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Jessica’s Restaurant, nestled in the heart of Fanwood, NJ, is a culinary gem that masterfully blends Italian, American, and Modern European influences into an unforgettable dining experience. Perfectly suited for brunch lovers, families, and fine dining aficionados alike, Jessica’s is an inviting destination where fresh, flavorful dishes meet attentive, polished service in a beautifully curated space. From its elegant new location at 250 South Ave Ste 104, this restaurant offers a warm yet sophisticated ambiance that invites you to unwind and indulge in exceptional cuisine.
The menu is a celebration of diverse flavors and expert craftsmanship, with highlights that truly stand out. Imagine savoring the rich, melt-in-your-mouth Short Rib Pappardelle, where tender beef harmonizes perfectly with silky pasta ribbons and hints of white truffle oil. Or delighting in the Classic Wood Fired Meatballs—robust, savory, and bursting with traditional Italian spirit. For seafood lovers, the Pan Seared U12 Scallops served atop cauliflower risotto with saffron citrus sauce offer a divine balance of sweetness and zest, while the Spanish Grilled Octopus, praised repeatedly by guests, tantalizes with its perfect tenderness and smoky char.
Jessica’s doesn’t just serve meals; it serves experiences. Fried Burrata drizzled with a delicate glaze offers a luxurious, creamy bite contrasted by its crisp crust, while the Pizza Margherita—topped with imported burrata—is a comforting yet elevated classic that will satisfy any craving for authentic Italian flavors. The Butternut Squash Soup warms the soul with its velvety texture and subtle sweetness, and the Arancini crunches satisfyingly on the outside while melting softly inside.
Lunch at Jessica’s is no less exciting, featuring dishes like the Faroe Island Salmon accented with Calabrian chili butter sauce—a vibrant dish combining delicate fish, hearty beans, and peppery baby kale. The 8oz 100% Wagyu Beef Burger, layered with Gruyere cheese and caramelized onions on a brioche bun, offers a gourmet twist on a beloved classic, guaranteed to gratify any burger enthusiast.
Dinners here are a journey of flavor and refinement. The Australian Half Rack of Lamb, pistachio-crusted and paired with celery root purée and a rich red wine cherry sauce, is a standout dish that exudes luxury and comfort simultaneously. The 10oz Prime Short Rib presents a bold, hearty profile enhanced by fried polenta and rosemary-infused au jus. Pasta lovers will appreciate the Shrimp Rigatoni—the wild mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, and creamy balsamic fig glaze combine to create a dish both complex and comforting.
Jessica’s also shines in its flexibility and thoughtful service. One returning customer praises the accommodating nature of the staff, noting that special requests such as substituting feta for goat cheese are met with genuine hospitality that enhances the personalized dining experience. While some reviewers found the pace a bit rushed during busy times, the consistent praise for food quality, presentation, and flavor is undeniable and compelling.
What truly sets Jessica’s apart is the ability to balance sophistication with approachability—each dish delivers authentic, robust flavors crafted with precision, yet served in an environment that feels inviting rather than intimidating. Whether you’re craving the freshest garden salad, the indulgent creme brulee with its perfect fusion of sweetness and creaminess, or the tender, perfectly cooked seafood dishes, Jessica’s offers a sophisticated culinary escape that resonates with every bite.
In summary, Jessica’s Restaurant is a must-visit for those who appreciate top-notch food that pushes boundaries while honoring tradition. It’s a place where every dish tells a story, every visit feels special, and the atmosphere elevates the dining into a true celebration of taste and hospitality. If you find yourself in Fanwood, give yourself the gift of dining here—you’ll likely discover a new favorite spot that’s as memorable for its exquisite menu as for the genuine warmth and professionalism of its team.
It's for a reason Jessica's is considered among the top restaurants in Jersey. The ambiance, food, service are all top notch!! The garden salad was the freshest. The fried burrata outstanding. And the mushroom soup so homely. The ravioli was the best of the entrees and the creme brulee to finish off a sumptuous dinner was the perfect blend of sweetness and creaminess. 5/5 in everything.
Can’t believe I’ve never written a Jessica’s review. It’s one of NJ best restaurants no doubt. It came from humble beginning in Plainfield and moved to Fanwood in 2024. The new location is beautiful and is definitely a more formal but not stuffy environment. The food is the standout. The octopus is always so tender and a favorite of ours. All the pastas are wonderful. Tonight I had the seafood fettuccine. My wife had scallops and they were super fresh and sweet. We didn’t get dessert tonight but the bread pudding is always amazing. Thanks to chef Armen!
Octopus was excellent. Mussels with fettuccine very good, but many of my mussels were empty. My husband felt the soft shell crab was mediocre. I appreciated that they substituted feta for goat cheese on my beet salad at my request, which was also delicious. Will return.
Jessica’s serves delicious food. Everything we ordered was very yummy and well-prepared - octopus, fried burrata, mussels, short rib & seafood fettuccine. However, the overall experience felt rushed. First, it was required we ordered all of our food at once (versus coming back for entrees) and as soon as we were done with our apps, our dinner was placed down within seconds. Then, our server placed the check on the table without ever asking how our meal was or whether we wanted dessert, which made the dinner feel cut short. With service that matches the quality of the food, this place could be fantastic.
My husband and I have been here twice and it’s quickly become one of our favorite restaurants in the area, if not our number one favorite. The food is spectacular- if you love seafood this is really one of the most authentic and high quality seafood restaurants in particular. The service is also 10/10, the staff is really attentive and friendly. The mussels are a must! It’s byob but they also have a small wine selection available there. Perfect for a romantic date night or a special occasion.
I'm updating my review here because in a world where everything's getting automated, the staff here picks up their phone and addresses any issues without you being passed around before someone can help you! I was also surprised how good the short rib ravioli was. It's not something I've tried before, definitely not a common filling, but was worth getting! The market salad was good and refreshing too. Here's the thing, I'm not usually a fan of gorgonzola cheese, which is a bit too pungent and bitter for my taste, but I had to admit it went really well with the bright vinaigrette, fruits, greens, and pecans. While I'll probably stick with the Caesar next time, there's definitely a bit of a symphony going on in terms of balance. Lastly, I recommend the crepe if you're in for lunch and I recall salmon being another good dish for dinner.
Jessica’s is a hidden gem! We visited in January for lunch and loved it so much we returned for dinner last night. We live in GA, so we are not in NJ often. The first thing that impressed us, was the beautiful atmosphere. You would know from the front how pretty it is inside. The second thing was the staff! Everyone is very friendly and they work well together as a team. The third was the food! The dish that brought us back for a visit, was the cream of Wild Mushroom soup. It is out of this world delicious! We dreamt about it long after the visit. For dinner, my friend got the Filet, and I had the Amish chicken. Both seasoned and cooked beautifully. The dishes taste as appetizing as they look. For dessert we shared the apricot bread pudding. This is a must! It’s such a delicate flavor and it’s a perfect share for two people. If I lived closer, I would be eating here on a regular basis. They are the total package for a lovely evening out! Inside tip: you can bring your own wine, and I suggest you do that if you only want a glass. They only sell by the bottle as they don’t have a full liquor license.
Absolutely fabulous dinner Saturday night at their new (to us) location in Fanwood. We had so many good dishes, appetizers & mains, and desert. Even the bottle of Albariño from the Jersey Old York Cellars was good. We’lll definitely be back!