Hearthside is more than just a restaurant—it’s a culinary retreat that invites guests to savor the comforts of home with a contemporary twist. Located in the heart of Collingswood, New Jersey, Hearthside’s menu is a testament to refined technique, local sourcing, and wood-fired flavor.
The open kitchen, anchored by a roaring hearth, sets the stage for memorable meals shared among family and friends.
“Our mission is simple: to craft honest, soulful dishes that celebrate the richness of our region and the warmth of shared experiences.” — Hearthside Culinary Team
The Hearthside menu weaves together bold, seasonal flavors with an emphasis on simplicity, quality ingredients, and the evocative taste of fire. Whether you’re seeking a celebratory dinner or an intimate evening, every item on the menu is designed to delight the senses and foster connection.
Starters: Begin with Warmth
Hearthside’s starters set the tone for an evening of culinary discovery. Each appetizer is thoughtfully prepared to showcase the best of each season and awaken the palate.
| Starter | Description | Key Ingredients |
|---|---|---|
| Wood-Fired Oysters | Fresh local oysters roasted over the hearth, finished with herbed butter and house-made breadcrumbs. | Oysters, butter, herbs, breadcrumbs |
| Charred Octopus | Tender octopus, charred and served with harissa aioli and citrus segments. | Octopus, harissa, aioli, citrus |
| Roasted Carrot Salad | Heirloom carrots roasted over embers, served with whipped ricotta and pistachio dukkah. | Carrots, ricotta, pistachio, dukkah |
| Grilled Sourdough | Thick slices of house-made sourdough, grilled and paired with whipped lardo and pickled shallots. | Sourdough, lardo, shallots |
Each starter is a celebration of texture and flavor, from the briny burst of oysters to the smoky, tender octopus. The roasted carrot salad provides a vegetarian option that is no less complex, while the grilled sourdough offers comfort in every bite.
Handmade Pastas: A Nod to Tradition
Hearthside’s pasta program pays homage to Italian heritage while embracing seasonal New Jersey produce. Every strand, ribbon, or filled pocket is rolled by hand, ensuring a delicate texture and authentic bite.
| Pasta | Description | Key Ingredients |
|---|---|---|
| Cavatelli with Lamb Ragu | Cavatelli pasta tossed with slow-braised lamb, pecorino, and fresh mint. | Cavatelli, lamb, pecorino, mint |
| Ricotta Gnudi | Pillowy ricotta gnudi finished with brown butter, crispy sage, and toasted hazelnuts. | Ricotta, brown butter, sage, hazelnuts |
| Tagliatelle alla Bolognese | Rich, meaty Bolognese sauce coats ribbons of fresh tagliatelle, topped with aged parmesan. | Tagliatelle, beef, pork, tomato, parmesan |
| Spring Pea Agnolotti | Delicate agnolotti filled with spring peas and mascarpone, served in a lemon-thyme broth. | Agnolotti, peas, mascarpone, lemon, thyme |
These pastas are emblematic of Hearthside’s philosophy: respect for tradition, elevation with inventive touches, and a deep appreciation for the bounty of the region. Each dish is designed to be both comforting and surprising, with the spring pea agnolotti offering a bright, seasonal option, and the cavatelli with lamb ragu delivering hearty, rustic satisfaction.
Wood-Fired Specialties: The Heart of the Hearthside Menu
The centerpiece of Hearthside’s menu is its selection of wood-fired main courses. The open hearth imparts a singular smokiness and caramelization, transforming the simplest ingredients into unforgettable dishes.
| Main Course | Description | Key Ingredients |
|---|---|---|
| Hearth-Roasted Chicken | Free-range chicken, brined and roasted over oak, served with charred scallions and jus. | Chicken, scallions, jus, oak wood |
| Charcoal-Grilled Ribeye | Prime ribeye, char-grilled to order, finished with roasted garlic butter and crispy shallots. | Ribeye, garlic butter, shallots |
| Maple-Glazed Pork Chop | Heritage pork chop, glazed with maple and mustard, accompanied by ember-roasted apples. | Pork chop, maple, mustard, apples |
| Cedar-Planked Salmon | Atlantic salmon roasted on cedar, topped with a dill-caper salsa and lemon zest. | Salmon, cedar, dill, capers, lemon |
Each main course is a study in balance—smoky, savory, sweet, and herbaceous notes combine to create layers of flavor. The hearth-roasted chicken is a perennial favorite, while the maple-glazed pork chop celebrates the interplay of wood smoke and natural sweetness.
