My husband and I walked in for our 5:15 pm reservation and were immediately greeted by a lovely lady with the warmest smile. She led us to a cozy table for two, perfectly positioned facing the fireplace, creating a beautiful ambiance. After we were seated, we were served warm, crusty bread, which set the tone for an amazing dining experience. From that moment on, we received the most attentive service and enjoyed an outstanding meal--the rack of lamb and bouillabaisse were absolutely delicious!!!!!! We will be back!! read more

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Hidden Gem! We were greeted by a lovely hostess. She reminded me of my Bubbie. We had our choice of tables and she recommend her favorite one. The ambiance is upscale but the parking situation is less than ideal. They have a private lot but seems people don't know how to park! The menu had a good variety of options both for appetizers & entrees. The octopus appetizer was quite large, perfect to share, but had a tad bit too much sauce on it. The gnocchi appetizer was mid, took half home. The veal entree special was superb! read more

F1RST Restaurant - House made cinnamon iced cream with a delicious pastry & cream and berries. Delicious! - Desserts Near Me - Hawthorne, New Jersey

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Hello again back with another review, now this restaurant I heard about it over a year ago and always want to go and finally decided to try it out and I'm so glad I did. When you first walk in you're greeted by the sweetest lady ever. She walked us to the dining area and let us pick out any table. It has plenty of seating with extra table to the right once you walk in. Our waiter was really nice and knowledge of the menu was a plus. While I was looking through the menu I wasn't really sure what I wanted. Our waiter told us about a scallop dish so I had to try it. And when I tell you that the scallops was the best I ever had that was an understatement. If you know that scallops cooking real quick but they were perfect. It came with red rice, capers in some sour/tangy sauce and the whole dish was delicious. We started with the grilled octopus and that was delicious. For appetizer we start off with the grilled Octopus and it had that really good grill flavor but the whole dish was put together really good. For dessert I had the bread pudding and it came with coconut ice cream and I'm a sucker for bread pudding and the execution was perfectly fine with me. Overall I'll give this restaurant 9.5/10. Can I call it a perfect experience? Hell yea! I will go back and it's going to be soon to get the same dish. read more

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Visited 04/26/2025 My wife and I have been here a couple of times over the past few years and had less than stellar experiences each time, although judging from a couple of dishes served, we decided it was just "growing pains". I really didn't want to give a negative review, because Hedy... the hostess and mother of the head chef, has to be the sweetest and most accommodating hostess on record. We knew we'd give it another chance and I'm glad we did. We decided to share the crispy calamari and artichokes (with "Caesar/lime' aioli, roasted red peppers, kalamata olives.) Large pieces of calamari so tender in that aioli maybe some of the best I (we) have ever had. My wife wanted the pork chop, but when I decided I was going to order it too, she switched to the Pekin duck, which she thoroughly enjoyed. The grilled pork chop I had was served (perfectly) on a bed of wild red rice/black bean mixture and some brussels spouts. Fantastic!! Would definitely order this again. Very glad we decided to give First a 'Second' chance! read more

F1RST Restaurant - Grilled pork chop (YUM!) - Desserts Near Me - Hawthorne, New Jersey

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The restaurant is very pretty inside. The food was very good and the service was attentive, but unfortunately, it was not too busy. I ordered the bread pudding, dessert special, and it was kind of dry. A Nice ladle of crème anglaise over the top or underneath would've been helpful. read more

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Out of town or here who happen to be recommended this place I wasn't expecting something so eloquent and quaint beautiful food, wonderful hostess. We had a great server even got to talk to the chef ordered food. It's a bring your own beer, but we are driving. Long distance definitely worth the stop Romantic.. read more

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My whole family loves this restaurant. The service is very friendly and attentive. The owners are often around. Every dish I've tried has been excellent, and the portions are generally pretty large, so I usually have some to take home. The pork chop is my absolute favorite. It's hard for me to resist ordering it. Succulent with a nice crust and delicious medley. It's usually fairly busy, but we never have to wait for a table. The ambiance is almost like an old school Italian restaurant, but elevated and not at all stuffy. Give it a try! read more

