REVIEW: Hearthside Restaurant, Collingswood, New Jersey

My husband and I dined at Hearthside in Collingswood, New Jersey, with another couple recently. Despite its location in New Jersey, it holds a place on Philadelphia Magazine’s best restaurants in Philadelphia list.

We arrived after our friends, already waiting for us at our table. Shortly after we were seated the waitress came by to take our wine. The restaurant is BYOB. She explained the restaurant encourages diners to order family style. We all prefer dining this way to experience more dishes. After listing the specials, we ordered four small plates, two pastas and two large plates.

Up first was the red snapper ceviche and the tuna tartare. Both raw dishes were flavorful and thoughtfully presented, though my favorite was the ceviche with citrus, avocado, potato chips and cilantro. Next, we enjoyed roasted beets accompanied with tzatziki and spices. We also ordered one of the special small plates of beet greens topped with bacon jam and a breaded, soft-boiled egg. I was least sure of this dish when ordering, and I was pleasantly surprised at the rich, complex flavors. We received new dishes and flatware between courses.

We tried two different homemade pasta dishes: spaghetti and radiatori. The spaghetti came with crab, tomato, chili and olive crumb. There was heat from the chili, but it wasn’t overpowering. The radiatori had a wild boar Bolognese, chocolate and Parmesan. I couldn’t particularly taste the chocolate, but the dish did have a subtle sweet note. The large plates were out next. We enjoyed beef flat iron with carrot ginger purée, Sichuan broccoli and miso. The beef was perfectly cooked and I really enjoyed the char on the wood fired broccoli. Our second large plate was lamb rack with black lentil salad, yogurt and squash. I preferred the accompaniments over the lamb itself, but overall it was a great dish.

We couldn’t leave without sampling dessert. The four of us split carrot cake and an order of apple beignets with caramel. The desserts were just as tasty as the savory dishes.

Between the food, service and ambiance, Hearthside is a great spot for a date or dinner with friends.

Hearthside

801 Haddon Ave.

Collingswood, NJ 08108

tel. 856 240 1164