Enable JavaScript to run this app.
Skip to main content
OpenTable logo
  1. Home
  2. United States
  3. New Jersey

Essex Restaurants

Make a free reservation

visa-intro

Visa Dining Collection

Get exclusive access to primetime reservations at some of the country's hottest restaurants

Book for dinner in New Jersey

View all

Introducing OpenTable Icons

Book the city's award-winners, hot newcomers, and hard-to-get tables.
Book the city's award-winners, hot newcomers, and hard-to-get tables.

Top restaurants this week

Explore what's popular with other diners with these lists, updated weekly.
Explore what's popular with other diners with these lists, updated weekly.

Top booked

  1. A photo of La Grande Boucherie restaurant
    1

    La Grande Boucherie

    Price: Very Expensive
    •
    French
    •
    4.6
    (7646)
    Midtown West
  2. A photo of Gallaghers Steakhouse - Manhattan restaurant
    2

    Gallaghers Steakhouse - Manhattan

    Price: Very Expensive
    •
    Steakhouse
    •
    4.8
    (17775)
    Midtown West
  3. A photo of Bad Roman restaurant
    3

    Bad Roman

    Price: Expensive
    •
    Italian
    •
    4.5
    (2107)
    Upper West Side
  4. A photo of Soothr restaurant
    4

    Soothr

    Price: Expensive
    •
    Thai
    •
    4.7
    (134)
    East Village
  5. A photo of The Smith- Lincoln Square restaurant
    5

    The Smith- Lincoln Square

    Price: Moderate
    •
    American
    •
    4.6
    (12060)
    Lincoln Square
View full list

Top viewed

  1. A photo of Carmine's - 44th Street - NYC restaurant
    1

    Carmine's - 44th Street - NYC

    Price: Moderate
    •
    Italian
    •
    4.6
    (29454)
    Theater District
  2. A photo of STK - NYC - Midtown restaurant
    2

    STK - NYC - Midtown

    Price: Expensive
    •
    Steakhouse
    •
    3.9
    (9408)
    Midtown West
  3. A photo of The Palm Court at The Plaza Hotel restaurant
    3

    The Palm Court at The Plaza Hotel

    Price: Very Expensive
    •
    American
    •
    4.4
    (6603)
    Midtown East
  4. A photo of Papillon Bistro and Bar restaurant
    4

    Papillon Bistro and Bar

    Price: Expensive
    •
    Bistro
    •
    3.9
    (1041)
    Midtown East
  5. A photo of Nubeluz restaurant
    5

    Nubeluz

    Price: Very Expensive
    •
    Cocktail Bar
    •
    4.7
    (556)
    NoMad
View full list

Top saved

  1. A photo of TAO Uptown restaurant
    1

    TAO Uptown

    Price: Expensive
    •
    Pan-Asian
    •
    4.4
    (14439)
    Midtown East
  2. A photo of Catch New York restaurant
    2

    Catch New York

    Price: Expensive
    •
    Seafood
    •
    4.5
    (10138)
    Meatpacking District
  3. A photo of Babbo Ristorante restaurant
    3

    Babbo Ristorante

    Price: Very Expensive
    •
    Italian
    •
    4.4
    (4817)
    Greenwich Village
  4. A photo of ilili restaurant
    4

    ilili

    Price: Expensive
    •
    Lebanese
    •
    4.7
    (7986)
    Gramercy Park
  5. A photo of Craft restaurant
    5

    Craft

    Price: Very Expensive
    •
    American
    •
    4.7
    (7001)
    Gramercy Park
View full list

New restaurants to OpenTable in New Jersey

View all

Award winning restaurants in New Jersey

View all

Check out diners' favorite restaurants in Essex

Updated on

Diners’ Choice Awards are based on where your fellow diners book, dine, and review. Only verified diners get to review restaurants on OpenTable, so our data doesn’t lie.

