Next Door Kitchen and Bar — Restaurant in Town of Milton

Restaurant Review: A Symphony of Flavors with Pan-Roasted Sea Bass

Some dishes tell a story, and others create an unforgettable moment. The Pan-Roasted Sea Bass at Next Door Kitchen firmly belongs in the latter category—a dish so exquisite, it redefines expectations of what fine dining can be.

The Dish: The star of the plate, the sea bass, was masterfully pan-roasted, achieving a crispy golden crust that gave way to tender, flaky perfection inside. Its mild, buttery flavor served as the ideal canvas for the accompanying elements, which were nothing short of inspired.

Nestled beneath the fish was a layer of sticky rice, its subtle sweetness offset by the umami-packed miso caramel—a sauce so silky and rich it felt like pure indulgence. Bok choy and hakurei turnips, roasted to tender-crisp perfection, brought earthy undertones, while the radish added a fresh, peppery bite.

The supporting flavors of ginger scallion infused a bright, aromatic zing that danced on the palate, while crispy leeks added a satisfying crunch to the dish’s otherwise luscious textures. Each component was placed with intention, creating a harmonious blend of taste and texture in every bite.

Presentation: Visually, the dish was stunning. The vibrant greens of the bok choy and scallions contrasted beautifully with the golden crust of the sea bass and the glossy miso caramel. Crispy leeks and radish slices added an artistic flair that was as appetizing to the eyes as it was to the taste buds.

Why It Deserves a Michelin Star: Flavor Complexity: The interplay of sweet, savory, and umami was nothing short of brilliant. Each ingredient elevated the other, creating a cohesive and dynamic flavor profile. Culinary Execution: Every element was cooked to perfection, showcasing expert technique. Creativity: The use of miso caramel and crispy leeks demonstrated a level of innovation that went beyond expectation.

Wine accompaniment:

I asked the bar tender to select a glass of wine to complement the meal. The wine pairing elevated the experience even further, its notes of citrus and minerality cutting through the richness of the dish and rounding out every bite. He is a true wine connoisseur.

Final Thoughts: The Pan-Roasted Sea Bass at Next Door Kitchen is a testament to the restaurant’s commitment to excellence. From the quality of ingredients to the flawless execution, it’s a dish that sets a new standard for seafood. A true masterpiece worthy of the highest culinary accolades—and a reason to return again and again.

Rating: 5/5 A must-try for anyone seeking a transcendent...

My party and I came here with reservations and were greeted at the door, promptly seated, and had refreshments and some free starters. The refreshments caused a bit of confusion with one of my party members, who was unsure as to what the "Saratoga Water" was. He spoke to me later and informed me had he know it was bottled, he would have just gone with the tap water. Once my entire party arrived I took notice of the restaurant's modern rustic feel, part tavern part art show. The tables were small however, and for a party of five felt cramped. At the beginning the atmosphere was calm and we could easily hear the music, but as our dining experience carried on it became very loud to the point we could barely hear one another talking. This was our biggest gripe, as we enjoy conversation after our meal. The service was friendly and personable, good with answering questions about the menu. Our own waitress, Stephanie, was very helpful and all smiles. The bar is also very accommodating, and had a wide selection of liquors to pick from; I myself enjoyed a Disaronno on the Rocks. For my own meal I started off with the Beef & Lamb Merguez Meatballs, while few they were each delectable and tangy. For my main course I ordered "The Best Fried Chicken" and while it was most certainly good, it was not "the best" I've ever had. The chicken was moist and tasted of rosemary, though I found the breading came off much too easily. The Apple Butter was great! It was almost like pouring apple sauce, and was a perfect spread for the buttermilk biscuit which itself was like biting into a pillow with how fluffy and thick it was. The baked mac and cheese was cold however, and the breaded topping to it had lost it's flavor. And while the restaurant offers a variety of homemade desserts, I passed. Though two of my party shared a creme brûlée, which they have a habit of doing. Overall the price was a bit too high for the meal, so I don't see myself coming back on any kind of regular basis. The one major perk is for you Gluten Free folk, this is a restaurant for you. I recommend business casual attire, or else you may feel...

Had a great dinner with fantastic service by Jacquline. We were seated promptly at a nice front window located table. At the table already was the drink and food menu. So many good choices and if you are a bourbon drinker there are well over 100 bottles including some very premium ones. We ordered two glasses of wine, Pinot Grigio and a delicious oaky Chardonnay. Two small slivers of homemade bread with a drop of two chutneys and hummus were complimentary, a nice touch. We split an appetizer, 3 deep fried fritters stuffed with crab and ricotta; so delicious and cooked to perfection. We each had a mixed green salad with balsamic vinaigrette dressing. If any issue would be the salad, no other vegetables or toppings included and a $7 price tag each. My wife ordered the scallops special, perfectly seared with some crab meat and prepared in a celery root and artichoke topping all infused with flavored oils. I ordered a fried chicken dinner (bone in) and it came with pimento mac & cheese so good) with collard greens that were hearty and so tasty. The hardy serving of chicken was perfectly crispy with the meat moist. One of the best I have had in awhile. There was a little applesauce served with my dinner as well. The desert menu was so good with lots of choices; we split the sticky toffee pudding (just like Gordon Ramsey) served with vanilla ice cream; could have ate 4 of them it was so good. I wish I ordered the apple cider donut bread pudding too. The server said her favorite was the chocolate decadent cake. There will certainly be a next time. The prices are $$$$ but I knew it and have no concerns. Will definitely be a return customer as I want to dry multiple menu entrees and...