A “wow in all aspects”, this “transcendent”, “romantic” Rutherford BYO “hidden” behind a wine shop (where you can purchase le vin) “dazzles and delights” with its seasonally inspired Eclectic cuisine offered in grazing portions (aka “Matisse Plates”) that come in three or four courses…a “consistently attentive” staff, “tastefully appointed” interior (with hand blown Murano glass chandeliers) and “plush” outdoor dining complete this “outstanding” oeuvre.

One of the "Top Favorites" One of the "Top by Food" One of the "Top by Service" One of the "Top by Decor" One of the "Top Outdoor" Food: 27 - Extraordinary to Perfect Decor: 25 - Very Good to Excellent Service: 26 - Very Good to Excellent New Jersey Zagat 2011 / 2012

“Rutherford Eatery Makes List of Top 100 Most Romantic
Restaurants in the U.S.”
NJ.com
January 27, 2013
The selections were based on more than 5 million reviews submitted through the OpenTable website. Cafe Matisse was one of only two New Jersey restaurants selected. Read more...

“Cafe Matisse Restaurant is one of GAYOT's 2013 Top 10 North Jersey Outdoor Dining Restaurants”
GAYOT
The Guide to the Good Life
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An Indiscriminate Eater's Guide to Food in New York City and Beyond
Cafe Matisse – Inspired Dining in Rutherford, NJ
April 20, 2012
“The dining room is the first clue to the fact that the night won’t be your standard fare. Tiny and a riot of color, the dining room mixes baroque with modern with Alice in Wonderland.  The service is enthusiastic and jovial, and the atmosphere is fancy without being stuffy. World class fare in New Jersey..."
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Best Outdoor Dining Restaurants in New Jersey
“Dine in the "Secret Garden", a plush outdoor garden with fountains. The garden can also be viewed from the inside through floor-to-ceiling windows.”

New Jersey Leisure Guide
2012
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"Cafe Matisse in Rutherford, NJ is a precious jewel box of a restaurant that engages and  thrills the senses at many levels."
Mano O Vino
Eat, Drink, Write
February 16, 2011
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“If you've seen Matisse's colorful, artistic dining room, you'll appreciate how it continues outdoors with a fragrant maze of flowers and plants.”
The Record
June 12, 2010 
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4 Stars
Bergen Record.... December, 2008