Outstanding in every way! I can't say enough good things. The food, the atmosphere, the service. read more

Really good French inspired restaurant. We had the specials tonight. Butternut squash soup and the halibut over bok choy and red rice were excellent. Everything was well prepared service was very nice. Will be back soon. read more

F1RST Restaurant - Beet salad - Desserts Near Me - Hawthorne, New Jersey

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One of the better meals I've had in some time. Every dish we had (party of 5 with 3 courses) was outstanding. Great service as well and very accommodating. read more

Let me start off by saying, the bolognese would be a contender for my last meal on death row... thankfully I don't see that in my future and I can simply go to F1RST to have it again. But in all seriousness, the food was absolutely superb. I went on a double date with my twin sister and brother in law and we had an absolute blast. Food: outstanding go and try it for yourself. Read a bunch about the chef and it's apparently his first restaurant that he's running the whole ship, but he's been executive chef at several other locations from what I read, including another great spot in Glen Rock Stone and Rail. You can tell this is his pride and joy. From presentation to taste, you can see, feel, and taste the love. Service: I'm not sure if we just got lucky or if this place just "gets it." We had an excellent waiter who's name is unfortunately fleeing me. He was fantastic. The man knows what he's doing and I assume the rest of the staff is the same. Not only did he recommend dishes when asked, he was timely with his check ins and appropriately involved in discussions at our table. I'm upset I don't remember his name but will update my review when it comes back to me. Ambiance: this is another one of those "you can't believe you're in your home town during date night but are so grateful you can call a sitter and be down the block" type joints. Anyone else local, that love these types of gems when you find them!? Excellent vibes, feels special but not stuffy. Can come done up in your best heels and designer bag, but can also throw on a nice casual outfit and dine there as well. Best of all worlds. I'm hopeful this place will become another one of Hawthorne's best for years to come. We'll be back soon! read more

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So this is my third visit & this place is spectacular! I love the food! I would venture to say this is the best restaurant in NJ! Chef Adam deserves a Million Michelin stars. All 3 times, everything has been perfect! Service is also on point. Vincent is a great waiter! He is perfect with everything from taking the order, checking in, and timing of the dinner. He's also a very nice guy! I liked every dish I ate & I seriously would pick the plate up and lick it if I could. The dessert is my favorite! Mounds is a must! I can't wait to go back and I just left! read more

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Well, I enjoyed my first visit! Greeted warmly with a big hello by Heddy . The server was very attentive and opened our wine immediately. My friend and I ordered specials that evening. I had a homemade soup that was outstanding. He had foie gras he told me it was some of the best he ever had. For entrées we had short ribs and halibut specials. Both plates were delicious. Portions were very fair. Will definitely be back to the chef owned restaurant. read more

I really enjoyed it here The service is wonderful - really kind and helpful staff I was really struck by the use of acid in every dish - I loved the foie gras special - incredibly balanced and the use of pickled fruits was remarkable The calamari was very unique - it included fried artichokes and really perfect sauce Would totally come back read more

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Second time here- cant recommend it enough. Everything we have had has been great. We really enjoy the atmosphere here and the food is truly top notch. From the appetizers to dessers- all so good! read more

This restaurant is a gem! The food is amazingly (and consistently) delicious, the front-of-house staff is gracious and attentive and the ambiance is very pleasant without being pretentious. Chef Adam is imaginative and so talented. I highly recommend this restaurant!!! :) read more

Great food and service. Had the Atlantic Char and the filet mignon was great too. Love the ambiance. read more

