Just Awful
We arrived on a Thursday evening in July, 2005, and as we parked the car, we noticed the parking lot filthy with trash and plastic cups. The music from the pool area was deafening. But we proceeded to the dining room anyway. We were not greeted by anyone at the entrance to the dining room. After waiting for ten minutes, a rather rude and disheveled waiter who seemed to be chewing something, brusquely showed us to a table in a mostly empty dining room. He left the table and we didn't see him again for another ten minutes.
The entire dining experience became a struggle to get our waiter to wait on us. We requested water, but our water glasses remained empty throughout dinner. I can't honestly say what we ordered or comment on the quality because we were so incensed and preoccupied with the exceptionally poor service. In addition, the prices seemed a bit high even for this area, taking into account the quality of service. We went in search of a manager afterwards, but none could be found. Never, never again.    [04 Aug 2005 08:12:50]

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     ­Anonymous   

Loved It
My husband I have been coming to New Hope for a few years now. We'd heard about the Raven but only recently paid it a visit for dinner. The other reviewer was right in saying that the pool is bustling. The Raven welcomes everyone but draws a largely gay crowd at its pool, main bar, and piano bar. When we first walked in, it seemed as though the place was undergoing major renovations. When we asked the host, who later identified himself as one of the owners, he replied that yes, he and his partner had acquired the Raven a few years ago and were in the process of making some major changes. One part of the restaurant that doesn't need changing is the dining room, which is hewn in beautiful dark colored wood and overlooks a gorgeous garden (it was too hot to eat outside). We were greeted by an adorable young waiter who explained the specials and even went so far as to recommend a few dishes. The restaurant grew busy as we sat through our leisurely meal, but this didn't seem to effect the service. The clams casino was simply the best we'd ever tasted and the cut of filet mignon superb.The extensive wine list was not easy to navigate but again the host/owner came to the rescue by recommending a lovely Pinot Noir. Before we left the waiter smiled briskly and said, "Folks, it was a pleasure. Do visit us again." We definitely will.    [31 Jul 2006 16:20:40]

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Recommended Dishes: Filet Au Poivre, Clams Casino

     ­manhattanite   

A gem of a find among New Hope's bustling dining scene
This summer we had lovely experience at the Raven.
The dining room itself is beautiful. It is done in warm woods over looking an inviting garden. There have been changes since I had been there last, the waiters area that was once at the far end is gone, slate tile has been added for a warm back drop. It was so nice to see that the exotic flowers accenting the space were actual fresh cut verses silk.
This visit was in celebration of a birthday and although we were far from the only patrons, our group received excellent service. Our dinner was superb. The filet was unbelievably tender, both the raw Oysters and the Oysters Rockefeller were amazing. And I must mention the Pate- a true not to be missed - the kind of Pate that you'd make a special trip just to enjoy. Presentation was great, service was great, and the wine list impressed even our toughest critic, who is the wine expert, albeit self proclaimed. The wine by the glass list had good variety, but we opted for a bottle of red, along with a couple of glasses of white for a friend.
An absolutely great destination for fine dining    [19 Oct 2007 08:59:09]

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Recommended Dishes: The Filet, Oysters, Pate'

     ­Anonymous