walk in, you'll be greeted with a warm smile and attentive service that's second to none.Extensive wine selection: To complement your meal, Cafe Picasso offers an extensive selection of fine wines. Whether you prefer a bold red or a crisp white, their knowledgeable staff will help you find the perfect pairing for your meal.If you're looking for an authentic Italian dining experience in Somerville, Cafe Picasso is the place to be. With its delicious cuisine, captivating art, romantic atmosphere, attentive service, and extensive wine selection, it's no wonder why it has been a favorite spot for locals and visitors alike for over two decades.Frequently Asked QuestionsIs There a Dress Code at Da Filippos, Savor Restaurant, Origin and Origin Thai II, Thai Kitchen, Kyma, Maggianos Bridgewater, and Cafe Picasso?There is no specific dress code mentioned for Da Filippos, Savor Restaurant, Origin and Origin Thai II, Thai Kitchen, Kyma, Maggianos Bridgewater, and Cafe Picasso.It's always a good idea to dress comfortably and neatly when dining out, but these restaurants seem to prioritize a pleasurable dining experience over strict dress requirements.Whether you prefer a rustic ambiance, fine dining, or an intimate charm, these establishments offer a range of culinary experiences without imposing any strict dress code guidelines.Are Reservations Required at Any of These Restaurants?Are reservations required at any of these restaurants?Yes, some of these restaurants do require reservations for a guaranteed dining experience. It's advisable to make a reservation at upscale establishments like Savor Restaurant and Kyma to ensure a table.However, for more casual dining options like Division Cafe or tapas bar Tapastre, reservations may not be necessary but could still be helpful during peak hours.It's always best to call ahead to secure your spot and avoid any disappointment.Do Any of These Restaurants Offer Vegetarian or Vegan Options?Some of the restaurants in Somerville, NJ offer vegetarian or vegan options.Da Filippos and Savor Restaurant have delicious vegetarian dishes.Origin and Origin Thai II, as well as Thai Kitchen, offer tasty vegan options with a Thai twist.Kyma has fresh and light Greek dishes that include vegetarian options.Boulevard Seafood Company serves fresh seafood, but also has vegetarian options available.These restaurants provide a variety of choices for vegetarians and vegans in Somerville, NJ.Are There Any Gluten-Free Options Available at These Restaurants?Yes, there are gluten-free options available at many of the restaurants in Somerville, NJ.From exquisite Italian plates at Da Filippos to upscale fine dining at Savor Restaurant, there are plenty of choices for those with dietary restrictions.Thai Kitchen offers authentic Thai dishes with adjustable heat levels, while Boulevard Seafood Company serves fresh seafood sourced directly from Fulton Fish Market.Whether you're craving burgers at 30 Burgers or tapas at Tapastre, there are gluten-free options to satisfy your culinary desires.Do Any of These Restaurants Offer Outdoor Seating?Yes, some of these restaurants offer outdoor seating. They provide the option for customers to dine al fresco and enjoy the pleasant weather while having their meals.Outdoor seating is a great way to enhance the dining experience and create a more relaxed atmosphere.ConclusionIn conclusion, the dining scene in Somerville, NJ is truly exceptional. With a diverse range of cuisines and restaurants to choose from, there's something to suit every taste and preference.From the exquisite Italian plates at Da Filippos to the delectable Thai-inspired dishes at Origin and Origin Thai II, and the fresh and light Greek flavors at Kyma, the culinary offerings in Somerville are sure to leave you satisfied.So, whether you're a foodie or simply seeking a pleasurable dining experience, Somerville has it all.

After years of missing out, I finally made it out to Dollywood. 10 new credits in one day which I'll rank in the park overall at the end, and mention any that crack a top 10 or 20 and so on.
We entered the park at 10:30 and we made a beeline for a roller coaster that's eluded me since it opened.