F1RST Restaurant - Atlantic Char - Desserts Near Me - Hawthorne, New Jersey

Two weeks after our first dining experience, we went back with our friends who are chefs in their own right. We were blown away beyond our expectations. Hedy's warm welcome, and Vincent's guidance and clear explanations of the offerings and preparations, help to set up and ensure an enjoyable dining experience. They are very attentive and responsive to the needs of their clientele, and do take note, and take action to satisfy them. This, when coupled with the extraordinary level of haut cuisine from Chef Adam Weiss, is a winning combination that builds a successful business relationship with patrons that spread the word, and return for more! The Foie Gras, Spanish Octopus, and Crispy Brie appetizers were all excellent. The Duck, Scallops, Paccheri Bolognese and Halibut were also top shelf New York quality entrees. The Warmed Chocolate Cake, the Montrachet Brûlée Cheesecake, and the First "Mounds Bar" were all exceptional "mind blowing" desserts that were just incredibly delicious. It is a BYOB, so the overall cost is fair for the top shelf quality of the food and service, and is on par with the best restaurants in the state. The atmosphere is very relaxed, but later on a busy Saturday, the noise level can grow to be higher. Overall, our dining experience was fun, comfortable and extremely enjoyable. We have already booked our next reservation in 4 weeks. read more

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The food was decent but overpriced for such a basic, uninteresting menu. The decor is pretty nice. My major problem with the place was that I saw a mouse running along the wall of the dining room towards the kitchen. I left feeling sick to my stomach. I won't be returning. Update: Chef Adam, attempting to identify a patron based on initials and a photo of my granddaughter is of course not going to yield results. I said what I said and my husband and I will not be returning. read more

In the year and a half since Chef Adam has opened his restaurant, I have been here multiple times, always with different dining companions. The results are always the same - the most memorable meal they have had in a very long time, and they always returned...with and without me! If you are looking for the most memorable dining experience, put F1rst on your list of must try's! Enough said..... read more

We went for my husband's birthday dinner. Our son recommended it and so glad he did. Super friendly atmosphere! Each dish we ordered were delicious. Soup is special here. We had white asparagus with crab meat soup. Yum. Can't go wrong with any choice. read more

My husband and I arrived on a Saturday evening around 5:30. We checked in with the hostess, and found out they were all booked up with reservations! They didn't have a single free time. Graciously, they allowed us to sit down and eat anyway. Right off the bat, they made us feel comfortable in spite of the lack of reservations. This is a byob place which is very convenient. The food was wonderful- We had calamari, steak frites, and bolognese. The bolognese was one of the best meals I've had in a long time. I enjoyed every bite! We will definitely be back! read more

Celebrated a special occasion. Ordered grilled octopus, which was absolutely to die for. Received complimentary appetizers - very fresh and light. Ordered the halibut special and a filet mignon dinner - both were delicious! Received a complimentary "mounds bar" for dessert - delicious!! Felt prices were a bit high but the food was definitely worth it!!! Did not leave there hungry. Would go back on a special occasion. read more

Had a wonderful meal. Great portions. Food was flavorful and delicious. I left stuffed and satisfied. We had a really nice evening. The waitress was attentive and had super recommendations. First time at First but we will be back soon. Exceptional restaurant!! read more

F1RST Restaurant - Desserts Near Me - Hawthorne, New Jersey

Pricey,but worth every cent. Ambiance, food, excellent wait staff. A most pleasant and fulfilling experience all the way around!

I have eaten here twice and loved it both times. The dishes are creative and delicious. The atmosphere is very nice and the service is excellent. There is ample parking between the small private lot in the back and street parking. read more

This place was so much better than we expected. We were very pleasantly surprised by the beautiful decor and byob atmosphere. The food was so simple yet delicious. Felt like an elevated homemade meal. The service was excellent and the chef comes out to talk to you, as well as the lovely hostess. Linda was such a great server and made us feel right at home. Everything from the bread to the entree to the dessert was so incredible. I will def be back! The have a very sweet table in front of a fireplace that would be perfect for a date. read more

F1RST Restaurant - Chicken entree and grouper - Desserts Near Me - Hawthorne, New Jersey

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The food was excellent and great service. Chef Adam really creates dishes that are both delicious and unique. The mussels were top shelf and the duck perfect. Highly recommend read more

Service was excellent. Quick! The waitress, the hostess... everyone was very nice and welcoming! Food was delicious! I had the scallops special and it was amazing. Différent flavors on the plate that were complementing each other well. Loved it. My husband had the fish special and loved it too. We will definitely come back! read more

