Our server, Vera (if I remember correctly) was great. Really took care of our party. One of us had a gluten allergy so she ensured he got the gluten-free pasta he needed. She was friendly and prompt with her service. The food was pretty amazing. We moved to the area about a year ago and Lorena's has been on my must-try list since then and we finally got around to it. Ended up taking my niece and her fiance to celebrate their engagement. I got the shrimp cocktail appetizer (4 large poached shrimp with a bangin' cocktail sauce...horseradish ratio was on-point) and linguini with shrimp and lump crab meat, my GF got the risotto, my niece got the ravioli, and her fiance got the linguini with shrimp and lump crab meat, too, but they replaced the linguini with gluten-free rigatoni. He said it was the best gluten-free pasta he's ever had. All of our meals were excellent. Restaurant was larger than I expected, a little on the warm side but probably because it felt like 15℉ outside, table setting was crisp and clean, and you could hear your table's conversation without straining. 5/5 would definitely come back for seconds, thirds, fourths, etc., etc. read more

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Stopped by here for work - service was ok, took a while to get bread and drinks settled, then onto the food! Shared appetizers were good - the oysters came just with vinegar, no cocktail sauce, a little on the smaller side, probably local? The chicken liver pate was rich and excellent, needed more bread - the escargot also great, love the flavor and buttery richness - also get more bread for this. Beef tartare was ok, needed more of the crispy fried wonton-like skin to go with it. My steak was sadly overcooked, though, I had the CAB bone-in Ribeye and it was medium well, not medium rare, making it a lot tougher to eat than expected. Desserts shared - Panna cotta was great again (passion fruit and coconut) and the celebratory engagement at the table was given a coffee version of panna cotta. I was ok with the black forest chocolate cheesecake and the lemon tart, but the table liked them. Overall..had better service before, and also the steak disappointed. Appetizers and dessert was generally good, though. I'll be back to try it again! read more

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I've come here again a few times since my last review for jazz brunch. Unfortunately, I had to knock down one star. I've ordered the salmon tartar 4 times now, the first 2 times, it was amazing. The following 2 times the fish was over salted and unpalatable. It was very pungent and just didn't taste or smell so fresh. That was disappointing. However, it is a visually beautiful dish, and the chips and caviar bits of the dish were really good. I really enjoyed the rest of my meals, their sandwiches, main courses, and appetizers were all delicious. The crêpe with crab meat takes the cake, and it's a hearty good portion too. I will be coming here again, the jazz music is great during their jazz brunch. However, I won't be ordering salmon tartar again. read more

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Food was very good here. We had one of the specials which was a dry aged steak that was awesome. French onion soup was good as was the lamb chops. The halibut was a little bland. Other than that all good. read more

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I've been to Lorena's multiple times, and it remains one of my absolute favorites. The atmosphere is elegant yet welcoming, and the drink list is extensive with plenty of great options. Service is consistently excellent our server was attentive without being overbearing. The food never misses, and the crepe with crab meat is my favorite, can probably finish the whole order myself. read more

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Went for brunch on a busy Sunday, and I was disappointed. We sat in the front which I think is considered the bistro area. There was a band playing some light but fairly loud music, which led to people talking really loud. I could barely hear the conversation at my table. The Food: Some of the oysters on the half-shell were really small, like I've never been served small ones like that before. They were sweet though. I have heard local rave reviews about the crepe. It was a little on the thick side and a bit rubbery. I will say that the beurre blanc, trufffle oil, and tarragon were delicious and all married very nicely in flavor: I wanted to lick the sauce off the plate! The mushrooms were nice, but the lump crabmeat did not impress; I guess I was hoping for jumbo lump (I'm from Maryland, so i have a lot of thoughts about crab). The carrot cake was dry, overcooked on the bottom. The pineapple on top of it was just weird, and there wasn't enough frosting to get any flavor, not even sure what kind it was supposed to be. This is a nice, fancy place for our town, so I really wanted to like it. But unfortunately, it was just okay, and for the prices, I wanted it to be very good. Oh, good service though, can't forget about them! read more

