Best Cozy Restaurants in Livingston, New Jersey

Price

$$
$$$
$$$$

Cuisine

AmericanItalianSteakhouseSeafoodFrenchIndian

Regions

BergenCamdenEssexHudsonManhattanMiddlesex

Neighborhoods

Basking RidgeBattery Park CityBedminsterBerkeley HeightsBernardsvilleBloomfield, New Jersey

Top Rated

CharmingDog-friendlyFancyGood for business mealsGood for groupsGood for special occasions

Dining Options

All dining options

Delivery only

Takeout only

Seating Options

BarCounterStandardHigh TopOutdoor

Accessibility

Wheelchair access

203 restaurants available nearby

How are Featured results ranked

1. Mezza Livingston

4.7

Exceptional(702)

$$$$

• Mediterranean • Livingston

Booked 5 times today

Mezza Mediterranean in Livingston, NJ prepares authentic Mediterranean cuisine with a modern touch, and our philosophy is to use the freshest ingredients at the right time to present the most incredible menu possible to our guests. We import our pita bread, and our hummus is like nothing you have ever tried here in the States, made fresh to order. Some local favorites on our menu include our Skirt Steak, Whole Grilled Bronzino, Lamb Shank & Short Rib Pappardelle, we are BYOB. We look forward to serving you the best, fresh Mediterranean lunch and dinner around in a gorgeous casual setting!

A photo of McLoone's Boathouse restaurant

2. McLoone's Boathouse

4.3

Awesome(3888)

$$$$

• American • West Orange

Booked 59 times today

McLoone's Boathouse is a cozy place with a warm and inviting ambiance as per the reviews. The restaurant offers a spectacular view, and its decor is enjoyed by customers. The atmosphere is described as 'quiet and cozy', 'nice relaxing', and 'scenic'. The reviews also mention the attentive and friendly staff which contributes to the cozy feel.

A photo of Eataly Short Hills - Il Ristorante restaurant

3. Eataly Short Hills - Il Ristorante

4.3

Awesome(1057)

$$$$

• Italian • Millburn

Booked 119 times today

Located within Eataly Short Hills, Eataly Ristorante celebrates iconic Italian cuisine in a lively, convivial setting. Watch pizzaioli craft traditional Neapolitan pizzas in wood-burning ovens and enjoy a rotating selection of al dente pasta dishes inspired by Italy’s most beloved regional recipes. Open for lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch, the restaurant brings the energy of an Italian marketplace—ideal for weekday lunches, aperitivo hour, or relaxed weekend dining. Pair your meal with curated Italian wines or signature cocktails like a Spritz, Negroni, or seasonal creations, and enjoy rotating specials and tableside experiences. For private events, Eataly Ristorante offers an inviting setting for authentic Italian celebrations. Contact us to start planning.

4. Nero's Grille

4.8

Exceptional(781)

$$$$

• Steakhouse • Livingston

Booked 27 times today

Now celebrating its 55th year, Nero's Grille continues to be one of north-Jersey's most popular dining scenes. We combine the highest quality, freshest ingredients with a comfortable, familiar atmosphere and service that makes you feel like one of the family. Nero's has become the area's place to see and be seen. Three separate dining rooms, and outdoor patio dining as climate permits, provide a warm, unpretentious intimacy in which to enjoy our high-quality, moderately-priced American and Italian fare, while the large bar area buzzes with the energy of friends gathering over a favorite martini or a glass of wine from Nero's award-winning list. Private rooms are also available, and our banquet staff is noted for making special events 'extra special.' After four decades, the entire Nero's family continues to take enormous pride in offering our guests, new and old, a gracious welcome, a terrific meal, and our sincere appreciation.

5. The Highlawn

4.4

Awesome(1708)

$$$$

• American • West Orange

Booked 28 times today

Nestled atop the picturesque Eagle Rock Reservation in West Orange, NJ, The Highlawn is regarded throughout the region for fine dining and its dedication to making each celebration memorable and unique. It has been the trusted venue of many private groups, Fortune 500 companies, non-profit organizations, local community associations, and many more, and is a recipient of OpenTable's Diners' Choice Awards for the Top 100 Scenic View Restaurants.The landmark has been revitalized to provide patrons with a premier fine dining experience and world-class site for weddings and special events. With world class Culinary Director and Executive Chef William Prunty now at the helm, diners can expect an out-of-this-world meal.

