The rehearsal dinner of a wedding is often just as special as the main event. It’s a chance for the couple to welcome out-of-town guests and set the tone for the celebration. Here in North Jersey, there’s a venue for every type of couple, diet, and vibe. From a gluten-free menu to incredible views of Manhattan, we’ve got it all. The Montclair Girl has compiled a list for you of some of the best spots in Northern New Jersey that have private or semi-private rooms for your rehearsal dinner. Read on for a guide to rehearsal dinner spots in Northern New Jersey.

Alice’s | 24 Nolan’s Point Park Road, Lake Hopatcong

For someone who loves nature, Alice’s is a great spot for a rehearsal dinner. Located along Lake Hopatcong this venue provides a stunning view of the lake and the natural beauty of the region. The all-seasons patio is available all year-round, providing a breezy, open space during warmer months and a closed-off, temperature-controlled room during the colder months. Serving New American cuisine and featuring chic and rustic decor, this venue can accommodate between 35 to 50 people. A sample of the event menu can be found here.

Read More: The Best Waterfront Dining Spots in Northern New Jersey

The Barrow House | 1296 Van Houten Avenue, Clifton

 

 

 

 

 

 

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The Barrow House, the sister restaurant to The Parkside Social, is a rustic Colonial American farmhouse restaurant with seven rooms available for private rentals. The Barn can fit up to 45-55 people depending on if you prefer a sit-down dinner or cocktail hour. The Game Room can fit up to 28 people, but can be combined with the Settler’s Hall during brunch to accommodate 65 people. The Study Parlor, a Victorian-inspired room can fit up to 30. The Root Cellar might just be the best of them all. This space is home to The Barrow House’s collection of curated wine and can accommodate up to 18 guests. This room is intimate and feels like it’s part of someone’s home. See the list of spaces available and the menus here.

Bistro d’Azur | 14 Academy Street, South Orange

Bistro d’Azur serves French Mediterranean-inspired cuisine in the heart of South Orange. The interior of this venue provides a sophisticated feel with eclectic artwork and details. Up to 50 people can be accommodated at this location. A 3D walkthrough of the restaurant can be seen here.

Bloomfield Steak + Seafood House | 409 Franklin Street, Bloomfield

For the couple who are history buffs, Bloomfield Steak and Seafood House might just be the number one pick for their rehearsal dinner. Also known as the Old Joseph Davis House, this home predates the United States and even offered George Washington a place to eat. Bloomfield Steak and Seafood House recommends visiting the Bloomfield location and speaking with Nicole, Frankie, Andrea, or Alhaji about scheduling a rehearsal dinner and planning your menu. The private event menu can be seen here.

Calandra’s Italian Village | 234 Bloomfield Avenue, Caldwell

Calandra’s is known for so many things, it also has multiple private event spaces that are intimate and feel like they belong in an Italian countryside villa. At Calandra’s you and your guests can enjoy fresh Italian food and desserts. The restaurant can accommodate anywhere between 20 to 150 guests, depending on the room.

Chart House | 1700 Harbor Boulevard, Weehawken

 

 

 

 

 

 

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A view of Manhattan, especially from the Garden State, is ever so wonderful. Making it the backdrop of the rehearsal dinner makes for an epic night. The Chart House in Weehawken is right on the Hudson River and provides immaculate views of New York City. It can accommodate between 30 and 300 people for private events.

The Cottage House | 60 Newark Pompton Turnpike, Pequannock

Exclusively catered by gluten-free bakery Defying Gravitea, this Bergen County event space has a variety of custom packages available and prides itself on being “the comfort of home with the perks of a venue.” Each package is designed just for the client, and the price includes the venue rental, tables + Chiavari chairs, linen, decor, and all food + beverages. You can find the event information form here.

Faubourg | 544 Bloomfield Avenue, Montclair

 

 

 

 

 

 

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With locations in Montclair and Weehawken, Faubourg is a modern French brasserie that provides French-inspired fare, wines, craft cocktails, and private dining spaces for events such as a rehearsal dinner. The private dining rooms come with a set menu and a space large enough to accommodate 10 to 60 guests for seated dinners or cocktail-style receptions. To see the rooms available, check out the Private Dining Brochure here. Faubourg recommends those interested to fill out the event request form here.

Frank Anthony’s Gourmet Italian | 667 Bloomfield Avenue, Verona

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Frank Anthony’s Gourmet Italian has outdoor seating for private events, which can accommodate up to 55 guests. It has two levels of packages to choose from and a variety of appetizers, salads, and entrees. As always, we must suggest the fried calamari. Parking is limited, but side street parking is available. The private party menu can be seen here.