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Had dinner here Thursday night and was blown away by the food. My halibut was well cooked and seasoned, and the duck looked amazing (and tasted good so I'm told :)). Only four stars because service was a bit slow, and they have a very limited wine list (wish it had more options!). read more

Wow! We joined our neighbors here last night who claimed that Lorena's is one of the best restaurant in New Jersey, and we now believe them. We had a nice table in what I think is called the tavern side near the bar. This area has a much cozier feel than the famcy side. They had a guy signing and playing guitar which added to the experience. I started with the soup special with crabmeat and it was amazing. I'm a sucker for a really good chicken dish and Lorena's didn't disapppoint. It's marinated in buttermilk for 24 hours which made it very tender and juicy. It came with a carrot, corn and bacon mixture which was delicious. I tried my friend's duck and it was also great. My wife had the mushroom and crab crepe which was decadent. It's a bit of a drive for us, but we'll be back! read more

We had been to the former location, as well as the current one, which is adjacent to the Maplewood NJ Transit railroad station area in a newer building in the town center of Maplewood. There is ample parking adjacent and nearby, all of which seems free after 6PM. The fact that BYOB restaurants proliferate throughout NJ and that I always have about a hundred bottles or more of wine on hand makes visiting non-BYOB establishments less appealing to us. However, Lorena's is a rare exception. While they do have both a full bar and reasonable wine list, they also offer something rarely encountered from NJ restaurants that serve alcohol. They offer a corkage fee of a very fair (IMHO) amount to those who do wish to bring their own. It's a $25 fee for the initial bottle and increases by $10 for each subsequent bottle. While it's a little farther drive than our more frequented Montclair, NJ haunts, it's proved worthwhile when seeking something more upscale and special. It's really no more time to reach than other fine dining locations we sometimes visit and that I've reviewed, such as Cafe Matisse, La Focaccia, or Fiorentini. On this night it was another celebration, so we thought we'd try something special. We were not disappointed. As others reported, the front end of the restaurant is a bar area, where one can dine at the bar, or the adjacent tables, or booths along the perimeter. Once past the bar there are a few high tops. All the bar booths and the high tops are more casual than the dining room that follows after taking a left turn from the bar area. This other and more elegant dining area is a white table cloth set of tables of modest proportions that is more serene. We have dined in both areas, but on this night we dined at a table for two of decent proportions in the dining room. While we've ordered off the wine list at times, we've also done BYOB and paid the corkage fee. This night being special we brought a bottle of 2018 Chateau Montelena Cabernet Sauvignon with us. The menu is reasonably sufficient with choices, but I'd not term it extensive. It works for all intents and purposes with something for every palate. There are also a few specials offered as alternatives to the standard menu items. On this night, at a reasonably early hour, they'd already run out of the tuna tartare appetizer. No problem, even if we'd decided to have it be one of the three appetizers we'd intended on sharing. So, we pivoted and had a double order of raw oysters (served with delectable yuzu kosho mignonette) and the escargot. Before the appetizers, mini baguettes are brought to the table with easily spreadable butter (I.e., not still cold and hard). These rolls are beyond delicious and one cannot resist them. They are among the best beginnings to a meal anywhere. The appetizers arrive next. Both were very pleasing and presented with exemplary service right down to the use of a table crumber between courses. The service overall is up to fine dining standards and the host (service director) makes his presence available to every table throughout. For our main course my wife had the 8 oz pan roasted filet mignon, glazed carrots, potato purée, with sauce "au poivre". I tasted it and we both thought it excellent. I had the risotto with lobster, smoked pecorino, herbs, and balsamic. It was delightful and among the best I've enjoyed anywhere, here or in Italy and France. Be informed the menu accurately describes their meat selections as to how you'd like them cooked. What you order is what you'll get. Normally my wife would ask for medium rare, but based on their menu descriptions selected "medium". It was served to perfection and as described. We then overindulged and added dessert. Little did we know the house was complimenting us with an off the menu coffee-flavored flan, which surprised us and was surprisingly good. That was added to the ordered Triple Chocolate Mousse Cake with raspberry puree, dark and chocolate caviar (to which we added single scoops of chocolate gelato and vanilla gelato). We were pleasantly stuffed. All told, the bill was $250 including the corkage fee and 20% tip. Unlike too many restaurants they do not up charge for use of a credit card. Classy in my book! The evening could not have been better. We told our host we are planning to return more often. At that point our host asked us where we typically dined and we discussed several restaurants, ones he was well versed in and familiar. He then handed us his card (Mario Prado - service director) and advised we could ring him any time we wanted to return so he could personally see to assisting with our arrangements. That's really classy!! Hoping you enjoy Lorena's as much as we have on multiple occasions. I have a feeling you will. read more