Vegetarian and Vegan Options: Satisfying Every Palate
Hearthside is committed to inclusivity and creativity, ensuring that plant-based diners enjoy dishes just as inventive and satisfying as the rest of the menu.
| Vegetarian/Vegan Dish | Description | Key Ingredients |
|---|---|---|
| Ember-Roasted Cauliflower Steak | Whole cauliflower roasted over embers, topped with romesco sauce and toasted almonds. | Cauliflower, romesco, almonds |
| Wood-Fired Mushroom Risotto | Creamy risotto with hearth-roasted wild mushrooms, finished with truffle oil (vegan option available). | Arborio rice, mushrooms, truffle oil |
| Charred Asparagus & Farro Salad | Grilled asparagus, farro, preserved lemon, and herbs tossed in a citrus vinaigrette. | Asparagus, farro, lemon, herbs |
These dishes highlight the natural flavors of the produce, enhanced by fire and thoughtful seasoning. The ember-roasted cauliflower steak is a standout, marrying smokiness with the nutty depth of romesco and almonds.
For those seeking comfort, the mushroom risotto delivers umami-laden indulgence with every spoonful.
Side Dishes: Enhancing the Experience
No meal at Hearthside is complete without a selection of sides that elevate the main courses. Each accompaniment is designed to be shareable, inviting guests to sample a variety of flavors and textures.
| Side Dish | Description | Key Ingredients |
|---|---|---|
| Hearth-Roasted Root Vegetables | Assortment of carrots, parsnips, and beets roasted with rosemary and sea salt. | Root vegetables, rosemary, sea salt |
| Crispy Fingerling Potatoes | Potatoes roasted until crisp, finished with smoked paprika and aioli. | Fingerlings, paprika, aioli |
| Grilled Broccolini | Tender broccolini charred over the hearth, drizzled with lemon and olive oil. | Broccolini, lemon, olive oil |
Simple yet robust, these side dishes are crafted to complement and balance the bold main courses. The crispy fingerling potatoes are addictive, while the hearth-roasted root vegetables showcase the depth of flavor that fire can impart.
Bread and Cheese: Hearthside’s Artisanal Touch
At Hearthside, even the bread and cheese offerings are elevated experiences. House-made sourdough emerges from the oven crackling and fragrant, while cheese selections are curated to pair perfectly with wines and entrees.
| Bread/Cheese | Description | Key Ingredients |
|---|---|---|
| House Sourdough & Cultured Butter | Warm, crusty sourdough served with whipped cultured butter and flaky sea salt. | Sourdough, butter, sea salt |
| Artisan Cheese Board | Selection of local and imported cheeses, seasonal fruit, honeycomb, and toasted nuts. | Cheese, fruit, honeycomb, nuts |
These offerings are perfect for sharing, encouraging guests to linger and converse as they savor the nuances of each bite. The artisan cheese board is especially popular for pairing with a glass of wine from Hearthside’s thoughtfully curated list.
Desserts: Sweet Endings by the Fire
No meal is truly complete without dessert, and Hearthside’s pastry team delivers inventive finales that highlight both classic flavors and modern technique.
| Dessert | Description | Key Ingredients |
|---|---|---|
| Wood Oven Peach Crisp | Juicy peaches baked in the hearth with brown sugar crumble, served with vanilla bean gelato. | Peach, brown sugar, oats, vanilla gelato |
| Dark Chocolate Pot de Crème | Silky dark chocolate custard topped with smoked sea salt and candied orange peel. | Chocolate, cream, sea salt, orange |
| Honey-Lavender Panna Cotta | Delicate panna cotta infused with local honey and lavender, garnished with almond biscotti. | Cream, honey, lavender, almonds |
| Seasonal Sorbet Trio | Rotating selection of house-made sorbets featuring peak seasonal fruits. | Varies by season |
Each dessert is a celebration of the senses, from the comforting warmth of the peach crisp to the sophisticated balance of chocolate and citrus in the pot de crème. The honey-lavender panna cotta is a memorable, floral finale, while the sorbet trio offers a light, refreshing close to the meal.