6. Fresco Da Franco

4.4

Awesome(1566)

$$$$

• Italian • Montclair

Booked 5 times today

With over a decade in business, Fresco Da Franco is renowned for its warm and inviting ambiance, coupled with the unmistakable aromas of homemade Italian cuisine. As you step through our doors, you'll be greeted by friendly staff and an atmosphere that exudes both elegance and comfort. Whether you're looking to enjoy a romantic dinner, celebrate a special occasion, or simply unwind with friends and family, our restaurant and bar provides the perfect setting. Our menu showcases the rich culinary heritage of Italy, with a focus on traditional recipes passed down through generations. To compliment your meal, our Bar Franco has an extensive bespoke Italian drink list carefully crafted by world renowned Italian mixologist Luca Cinalli. Our mixologists hail directly from Italy and bring you an unforgettable bespoke experience of a lifetime. We look forward in welcoming you and creating lasting memories of exceptional dining and warm hospitality. Cin Cin

A photo of Vette Dining at Calabria restaurant

7. Vette Dining at Calabria

5.0

Exceptional(221)

$$$$

• Italian • Livingston

Booked 1 time today

A new chapter in Northern New Jersey dining was launched with the debut of Vette Ristorante at Calabria, a fine-Italian dining experience located at 588 S Livingston Ave, in Livingston, NJ. Nestled within the well-known Calabria restaurant building, Vette Ristorante elevates the traditional trattoria with a refined menu, thoughtfully selected wine pairings, and the culinary vision of chef and sommelier Maurizio de Rosa.

8. Assado Steakhouse

4.4

Awesome(532)

$$$$

• Steakhouse • Livingston

Booked 14 times today

Assado Steakhouse is a BYOB welcoming our patrons to pair their desired wine with our traditional dishes. Our rustic yet modern decor provides the perfect setting for a Portuguese steakhouse experience. But ultimately what’s on the plate is what sets us apart. We look forward to seeing you.

A photo of Panevino Ristorante restaurant

9. Panevino Ristorante

4.3

Awesome(994)

$$$$

• Italian • Livingston

Booked 14 times today

Panevino comes from the Italian words “pane e vino”, bread and wine, the essentials of life. Our working herb garden, rustic décor, wood-burning pizza oven, and a beautiful outdoor patio are just part of what makes Panevino a special place to eat. Caputo flour imported from Italy, San Marzano tomatoes, handmade fior di latte mozzarella, and water from a local spring just like the ones in Italy's Campania region make our pizza as authentic and delicious as the pies found in Naples. Our Livingston restaurant also offers savory pastas (and gluten free pasta!), fresh seafood, delicious salads, sensational antipasti and pizza delivery. Our two outdoor bocce ball courts are also a great way to have fun in the sun! Serving the area for 30 years, we are proud to be known as one of the best Italian restaurants in NJ.

10. Halcyon Brasserie

4.8

Exceptional(2082)

$$$$

• Contemporary American • Montclair

Booked 27 times today

Halcyon is a fine seafood brasserie, specializing in the freshest local catches, boasting a full service raw bar, upstairs lounge, and tranquil atmosphere. At this time we are offering indoor dining and take-out Tuesday-Sunday. In order to ensure proper sanitation between reservations, we have a strict time limit per table. Thank you for your understanding as we adapt to these challenging times.

‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

L
Lynn
New York City •15 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
Excellent food and drinks here! Our waitress Mary was AWESOME! Didn't come over 20 times to ask questions etc she realized we were engaged in conversation and enjoying the night ! We love this place !
More info
McLoone's Boathouse$$$$• American• West Orange
•
4.3
M
MattGold
New York City •56 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
This was our first time here, but it definitely will NOT be our last! Everything from table, service, to food were perfect!
More info
Giorgio's Ristorante - South Orange$$$$• Italian• South Orange
•
4.8
R
Rina
New York City •20 reviews
4.0
Dined on May 23, 2026
Excellent quality food with lots of options for veg and non-veg eaters alike. Something for everyone.
More info
Mezza Livingston$$$$• Mediterranean• Livingston
•
4.7
R
RobertGold
New York City •342 reviews
5.0
Dined on May 18, 2026
I have been dining at Nero's for many years. The food and service at Nero's is consistently excellent. Last evening, I had the soft shell crabs, on the evening's specials, which I had a choice of preparations. I had them francese, over linquine. Excellent flavor. Meaty crabs. Service is friendly and attentive.
More info
Nero's Grille$$$$• Steakhouse• Livingston
•
4.8
P
PenGold
New York City •34 reviews
5.0
Dined on May 17, 2026
From start to finish, everything was excellent! The hostess was kind enough to seat us at a beautiful table outside, our waiter was so attentive and the food was top notch ! Looking forward to coming back again next time we’re in town!!
More info
Fresco Da Franco$$$$• Italian• Montclair
•
4.4

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