First time dined in their new and expanded location on the other side of the parking lot. Good to see while the menu options have expanded, the standard is still upheld. For a party of six, we had beef tartar, onion soup, chicken liver, and escargot as appetizers and duck, pork chop, salmon, and lobster risotto for main course. All were excellent. For a Friday night, the place was packed and we were only able to reserve a 5:15pm slot. read more

We had a very expensive mediocre meal. Duck breast with no crust and not seasoned. Similar with the trout. Sautéed red cabbage also tasteless. Good cocktails, though. read more

I had a wonderful meal this evening. The ambience was great. I couldn't rave enough about the crepe with mushrooms and tender, juicy duck breast. Even the panna cotta dessert was delicious. Lychee martini was smooth and strong. The staff was very attentive from the moment I walked in until the end of service. Everyone was very intuitive and friendly. To top it off, they gave me a complementary chocolate panna cotta for my birthday month. My friend and I had a wonderful time. Can't wait to come back! read more

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Love the atmosphere, food and service. Always a good time. Also so nice that they have live music. And the lychee martini is amazing!

Dinner was superb and the service was exceptional. The staff was attentive, warm and hospitable while also allowing us the time to linger over engaging conversation. To start our meal, we both ordered the spring pea soup with goat cheese and truffle oil. To our amazement the flavor was beyond compare. Highly reccommend Lorena's for the attention to detail. read more

Went here last night to celebrate our anniversary. We sat at the bar first and had a drink. Their mixologists are top notch and make a great drink. They took over the space that was formerly The Cassidy and they didn't change much. Nice atmosphere with a great bar area. They did have somebody playing a keyboard and singing. For appetizers my wife had the garden salad and I had the French onion soup. Both very good. For mains my wife had the halibut and said it was excellent. I had the pork chop special with a balsamic glaze served on a bed of farro and wilted kale, also excellent. The house brought over a coffee panna cotta for desert because it was our anniversary and that also was delicious. Highly recommend this establishment. read more

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This place is a must!!! If you planing on go for a date night is the perfect spot! The service is excellent, all staff are friendly and you can tell they now what they're doing. Food is delicious and they have a cocker fee so you can bring your own wine. Love my experience there. read more

Lorena's - a woman sitting at a table with wine glasses - French Near Me - Maplewood, New Jersey

Wonderful dining experience! Both the duck and the pork chop special were terrific. Service was on point and the vibe of the restaurant was sophisticated but not at all stuffy. read more

