About Us

Chef Ben Pollinger

New Jersey native Chef Ben Pollinger opened The Hill in June 2018 in Closter NJ.

After twenty years of climbing to the top of NYC's culinary ladder, Ben hangs his shingle close to home in Closter, New Jersey. He rose to acclaim as Executive Chef of the grand seafood restaurant Oceana in Midtown Manhattan for ten years, during which time he earned a Michelin star, a New York Times 3-star rating and authored the hit cookbook School of Fish. Ben also served as Executive Chef of The Sea Grill overlooking the Rockefeller Center skating rink and was recognized as one of NYC’s leading chefs and authorities on all things seafood.

Ben found his passion for cooking in humble beginnings. While studying Economics at Boston University, he took a job cooking in his dormitory cafeteria. Bitten by the cooking bug, he proceeded to The Culinary Institute of America where he graduated as class valedictorian. His successes at the CIA led him to cook for one full year under Chefs Alain Ducasse and Franck Cerutti at Le Louis XV in Monte-Carlo, Monaco.

Returning home, Ben refined his craft cooking in legendary NYC restaurants La Côte Basque, Les Célébrités, and Lespinasse, then serving in kitchen management for many years under famed restaurateur Danny Meyer and Chefs Floyd Cardoz and Michael Romano at Tabla and Union Square Cafe.

Ben has previously served on the Board of Directors of Table to Table, Northern New Jersey’s leading hunger-relief charity, and keeps The Hill involved in many local causes.

Besides being a proud dad to three children, Ben enjoys tending his garden and road cycling (particularly climbing hills!)

About the Restaurant

The Hill provides elevated dining in a casual environment

The Hill features globally influenced, seasonal American cooking with the lightness and bright global flavors Chef Ben Pollinger is known for. The menu features fine seafood, steaks, game, and vegetable-centric options.

General Manager Lauren Orbe brings authenticity and creativity to The Hill’s dining room service and beverage program. She maintains a smart, varied wine list, leading craft beers, and seasonal cocktails. Lauren also invests her creativity and expertise in planning unique and elegantly composed Private Events for our clientele.

The style takes a cue from Scandinavian minimalism with a rustic farmhouse decor accented by mid-century design elements, industrial elements, and warm earthy colors and natural tones. The atmosphere is inviting and approachable, suitable for everyday dining and also features a full bar, private dining room, and outdoor patio.

Chef Ben looks forward to welcoming you to The Hill!