Fresco da Franco | 15 Church Street, Montclair

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Montclair’s Fresco da Franco provides space for rehearsal dinners and can accommodate up to 20 people if booking on a Friday or Saturday night, and 60 guests or more if looking to rent out the restaurant. This restaurant can also provide floral arrangements and entertainment. Since 2012, Fresco da Franco has served classic Italian fare like Chicken Marsala, Branzino, and Affogato which can be enjoyed by all. Guests can choose either the brunch or dinner package, and the price for each varies depending on the day chosen.

The Highlawn | 1 Crest Drive, West Orange

If you’re looking for an elevated spot with New York City views, The Highlawn in West Orange is your spot. This venue serves an upscale selection of appetizers, seafood (hello, seafood tower), meat dishes, and pastas, among other items. This spot is pretty popular for weddings, but hosts a variety of other events too. For larger parties, the Skyline Ballroom seats 150 guests and overlooks the Eagle Rock Reservation. If you’re looking for an outdoor space with a lot of florals, the Garden Pavilion hosts up to 175 guests in the center of its lavish gardens. If you’re having a more intimate rehearsal dinner, the Wine Cellar seats 15-60 guests in a cozy, underground cavern. Learn more about The Highlawn’s private events here.

Luigino’s Parmigiana | 173 Glenridge Avenue, Montclair

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Luigino’s Parmigiana is a restaurant in the heart of Montclair that serves traditional Italian cuisine and was voted best chicken parm by MG readers in 2023. This restaurant can accommodate up to 12 guests if booked between 12PM to 4PM. If you’re looking to reserve the restaurant after 4PM, Luigino’s Parmigiana recommends contacting the restaurant here to discuss the options.

McLoone’s Boathouse | 9 Cherry Lane, West Orange

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Located within the South Mountain Reservation and with stunning views of the Orange Reservoir, McLoone’s Boathouse is a memorable location for a rehearsal dinner. Serving American cuisine, this venue provides both indoor and outdoor seating. The Charles room, which has floor-to-ceiling windows that overlook the firepit patio, can accommodate up to 85 guests. The Tented Patio, an outdoor option surrounded by greenery, seats up to 72 guests. The Potomac is the main dining space that provides a great view of the reservoir and can host 130 guests. See the full list of spaces available here.

The Parkside Social | 706 Bloomfield Avenue, Verona

 

 

 

 

 

 

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The Parkside Social has a private dining room, seasonal backyard patio, or full restaurant buyout. The private dining and events packages can be found here. A 3D walkthrough of the restaurant can be found here.

Porta | 499 Bloomfield Avenue, Montclair + 135 Newark Avenue, Jersey City

 

 

 

 

 

 

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There is something truly special about a long table surrounded by freshly cooked food and surrounded by the ones that matter most. Porta aims to provide a warm and welcoming environment that caters to family first. The Montclair location can accommodate between 40 and 200 people, depending on the room, and serve them some of the best Italian food there is. The menu for private events at the Montclair location can be viewed here and for the Jersey City location, here.

Sabor Peru | 373 Bloomfield Avenue, Caldwell

Sabor Peru in Caldwell has one of the best restaurant interiors Northern New Jersey has to offer. Open from Wednesday to Sunday, this spot serves up a variety of Peruvian dishes from ceviche to empanadas. A popular spot for birthday celebrations and bridal showers alike, Sabor Peru is perfect for a rehearsal dinner.

Samba | 7 Park Street, Montclair

Samba brings the flavors and spice of Brazil to Montclair. This Park Street spot is gluten-free and the perfect spot for the happy couple if either of them is gluten-free. Samba has inside and outside dining, both of which have fantastic decor. Reservations for up to 20 people can be made.

Saveur Creole | 131 Grove Street, Montclair

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Montclair’s Saveur Creole is a fine-dining restaurant serving Haitian and Caribbean-inspired cuisine. The menu features a variety of savory dishes like Chicken Etoufée, Pasta Créole Chicken and Shrimp, and Jerk Chicken Salad. Saveur Creole can accommodate groups of six or more. Large parties are asked to fill out a reservation request form which can be found here.

South + Pine American Eatery | 90 South Street, Morristown

 

 

 

 

 

 

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South + Pine serves up a variety of dishes using the freshest local ingredients and changes its dishes seasonally. Dishes here include corn empanadas, grilled swordfish, profiteroles, and prawns. This venue’s kitchen space can accommodate 20 people and the main dining room can host 40 people. If you’re looking to buy-out the entire restaurant, the venue can accommodate up to 60 guests.

See More: A List of Hoboken Wedding Venues + Spaces for Every Style

Tasca | 377 Bloomfield Avenue, Montclair 

Tasca, a restaurant ran by an award-winning duo, serves Iberian cuisine. This cozy spot, located in downtown Montclair, is a great space to host an intimate rehearsal dinner. Not only will guests be able to enjoy the European-chic decor, but also indulge in a three-course savory dinner. For private events, Tasca can accommodate up to 25 guests and will work with you to create a customized menu.