I've been to Lorena's several times before, and was neither impressed nor unimpressed...just sort of "meh". One thing for sure - I always thought the quality did not match the price point, and there was always something "off" about the whole restaurant. If I had to put it into words, I would say a "wanna be Manhattan restaurant that never was, and never will be." But my parents enjoyed it, so we kept returning. Last night, however, was our last meal at Lorena's after the chef and owner decided he would unceremoniously throw us out when he couldn't own up to overcooking one of our steaks, and undercooking the other. Both were supposed to be medium rare - my father's steak was rare (he didn't complain about it) and my friend's steak was medium well (he sent it back for a new steak). That's when everything took a turn for the worst - it took at least 1/2 an hour for the new steak to come out of the kitchen - and by that time, we had all finished our dinner. When it was finally brought to the table, my friend no longer wanted it since we were all ready for dessert. This is when the chef came to the table, defensive and in denial that the steaks were cooked to incorrect temperatures, despite our server also having confirmed that the steak was medium well / well done. He kept insisting that the steak was properly cooked - that's when I chimed in. As a professional chef myself for the last 25 years, you should do your best to always please your clientele. His insistence and implication that we didn't know what we were talking about was off putting and disturbing. We exchanged words, and when he wasn't winning the argument, he told us all to "get the f*** out!" He said that he didn't need our business and didn't want us there - and also, that we were banned from ever returning. It was shocking and essentially ruined my mother's birthday celebration. He is rude, unprofessional and has absolutely no idea how to deal with the public. Oh, and the food and service? Subpar at best and most definitely not worth it. Thanks for banning us - you did us all a favor! read more

Lunch was great. The French Onion soup and Caesar Salad can't be beat. We also got a steak sandwich which we shared. Highly recommend everything we had. So yummy. read more

Really a 4.5 star for me. It's been several years since our last time at Lorena's when it was at a smaller (tighter) location a block away. This was our first time at the more spacious location which also has a liquor license and full bar. The ambiance is certainly much improved and has a slight modern feel that's both intimate but festive. The French-inspired menu has enough depth of options to please most. For appetizers, the marrow was well portioned to be able to share as a couple or small group. That allowed our party to also share the generous escargot cooked in garlic pesto and topped with a puff pastry which was popular. The mushroom crepe was very tasty too although the upcharge for crab wasn't too warranted given the relatively skimpy addition. The mains were all good with the duck the standout. While the lobster risotto and seafood linguine were both good, the difference in portions between the two was a bit stark (the risotto being the one lacking). Cocktails were strong and our service was friendly, which made for a busy evening quite enjoyable. Pricing is expectedly at a premium although not quite Manhattan-esque lofty. Overall, while it was imperfect, it was a fun evening rediscovering an old spot now situated in a nicer setting. Will certainly be back. read more

We were so excited to have wonderful night on the town - but allow me to elaborate. Despite the exceptional service from Carlos the bartender, we had a miserable interaction with the manager Mario who for some reason was hell bent on ruining our experience. He was rude and honestly very creepy, making our female companions visibly uncomfortable. 0/10 Would never return read more

New location which is absolutely stunning. Choice of outside, bar, bistro, or formal dining room for your meal. No longer BYOB with beautiful, stellar full bar with delicious concoctions. All drinks can be ordered as mocktails. Our appetizers were amazing...risotto, mushroom crepe with added crab, signature salmon tartar, oysters, and salad. After the crusty mix baguette with butter and appys, I was kinda full already. Dinners were filet mignon with fries, ribeye with mashed potatoes, salmon, and halibut special. As in the past there was attentive, great service to compliment the beautiful and tasty meals. I think that we had one of each dessert too...creme brulee, coffee panacotta, berries with creme, chocolate cake...and something else which I can't remember...oops! Pricey meal, but well worth the splurge. Wonderful special occasion restaurant...or just whenever you want a spectacular meal! Kudos Humberto and staff! (Although this was the first time I've dined at Lorena's and the chef didn't emerge to interact quickly with patrons) read more

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Lorena's is a delightful spot, and I have no complaints about the decor, menu, or service. I dined in for lunch during a business meeting and we started with the SALMON TARTARE and the CREPE that was filled with mushrooms & crab meat. For my main course, I had the TROUT, perfectly paired with roasted brussels. I just wish we had room for dessert, but the meal was thoroughly enjoyable! ENJOY! read more

The staff was so patient with us being first time French cuisine timers. The food they had suggested was so flavorful and delicious. I can't wait to go back the restaurant ambiance is incredible and the attention to detail made it feel like they care. Definitely make a reservation! read more

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Mothers Day unhappiness w/ service to waiting & yes dried trout & an over cooked filet... that's in the beginning of service.

