This Enchanting New Jersey Restaurant Was Just Named One Of The Best Al Fresco Dining Spots In The U.S.

It's al fresco dining season and New Jersey has so many magnificent options. Many of our favorites are along the Hudson River and Jersey Shore but you can find excellent al fresco eateries around the state. One was just named among the best al fresco restaurants in the entire United States! That's quite an honor but this enchanting eatery absolutely deserves it.

According to their website, Rat’s Restaurant is designed to make guests feel like they have stepped back in time to Claude Monet’s beloved town of Giverny. They certainly succeed.

It's a breathtaking building from all angles... an impressionist painting brought to life.

When the weather is warm, you'll want to dine al fresco if you get the chance. Open Table ranked it among the top 100 restaurants in the United States for al fresco dining.

The ranking was based on an analysis of over 12,000,000 verified reviews of 30,000 + restaurants all over the country.

You'll look out on a lovely pond with a beautiful bridge and several sculptures. Fog is almost always dancing atop the water's surface. Attention to detail adds to the already incredible atmosphere.

And it's just as lovely inside, which opens up to the patio on the prettiest of days.

Cooler weather? No problem. You'll surely be enchanted by the interior.

From the main dining area...

to the beautiful bar, everything is picture perfect.

Rat's serves lunch, dinner, and Sunday brunch.

The focus is on French cuisine including Coq Au Vin, Cabernet Braised Short Rib, Escargot, and Trout Almondine. You'll also find soups, salads, and the best burgers. And don't miss out on happy hour with small plates and...

the best drinks! There's beer, wine, sangria and specialty cocktails like Wild Berry Paloma (with house infused berry blanco tequila) and a Spiced Pear Martini.

Don't forget dessert!

You'll be treated to a magical dining experience indoors or out but for something extra special, reserve the Chef's Table. You'll enjoy seven unforgettable courses that vary depending on the season.

To top it all off, you'll be surrounded by spectacular sculpture gardens. Where to find Rat's? Address: 16 Fairgrounds Road, Hamilton Township, NJ, 08619. You can learn more by visiting their website here. To learn more about the sculpture gardens, click here.