Verve Restaurant

Came here for our anniversary. Was really looking forward to the experience due to the menu and previous reviews. First of all, the ambience was super cool. Definitely a fun and easy going vibe. Second, the service was wonderful. Very responsive and happy to explain the menu items. Unfortunately those were the biggest positives. The food left us really disappointed. Got the crispy pork belly appetizer. The glaze on the pork belly didn’t really work for us. Also the scallion pancake underneath was so hard that you could barely cut it was a knife. For entrees we got the burger and the sea bass. The burger was cooked as requested but didn’t come with any lettuce tomato onion. It didn’t say it came with that on the menu, but I would think that’s a relatively standard accompaniment to a burger. Maybe the waiter could’ve asked if that was wanted. The burger was overall just OK. The fries were super yummy - reminded us of five guys (that’s a compliment). The sea bass was pretty disappointing. The only taste was on the crust - but the rest of the fish was pretty bland. By the end of the meal we didn’t want to risk getting a dessert for concerns it would be as disappointing as the rest of the meal. A final positive, the drinks were pretty solid. Lots of positive reviews so maybe was just an off night, but we won’t be returning.

Luxurious, relaxing atmosphere inside this swank, two-level restaurant that radiates Manhattan vibes but with small-town, Main Street smiles. Welcoming and personal service with attentive, friendly staff that sets the tone for finely done plates and cocktails that match the price points. A splendid venue for date nights and anniversaries, with a cool, lush vibe that’s approachable and unpretentious alongside the class. The specials were worth trying, and the cocktails and wine poured strong. Seafood a plus. Vegetable apps were rich. Fun deserts and all the after-dinner aperitifs you’d expect.

6:30 reservation at Verve for our friend’s 24th birthday. We sat in the lower level, which is absolutely splendid with a vintage atmosphere. It would be impossible for this area to be devoid of employees. Besides the server, we received help from numerous other staff. Our water did not remain empty for more than 30 seconds. The server, Zoe, was polite, professional, and knowledgeable. Espresso martinis were delicious. Chicken lollipops were flavorful and tender but would not recommend as a full meal - my mistake. Citrus salad with beets was light, refreshing, and dressing was not overly sweet. Crem brûlée with blueberries, mint garnish, and shortbread cookie was passed around the table, to die for! This dessert was delivered quietly with a candle and we were allowed our time to sing for our friend. Whether a date night or birthday celebration, Verve is a lovely destination.

What happened to the Verve from a few years ago?! My fiancé and I used to love this place. Staff was friendly, the drinks were good and it’s a unique atmosphere. We went the other night and I asked about having a seat for drinks before sitting down. The few people working at the bar seemed to have a debate about this and then reluctantly agreed. We were sitting for a while with servers passing by but no one acknowledged us. We were about to leave and finally someone came up and took our drink order. After that, our server must have left and we ended up going to the bar for drinks. I noticed two other tables come in, one left after sitting for a long time without being acknowledged. The other table ended up getting drinks at the bar. I do not understand how the staff was blatantly ignoring customers… It wasn’t even busy and this is supposed to be the best bar in NJ??? How about a friendly greeting and explaining we can sit in a certain area but should go to the bar for drinks? We had visited about a year ago, and had a similar experience with the staff barely acknowledging us like we were an inconvenience. I understand things happen but this unfortunately seems to be the norm at Verve now.