First time dining at F1rst, and what a welcome addition it is to Hawthorne. Upscale dining with a warm, welcoming atmosphere (albeit, the acoustics are a bit loud). We had the spicy tuna tartare & calamari to start, which were both delicious. The calamari was tender, and the lime "caesar" aioli brought a unique acidity to the dish. For entrees, we enjoyed the pachheri and shrimp & grits, both of which were served at the perfect temperature. The real star of the show here, however is the dessert. The mounds bar has the chocolate poured over it table side; a nod to the magic shell - playful, with a touch of nostalgia. But the BRÛLÉE CHEESECAKEEEEE, oh my goodness! The cheesecake itself is light & airy topped with the crunchy, burnt sugar brûlée topping, complimented beautifully by the berry compote with balsamic reduction. I'm salivating as I'm typing this. I'm looking forward to dining here again and trying some more items from the menu. Well done! read more

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We were recommended this place and were told it was delicious. OMG - I had high hopes and they were exceeded. Every single thing was absolutely delicious! The star of the show, in my opinion, were the potato leek soup and the desserts. Standout for sure but everything was incredible. The flavors are great and it's such a new and interesting take on dishes. The roasted chicken was probably one of the best I've ever had. Service was great. Our waitress was the only one in the room and she was doing a great job and still on top of everything. I'm now going to be a regular and can't wait to go back again. I'm still dreaming of this meal read more

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My Anniversary Today. The Crab Cake was amazing The short ribs melt in your mouth! The Mounds desert so good. I love this restaurant. The Service is great! You have to try this place. read more

F1RST Restaurant - Desert! - Desserts Near Me - Hawthorne, New Jersey

I loved this place from the moment I made the reservation. I had to edit the resy a couple times and the hostess was answering the phone "Hello Katie!" I loved the attention. This was my birthday dinner. There were 6 of us in all and we brought the banter. Our waitress was great! The bussers and runners were great! The hostesses welcome was great! The food was great! Chef came out to thank us for coming, I did swoon over the foie gras special. *drool* Only reason it didn't get the 5th star was the parking situation (not the best, thank goodness it wasn't raining) and the room acoustics made it difficult for us to hear each other. Will 100% be back for more special events! read more

My wife and I had dinner at F1rst restaurant last night. After reading all the wonderful reviews we were very excited to give it a try. We arrived at a little before 5:00 for our reservation. The door was locked so we waited outside for a few minutes until the door was opened. The first impression hit us when the Chef, who opened the door completely ignored, us when we said hello. Ok, maybe a bad day! The atmosphere in the dining room was nice and they had low key piano music playing. Our waitstaff, Linda could not have been nicer. She was welcoming and very helpful. The menu is small but very varied and they did have a few specials to round out the selection. They started us with a delicious homemade roll served with an arugula pesto. Wonderful! We shared the grilled octopus and seared foie gras for starters. My wife had the pan roasted Pekin duck and I had the braised short rib special. We ended with the F1irst "Mounds Bar". The two starters were excellent, among the finest foie gras and octopus we've eaten. That said, the presentation was sorely lacking. There was so much extra stuff on the plate that you couldn't tell what was foie gras and what were the accoutrements. The octopus was cut into chunks and it was difficult to tell the octopus from the potatoes. The pan seared duck was flavorful and cooked to the correct temperature however the skin was not crispy. It was supposed to be served with sweet potato puree and Brussel sprouts, however there was no sweet potato and the vegetable was Chinese cabbage. The red cabbage and duck egg roll was good. The short rib fell very short of my expectations. The meat was perfect, flavorful and fall off the bone tender. Unfortunately the sauce was extremely viscus, salty and dominated all the flavors on the plate. Last was the F1rst Mounds Bar. Again, underwhelming. Here the presentation was great and the chocolate coating was very good. The coconut brittle ice cream tasted like plain vanilla coated in coconut. The flavor of coconut was almost undetectable. We had read in previous reviews how the chef came out to introduce himself and ask about the food. We did get two visits from his mother who was very nice. Not quite the same. All in all for a meal that was $205.00 with tip, I do not think we'll be heading back anytime soon. read more

