La Griglia Seafood Grill & Wine Bar
Kenilworth
Restaurant in Kenilworth, United States
Book with PearlThe Read
Dress
Smart Casual
Why go
A seafood-and-wine choice in Kenilworth with a clearer adult dinner profile than a quick neighborhood bite. La Griglia Seafood Grill & Wine Bar is most useful for diners who care about wine alongside seafood, with Star Wine List recognition in 2026 adding a real trust signal. Cross-shop Taormina for Italian comfort or Crabbae for a livelier seafood alternative.
About La Griglia Seafood Grill & Wine Bar
La Griglia Seafood Grill & Wine Bar is a Kenilworth venue with evening hours most open days, lunch service on Thursday and Friday, a smart-casual dress code, Star Wine List recognition for 2026.
For diners comparing options, the key planning points are the schedule, the dress code, the wine-list recognition. It is open Monday through Wednesday from 5–9 PM, Thursday from 12–2:30 PM and 5–9 PM, Friday from 12–2:30 PM and 5–10 PM, Saturday from 5–10 PM, closed Sunday.
Choose it for a smart-casual Kenilworth meal with a wine-list signal
A useful distinction is Star Wine List recognition for 2026. That does not replace checking current menus, pricing, or availability before booking, but it is a concrete signal for diners who care about wine when choosing among restaurants.
If you are cross-shopping, compare La Griglia Seafood Grill & Wine Bar with other options based on the occasion, timing, availability. Taormina Restaurant, Crabbae Kenilworth, Da Benito, Monchy's Fast Food, The Westfield by Casa Del Rey may be useful reference points depending on what your group needs.
Who should book elsewhere
Consider another option if you need details such as exact menu items, prices, private-dining capacity, takeout or delivery, or detailed dietary accommodations. Those details should be checked directly before committing, especially for a larger party or a meal with strict requirements.
For most readers, the decision should be based on the basics: Kenilworth location, smart-casual dress code, listed hours, Star Wine List recognition for 2026. For broader planning, use our full Kenilworth restaurants guide to compare the local field, then check other relevant guides if the meal is part of a larger night out.
Planning details
- Location
- 740 Boulevard, Kenilworth, NJ 07033
- Reservations
- Book on OpenTable
- Website
- lagriglia.com
- Phone
- (908) 241-0031
The take
The Take
The Vibe
La Griglia positions itself as a refined suburban destination that reads like a classic seafood grill with a strong wine identity. The copy emphasizes a dual commitment to the grill and the glass, and the restaurant’s placement in a small Lake Michigan enclave lends a scenic, quietly elevated tone. Rather than the more common neighborhood Italian, La Griglia signals a deliberate seriousness in both sourcing and service, attracting diners who want a polished, traditional seafood experience outside of a big-city dining scene.
Best For
This is a dinner-focused venue that caters to diners who prioritize seafood and an expert wine list. The White Star recognition from Star Wine List reinforces its appeal to wine-minded guests and travelers seeking thoughtful pairings. It suits date nights, business meals, and small-group dinners where the conversation centers on food provenance and bottle selections. In a suburban market, La Griglia functions as a regional draw for those who want a restaurant experience that feels more considered than the typical strip option.
Ordering Tips
Start with seafood-driven signatures that highlight the kitchen’s strengths—items like Dover sole, Cajun calamari, and sea scallops underline the menu’s focus. Given the restaurant’s celebrated wine program, plan to consult the list and ask staff for pairings that complement the grill-driven flavors. Because the menu is framed around sourcing and peak availability, remain open to daily specials or market fish offerings; the best choices may hinge on what’s freshest and most seasonally appropriate.
Venue details
Ambiance
Elegant and sophisticated with warm lighting, suitable for special occasions and romantic dinners.