image 1image 2image 3
Bivio Pizza Napoletana
Diners’ top pick
•
Price: Expensive
•
Pizzeria
•
5
(132)
At Bivio our passion is authentic Neapolitan pizza.
Napoli... our love of the city, its cuisine, and in particular, its pizza is where our story began. We heard time and time again “It’s all about the dough.” True to Neapolitan tradition, and the passion of the pizzaioli, we construct our pizza using “00” flour from Naples, San Marzano DOP tomatoes, extra virgin olive oil, fresh basil, fior di latte or bufala mozzarella, and sea salt. Our dough is gently mixed using a 28 year old “lieveto madre” (natural yeast culture) then with intense heat is baked in our wood burning il forno. At Bivio all of our dishes are made with the freshest and highest quality ingredients.
A photo of Giorgio's Ristorante - South Orange restaurant
Giorgio's Ristorante - South Orange
Price: Expensive
•
Italian
•
4.9
(475)
Giorgio's of South Orange has always been one of the landmarks in the area. Specializing in fine Italian cuisine and catering, we have a wide range of signature soups, salads and of course, our special, main-course, all-time favorite items.
A photo of Tops Diner restaurant
Tops Diner
Price: Moderate
•
American
•
4.8
(1607)
Ever since Tops Diner was established in 1942, our focus has always been to serve what our customers want, exactly when and how they want it. As the American dining culture shifts, we recognize we must strive to recreate the 1920’s renaissance that birthed the diner as we know it today, all the while preserving the historical and cultural identity that made Tops Diner the model all others hope to emulate.
By constantly evolving, we ensure our ability to provide a diverse menu of high quality options with the speed of service we’ve all become accustomed to, providing the uniquely satisfying experience synonymous with the Tops Diner name. Our hope is that we can grow as our clients do, and continue to serve both our Newark family, and our community at large.
image 1image 2image 3
Nami Nori - Montclair
Top-rated food
•
Price: Expensive
•
Japanese
•
4.8
(15)
Nami Nori is a casual, Japanese restaurant specializing in open-style temaki hand rolls, located in Montclair. The menu features signature hand rolls, including crunchy varieties, as well as classic versions, and a special vegan section. Japanese-inspired dishes from the kitchen and desserts are also on offer.
We accept reservations up to 30 days in advance. Please note that the grace period is 10 minutes for guests who are running late. We kindly ask that guests respect our dinner seating times of 1 hr 30 minutes for parties up to 3 and 2 hours for parties of 4-5, and 2 hr 30 minutes for parties of 6 or more.
Featured Menu items:
Spicy Crab Dynamite Temaki
Tuna Poke with Crispy Shallots Temaki
Avocado "Toast" Temaki
Spicy Tuna Dip with Crispy Rice Chips
A photo of Zeugma restaurant
Zeugma
Price: Moderate
•
Mediterranean
•
4.8
(1431)
**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.
A photo of LuNello Restaurant restaurant
LuNello Restaurant
Price: Expensive
•
Italian
•
4.9
(1139)
Since 1990, Chef Seger's use of unique ingredients, homemade pastas, and innovative specials has created a loyal following. His modern flair mixed with traditional culinary skills has created a whirlwind of praise. You will not see seafood options on the regular menu for one reason; All our Seafood is wild not farm raised and we carry ONLY what is available and offer them as our daily specials.
General Manager Stephanie Voulgaris
Floor Manager Henry Calderon
Sommelier Stephanie Voulgaris
LuNello has gone right to the source when purchasing ingredients and each dish reflects the attention placed into its preparation. All our meats in our menu have grown and purchased from meat purveyors that there is no use of antibiotics or hormones. Enticing presentation and courteous and professional staff are integral to LuNello's success. We are also excited to offer Wine Dinners and special events hosted in our private event spaces. We look forward to making your experience with us a special one!
image 1image 2image 3
Mompou Tapas Bar - Newark
Top-rated hospitality
•
Price: Moderate
•
Tapas / Small Plates
•
4.9
(184)