F1rst is a wonderful new restaurant that has an exquisite menu helmed by a master chef. Truly an amazing experience. I'll definitely be going back! read more

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This was our very first visit to F1RST. Immediately upon entering the restaurant you get the sensation that you are in for a treat. The ambiance right away is inviting and calm. Perfectly lit with soft music playing. We were seated right away for our reservation. It was fairly early so there was only one other person in the restaurant at the time. Our server ,Vincent, greeted us within minutes of being seated. He was friendly , soft spoken and very attentive. We looked over the menu and had pretty much decided what we wanted until Vincent mentioned FOIE GRAS ! Yes, please, we will take that ! I haven't had Foie Gras in quite some time. It was to die for. When Vincent came back to see how we were doing. He asked how the appetizer was. I'm pretty sure I blurted out "DREAMY " ! . Our entrees were Paccheri (husband) and Short ribs (me). The bolognese is easily one of the best I have ever tasted. Ever. Like ever. My short rib in my opinion needed something. That's when the chef's Mom ,Heddy, walked past and asked if I needed black pepper ! How did I forget that I love black pepper on almost everything. Heddy is the hostess of the restaurant and she is a Doll. I really do hope this restaurant sticks around for a very long time. We will be returning soon. I'm hoping to try the mussels that I saw flying out of the kitchen and return for some more of the homemade desserts. All in all we got foie gras, Paccheri, short ribs over potatoes and for dessert the Crème Brûlée cheesecake (that alone needs its own paragraph ). Bravo to Chef Adam. read more

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Absolutely an amazing experience! Chef Adam has brought amazing food to the area! The staff was warm and welcoming and the food was phenomenal! read more

We enjoyed an outstanding anniversary dinner at F1rst restaurant. It was our first, but definitely not last dinner here. Chef Adam Weiss is the Chef/owner. He has worked at several restaurants, including highly acclaimed Esty Street in Park Ridge, and Due in Ridgewood. He finally has his own restaurant. His sweet mom Hedy is the hostess. She told us a funny story about someone asking her where she got the excellent chef. She said 'in my womb'. I also want to give a shout out to our awesome server Vincent! We enjoyed an excellent pork chop with Braised red cabbage, bacon-Brussel sprout-shallot-potato hash, apple chutney; herb crusted cod with Haricot verts, wild mushrooms, cauliflower puree, toasted almonds, garlic herb; melt in your mouth octopus with an nice char; crab cake with Granny smith apple jicama slaw, spicy cranberry remoulade sauce; tuna tartare with Guacamole, caramelized shallot crème fraiche, sriracha mayo, and blue corn chips. For dessert, we enjoyed an excellent deconstructed mounds bar with Coconut brittle ice cream, toasted coconut, bittersweet chocolate shell. read more

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To date, the three best meals I've ever eaten were at Gordon Ramsay's Steak in Las Vegas, Salt & Char in Saratoga, and the Saddle River Inn, in Saddle River, NJ. What made them the best were the quality of food, its preparation, and the service. I think I found number four. I'm not going to say 'order this' or 'order that.' We had five for dinner, all ordering different things and we were all blown away. The quality, the portion sizes, the pacing, the professionalism--all spot on. And all at what would likely be described as an otherwise non-descript corner restaurant in the next town over from me. One of Chef Adam Weiss' previous stops was as the original chef at Stone & Rail, in Glen Rock, NJ. It was and still is an upscale pub joint and the food was and is very good. Let's just say Adam was wasting his Culinary Institute talents there and he's allowing himself to shine here. Go. Eat. read more

This was my first visit to F1rst. It was a Saturday at 5:15pm. The staff was super pleasant and checked on me several times even after ordering one of the lowest priced items on the menu. I ordered the Parisienne Gnocchi which consists of roasted butternut squash, sage brown butter, blue cheese and toasted walnuts. Before that, I was treated with a roll and pesto/arugula dip. The appetizer was large enough to be a satisfying meal for one lone diner. It had such an amazing taste. They did have three specials which sounded delicious but also sounded way out of my price range. read more