BON APPETIT: “We think of our decor as ‘rustic meets elegant,’” says Faith DeJean, co-owner of the popular ONE53 Restaurant-Bar in Rocky Hill. Its dining room, shown here, offers an inviting setting, featuring an attractive banquette and individual table format. A more secluded enclave is perfect for a special anniversary or romantic dinner for two.

By Jean Stratton

Special recipes, fresh ingredients, exceptional presentation, dedicated customer service, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere. These are the attributes that ONE53 Restaurant-Bar proudly features, and that customers appreciate about this popular dining establishment.

Originally opened in 2006 at 153 Washington Street, it was purchased in 2021 by Bob and Faith DeJean. Longtime friends of the original owners, and devoted patrons of the restaurant, they were determined to maintain its high standards and superior dining experience.

“It had been our favorite restaurant for years,” says Bob DeJean, adding that becoming restaurant owners was a new adventure. Previously in the corporate world, but ready to explore a new challenge, he welcomed the restaurant business as an adventure. He and his wife, co-owner Faith DeJean, were both very enthusiastic, and with the support of the restaurant’s longtime staff and loyal customer base, ONE53 continued its successful journey.

“We are proud of all our staff and our longtime chef,” points out Faith DeJean. “Our chef is very creative, and we celebrate creativity. He creates new dishes that are fresh and current. They are not only creative, but dynamic.”

DELICIOUS DINING: Every day, patrons of ONE53, the highly-praised restaurant in Rocky Hill, are treated to an array of tempting, high quality dishes. Shown here is a current favorite: Herb-Crusted Salmon with shaved Brussels sprouts, bacon, golden raisins, and smoked tomato sauce. This and many other favorite dishes will tempt the taste buds!

Intriguing Tastes

She describes the dishes at the restaurant as “New American cuisine with a Mediterranean flair. Everything is fresh every day. We get as much locally as possible. Our poultry is from Griggs Farm, seafood from Nassau Street Seafood, beef from the high quality Pat La Freida source in North Bergen, and produce from area farms.”

The menu, which changes seasonally, offers a variety of classic and intriguing tastes. From starters to entrees to desserts and libations, There is something to tempt everyone’s palate.

Popular starters include the favorite grilled Caesar Salad with shaved Parmesan cheese; also, Mussels in tomato-white wine sauce plus Andouille sausage. And who can resist Halloumi Cheese with ‘Drunken’ Figs?

Also, says Faith, “Our butternut squash soup is very popular in the fall.”

Pasta dishes are always a happy choice, she adds, noting that Butternut Squash Ravioli with sage cream sauce, garnished with candied pecans and sage is another big hit for autumn. Sautéed Shrimp with roasted garlic and cherry tomatoes served over angel hair is also a favorite.

A signature dish at ONE53, always in demand, is the Char-Grilled Double-Cut Pork Chop. “A real staple,” reports Faith.

From the Grill

Additionally from the grill, Char-Grilled Flat Iron Steak with potato cake, roasted bell peppers, sautéed spinach, and au poivre sauce is another choice, as are char-grilled fish, such as halibut and salmon.

And don’t forget ONE53’s special grilled burgers, with cheese, mushrooms, and bacon.

Cooktop selections include Lemon Chicken with artichokes, broccolini, potatoes, and cherry tomatoes in garlic, lemon, and white wine sauce; also, Mushroom Risotto, featuring shitake, button, and trumpet mushrooms, and Parmesan cheese. A big favorite is the Herb-Crusted Salmon.

Popular sides include hand-cut french fries with truffle mayo, roasted hot peppers with garlic and mushrooms; and mac and cheese with bread crumbs, among others.

Customers can certainly indulge their sweet tooth at ONE53. Many choices are available, and among the favorites are house-made tiramisu; carrot cake; Almond Joy with coconut sorbet, sliced almonds, and hot chocolate sauce; and an array of chocolate tortes with house-made whipped cream.

“We also have weekly specials,” points out Faith. “Diners will always have a choice of something new and different, and so much is made in-house, such as selected pasta and all the desserts.”

Regular Basis

Diners’ tastes vary, note the owners. There are those who know what they like, and always look forward to it being on the menu. Others like to explore new tastes and flavors.

“We have many customers who come in on a regular basis, and even some who come two or three times a week,” reports Bob.

They are coming from all over the area, including Princeton, Hopewell, Skillman and Rocky Hill, he adds, and happily, they often bring new guests along with them.

In addition to the superior food they will enjoy, there is the selection of wine, beer, spirits — and a real highlight for many —the handcrafted cocktails.

The ONE53 signature cocktail features Magellan gin, St. Germain elderflower liqueur, and lemon. Also favored is the spicy Grilled Peach Margarita with Lunazuai Blanco tequila, Triple Sec, grilled peach puree, and house-made sour mix, which is also available as a mocktail.

Another specialty, Back On The Ranch, includes Buffalo Trace bourbon, Aperol, yellow chartreuse, lemon, and bitters. And for the season, the Autumn Martini with Condesa gin, fig, truffle honey, and lemon.

Freshly Squeezed

“Our cocktails are all handcrafted,” explains Bob. “Our bartender creates new specialties, and the fruit juice in all our cocktails is freshly squeezed.”

In addition, for those who enjoy a different drink with dinner, a large selection of wine, spirits, and selected beer is available. And a full array of coffee choices is also on the menu.

Many people enjoy sipping their drink of choice at ONE53’s bar, which seats 11, and also offers the opportunity for dining. “The bar is a very popular spot,” says Bob, “and many people enjoy eating there.”

If not, there are 50 dining tables in the restaurant, as well as outdoor seating for 36 in the spring and summer.

Private parties can also be accommodated at the restaurant, and in addition to the main dining room, seating is available for 30 in the downstairs wine cellar. With ONE53’s extensive collection of carefully chosen wines, this setting is a chance to dine amidst shelves filled with a myriad of wines from all over the world. A wine connoisseur’s dream come true!

With the holidays coming up, guests are advised to book early for reservations, as it is exceptionally popular during this time.

Positive Reviews

The DeJeans are very encouraged about their chosen life’s work and the pleasure it has provided them. They are very proud of its continued success, and the very positive critical reviews from the New York Times, The Star-Ledger, Times of Trenton, New Jersey Monthly, and other publications. Happy diners also report regularly on social media.

“The restaurant means so much to us, and we want to make sure the dining experience continues to be the best,” observes Bob. “We always strive to do better.”

Adds Faith, “We always enjoy talking with the guests. Many have become friends over the years, and we are also getting a lot of new people. And, it is so nice when people come in and they know other diners. It’s like a community gathering.”

Oh, and the name. As she explains. “Aside from being our address, ONE53 is easy to remember. Customers like that!”

The restaurant is open seven days: Sunday through Thursday 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., Friday and Saturday 5 to 9:30 p.m. Reservations are strongly suggested, although seating at the bar is first come, first served.

For further information, call (609) 921-0153. Visit the website at www.one53nj.com.