Best Neighborhood Gem Restaurants in Livingston

Price

$$
$$$
$$$$

Cuisine

AmericanItalianSteakhouseSeafoodJapaneseSpanish

Regions

EssexMorrisPassaicUnion

Neighborhoods

Berkeley HeightsCedar GroveCranfordFairfield, New JerseyKenilworthLivingston

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

Gender-neutral restroomWheelchair access

36 restaurants available nearby

1. Mezza Livingston

4.7

Exceptional(654)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Mediterranean • Livingston

Booked 8 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!

2. Nero's Grille

4.8

Exceptional(724)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Steakhouse • Livingston

Booked 22 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.

A photo of McLoone's Boathouse restaurant

3. McLoone's Boathouse

4.5

Awesome(3770)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• American • West Orange

Booked 16 times today

Located within the South Mountain Recreation Complex, McLoone's Boathouse sits on the banks of the reservoir, showcasing spectacular views to our customers. The offerings range from fresh seafood to hand-cut steaks, as well as pastas, burgers, salads & homemade desserts.We also host Private & Semi-Private Events as we have banquet coordinators on site.

A photo of Panevino Ristorante restaurant

4. Panevino Ristorante

4.5

Awesome(961)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Italian • Livingston

Booked 10 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.

A photo of THAVMA Mediterranean Grill restaurant

5. THAVMA Mediterranean Grill

4.7

Exceptional(703)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Mediterranean • Livingston

Booked 5 times today

Drawing from across the Mediterranean with strong Greek influence, THAVMA specializes in fresh Seafood, Kabobs, and specialty dishes. Past Winner - Best BYO, Best Ethnic Restaurant. THAVMA Mediterranean Grill centrally located in the Livingston Town Center offers the very best of the Mediterranean by combining Greek and Middle Eastern Specialties to create an unforgettable dining experience. All preparations and cooking are done daily on the premises to give our patrons the freshest seafood and grilled meat selections.

6. Il Capriccio - NJ

4.9

Exceptional(1109)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• Italian • Whippany

Booked 17 times today

The dress code is Elegant Casual, and jackets are preferred for gentlemen, but not required. Proper attire is required. Shorts, Tee-Shirts, and hats are not permitted.Fresh flowers, gentle romantic lighting, chairs you can sink into, and live pianists make for an unforgettable dining experience at Il Capriccio. Knowledgeable and attentive staff further compliment the impeccably prepared fair and carefully selected wines from all over the world. Enjoy Il Capriccio's most recent addition, (weather permitting) the Tuscan inspired courtyard that seats up to 35 guests and makes for a truly "Al Fresco" dining experience.

7. La Cucina Piccola

4.9

Exceptional(615)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Italian • Roseland

Booked 8 times today

La Cucina Piccola is an Italian restaurant in Roseland, NJ. We offer classic cuisine prepared with fresh ingredients daily. Join us for dinner and you'll feel welcomed and well taken care of.

8. Fiorino

4.8

Exceptional(1883)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• Italian • Summit

Booked 34 times today

A taste of Tuscany in downtown summit!!! The expertly prepared food at Fiorino is based on classic dishes of the Tuscany region. The atmosphere is relaxed-upscale, energetic, and friendly.

9. The Highlawn

4.4

Awesome(1491)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• American • West Orange

Booked 20 times today

The Highlawn is a neighborhood gem due to its stunning views, elegant ambiance, and top-notch food. As one reviewer says, 'Exceptional ambiance with a diverse menu and cocktails were delicious. The view cannot be duplicated.' Another remarks, 'Excellent and friendly service. Wonderful atmosphere. Great food!' The restaurant's dedication to making each celebration memorable is evident from its high ratings in ambience and service. Plus, it's been recognized by OpenTable's Diners' Choice Awards for the Top 100 Scenic View Restaurants.

10. Zeugma

4.9

Exceptional(1502)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Mediterranean • Montclair

Booked 47 times today

**Only Fridays and Saturdays ( Only Adults ) We do not accommodate kids after 5pm**We don't guarantee the location of the table, but we try our best to accommodate. We gladly hold the table for 15 minutes grace period.** Outdoor sitting first come first serve.Zeugma Grill offers a distinct menu for its customers that is sure to please the palate. The Mediterranean fusion and modern menu includes mezzes, special entrees, salads, desserts and much more. Try our fresh made and our creations BEET FALAFEL, MANTI(Handmade Mushroom dumpling). Domenico winery also sells their California wines out our restaurant so no need to stop on your way for a bottle. We look forward to serving you. Mediterranean inspired cuisine mixed with all Mediterranean Cities Flavorful herbs and spices combine textures to appease broad-based palates.Our r attentive staff ensures that your entire dining experience at ZEUGMA is stellar from beginning to end.

‘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

F
Frances
New York City •13 reviews
5.0
Dined today
Very friendly, patient, good options and the salads are huge and delicious.
More info
McLoone's BoathousePrice: Moderate• American• West Orange
•
4.5
G
GaryVIP
New York City •15 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
Excellent Service, Food & Spirit(s)! We will be back soon.
More info
Nero's GrillePrice: Moderate• Steakhouse• Livingston
•
4.8
S
Sharon
New York City •1 review
5.0
Dined 6 days ago
Longtime customer since the 90s. One of my favorites. Had a not so great experience with a server a few weeks ago . Mentioned it to the manager, Andrew who said he would make it up to me next time. Indeed he did in my most recent visit by assigning a great server and giving my party complimentary dessert. Great food & even better customer service.
More info
Panevino RistorantePrice: Moderate• Italian• Livingston
•
4.5
R
ROBINVIP
New York City •1052 reviews
5.0
Dined on Mar 2, 2025
This was our first time dining at Mezza. The dining room was decorated nicely, and the service was friendly and accommodating. Our food was wonderful with many culturally familiar entrees and desserts. We enjoyed our visit and will return.
More info
Mezza LivingstonPrice: Expensive• Mediterranean• Livingston
•
4.7
P
PaulaVIP
Atlantic City / South Jersey Shore •26 reviews
5.0
Dined on Feb 23, 2025
The food is delicious and always consistent. The service is friendly and warm.
More info
THAVMA Mediterranean GrillPrice: Moderate• Mediterranean• Livingston
•
4.7

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