bernadette Restaurant

Review summary

1. E

   Erika

   New Jersey

   3 reviews

   2.0

   3 reviews

   Dined 5 days ago

   1. Overall 2
   2. Food 2
   3. Service 4
   4. Ambience 3

   We had high expectations based on other reviews but left disappointed in Bernadette. Our reservation was for a “high top” but only when we arrived did we find out this was an oversized communal table in the middle of a lounge area. The distance between our seats was awkward and made it very hard to have a conversation especially with the loud club music blasting in the background at 6pm. If you’re planning a date night then look elsewhere. The restaurant markets itself as an “elegant, city-like dining experience” but it really feels like a noisy hotel bar in a strip mall space. And the food leaves something to be desired, literally, we had to go across the street afterwards for a satisfying meal. The grilled Caesar salad was two soggy pieces of lettuce and unfortunately ours came with hair in it, gross! The tuna tartare is served in a tiny dish by itself without the typical chips or crackers to go with it. The croquettes were mushy and lacking flavor or any sauce. The menu makes every dish sound special but it’s mediocre at best and the portions are small! Even for tapas-style, we couldn’t even find a tasty bite. The staff tried to make up for the hairy Caesar by comping out drinks, but overall the service was lousy with one server running circles around the dining area and another who seemed to only pay attention to our table when repeatedly asking to clear a plate of bread that was clearly not finished. Maybe next time we will have to go to the city for a pricey meal that’s actually worth it.
   

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2. K

   Kyle

   New York City

   1 review

   vip
   4.0

   1 review

   Dined on November 16, 2024

   1. Overall 4
   2. Food 4
   3. Service 4
   4. Ambience 5

   Bernadette was a perfect spot for a date night - drinks were fantastic, food was delicious, and the atmosphere perfect to sit and have cocktails and tapas.
   

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3. N

   Nicolette

   New York City

   3 reviews

   2.0

   3 reviews

   Dined on November 16, 2024

   1. Overall 2
   2. Food 2
   3. Service 4
   4. Ambience 4

   I’d go back solely for cocktails- the food was lacking in flavor
   

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4. B

   Bryant

   New York City

   14 reviews

   vip
   3.0

   14 reviews

   Dined on November 14, 2024

   1. Overall 3
   2. Food 4
   3. Service 3
   4. Ambience 2

   Struggled with this review as experience was mixed. The waiter 95 % of the time was courteous and most respectful. But here and there had some sarcastic tones. And it fits in with the place having some 'pretense' of being an upscale place but not delivering an overall upscale experience. For example, the minute we got there the person who was to be our waiter said " glad you finally made it' Interestingly we were 5 minutes early but the couple we were with arrived 15 minutes early. Maybe he just meant to see glad to see you. Upon seating, I explained that I didn't eat much today, wanted a cocktail but needed bread before I drank. 10-15 minutes later the cocktails were delivered ( no issue with that timing, and drinks were very good) I asked about the bread and the waiter somewhat barked "I'll just tell them to burn the bread in the back and I'll bring it out." And when the bread came it had 3 pieces. We're a table of 4, bring 4 pieces of bread. We'll pay for the extra piece. Next , one person in the party ordered a cheese platter. They asked if it came with bread or crackers. And the answer made us feel like we so bourgeois in the way he told us "that we don't serve crackers with our cheese platter here. ' They went on to say we can get bread for an extra cost. Didn't mind paying extra for the bread but didn't like the attitude. Well the cheese comes out and the ladies nibbled on the cheese like mice trying to wait for the bread to arrive. We finally ask the waiter for the bread and he says, again a bit snippy, that he 'll get the manager. We didn't ask for the manager we asked for the bread to have with the seemingly very special cheese that is not worthy of crackers. She comes over, chomping on her gum, and asks 'what's up'" ? If I am in a pub where people are banging down beers , downing shots and eating pub food, I could deal with a person chomping gum in my face and asking 'what's up' But not a place at that price point.
   

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5. S

   Susan

   New York City

   31 reviews

   vip
   5.0

   31 reviews

   Dined on November 2, 2024

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 4

   We had a wonderful birthday celebration last night! First time there and very impressed. We ordered 9 shareable plates - everything was delicious! The atmosphere and decor makes you feel like you’re not in Scotch Plains! Will definitely be coming back soon!
   

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6. G

   Gfmmhh

   New York City

   23 reviews

   vip
   5.0

   23 reviews

   Dined on November 2, 2024

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   This is truly a gem! Lovely place! Great service, yummy small plates, wonderful cocktails! Beautiful ambience and service! We will be back!!
   

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7. T

   Thomas

   New York City

   24 reviews

   4.0

   24 reviews

   Dined on October 26, 2024

   1. Overall 4
   2. Food 4
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 4

   Great service, very good food… And a great atmosphere for Scotch Plains.  A definite go to. 
   

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8. m

   mark

   New York City

   21 reviews

   vip
   2.0

   21 reviews

   Dined on October 24, 2024

   1. Overall 2
   2. Food 3
   3. Service 2
   4. Ambience 3

   I was rooting for Bernadette to be a breakthrough dining experience in Scotch Plains because it is needed, and to justify their prices. Sadly, the food was fair to mediocre. Service ranged from disengaged to disinterested, with the staff talking among themselves more than taking care of the very limited number of customers. Shared dishes came with no serving utensils. A glass of wine took 20 min. No need for a return visit unless they can really ramp up all aspects.
   

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9. J

   Jackie

   New York City

   12 reviews

   5.0

   12 reviews

   Dined on October 19, 2024

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Great for a date night. Romantic setting and shared plates. Appreciate the gluten free and vegetarian options. Great food, cocktails and wine list!
   

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10. s

    sonja

    Sacramento

    3 reviews

    vip
    2.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on October 19, 2024

    1. Overall 2
    2. Food 3
    3. Service 2
    4. Ambience 4

    Nice ambience, but….Overpriced, not enough food for a party of 6. Service was not timely. Cocktails not outstanding for the price. We were hungry when we left.
    

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