In the dull, quiet town of Tenafly with little to do on a Saturday night, going out to dinner with friends is always a strong option. Yet, figuring out where to eat is always exceptionally difficult. We were tired of the usual mediocre meal provided by Tenafly’s “best” and craved rich, authentic food. As a result, we decided to take a quick trip to one of Closter’s top restaurants, Stern & Bow.
Some restaurants make an impression with their food; Stern & Bow made one before we even opened the menu. Gentle lighting filled the space, giving the restaurant a modern, almost cinematic feel that immediately set it apart from most casual dinner spots. Even the drinks glowed softly from within, adding to the unique ambiance.
The restaurant buzzed with quiet energy—families, couples, and small groups throughout the dining room—while attentive staff kept the experience smooth and welcoming. We sat down at a table near the crowded bar where the bartenders already seemed overworked. People overflowed into the main dining area, as there weren’t enough bar stools. As soon as we were settled at our two-top, our waiter welcomed us and took our drink orders. Since we both decided to stick with tap water, our waiter made a swift return minutes later to see if we were interested in any of the appetizers.
The menu reflects a balance between comfort and creativity, combining Italian staples and unexpected additions like sushi and seafood. We started with the spicy yellowfin tuna crispy rice, priced at $21. It arrived golden and crunchy, offering a pleasing contrast in texture and flavor that made it easy to share. The tuna was fresh and smooth beneath the crisp rice, with a subtle heat that built slowly rather than overpowering the dish.
For our main course, we struggled to choose between sharing pasta, pizza, or more seafood. But, after eating the crispy rice, we decided it was best to try some of the Italian delicacies they offer. We placed an order for one margherita pizza, costing $17 and a caesar salad, marked at $18—we planned on sharing both items.
The salad came out with crisp romaine and crunchy croutons, tossed in a creamy, well-balanced dressing. It was rich without being heavy, a reliable classic executed well. Next, the much-anticipated pizza was brought to our table. Paired with the caesar salad, the margherita pizza was nothing but a flavorful, tasty pie. It came cooked with fresh tomato sauce and uncured mozzarella, satisfying all of our Italian cravings. The crust was lightly charred, and with sprinkled pieces of basil across the top, it was hard to resist gorging on three pieces each.
The dessert was the stand-out item and the sole reason I would return to the restaurant. We ordered the molten chocolate cake for $19, which offered a contrast of a spongy chocolate exterior and a light, flavorful ganache interior. The dessert delivered a balance of rich chocolate and a light, creamy sweetness that lingers on the palate. That single slice of cake was a decadent, fudgy masterpiece, a perfect finale that left us wanting more.
Stern & Bow delivered a meal that had us leaving the restaurant with our stomachs full, tastebuds satisfied, and a Saturday night filled with flavor. From the bold kick of the spicy crispy rice to the freshness of the salad, neither of us had one complaint. For anyone looking for a local place that pairs strong flavors with a relaxed, enjoyable atmosphere, Stern & Bow would be at the top of our list.
