Finding a place that feels like a legitimate escape is getting harder. Most spots lately feel like they were designed for an Instagram grid rather than a genuine meal, but the Scarborough Fair restaurant menu has managed to stay relevant by doing the exact opposite. It’s tucked away in a converted farmhouse in Sea Girt, New Jersey. It’s quirky. It’s romantic. Honestly, it’s a bit of a time capsule that refuses to get old.
If you’re heading there, you aren’t just looking for food; you’re looking for that specific "farm-to-table" vibe that existed before the term became a corporate buzzword. The menu changes with the seasons, which is a bit of a cliché to say, but here, it actually matters because the kitchen relies heavily on what’s growing nearby. You won't find 50 items on the list. Instead, you get a curated selection that feels intentional.
What’s Actually on the Scarborough Fair Restaurant Menu?
People talk about the "Eclectic American" style a lot, but what does that even mean? At Scarborough Fair, it means you might see a classic Filet Mignon sitting right next to a spicy Thai-inspired seafood dish. It’s a weird mix that works because the execution is tight.
One thing you have to understand about the Scarborough Fair restaurant menu is the obsession with the "Artisanal" tag. They aren't kidding. The starters usually feature something like a burrata with charred peaches or a goat cheese tart that’ll make you question why you ever buy the cheap stuff at the grocery store. The portions aren't tiny, either. You know how some high-end places give you a plate that’s 90% white space and 10% food? This isn't that. You’re going to leave full.
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The seafood is a massive draw. Being so close to the Jersey Shore, they’d be crazy not to lean into it. The Scallops are legendary among locals. Usually, they’re served pan-seared with some kind of seasonal risotto—think butternut squash in the fall or a bright lemon-pea situation in the spring. The sear is always perfect. Crispy on the outside, buttery in the middle.
The Beef and Game Situation
If you’re a meat eater, the menu usually leans into heavy, comforting flavors. The Venison often makes an appearance during the colder months. It’s lean, earthy, and usually paired with a reduction that takes three days to make. Then there’s the "Herb-Crusted" anything. Whether it’s lamb or halibut, they take the "Parsley, Sage, Rosemary, and Thyme" theme of their namesake seriously.
It’s not just a gimmick.
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The herbs are often picked from their own gardens. You can taste the difference. It’s brighter. It’s more "green."
Why the Atmosphere Dictates the Meal
You can't talk about the menu without talking about the building. It’s an 1850s farmhouse. There are alcoves. There are private "caves" for dining. It’s the kind of place where you want to order a bottle of wine and stay for three hours.
The drink list is just as scrutinized as the food. The cocktail menu isn't trying too hard to be "mixology-forward" with foams and dry ice. Instead, they do the classics with better ingredients. A real Old Fashioned. A Martini that actually tastes like gin.
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Vegetarian and Dietary Restrictions
Honestly, being a vegetarian at a high-end farmhouse restaurant used to be a nightmare. You’d get a plate of steamed broccoli and a baked potato. Scarborough Fair has moved past that. They usually have a dedicated pasta dish or a cauliflower "steak" that actually has some thought put into it. They’re also pretty cool about gluten-free adjustments, though you should definitely call ahead if you have a serious allergy just because the kitchen is small and they make everything from scratch.
The Dessert Factor
Don't skip it. Just don't. The Warm Apple Tart or the Chocolate Lava Cake are staples for a reason. They aren't reinventing the wheel here, but they are greasing it perfectly. The house-made whipped cream is usually thick enough to stand on its own.
Strategy for Your Visit
If you want the best experience with the Scarborough Fair restaurant menu, you need to aim for a weeknight. Friday and Saturday nights are absolute chaos. The service is still good, but you lose that "quiet farmhouse" magic when the dining room is packed to the rafters.
- Check the specials. The printed menu is great, but the daily specials are where the chef actually experiments. If there’s a fresh catch from the Barnegat Light, get it.
- Request a "Cave" table. If you’re on a date, these are the most private spots in the house. You have to ask specifically when you book.
- The Wine List is deeper than it looks. Don't just go for the house red. Ask the server about the smaller vineyards they're sourcing from; they often have bottles that aren't easy to find in local liquor stores.
The Scarborough Fair restaurant menu succeeds because it doesn't try to be a New York City bistro. It knows it’s in Sea Girt. It knows it’s a farmhouse. By sticking to high-quality ingredients and classic techniques, it remains one of the most consistent dining experiences in Monmouth County.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Call for Reservations: Do not walk in. This place fills up weeks in advance for weekends.
- Dress the Part: It’s "Shore Casual," but most people lean into "Smart Casual." Leave the flip-flops at the beach.
- Budget Accordingly: This is a "special occasion" price point. Expect to spend $75-$120 per person if you’re doing drinks and three courses.