Lightning Rod: Finally. This coaster is the main reason I've never gone; fear of missing out due to downtime. When we scheduled this vacation I didn't know they would install a chain lift, but it was a godsend. We walked right on after a short wait with no issue, and the grouper conveniently gave us the front row.
Bad things out of the way, a launch would have made this a way better ride, because without it it feels like it's missing something. This only accentuates the other issues I have, including the short duration and the lack of any inversions. The ride also has some strange potholes but none that are egregious.
This ride is outstanding, for everything it is. The wave turn gives a funky pop of airtime while you crawl over it, the twist and shout is alarmingly fast, and every airtime hill after is bonkers. The quad down is outstanding and the best part of the ride. I have this as my 4th favorite RMC and is at #23 overall.
Next we did a big series of miscellaneous non coaster rides on the way to the back of the park. We did the Rockin’ Roadway, which is like a twist on an antique car ride. There's no gas or brakes, so you just steer. There's also onride audio. I'm not sure if the audio is different for every car, but we got Lollipop as our song. The 50s theme was really cute and kept up the immersion with Lightning Rod right before.
We got a snack in the Rivertown area. I got these delicious sweet potato fries with brown sugar and bacon bits on top. My girlfriend got a lavender blueberry sprite and a caprese panini, which I tried bites of and they were yummy.
Next we rode Smoky Mountain River Rampage, which was a pretty exceptional rapids ride in my opinion. Everyone seemed to get exceptionally wet except me, but I braced every time. The waterfall took me by surprise.
Next was Barnstormer, their S&S Screamin Swing. Very good, it's my favorite type of flat ride and I always get a kick out of it. The theming was exceptional.
Our final non coaster ride was Daredevil Falls, their giant and very modern looking log ride. The theming was very good on this one, and the appearance of the giant drop is impressive, especially the water cannons mimicking the splash. The drop itself is excellent. I got a good spritz of water on my face. Great ride, best log ride of the trip so far.
Blazing Fury: This ride really took me by surprise. This is essentially a cool firefighting themed dark ride with 3 coaster drops. I really enjoyed it. The ride was glossy smooth, the drops were very sudden, and the dark ride scenes were rudimentary yet charming and fun. Excellent ride.
Tennessee Tornado: This one disappointed me a teensy bit. Everyone has hyped this up as the best or one of the best arrows and they're absolutely right, but I didn't realize just how short this one would feel. It also shuffles a lot, but there are no rough transitions so I felt no headbanging.
What the ride does have is phenomenal. I happened to get a back row ride. The drop off the lift is surprising, and the big first drop into the giant tunnel is absolutely the best first drop I experienced at this park. Huge airtime and a big rush of speed. The Dolly Iron Butterfly™ is awesome and gives pretty fantastic hangtime. The last 2 inversions give really good positive gs, and the two overbanks are also fun.
The ride is over really quickly, and I wish it has a couple more inversions. If it did, I would rank it higher. For now, I have Magnum and Loch Ness Monster over it for my Arrow rankings, which is subject to change but it's how I feel right now.
FireChaser Express: I liked this one alright. I'm pretty spoiled when it comes to family coasters where I'm from (Everest, Hagrid's, Mummy) so I wasn't too impressed. The ride is pretty mild, aside from the backwards launch and a couple moments of wacky laterals, and the trim brakes hit pretty hard. A fun ride but not one I need to re ride often, especially because this was the longest wait of the day.
Front row didn't enhance the experience that much, which we got just by chance. It did make the drops on the backwards section pretty wacky, and made that by far the best part of the ride, especially after the cool themed elements and the crazy launch.
Wild Eagle: This one was a little better than I expected. We sat towards the back and the first drop was excellent. The inversions gave nice hangtime, but there were a lot of weird potholes throughout the layout.
The two helixes at the end were a nice touch to give us some panoramic views and some downtime before the end, without it the ride would feel short like Tennessee Tornado. I didn't like this as much as that, but it was still a good ride. I'll put it over X-Flight but under Gatekeeper and Thunderbird.
