The Smashed Olive — Restaurant in Washington Township

I was torn between giving this four or five stars, but ultimately determined that it deserves five because everything was spectacular both times I dined there. My only hesitation was sticker shock upon receiving the bill, but I am sure if I had added everything up in my head while ordering, it would not have been a surprise.

This is the dine-in restaurant that Washington has been missing for longer than I can remember. The atmosphere is cozy yet spacious, clean, and inviting. The food is excellent. Everything seems to be made very thoughtfully from fresh ingredients. No one in our party ordered from a kids' menu, but I can say that there is something to appeal to most age groups on the main menu. The only picture I took was of my son's half-eaten avocado grilled chicken sandwich, which looked too good not to photograph. Three of us ordered the buttery-tasting ribeye with fresh rosemary sprigs. It came with their signature smashed potatoes as well as the vegetable of the day, which was broccoli. I still helped myself to the parmesan fries on my son's plate, which were too tasty to leave alone. Most of us had enough food on our plates to bring home and enjoy later, though my ribeye seemed a bit saltier the second time around.

Our table ordered the mild wings, which had great flavor but most importantly were the perfect amount of crispy. I haven't had wings that good in a long time. We also ordered the meatball appetizer, where the small dollop of whipped ricotta on top was textural genius. Also, if you have a thing for fried pickle slices, order a side of them here! Two of us also enjoyed the lavender martinis with their whimsical garnish of edible flowers.

Overall, the food, atmosphere, and service make this a great place to celebrate special occasions or to entertain your guests who are visiting from...

If it happens that you drive towards Washington Township, NJ, it's a must to stop by The Smashed Olive restaurant. Located on Rt. 31 South, in Washington Township, this restaurant offers an unforgettable culinary experience by a welcoming fireplace and team.

The owner is a lovely Polish lady - Dawn- which practically runs the whole place, supervising and cooking side by side with other chefs. With over 30 years of experience under her belt, Dawn happens to be the chef who cooked to Mama's Caffe Baci (Hackettstown) for so many years. The world is so small, right?

The Smashed Olive offers an elegant note, with a warm and romantic fireplace, as much as unique design and decorations of the set up. The staff is lovely, quick, and super polite. The manager is constantly passing by, making sure the satisfaction of the guests is achieved.

We have served 3 different dishes. The portions were very generous, and the food was absolutely delicious. The spaghetti with shrimps alla Scampi in lemon sauce were very flavored. The steak was cooked medium well, melting in the mouth, accompanied by 4 boiled smashed potatoes with a splash of butter, and sauteed broccoli. The ribs were on a "bed" of mashed potatoes and gravy, with sauteed broccoli in the side as well.

The prices are medium towards a bit high, but you get what you pay for - high quality entrees.

All together we have had such wonderful experience, and that's why i have to give credit where...

Found it underwhelming at best and very confused as to how it has such high reviews. Nothing was seasoned well and lacked any sort of flavor. For appetizers we tried the breaded brussel sprouts which were okay, but I'd bet my money that the glaze was made with the same Ken's Honey Mustard that was served with my child's chicken fingers, just mixed with maple syrup, and the bacon crumbles on top were also burnt to a crisp; the mini beef wellingtons were just sad with what tastes like Steak-Ums (somehow overdone) in the middle, a lack of mushroom duxelle or mustard flavor and undercooked puff pastry on the outside; and last my husband got hot buffalo wings which were somehow bland. For our dinners, I got the goat cheese and mushroom gnocchi, but it was bland and the goat cheese was just thrown on top instead of melted into the cream sauce. My husband got the short ribs, but that could only be described as "Friskies Shreds Catfood-like" to him and the bite I had was as if it came from a Hungry Man Salisbury Steak frozen dinner. I know the review may seem harsh, but for a such a high bill, it was not worth the cost for the flavor that was received. Better off driving to Hackettstown and eating at any of the restaurants there. Or I can just cook a more satisfying meal at home.

Our waitress was kind and attentive though so she did what the kitchen couldn't to make the...