Have been coming here for ages and Lorena's never ever disappoints. We recently came here for lunch. Great food and great service. Beautiful space. read more

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I have visited this restaurant about 3 times now for a group dinner and brunch and it's always a good time. The drinks are delicious and the food is delicious as well. For dinner highly recommend the duck for once I actually mean duck not the other word For brunch the burger is great as well as everything else. Service is typically Curtis and timely. Always on my list for a gathering I plan. read more

Mostly great service and drinks. Okay food. I visited with my hubs early on a weeknight and though we had a reservation and it wasn't busy at all, it took about 20 minutes to be seated. After that, service was very attentive. We tried a couple starters -one with overdone octopus and their "Seared Hudson Valley Foie Gras" which was just okay. While it came with a lot of things, it tasted boring. For entrees, their Filet Mignon was okay but their Scallops were pretty good. Then for dessert, their Lemon Tart was too sweet. Overall, their drinks were very good but their food was rather bland. NOTES/TIPS: **Small parking lot and street parking available. read more

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We came here on a Sunday for a late lunch. The outdoor space was pretty quiet but their service was still timely to us. The food was above average. Will try this place again read more

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Food: PEI Mussels were superb. Cucumber Gimlet perfect. Eggs Benedict, especially the sauce, on target. Service at brunch attentive but unhurried. An experience worth repeating. read more

Mario did it again. Eight of us enjoyed a wonderful dinner in an elegant setting. Extra plus could hear each other! The outstanding choices were the crepes, The Duck, oysters. EVERYONE was Very pleased with their meal. It is a particularly Great restaurant for a celebration. PS, enjoyed the French bread!! read more

The service is excellent, the waiters and dining room staff work very hard to make your dining room experience worth an evening out special. The ambience is very nice, the tables are wide, non cluttered surfaces and tables are well spaced. The dining room and staff are exceptional. read more

Excellent bunch! An interesting cocktail started our celebration bunch. The entrees are well balanced and delicious. The room is comfortable and attractive. The staff is helpful and attentive. read more

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My family and I went to Lorena for dinner on my 88th birthday. It was a travesty. The service was incredibly slow, the steaks were not prepared well at all , but the prices were high. The rest of the food was ok , but not notable in the least. The worst part of the evening was when the chef/manager came out to say that the steak was not overcooked. That was his first mistake- you do not approach a customer in that manner. We have eaten in restaurants throughout the world and have never seen anything like that ! I could go on and on, but suffice to say, we will never see that place again. Also , we were rudely told to leave. Johanna C read more

