The Metuchen Inn Restaurant – a historic borough landmark dating back to 1843 – has become a popular food destination for its exquisite cuisine, warm and inviting ambiance, and impeccable service and attention to detail.
Join them for a romantic dinner, a celebratory event like an anniversary or retirement dinner, bridal shower, banquet, baptism, or even a business luncheon. Their commitment to excellence and a fine-dining experience have become the cornerstone of the Metuchen community.
Victor Schipa and Constantine Papanicolaou are long-time friends and business partners. They are both actively involved in managing the day-to-day business operations of the restaurant and have groomed a dedicated team of culinary professionals. They are open seven days a week and operate in a welcome culture where they treat everyone like family, and you feel that the moment you are greeted at the door. This hard work ethic has earned them the very prestigious honor of “Diner’s Choice Award 2025” by OpenTable Diners’ Choice program that recognizes outstanding restaurants based on feedback from thousands of local diners, according to its website.
For the award, the Metuchen Inn received a window badge to hang proudly on their front door or windows.
The dining experience is elegant with well-appointed fixtures and fireplaces. It’s fine dining at its best and there is always a crowd, so make a reservation. Let them know it’s a special occasion in advance or alert them to any food sensitivities and allergies which they are more than happy to accommodate.
The menu is perfectly curated offering a mediterranean menu with Italian influences and popular American cuisine like pork chops which is one of their signature dishes according to Schipa. For starters you’ll find: Cheese Potato Gnocchi, Sicilian Meatballs, Eggplant Rollatini, Steamed Mussels, Crispy Calamari, Steamed Clams, Charred Octopus (which is amazing!), Markland Crispy Crab Cakes, and Blue Point Oysters.
Pasta courses consist of Wild Mushroom Fettuccini Pasta, Tagliatelle Bolognese Pasta, Jumbo Crab Meat Ravioli, Seafood Linguine (loaded with shrimp, clams, mussels, and calamari.) Fish courses offer Seared Atlantic Salmon, Grilled Bronzino, Crispy Seared Sea Scallops, and Seared Wild Alaska Halibut. Their fish is delivered daily from Pacific Fish Market – a local purveyor of fine seafood. The owners pride themselves on fresh fish that melts in your mouth with each and every bite.
For more American fare they offer a Pork Chop Tomahawk, Rosemary Garlic Roasted Chicken, Iron Pan Roasted Venison Loin, Braised Pork Osso Buco and Braised Short Ribs (both braised for eight hours), Herbs Crusted Rack of Lamb and Black Pepper Crusted Filet Mignon. Their menu leaves nothing to be desired. There is surely something for everyone! All the main dishes are served with a vegetable like sauteed spinach, Brussel sprouts, asparagus and other in-season vegetables. They use locally sourced ingredients to craft their seasonal menu.
For the salad lovers they offer classic Caesar salad, garden, and arugula salad, and a Greek Salad “Horiatiki” & Feta Salad with simple and fresh ingredients. An iceberg wedge salad with crispy bacon, red onions, and blue cheese dressing is another classic salad.
Note: Horiatiki in Greek translates into “village salad” which is the traditional Greek salad, rustic and simple using only fresh and high-quality ingredients. Papanicolaou is of Greek descent and Schipa is of Italian descent, hence the mediterranean influences on the menu.
If you are a wine connoisseur, you will be impressed with the expansive wine list that includes many California wines and a vast global wine selection. You can order wine by the glass or treat yourselves and order a bottle. Choose from white, red, and sparkling wine – pop some bubbly for that extra special occasion. They also have cocktails for your dining pleasure. Be sure to check out their beautiful and fully stocked bar before you have dinner. It’s a great spot with plenty of seating to catch up with friends, colleagues and cherished family.
You know what they say, “Save the best for last.” Don’t forget to order one of their incredible desserts. They are especially known for their homemade cheesecake and fig bread pudding. I can assure you that after tasting the bread pudding, it was the best I’ve ever had and could be one of the best desserts I’ve ever eaten. Bravo to Schipa, whose father was a pastry chef in Italy, he would be proud!
The Metuchen Inn accommodate both small and large parties, if you are planning a rehearsal or retirement dinner, baptism, bridal shower, or even a wedding. Their private events menu lists many vegetarian appetizers, as well as seafood, poultry and meats appetizers like Shrimp Dumpling, Crab Salad and Phyllo Cup, Smoked Salmon with Salmon Mousse, or Chicken Wrap with Bacon and Mini Lamb Chops with Dijon Mustard. It’s an impressive menu from which to choose. The dinner and luncheon menu is comparable to the restaurant’s dinner menu with a variety of entrees to choose from like Five Cheese Ravioli, Penne Pasta Primavera, Salmon and Chicken, steak, and pork chops.
As the holidays come ushering in, be sure to make your reservations for that family holiday dinner. Gather and say cheers to the holidays! The Metuchen Inn will be a memorable place to celebrate the ones you love.
Address: 424 Middlesex Avenue, Metuchen NJ
Phone: 732-494-6444
Website: metucheninn.com
