On a rainy morning that turned into a beautiful autumn afternoon, with stunning fall foliage all around, my colleague Angelique and I enjoyed lunch on the patio of Odette’s restaurant at New Hope’s newest hotel and dining venue, River House at Odette’s. The hotel also boasts a Piano Lounge and a members-only Roof.

Odette’s serves breakfast, 7 a.m.–11 a.m., noon on the weekends; lunch, immediately following breakfast and ending at 5 p.m.; dinner daily until 10 p.m.; and brunch, Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m.–3 p.m.

The lunch menu boasted plenty of tempting options, from escargot and fried chicken slider appetizers to a wedge salad and lobster roll. As we dined during COVID, the restaurant implemented all the proper safety protocols, including mask use, table spacing and limited capacity. We dined al fresco, overlooking the Delaware River and the reds, oranges and yellows of the changing leaves. A few other diners ate on the patio, with a few indoor tables occupied as well.

With such an impressive cocktail menu, we couldn’t resist an afternoon libation. As I delve into in my blog at the link above, Odette’s has an illustrious history in the Bucks County region, so I opted to try the cocktail inspired by the namesake, the Our Leading Lady, Odette Myrtil. The cocktail included Sparkling Brut Crémant, Bacardi Silver, Giffard Crème de Fraise Liquor and fresh strawberries. It was refreshing and light. Angelique enjoyed both the presentation and taste of The Jewel, with Ketel One vodka, grapefruit juice, lime juice, honey and fresh mint.

Angelique and I shared the roasted red pepper dip to start. With harissa hummus and Castelvetrano olives, my only suggestion would be to serve the dip with more bread or veggies. With just two pieces of house-made focaccia, a lot of the dip went uneaten. For our entrees, Angelique put together her own Power Bowl combination from a selection of bases (choose one), toppings (select three), sauce/spread (one) and protein (one included). I was also intrigued by the Power Bowl menu, but I was ultimately swayed by the everything hoagie roll and horseradish cream sauce of the short rib au jus sandwich.

All in all, I’d recommend a meal at Odette’s and, if you’re not a local, an overnight stay at River House at Odette’s. And you cannot beat the location and views, especially in autumn.

Odette’s

River House at Odette’s
274 S. River Rd.
New Hope, PA 18938
tel 215 682 2022