Published with permission from LuxuryWeb.com
It’s summer in the suburbs, and we enjoyed an outstanding dinner in a garden setting fragrant with meats sizzling on a large open-air grill. The Spring House in Tenafly, New Jersey, is a restaurant steeped in history. Housed in a majestic old building that has been designated a Historic Landmark, the restaurant is surrounded by sprawling back and side gardens. Valet parking is available for all guests, making the experience stress-free in the heart of a residential neighborhood.
We were warmly welcomed by Executive Chef, Manager, and Co-Owner Paco Fieola — a man of many talents and a seasoned international restaurateur. Chef Paco has dedicated his career to sourcing only the finest seasonal ingredients for his culinary creations, many of which he imports to meet his uncompromising standards. While his menu changes with the seasons, he consistently returns to the roots of classic Roman cuisine.
(Image: Manos Angelakis/LuxuryWeb Magazine)
The essence of Roman cuisine
Roman cuisine is distinct within Italian cooking, defined by its simplicity, reliance on seasonal ingredients, and unique regional specialties. Traditionally, if you wanted to savor these flavors, you would book a flight to Rome and visit a family-run trattoria, osteria, or locanda specializing in local fare. But in Northern New Jersey, a reservation at The Spring House offers the same authentic experience — bringing Roman classics and other regional discoveries Chef Paco has mastered during his international career.
The Spring House offers both indoor dining and al fresco seating in its friendly, welcoming environment. One of its spacious rooms houses a popular bar, but we chose to dine outdoors. The weather was perfect, and we were serenaded by live entertainment as we browsed the extensive appetizer menu. Inspired, we opted for a “meze”-style experience, sampling small plates to appreciate the kitchen’s range. I paired mine with a chilled glass of Brachetto d’Acqui, while Barbara enjoyed a long Pain Killer rum cocktail — both served from the backyard “Airstream Bar.”
(Image: Manos Angelakis/LuxuryWeb Magazine)
Dining al fresco
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On this evening, the menu included specialties rooted in Rome’s Jewish Quarter, a historic neighborhood near the Tiber River. Carciofi alla Giudia (Jewish-style fried artichokes) and Fiori di Zucca (fried zucchini blossoms stuffed with ricotta and anchovies) are dishes beloved by Romans and tourists alike. Having enjoyed them many times in Rome, we were delighted to find them here — rare treats on this side of the Atlantic.
(Image: Manos Angelakis/LuxuryWeb Magazine)
In Rome, artichokes are often fried and smashed, sometimes using a variety called cimaroli, which is free of the choke. The preparation involves a two-step process: first frying the artichokes at a low temperature until tender, then refrying at high heat to crisp them up. Pure delight!
Equally outstanding was the Fiori di Zucca Ripieni: zucchini blossoms filled with ricotta, herbs, and lemon zest, then battered with rice flour and chilled club soda before being fried to perfection. Served with Amatrice’s signature red sauce, the blossoms were crunchy, light, and bursting with flavor.
(Image: Manos Angelakis/LuxuryWeb Magazine)
We also enjoyed smoky grilled octopus served on hummus with olives, pickled onions, caper fruit, and Calabrian peppers — a classic Mediterranean meze dish. Other highlights included crispy fried calamari with Calabrese peppers and sage, “Small Lamb Bites” paired with tzatziki and olives, and roasted Hen of the Woods mushrooms served in a clay pot.
(Image: Manos Angelakis/LuxuryWeb Magazine)
A thoughtfully-curated wine list
The wine list, though compact, was impressively curated. Italian selections shone, from Supertuscans and Brunellos to an excellent Barolo, complemented by sparkling wines from Italy and France, plus solid whites and reds from Europe and the U.S. There were even a few Kosher options, along with local draft beers and seasonal cocktails. While I noted the absence of Chilean reds and a limited Spanish selection, this is a minor quibble given the overall quality.
From the outdoor grill, we ordered the swordfish kebab, whose smoky aroma had tempted us since our arrival. Reminiscent of swordfish souvlaki at a seaside Greek taverna, it was charred to perfection on the Santa Maria charcoal grill. The Backyard menu offers an entire list of grilled specialties, from skewers to burgers, so it’s worth asking for.
(Image: Manos Angelakis/LuxuryWeb Magazine)
Adding to the charm is the Airstream trailer bar — a retro American icon parked at the back of the garden. Another highlight is the Oyster/Lobster Party, held every other week in a tent on the property. Barbara was thrilled with the plump, briny oysters, while I savored a lobster roll served in a buttered, grilled milk roll — a decadent and scrumptious treat.
(Image: Manos Angelakis/LuxuryWeb Magazine)
The evening’s entertainment came courtesy of a young woman known as “The Songbird,” whose remarkable voice filled the garden. According to our attentive and knowledgeable waitress, Valentina, it was her first performance at the venue. We hope she becomes a regular — she was that good.
(Image: Manos Angelakis/LuxuryWeb Magazine)
Though full, we couldn’t resist dessert. The aptly named “Double Trouble” featured both a Valrhona molten chocolate cake and a Basque-style burned cheesecake, served on the same plate and paired with double espressos.
All in all, The Spring House delivered an unforgettable evening: perfect weather, exceptional food, and outstanding entertainment. Thank you, Spring House — we’ll be back.
Spring House
91 West Clinton Avenue
Tenafly, New Jersey
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Dining and Cooking