Rutherford's Cafe Matisse Wins DVlicious 'Special Occasion' In Bergen

RUTHERFORD, N.J. -- Café Matisse is the winner of our DVlicious “Special Occasion Restaurant” contest.

Cafe Matisse in Rutherford bold color schemes is matched only by the inspired menu of New American dishes.
Photo Credit: *Cafe Matisse/Facebook*

Cafe Matisse's romantic secret garden has been the scene of many a marriage proposal, say DVlicious readers who picked it as Bergen's top "special occasion" restaurant.
Photo Credit: *Yelp*

Cafe Matisse's owner/chef Peter Loria strives to make every meal at his Rutherford restaurant a special occasion.
Photo Credit: *Cafe Matisse/Facebook*

Daily Voice

12/28/2016 6:00 a.m.

The Rutherford eatery won with 47 percent of the vote and will receive a DVlicious certificate.

Coming in second in the reader poll was Saddle River Inn in Saddle River with 20 percent. Il Villagio of Carlstadt was third with 16 percent of the vote.

December tends to be the time for holiday celebrations, end of year get-togethers, splurge-worthy Saturday nights and even marriage proposals. And Café Matisse is the go-to place in Bergen.

You might like Café Matisse is a French restaurant, but you’d be wrong; chef/owner Peter Loria’s menu is packed with artful “New American” dishes. Aptly named of French painter and sculptor Henri Matisse, who was known for his use of color and fluidity of draftsmanship, the upscale café’s color scheme is bold and lush, to say the least. Faithful diners say its secret garden filled with trees and flowers makes them feel like they’re in Europe and has inspired many a marriage proposal -- weather permitting of course.

Café Matisse, 167 Park Ave., Rutherford, (201) 935-2995, www.cafematisse.com.

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