Mystery Mine: Probably the only ride I disliked today. This one is rough, even after its trackwork. It desperately needs new gen Gerstlauer trains with lap bars, because the headbanging is unpredictable and unavoidable. It's a shame because it has a fun layout and outstanding theming.
After this bad ride the group needed a rest, so we shared Nachos at Till & Harvest in Wildwood Grove, which had cilantro lime rice, queso, pico, and pulled pork. Probably the best theme park nachos I've ever had. The benchmark isn't high but still worth noting.
Dragonflier: So, before now the only Vekoma SFCs I've ridden are Freedom Flyer and the hang-n-bangs at former Paramount and Adventure parks. This one is a massive upgrade. The first drop, especially in the back row, is unexpectedly powerful. The overbank is also really cool. The rest of the ride is peppered with nice forceful helixes and floaty moments of non-airtime negative gs. A really fun ride to take off the edge from Mystery Mine.
Big Bear Mountain: I was a little disappointed, but it's mostly my fault for expecting this ride to have any sort of airtime. There's a lot of negative g force moments, but none powerful enough to achieve lift for me. Still, the ride is long, has silly onride audio, and the launches are punchy. Outstanding ride, one of the best in the park, and a way better family coaster than FireChaser. There's a really silly tee shirt (pictured) I kinda wanna get just for the meme so I'll see where my wallet is at on our next visit early next week.
Whistle Punk Chaser: I have no regrets. After my horrible experience on Howler, I braced myself by crossing my ankles and cushioning my leg against the t bar with my hand, so I had a much better and less painful experience in my credit nabbing. I really like the theme, and the train whistle that goes off at the end.
Thunderhead: WOW. This one knocked my socks off. I never thought I'd see the day that I get a GCI I like even more than Mystic, but here we are. This one I can't even remember the layout of, it's all over the place. There's so many powerful pops of airtime, unexpected laterals, sheer drops, tight corners and near misses. Best ride in the park for me and my new #9 coaster. Wish they had more merchandise for this ride.
We ended the night with a family style meal at Uncle Grandpa's Aunt Granny's. We got catfish, pot roast, fried chicken, veggies, mac, and potatoes and it was all delicious. We also got apple cobbler and wild berry lemon cheesecake.
Dollywood has a lot of strengths. Awesome coasters, great food, excellent theming, and a well rounded collection of rides. But what set Dollywood apart from the rest of the pack is its staff. I never had an issue today that was related to staffing issues, shift changes, poorly trained staff, rude employees, or anyone being inattentive or unhelpful. Ops were fast, food service was fast, directions to the bathroom were succinct, and almost every ride had a grouper to prevent crowding in the station.
Bathrooms were clean, paths were free of debris and trash, garbage bins were empty. We only had one breakdown all day (A ten minute downtime for the car ride), almost every ride had cubbies, front row requests were usually heeded, and groupers made sure as many seats were filled as possible.
At Whistle Punk, the attendant made a conscious effort to help me fit. For Thunderhead, the ops let us wait for the front, and when the people in front of us didn't fit, they let us get on instead of sending it out empty. I was never stapled unless they needed to in order to fit me. Lines move fast, every coaster that can run multiple trains does, and there isn't any stacking.
This makes an absolutely enormous world of difference. I've never had a park experience this enormously positive in terms of the sheer effort to put the guest experience before anything else. It's absolutely amazing. Because of this, I'm extremely tempted to declare this my new favorite theme park. I'll hold off until I get home, but there's a big chance I'll start telling people Dollywood is my favorite instead of Animal Kingdom.
That's all for this TR. We have a second day planned, which is mostly for shows, cinnamon bread, the Dolly Parton Experience, the train, and any rerides we can fit in. Here are my ride rankings.
Thunderhead Lightning Rod Big Bear Mountain Blazing Fury (Mostly as a dark ride) Tennessee Tornado Wild Eagle FireChaser Express Dragonflier Mystery Mine Whistle Punk Chaser

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