• Westfield features several dining options in its downtown area.wine image by Fotocie from Fotolia.com
  
  Westfield is a town in northeast New Jersey. Because it is located just 20 miles outside of New York City, with easy access to public transportation, many Manhattan workers make their home in this town. Westfield is fortunate to have a selection of award-winning restaurants in their downtown area, with cuisines as varied as French, Southwestern and Italian. Most of Westfield's local eateries are situated on or around Elm Street between North Avenue and Broad Street in what is known as "Restaurant Row."
  
  

Ferraro's Restaurant

• In 2008, Ferraro's was hailed as "by far the most family-friendly restaurant in town" by Teresa Politano of the New Jersey monthly. This family owned and operated business offers a friendly and accommodating atmosphere that quickly caused it to become a local favorite after first opening in 1969. The space features warm, inviting colors, several framed paintings of Italy and exposed brick walls. A lounge area features high-top tables as well as a full-service bar for martinis, draft beer and wine. The menu includes several traditional pasta dishes, such as gnocchi with tomatoes, mozzarella and basil, fettucini Alfredo and cheese-filled ravioli. Meatier dishes, such as chicken marsala, veal parmigiana and filet mignon, are available as well. Ferraro's has space for private parties and offers catering services.
  
  Ferraro's Restaurant
  14 Elm Street
  Westfield, NJ 07090
  908-232-1101
  ferrarosrestaurant.com
  
  

Chez Catherine

• For French cuisine, Chez Catherine is the place to go in Westfield. This restaurant has been rated "excellent" by the New York Times for its classic French dishes. The elegant pastel decor reminds diners of the French countryside, and the main dining room features a large wall with built-in storage where guests can view the hundreds of wine bottles offered at this establishment. Some of the main dishes at Chez Catherine include duck confit with wild rice and dried cherries, sea bass in a red wine reduction with roasted potatoes and roasted lamb with a chestnut puree. A long list of desserts is included on the menu, such as dark chocolate cake with pomegranate ice cream and homemade fruit sorbet.
  
  Chez Catherine
  431 North Avenue West
  Westfield, NJ 07090
  908-654-4011
  chezcatherine.com
  
  

Mojave Grille

• Mojave Grille is another award-winning Westfield restaurant, earning both the highest Zagat excellence rating and four stars from the Star Ledger. This restaurant features Southwest-inspired cuisine in a casual setting. The menu features an array of meaty appetizers, such as barbecue baby back ribs with chorizo and chicken empanada. Salads include interesting flavor combinations, such as the fresh watermelon salad with arugula, jicama, queso, chunks of watermelon and chipotle-infused balsamic vinaigrette. Entrees include several seafood dishes, including the tortilla-crusted mahi mahi, as well as enchiladas, tamales and tacos. A variety of sandwiches and wraps are also available for lunch. The bright decor, with brown, red and orange accents, brings out a Southwestern feel as do the adobe-style rounded doorways.
  
  Mojave Grille
  35 Elm Street
  Westfield, NJ 07090
  908-233-7772
  mojavegrille.com