This Sea Girt restaurant was crowned most charming in New Jersey

Gabriela L. Laracca, Asbury Park Press
·2 min read

A restaurant in a farmhouse that dates back to the 1800s, rustic ambiance embodied by historic exposed beams, and personal alcoves that'll truly make your date night intimate. What could be more charming?

Lovefood, a London-based platform, recently crowned the most charming eateries in each state. The criteria were "romantic date venues with breathtaking views," and places that are the "sweetest, quirkiest, [and] loveliest."

New Jersey's winner? Sea Girt's romantic Scarborough Fair is New Jersey's "most charming restaurant," in this national list.

Seared scallops with herbed lentils, cabernet reduction and citrus ginger glaze at Scarborough Fair in Sea Girt.
Seared scallops with herbed lentils, cabernet reduction and citrus ginger glaze at Scarborough Fair in Sea Girt.

The property was an active farm site until the late 1970s. Now, it's the perfect place not only for date night but memorable family dinners.

Around Christmas time, people flock year after year for a reservation to see the restaurant's Christmas Extravaganza, where the staff festoons the building's high ceilings and arches with holiday decor.

Lovefood said "there are countless quirky design touches, from the curved brick staircases to the brass lamps from Turkey," and "the food is eclectic and delicious, with a particular focus on fresh, sustainable seafood."

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The restaurant's website reads "we pride ourselves in sourcing humanely-raised organic meats and poultry, wild-caught fish and shellfish — purchased fresh from local cooperatives."

Try appetizers like the Spanakopita (phyllo pastry, spinach, feta cheese and fresh dill, served with Greek salad) and decadent entrees like pan-seared day-boat scallops (with riced cauliflower, baby carrots in a lemon grass butter reduction).

The menu also boasts a massive cocktail and wine list, and the website says the staff are connoisseurs in wine pairing. The bottle selection includes wines from Europe, Australia, Oregon and California.

Go: 1414 Meetinghouse Rd, Sea Girt; 732-223-6658, sfseagirt.com.

This article originally appeared on Asbury Park Press: Scarborough Fair restaurant named most charming restaurant by Lovefood