Tags
Vibe
Best For
Experience
At the Table
- Dress Code
- Smart Casual
- Noise Level
- Conversational
- Service Style
- Upscale Casual
- Meal Pacing
- Leisurely
- Capacity
- Medium
Signature Dishes
- Dover Sole
- Cajun Calamari
- Sea Scallops
Planning details
Location
Recognition and awards
Also consider
Also Consider
- Taormina Restaurant, Notable alternative
- Crabbae Kenilworth, Notable alternative
- Da Benito, Notable alternative
- Monchy's Fast Food, Notable alternative
- The Westfield by Casa Del Rey, Notable alternative
Restaurant context
How It Compares
Against Taormina Restaurant, La Griglia Seafood Grill & Wine Bar is the better choice when wine and seafood are the point of the night. Taormina is the safer pick for Italian-leaning diners and groups that want a familiar comfort-food lane. Choose La Griglia when the meal should feel more bottle-driven and less like a standard neighborhood Italian dinner.
Crabbae Kenilworth is the closer seafood cross-shop, but it reads as the better alternative for a more casual or lively meal. La Griglia is the stronger fit for a date, small celebration, or dinner where the wine list matters. If value is the priority and the group wants speed over atmosphere, Monchy's Fast Food is the practical move instead.
Da Benito and The Westfield by Casa Del Rey are broader out-of-metro comparisons rather than direct Kenilworth substitutes. Use them if location is flexible and the group is choosing by cuisine or room feel. If staying in Kenilworth, La Griglia is the seafood-and-wine answer; Taormina is the Italian answer; Crabbae is the more relaxed seafood answer.
Explore Kenilworth
Around this place
Discover more on Pearl
Unlock the full La Griglia Seafood Grill & Wine Bar guide in Pearl, including awards, comparisons, FAQs, planning details, and nearby places.
Compare La Griglia Seafood Grill & Wine Bar
| Venue | Location | Awards |
|---|---|---|
| La Griglia Seafood Grill & Wine Bar | Kenilworth | Star Wine Lists 20262026 Wine Spectator Best of Award of Excellence |
| Taormina Restaurant | Kenilworth | No published awards |
| Crabbae Kenilworth | Kenilworth | No published awards |
| Da Benito | Union | No published awards |
| Monchy's Fast Food | Union | No published awards |
| The Westfield by Casa Del Rey | Roselle Park | No published awards |
How La Griglia Seafood Grill & Wine Bar compares with similar nearby venues.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Does La Griglia Seafood Grill & Wine Bar handle dietary restrictions?
If anyone in your party has strict dietary or allergy needs, contact La Griglia Seafood Grill & Wine Bar directly before booking. Da Benito is another option to compare if you are still deciding.
Can La Griglia Seafood Grill & Wine Bar accommodate groups?
For group capacity and private-dining details, check directly with the restaurant. The schedule includes dinner Monday through Saturday, with lunch also listed on Thursday and Friday. For group planning, compare timing with options such as Monchy's Fast Food and The Westfield by Casa Del Rey.
What should I wear to La Griglia Seafood Grill & Wine Bar?
The dress code is smart casual. That makes neat, polished casual clothing the safest choice, especially for dinner.
What are alternatives to La Griglia Seafood Grill & Wine Bar?
Options to compare include Crabbae Kenilworth, Taormina Restaurant, Da Benito, Monchy's Fast Food, The Westfield by Casa Del Rey. Choose based on timing, availability, the kind of meal your group wants.
Is lunch or dinner better at La Griglia Seafood Grill & Wine Bar?
Dinner has the broader schedule: Monday through Thursday from 5–9 PM, Friday and Saturday from 5–10 PM, closed Sunday. Lunch runs only on Thursday and Friday from 12–2:30 PM.
Is La Griglia Seafood Grill & Wine Bar good for a special occasion?
It may fit a special occasion if the details match your plans: Kenilworth location, smart-casual dress code, dinner-focused hours, limited Thursday and Friday lunch, Star Wine List recognition for 2026. For any occasion-specific needs, check current availability and details directly before booking.