Beverage Program: Thoughtful Pairings
Hearthside’s beverage menu is curated with the same care as its food, offering a dynamic selection of wines, craft cocktails, and local brews. The wine list highlights both classic Old World regions and up-and-coming American producers, with a focus on bottles that complement the smoky, robust flavors of the hearth.
| Beverage | Description | Pairing Suggestions |
|---|---|---|
| Signature Cocktails | Creative, seasonally inspired cocktails like the Ember Old Fashioned and Hearthside Mule. | Starters, cheese board |
| Artisanal Wines | Selections from small producers in Italy, France, California, and the Finger Lakes. | Pasta, wood-fired mains |
| Local Craft Beer | Rotating taps featuring New Jersey and Philadelphia-area breweries. | Grilled meats, sides |
| Non-Alcoholic Options | House-made sodas, fresh-pressed juices, and herbal teas. | Vegetarian and vegan dishes |
Whether you’re celebrating with a bold red wine or sipping on a refreshing botanical mocktail, Hearthside’s beverage team is on hand to guide pairings and ensure every sip enhances your meal.
Seasonality and Sourcing: The Hearthside Philosophy
A defining characteristic of the Hearthside menu is its commitment to seasonality and responsible sourcing. The culinary team works closely with farmers, foragers, and purveyors throughout the region to ensure that each dish reflects the freshest, most flavorful ingredients available.
“At Hearthside, we believe the best meals are born from the land and crafted with care. Each season brings new inspiration to our table.” — Chef Dominic Piperno
This dedication is evident in the rotating specials and ever-changing sides, as well as in the thoughtful preservation of ingredients—pickled vegetables, house-made jams, and smoked meats feature prominently throughout the year.
Chef’s Tasting Menu: A Curated Journey
For diners seeking an immersive experience, Hearthside’s Chef’s Tasting Menu offers a multi-course exploration of the kitchen’s creativity. Each tasting menu is unique, often including off-menu items and spontaneous creations inspired by the day’s market finds.
| Course | Example Dish |
|---|---|
| Amuse-Bouche | Smoked trout rillette on house crispbread |
| Starter | Charred beet tartare with whipped goat cheese |
| Pasta | Black garlic pappardelle with wild mushrooms |
| Main | Wood-fired duck breast with stone fruit compote |
| Dessert | Ember-roasted apple with miso caramel |
Each tasting menu is tailored to dietary preferences and is available with optional wine pairings. This approach allows the kitchen to showcase their passion for improvisation and surprise, offering guests a truly memorable dining adventure.
Ambience and Service: Enhancing the Menu
While the food at Hearthside is remarkable, the experience is elevated by the restaurant’s welcoming atmosphere. The open kitchen, visible hearth, and attentive service create a sense of warmth and connection, encouraging guests to relax and savor each moment.
“Dining at Hearthside feels like coming home—if your home had a wood-fired oven and a team of passionate chefs.” — Local Food Critic
The staff’s knowledge and enthusiasm are evident in every recommendation, from wine pairings to dessert suggestions. This level of care ensures that every meal is not just sustenance, but a celebration.
Private Events and Special Occasions
Hearthside offers private dining options for those seeking to host special events in an intimate, inviting setting. Whether it’s a milestone birthday, a rehearsal dinner, or a corporate gathering, the team collaborates with guests to create personalized menus and memorable experiences.
Custom tasting menus, wine pairings, and dedicated service are available, ensuring that every detail is attended to with care. The flexible space and passionate staff make Hearthside a popular choice for celebrations of all kinds.
Conclusion: The Hearthside Menu as an Invitation
The Hearthside menu is more than a list of dishes—it’s an invitation to connect, to savor, and to celebrate the joys of food and community. From the first bite of wood-fired sourdough to the last spoonful of panna cotta, each dish reflects the restaurant’s commitment to quality, creativity, and hospitality.
“Every meal shared at Hearthside is a story told in flavors, textures, and aromas—a reminder that the best dining experiences are those that bring us together.” — Hearthside Team
Whether you’re a regular guest or visiting for the first time, Hearthside’s menu offers something to delight every palate. The dedication to craft, seasonality, and the evocative power of fire ensure that every visit is both a comfort and a revelation.
From starters to sweets, from signature cocktails to chef’s specials, the Hearthside menu is an ever-evolving celebration of culinary warmth and creativity.