Inspired by the ​creative and ​energetic essence of the tapas culture of Spain, ​​Mompou​ endeavors to introduce​ our guests to the beauty of our ​vibrant ​homeland through​ a combination of​ modern interpretations of traditional Spanish cuisine, innovative​ cocktails, and ​small vintner wine selections​. Our thoughtful​ and heartfelt​ approach to menu development, flavor combinations, and plating​,​ take center stage​.​ ​This is complemented ​by our ​focus ​on extraordinary service and ​our guest​’s​ overall experience.
Mompou​:​ redefining the Ironbound​​ experience since 2005.
A photo of La Cucina Piccola restaurant
La Cucina Piccola
Price: Moderate
•
Italian
•
4.7
(580)
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.
A photo of Samba - Montclair restaurant
Samba - Montclair
Price: Moderate
•
Brazilian
•
4.8
(879)
Homestyle Brazilian fare served in a stylish, rustic space with antique pots & vintage tableware.
Samba is now the only restaurant certified as a gluten-free restaurant in New Jersey from the Gluten Intolerance Group (GIG). @glutendotorg . We are not conforming to a trend. Due to personal experience, gluten
sensitivity is a very serious matter. For the safety of others who are gluten-free, no outside food or cakes will be allowed in the restaurant.
image 1image 2image 3
Lithos Estiatorio
Great vibe
•
Price: Expensive
•
Greek
•
4.8
(1252)
As you enter this newly remodeled restaurant, your eyes will immediately be brought to our open fish display with fresh whole fish from the Mediterranean and sustainably farmed as well. In addition our selection of quality meats and poultry will entice the palette of all culinary preferences. Our newly-remodeled covered patio can accommodate up to 40 people. We have an outdoor bar. You will delight in the simplicity, our respect for the food and allowing the quality of the ingredients to speak for themselves. Our mission is simply to bring friends and family together to enjoy old world flavors presented with a passion for excellence in dining and hospitality.
A photo of DelMonico restaurant
DelMonico
Price: Moderate
•
Steakhouse
•
4.6
(587)
DelMonico is not your average steakhouse. We offer an affordable casual dining experience with a wide variety of food options.
A photo of Sayola Montclair Restaurant restaurant
Sayola Montclair Restaurant
Price: Expensive
•
Spanish
•
4.7
(324)
After many names were considered, only one truly represented our mission. We are driven to provide an authentic spanish dining experience, pleasurable ambience, and outstanding service from our staff. The name had to stand for a future legacy. Therefore SAYOLA comes from the names of the proprietors children: SAndra, YOrett, and LAzaro. Visit us for a unique fine dinning experience.
image 1image 2image 3
Assado Steakhouse
Great budget-friendly spot
•
Price: Moderate
•
Steakhouse
•
4.8
(491)
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 Laboratorio Kitchen restaurant
Laboratorio Kitchen
Price: Moderate
•
Italian
•
4.7
(2328)
Laboratorio Kitchen offers guests a modern atmosphere paired with seasonal food and tender service. We are a BYOB restaurant. Chef/Owner James DeSisto has a seasonal a la carte menu featuring fresh seafood, pasta, steaks, and appetizers. In addition there is a chef’s special menu featuring local and seasonal food from all over NJ, PA, and NY please keep in mind this menu changes weekly. Chef DeSisto also has gluten free and vegan options for guests as well. Our outdoor patio is weather permitting, if we cannot accommodate outside due to weather we will move you inside depending on availability. Some must try’s are the giant meatball, house made pastas, steak au poivre or our delicious day boat scallops!! Do not skip dessert everything from start to finish will be memorable, so come in and enjoy culinary excellence with us!
A photo of Casa de Paco restaurant
Casa de Paco
Price: Moderate
•
Tapas / Small Plates
•
4.6
(346)
Tapas bar that truly exemplifies Spanish culture. Weekly updated menus with only the freshest of ingredients paired with exquisite Spanish wines, craft beers and delicious sangrias.
Rated #1 Paella in New Jersey by Yelp and Nj.com
Winner of Newark's Best Cocktail 2019-2023
Party rooms available, outdoor patio.

