The Martini Grill, 187 Hackensack St. in Wood-Ridge, is a hidden gem of flavorful seafood dishes and pastas. Because of their location on a quiet street just off Route 17, the restaurant has gained attention primarily by word of mouth.
After one visit, you’ll want to keep the place to yourself with the large portions, fresh ingredients, and elegant dining.
The atmosphere
With the word “grill” as part of the name, one might expect the place to have a casual design and simple sandwiches on the menu. Yet the Martini Grill exudes elegance with the wide, gleaming, hardwood planks, mustard yellow walls, beautiful mahogany fireplace, and white linen tablecloths.
The dining room is lit by candles on each table, and there are white accent lights on some decorative branches that serve as a focal point in the corner of the room.
Attention is given to the details including the burgundy swags of fabric that drape from the ceiling, to the crystal sconces on the walls, to the antique mirrors.
It has the feel of a romantic hideaway in a seaside town.
The appetizers
On the night we were there, we were greeted immediately upon entering and offered a table of our choice. An assortment of fresh warm bread, sweet butter, and marinated olives were brought as soon as we sat down. While we decided on dinner, we sampled two of their specialty Martinis from their house list. We tried the Orange Bon Bon and the classic Manhattan, which men or women will appreciate.
The Orange Bon Bon was a slightly sweet orange dream, but with quite a kick. Both drinks were poured with aplomb by our friendly waitress. Their list features all the favorites like a Cosmopolitan, Apple or Chocolate.
To whet our appetite, we nibbled on the baked brie with shrimp. The warm brie was prepared with blood orange segments, almonds, and a Grand Mariner sauce. This delicious dish was beautifully presented and served with fresh berries and fruit. The flavorful cheese is terrific alone or with the warm sauce.
Head chef and owner Aret Cakir lovingly prepares each plate so it is a feast for the eyes and the soul. Cakir, who is a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, has a well earned reputation from working at Le Cirque in NYC and also through his gourmet catering company, which is right next door.
Cakir insists on the finest ingredients for his creations and homemade sauces, which he prepares daily.
One taste of the Grand Mariner sauce and you’ll see why.
Other appetizers include: escargot, seafood antipasti, fresh mozzarella, steamed clams & mussels, baked littleneck clams, crab cakes and more.
The appetizers are priced from $8 to $15.
The entrees
For dinner I tried the Atlantic Salmon and my companion had the Capellini.
The boneless, large grilled filet was delicious! It was so tender that it broke into layers with the mere touch of a fork. It was served over a bed of saffron risotto with steamed clams and mussels. The risotto was rich with seasoning and was topped with perfectly cooked carrots, zucchini, and asparagus that had a buttery finish. Even if you normally eat the vegetables last – you will want to finish these. My companion and I agreed that they were some of the best we’ve ever had.
The Capellini came with sautéed shrimp, fresh spinach, mushrooms, and plum tomatoes with a light seafood broth. This excellent pasta dish is surprising light. The vegetables are infused with flavor in a sauce that only hints at a garlic base.
My companion said the food was “a feast for the eyes as well as the tongue.”
Both entrees were extremely large portions that we just couldn’t finish, but the waitress gladly wrapped up.
Other entrees include: tuna, filet mignon, swordfish, duck, roasted chicken, other pasta dishes, and more. The entrees are priced from $15 to $22.
And…
We capped off our meal with the house coffee and Fresh Berries Zabaglione, which is one of the house favorites.
The fresh berries were layered in Marsala wine whipped cream, which is another of Cakir’s creations. The mixed, sweet berries combined nicely with the unusual cream sauce that had a slightly sweet finish. It was the perfect ending to a great meal.
Other desserts include: peach cobbler, fruit tarts, tiramisu, chocolate cake and more.
The restaurant is open for lunch and dinner Monday through Saturday. They are open on Sundays for private parties only. Reservations are recommended on weekends, but not required. On Friday and Saturday night there is live jazz from 7 to midnight. In addition to the specialty drinks is a full-service bar and a wine list. All major credit cards are accepted.
The Martini Grill is located at 187 Hackensack St. in Wood-Ridge. For more information, please call (201) 939-2000 or visit: www.martinigrill.com.