This is simply the best restaurant in Maplewood and one of the best in the state. As long time Maplewood residents, we dined at the old space (now Tandoori Chef 2) and the new. The new space is fun, romantic, and festive. We've enjoyed family celebrations, romantic anniversaries, long summer lunches with a laptop outdoors, quick drinks at the bar after work, and dinners just because. There are four environments contributing to the entire Lorenas ecosystem: the large ~14 seat bar, the front bistro, the back dining room, and the outdoor porch when it's warm. Choose your own adventure! The food gives us lots to celebrate because it is great, and this review focuses on whether or not it appears the restaurant has delivered what it claims to do, "haute cuisine deeply rooted in french technique and inspired by the seasons." And overall Lorenas does that. Sure, there may be details in your experiences that don't seem perfect: the bread is not house made; the petite ribeye is not served rare; the bottle of wine you wanted is pricey. It's also weird that with a bar claiming about 1/3 of the restaurant's real estate, there is no drink menu on the website touting specialty cocktails. But surely these things shouldn't keep you from warming your winter weary bones with charred, unctuous bone marrow and grilled bread. Or diving into the savory herb truffle crepe and delight in the generous lump crab addition. Or amuse at the intoxicating umami from the filet with mushroom crust. Or the joy that comes when you realize the chocolate cake was worth it. This is a fabulous restaurant that Maplewood should be proud to host for many years to come, we hope. We recommend it for any special occasion or when the adults need a night out. Notable favorites: Bone Marrow (comes as two halves, but one may do ya) Hudson Vally Foie Gras Hummus Salmon Tartar Burger (best around) Crepe (a must try with crab) Roast Squash Trout Roast Chicken (even if you never order chicken, try it one day) Duck Pork Chop Ravioli Linguine Fries Panna Cotta Fruit Tarts Chocolate Cake Pictured: Tuna Collar (a special and a favorite) read more

Lorena's - Tuna Collarbone - French Near Me - Maplewood, New Jersey

Lorena's is our go-to for outstanding food, service, and ambiance! We simply adore dining here as a family and are free to sit in the bistro area. On date nights, we love down at the bar and engage in lovely conversations with expert bartenders. The GM, Mario, has been with Lorena's for many years and welcomes the clientele with the warmest greetings. The food is simply delicious, and the menu features seasonal fares, further complemented by a fine wine list. Whether you are looking for special occasion, romantic date night, family night or a simple low key date night - Lorena's is our place to go and are so lucky to make it our go to place! read more

It's a very nice place but service was a hit strange for such a expensive restaurant.. Didn't bring bread for mussels and also forgot the mayo for the fries read more

This restaurant never disappoints. Excellent food, service and ambiance. Without a doubt one of my favorite restaurants in NJ. read more

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I want to begin by saying that the place was very nice please ambience very nice music very nice. We had a reservation and I asked if we could have the food and they told me no that only for people to the booth. Meanwhile, there were no tables on each side with only two people. Then, after bringing into the attention of the hostess, she then accommodated us and allowed us to sit in the booth. Once we sat down, we asked for drinks and an appetizer that came fairly quickly, but I don't want to forget to mention once they gave me the menus in the very beginning, it was wrinkled to quickly and dirty. The waiter and staff were pleasant but seemed oreocc by other people table. Maybe we came at the wrong time. When then ordered our food which was good Out of 10. They get a 6.5. We were brought the food and literally no one returned asked us how things were, if we needed another drink nothing. Our plates stayed stacked on our table until we asked to take them away. At this point dessert girl wanted no desert. I wanted to just leave. The finally came and asked me if we were good as we packe out food up. No I will not rerun, no the service was not good , the music was fantastic, the ambiance is very nice. Not worth the headache. I just wanted to celebrate my birthday. Now we will wait for the check I went to ladies room coat fell and they just left it on the floor on top on no hooks or anything in the ladies room to put your bag or blazer or jacket just anything. No good. I can say the gentleman hostess was very sweet read more

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I'd say this is more like a 3.5 star place. I really cannot understand how people rave so much about this place. Was the food good? Yes but unremarkable. Service was excellent. Ambiance was ok. It reminded me of a restaurant you'd find in a hotel. The fact they don't make their own bread is disappointing. Was the bread from Balthazar's good? Yes but again at this price point I'd expect more. Wine list was ridiculously over priced. Also, for such a young restaurant location, it already needs help as shown by the picture of the ripped up booth where we sat. Also, the different light bulbs as shown in the picture really annoy me. Maybe the owners aren't around much anymore? Who knows?!? For me, a fine dining experience is all about the little details, and Lorena definitely missed the mark. Dinner for three people with tip was almost $420. Pretty pricey for the overall experience. read more

Lorena's - Ripped up booth, seat. - French Near Me - Maplewood, New Jersey

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