Drop everything, go there now!
Feel good food with explosive flavors. Some of the most creative and wonderfully prepared food in the area.
Beautiful presentation, no rush, good service... all this and reasonable prices too!    [10 Nov 2001 20:29:12]

Food:    Service:    Ambiance:    Overall: 
Recommended Dishes: Latke or quesadilla appys & any pasta dish!!!

     ­Anonymous   

Food is great, would eat there anytime. Joel just has to have a little less attitude    [16 Apr 2002 14:26:33]

Food:    Service:    Ambiance:    Overall: 
Recommended Dishes: Anything

     ­Anonymous   

Love This Place!
My friends and I go out to dinner about every other month and we frequently go to Joel's. We have never been disappointed. His food is wonderful and unique. His soups are unusual and delicious. And the desserts are to die for! Price are fair considering how wonderful the food is. On our most recent visit we noticed a new menu in addition to daily specials.    [13 Feb 2003 12:19:14]

Food:    Service:    Ambiance:    Overall: 
Recommended Dishes: Fettucini in Silly Sauce! Any soup

     ­nedlptr, Waldwick   

Why hasn't the Zagat group found this place yet?
This place is one of the best Ridgewood has to offer. I can't understand why there aren't more reviews about this gem! Joel is masterful in the kitchen and in the dining room, too! Love it!    [08 Mar 2003 16:56:39]

Food:    Service:    Ambiance:    Overall: 
Recommended Dishes: Chicken and Shrimp Stir Fry

     ­Anonymous   

Unreal!!!
Outstanding food. Explosive flavors and healthy dishes. I never had a disappointing meal at Joel's. He keeps it interesting and alway's delicious.    [02 Oct 2003 11:40:14]

Food:    Service:    Ambiance:    Overall: 
Recommended Dishes: All

     ­Anonymous   

Attitude!!?? Yeah, Right!
Joel is one of the sweetest and most unpretentious people we have ever had the pleasure of knowing. Having dined at his restaurant for more than two years, his mastery in the kitchen never fails to amaze. One night well after 11:00 having spent the day with parents who were very ill, Joel held the kitchen open and cooked an assortment of entrees for our family off the menu. On another occasion he came up with an off-the-menu Atkins chopped salad that featured steak and shrimp...to die for!
Absloutely the best preparation of fish and seafood that I have ever seen locally. Grouper, sea bass, tilapia, snapper, salmon, on and on.

Some attitude, huh?    [27 Nov 2003 14:14:37]

Food:    Service:    Ambiance:    Overall: 
Recommended Dishes: All fish, seafood, quesadillas, any and all.

     ­Harvey and Rita   harvrita at optonline dot net

The food here is consistently terrific, but an exceptional menu is just one important component of a great restaurant. Since this is a "service" industry, waitress service should be courteous and exceptional. The waitress on duty on our recent evening at Joel's was definitely a charm school dropout. Perhaps a few "lessons" in how to talk and "schmooze" the customers would be in order for her. therwise, our group had a delicious meal, but couldn't help noticing the "deMEANor" of our waitress.    [28 Dec 2003 11:47:12]

Food:    Service:    Ambiance:    Overall: 
Recommended Dishes: anthing on the specials menu & any fish entree

     ­Anonymous   

Excellent food, So-so service
My wife and I dine regularly at Joel's; we've been there twice in the last month alone with two different couples. Overall ambiance, quality of food, preparation and presentation are usually first class!

Unfortunately, wait service is mediocre at best. Both waitresses and the hostess do nothing to make you feel welcome. They are not helpful when asked about specific dishes, and in no hurry to respond to small requests i.e. more water and fresh bread basket (which is terrific, by the way). They appear they would rather be somewhere else -- not a good attitude for folks in the service business.    [31 Dec 2003 12:27:34]

Food:    Service:    Ambiance:    Overall: 
Recommended Dishes: Hawaiian pork; scallop and shrimp dishes; fish

     ­Anonymous   denker at optonline dot net

Great dinning experience
My husband and I just moved to the area, and found a real gem. Joel's is innovative and fun. The food is delicious and creative. My husband enjoyed the Rigatoni Duxelle Jack. I don't know about the other reviews, but service was friendly and helpful!!!    [01 Apr 2004 22:34:12]

Food:    Service:    Ambiance:    Overall: 
Recommended Dishes: Rigatoni Duxelle Jack and Latka

     ­Anonymous   

Great Time for all
Went to Joel's for a private party. Very nice service, Joel was an excellent host, waiter was also exceptional. The food was great.    [24 Apr 2004 22:39:27]

Food:    Service:    Ambiance:    Overall: 
Recommended Dishes: Check the Menu - There is something for everyone.

     ­KJC