Outdoor dining in New Jersey

View all

See what locals rave about in Essex

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Alexis
    New York City •3 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    Absolutely lovely birthday dinner with our granddaughter. Service and ambiance were both wonderful!
    More info
    McLoone's BoathousePrice: Moderate• American• West Orange
    •
    4.2
  • nancy
    New York City •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    What a view on this clear night! Service, from valet, hostess, coat room, food runner, waiter, table clearer between courses all were friendly, knew the answers about menu and were all professional, warm and friendly. I cannot say enough about the menu, our salads and entree followed by shared dessert were plated beautifully, seasoned to perfection, and a delicious blend of flavors. I definitely recommend this restaurant for a diverse menu that would satisfy all in your party.
    More info
    The HighlawnPrice: Expensive• American• West Orange
    •
    4.4
  • Cynthia
    New York City •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    Amazing per usual! Staff, food & location 5 stars all around of if I could rate higher I would!
    More info
    Nami Nori - MontclairPrice: Expensive• Japanese• Montclair
    •
    4.8
  • Kara
    New York City •3 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    Had an amazing time at Djamal for my wife’s birthday!!!! Would 1,000% recommend to anyone looking for a good vibe!! The food is also amazing.
    More info
    Dhamaal - MontclairPrice: Moderate• Indian• Montclair
    •
    4.5
  • Chrisvip
    Virginia •6 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    We LOVE the food @ Zeugma, SO many great choices on the menu; The service is attentive, friendly and professional. We keep returning because we love everything about Zeugma SO much. It is so hard to, but please try to leave room for desert. PLEASE order their incredible pistachio ice cream; home made, with just the right amount of sweet and nutty. Fresh ground nuts on top !
    More info
    ZeugmaPrice: Moderate• Mediterranean• Montclair
    •
    4.8

Trending dishes in Essex

Explore dishes that diners are raving about
Chocolate Souffle
Chocolate Souffle
Basilico
•
4.7
Rigatoni Bolognese
Rigatoni Bolognese
Spuntino Wine Bar and Italian Tapas
•
4.6
New England Clam Chowder
New England Clam Chowder
Legal Sea Foods - Short Hills
•
4.1
Porterhouse
Porterhouse
Hawksmoor NYC
•
4.5
BEC Paella
BEC Paella
Socarrat Paella Bar - Chelsea
•
4.5
Lamb Chops
Lamb Chops
Taverna Mykonos
•
4.7

Restaurant experiences trending in New Jersey

View all
Private Dining Logo

Private Dining

Find the perfect place for your next holiday party or group dining event.

Private Dining

Find the perfect place for your next holiday party or group dining event.

Dining around Essex Hot Spots

Frequently asked questions

The best reviewed restaurant in Essex is Willow & Whisk - Millburn

The best vegan restaurants in Essex are Samba - Montclair, Zeugma and Dhamaal - Montclair

The best vegetarian restaurants in Essex are Tops Diner, Dervish Turkish Restaurant and Dhamaal - Montclair

The restaurants with the best service in Essex are Willow & Whisk - Millburn, Pandang - South Orange and Avenue Bistro Pub

The restaurants with the best ambiance in Essex are Willow & Whisk - Millburn, Pandang - South Orange and The Dining Room

Discover
OpenTable
  • About Us
  • Blog
  • Careers
  • Press
More
Our sites
Businesses
  • Delight more diners
  • Open for Business Blog
Join us on
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Cookies and Interest-Based Ads
  • Cookie Preferences
Copyright © 2024 OpenTable, Inc. 1 Montgomery St Ste 500, San Francisco CA 94104 - All rights reserved.
OpenTable is part of Booking Holdings, the world leader in online travel and related services.
Booking Logo
Priceline Logo
KAYAK Logo
Agoda Logo
OpenTable Logo