The Charlesworth Evokes Feelings of Days Gone By
Entrance of Charlesworth Restaurant and Hotel in Fortescue. Photo by Meredith Winner/Mer-Made Photogaphy
AC JosepH Media
FORTESCUE – There are few places where a great meal, outstanding service, and a setting rich with views and history are not the norm, yet The Charlesworth Hotel & Restaurant achieves all of that and more in South Jersey.
Located along Delaware Bay where the small waves gently brush the shore at the foot of the establishment, The Charlesworth offers spectacular waterfront views.
With a menu featuring upscale food choices at reasonable prices, from “out of this world” Oysters Rockefeller to New York Strip Steak with Sautéed Mushrooms and mouthwatering Tomahawk Pork Chops, its a must visit.
Front Runner New Jersey, Dine-In team were greeted with the warmth of coming home for the holidays. After being seated we delved into savory samples of delectable appetizers alongside of the Sunday holiday menu.
Among the appetizers, there were many standouts. One imparticular culinary surprise was made with local honey, pistachios, and goat cheese on homemade-fresh baked bread — as it was pleasantly revealed only fresh ingredients with absolutely no preservatives are used in the preparation of the chef’s flavorful bites.
Its clear the Charlesworth’s incredible standards are priority and immediately caught Dine-In reviewers’ attention. Some of our favorites included bacon?wrapped water chestnuts and stuffed shrimp with crab meat, again, fresh and prepared without fillers.
Photo by Meredith Winner / Mer-Made Photography
Both dishes were exceptionally delicious and enjoyed throughly. The Charlesworth menu offers a wide range of items satisfying the most hardened seafood lovers as well as those seeking their favorite beef choices. Some of the “off the coast” delights include crab cakes, deviled clams, sea scallops, and marinara pasta. A few of Charlesworth’s popular “go tos” include grilled chicken, veal primavera, spaghetti and meatballs, and beef tenderloin.
The Charlesworth’s attention to detail extends even to the coffee and water. Reviewers found the restaurant’s Stetson coffee to be among the smoothest they had ever tried. We usually do not comment on the water, yet, the water served to all guests is filtered and treated under a UV light and the taste is noticeably fresh and smooth.
“I’m a water snob,” said co?owner Syboll, who has run the restaurant since 2024. The warm, interesting and engaging proprietor can often be seen chatting and connecting with customers during business hours while Chef Julian Krady and his team of 10 cooks craft every meal from scratch.
FRNJ reviewers experienced the servers to be attentive, helpful, and knowledgeable about the menu selections and made our visit extra special. Outstanding presentations and flavors have visitors sharing The Charlesworth with rave reviews. Former Millville mayor and Cumberland County Commissioner Jim Quinn said on his “Around South Jersey” show in 2023 that The Charlesworth is “one of the best restaurants in South Jersey.”
FRNJ Dine-In agrees! Syboll praised Krady for his experience, atrention to detail and the use of only the finest, fresh ingredients, along with his incredible creativity in developing dishes unique to The Charlesworth that absolutely keep customers returning.
“He’s self?taught, but he’s studied flavors,” Syboll said. “He substitutes spices for flavor which is so nice. He doesn’t have to use sugar to cover himself. It’s unbelievable.”
The restaurants interior is a conversation, decorated with collected treasures with special stories behind them. Your visit to the Charlesworth’s in Fortescue will reveal the maritime history and heritage and Syboll’s attention to detail and decor. His welcoming demeanor and genuine smile will no doubt have feeling like family.
The Charlesworth’s history is as compelling as its menu. The eatery and hotel were founded by Ruella Charlesworth in 1924, at a time when it was rare for a woman to be a business and property owner. The establishment quickly became a favorite for local boat owners and fishermen seeking a great, local, hot meal.
The Charlesworth’s beautiful Delaware Bay location did have disadvantages, making it vulnerable to major storms, including Hurricane Sandy in 2012, which resulted in the restaurant shutting down for several years.
The latest iteration of The Charlesworth reopened in 2014 and was purchased in 2021 by the brother?sister team of Syboll and Amy Munger Grabfelder, along with Krady, from Jim and Cheryl Fonash.
Syboll said he previously owned a restaurant in Fortescue down the street, called Fortescue Bayside, and recruited Krady — a college friend — to join him. Syboll said he had fond memories of visiting Fortescue with his family, a community that sits off the beaten path in Cumberland County.
“We opened it up and then four months later, COVID hit,” Syboll said. “I was friends with the owners of this [The Charlesworth] because I knew them since I was a little kid. They were kind enough to sell it to me.”
Syboll said a significant portion of his customers drive down from the opposite New Jersey coast — from places like Avalon, Ocean City, and Cape May — looking for something different.
While the restaurant and hotel are “for sale,” Syboll joked, “It’s always for sale.”
Until then, The Charlesworth is in full operation, and will continue satisfying customers and making new friends. Located at 224 New Jersey Avenue in Fortescue amongst the nature that surrounds it and is open Fridays and Saturdays from 3–8 p.m. and Sundays from 2–6 p.m.
FrontRunnerNewJersey.com is excited to have you stop by The Charlesworth, enjoy the adventure while take you take in the beautiful and serene setting. The Charlesworth will take you back to days gone by.
Make sure to say hello to Syboll and enjoy the trip to the edge of the Delaware Bay in Cumberland County.
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