Freehold has quietly become one of New Jersey’s most compelling dining destinations, and this winter, one restaurant has elevated that reputation to a national stage. 618 has been named No. 95 on Yelp’s 2026 list of the Top 100 Restaurants in the United States, earning the distinction as the only New Jersey restaurant to appear on the nationwide ranking. For a locally rooted, chef-driven dining room in the heart of Monmouth County, the recognition represents far more than a number—it confirms what loyal guests have long believed: that 618 belongs among the country’s most memorable dining experiences.
Located in the center of Freehold, the restaurant has built its reputation on a carefully balanced identity that blends rustic warmth with refined style. Exposed textures, intimate lighting, and a thoughtfully curated dining room create a setting that feels both upscale and deeply comfortable, inviting guests to settle in rather than rush through a meal. It is this sense of atmosphere—paired with consistently ambitious cooking—that has helped 618 become a fixture for special occasions, anniversaries, and destination diners traveling well beyond Monmouth County.
The culinary direction is led by executive chef Matthew Borowski, whose approach to New American cuisine is rooted in seasonality and inspired by classic Italian technique. The menu evolves throughout the year, responding to fresh ingredients and regional availability while maintaining a recognizable through-line of house-made elements, bold yet balanced flavors, and meticulous presentation. Pastas, proteins, and composed vegetable dishes are treated with equal importance, allowing guests to build multi-course meals that feel curated rather than predictable.
At 618, Italian influence is not expressed through rigid tradition, but through philosophy—respect for ingredients, restrained use of sauces, and an emphasis on clean, layered flavor. The result is a menu that feels approachable to first-time visitors while offering enough nuance and creativity to keep regular diners engaged with each new seasonal change. This flexible structure is one of the reasons the restaurant continues to draw both local residents and out-of-town food lovers who make a point of seeking out what many now consider one of the most accomplished kitchens in Central New Jersey.
That reputation for romance has become inseparable from the 618 experience. Recently recognized as a five-time winner of the title of Most Romantic Restaurant in the Country, the restaurant has leaned fully into that identity throughout February with an immersive month-long celebration of dining and atmosphere. Guests stepping inside during the Valentine’s season are welcomed into a beautifully transformed setting, where soft lighting, romantic décor, and elegant table presentation create a distinctly intimate mood designed to elevate every visit.
Throughout the month, couples and celebratory groups are invited to experience a specially curated four-course Romance Experience Menu, developed to showcase the kitchen’s seasonal strengths and chef-driven creativity. Each course is structured to flow naturally from light and vibrant starters into richer, more indulgent entrées and refined dessert finales, encouraging guests to linger and enjoy the full progression of the evening. Complementing the food is a series of festive, limited-time cocktail offerings, crafted specifically for the season and designed to bring playful, celebratory energy to the bar and dining room alike.
For those planning to celebrate on Valentine’s Day itself, February 14 becomes its own signature event at 618. The restaurant will present an exclusive four-course Valentine’s Day menu, paired with live music, elevated décor, and a series of subtle but meaningful enhancements that turn the evening into a fully staged experience rather than a standard holiday dinner service. From the moment guests arrive to the final course of the night, every detail is designed to heighten the sense of occasion and reinforce what has made the restaurant such a consistent destination for milestone moments.
Whether visiting during the month-long romance celebration or choosing Valentine’s Day for a once-a-year evening out, diners continue to discover why this celebrated Freehold dining destination has become one of the most talked-about restaurants in the state, as highlighted in Explore New Jersey’s in-depth coverage of 618 in Freehold. What sets the restaurant apart is not only its national recognition, but its ability to maintain a deeply personal, hospitality-driven atmosphere while delivering the caliber of cuisine now being recognized on a national scale.
The Yelp ranking places 618 among elite restaurants from major metropolitan markets across the country, yet the dining room remains unmistakably local in spirit. Guests are greeted by name, servers guide diners through evolving menus with genuine familiarity, and the overall experience reflects a team that understands both the technical side of high-level cooking and the emotional side of hospitality.
As New Jersey continues to gain national attention for its rapidly advancing culinary landscape, 618 stands as a powerful example of what is possible when refined technique, thoughtful design, and authentic service converge in a single dining room. For Freehold—and for the state as a whole—the recognition signals a broader shift in how New Jersey dining is viewed beyond its borders. At 618, romance is not confined to a single holiday. It is built into the space, the service, and the way each carefully composed plate arrives at the table, reaffirming why this homegrown restaurant now holds a place among the country’s most celebrated destinations.
