One of the first things my clients discover after moving to Closter is just how good the food scene is. For a borough of about 8,500 people, Closter punches well above its weight when it comes to dining. From a chef with a Michelin star on his resume to a French bistro that rivals anything in Manhattan, this town takes its restaurants seriously.
Here are my five personal favorites — the places I recommend to every buyer who asks me what life in Closter is really like.
1. The Hill
When a Michelin-starred chef from Manhattan decides to open a restaurant in your town, you know something special is happening. Chef Ben Pollinger — who earned a Michelin star and a three-star New York Times review as executive chef of Oceana in Midtown — opened The Hill in 2018, and it quickly became one of Bergen County’s most celebrated dining destinations.
The menu features globally influenced, seasonal American cooking with an emphasis on fine seafood, quality steaks, and creative vegetable-forward dishes. The atmosphere hits that rare sweet spot between refined and relaxed — perfect for date nights and special celebrations without feeling stuffy.
Why locals love it: World-class cooking without the trip into the city. This is the kind of restaurant that makes people proud to call Closter home.
2. Brasserie Memere
If you love French food, Brasserie Memere is reason enough to move to Closter. This intimate bistro has built a devoted following with its authentic French cuisine, and regulars will tell you it holds its own against the best French restaurants in the entire state.
From classic preparations to seasonal specials, every dish reflects real attention to craft and ingredients. The cozy atmosphere makes it feel like you’ve stepped into a neighborhood spot in Paris — except you’re five minutes from home.
Why locals love it: Genuine French cooking in a warm, unpretentious setting. It’s the kind of place where the staff knows your name after a couple of visits.
3. Stern & Bow
There’s a reason Stern & Bow is consistently packed. This contemporary American restaurant has become a Northern Valley staple, earning rave reviews for its creative menu, polished service, and inviting atmosphere.
The kitchen turns out dishes that are thoughtful without being overcomplicated, and the cocktail program is equally impressive. Whether you’re grabbing dinner with friends or hosting a family celebration, Stern & Bow delivers every time.
Why locals love it: Reliably excellent across the board — food, drinks, ambiance, and service. It’s the go-to spot for a great night out without leaving town.
4. Sear House
If you’re looking for a showstopper dining experience, Sear House delivers. This ultra-modern steakhouse on Piermont Road is a two-story stunner — glass walls, a back-lit honey onyx bar, and a zen-like water feature set the tone before you even open the menu.
After 20 years in upscale Italian cuisine, the team behind Sear House created something entirely different here: phenomenal porterhouse steaks, fresh seafood, sushi, and an expanded menu that covers all the bases. With private event spaces that accommodate up to 300 guests, it’s also become the go-to spot for celebrations across the Northern Valley.
Why locals love it: An upscale steakhouse with real atmosphere and range. Whether it’s a power lunch, anniversary dinner, or a big party, Sear House sets the bar high.
5. Ramen Matsu
Not every great meal needs to be a full production, and Ramen Matsu proves the point. This authentic Japanese ramen shop — run by a local Japanese chef — has earned a loyal following with its rich, carefully crafted bowls. The kind of comfort food that hits perfectly after a long commute home from the city.
In a town with no shortage of excellent sit-down restaurants, Ramen Matsu fills a different niche entirely. It’s casual, satisfying, and exactly the kind of local spot that makes a neighborhood feel like home.
Why locals love it: Soul-warming ramen that keeps you coming back weekly. It’s comfort food done right.
Closter’s Food Scene Reflects Its Community
What makes Closter’s restaurant scene special isn’t just the quality — it’s the variety. French, Italian, Japanese, contemporary American — this borough’s dining options mirror the diverse, worldly community that calls it home. And with the ongoing growth around Closter Plaza, new restaurants continue to arrive, adding even more options to an already impressive lineup.
It’s one of the things I love about helping clients find homes here. When they ask about the neighborhood, I don’t just talk about schools and commute times — I tell them to come hungry.
Thinking About Moving to Closter?
The food is just the beginning. With top-rated schools, one of the lowest crime rates in the state, and a revitalized downtown that has transformed the borough into the hub of the Northern Valley, Closter is one of Bergen County’s most sought-after communities.
Tom Lee | NJNest
Phone: 848-565-1425
Email: tom@njnest.com
Website: njnest.com
Tom Lee is a licensed real estate agent with 2Win Realty, specializing in Bergen County residential real estate. With deep local expertise and a client-first approach, Tom helps buyers and sellers across all 70 Bergen County municipalities make confident real estate decisions.
