Best Restaurants for Special Occasions in Livingston

Price

$$
$$$
$$$$

Cuisine

AmericanItalianSteakhouseSeafoodFrenchJapanese

Regions

EssexMorrisPassaicUnion

Neighborhoods

Berkeley HeightsCedar GroveChathamCranfordDenvilleKenilworth

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

41 restaurants available nearby

1. Mezza Livingston

4.7

Exceptional(653)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Mediterranean • Livingston

Booked 1 time 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(717)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Steakhouse • Livingston

Booked 25 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(3765)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• American • West Orange

Booked 12 times today

McLoone's Boathouse is a special occasion spot, offering spectacular views and a variety of American cuisine. Reviews praise the restaurant for its romantic ambiance, exceptional service, and delicious food. One reviewer noted it was the perfect choice for a birthday celebration, and another had a wonderful anniversary dinner there. With its unique location and high ratings, McLoone's Boathouse makes any occasion memorable.

A photo of Scalini Fedeli - Chatham restaurant

4. Scalini Fedeli - Chatham

4.7

Exceptional(2522)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• Italian • Chatham

Booked 12 times today

Scalini Fedeli was opened by chef-owner Michael Cetrulo in 1995 and very quickly became New Jersey's highest rated Italian restaurant. Rated excellent by the New York Times in 1996 and New Jersey's favorite restaurant in Zagat's Survey in 2001 and New Jersey Monthly's best Italian and top 25 overall in 2007. Highlights from the menu include soft egg yolk raviolo with black truffle butter, pignoli crusted salmon with artichoke and mint agnolotti in a light tomato and basil broth and braised short ribs of beef with a cherry pepper and port glaze. Set in an historic building built in 1740, the atmosphere is slightly formal with Tuscan style vaulted ceilings finished with Venetian plaster. Tapestry and antique mirrors adorn the walls.

5. Il Capriccio - NJ

4.9

Exceptional(1104)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• Italian • Whippany

Booked 13 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.

A photo of Ruth's Chris Steak House - Short Hills restaurant

6. Ruth's Chris Steak House - Short Hills

4.7

Exceptional(902)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• Steakhouse • Short Hills

Booked 28 times today

Ruth's Chris Steak House in Short Hills is a favorite for special occasions. Reviewers rave about the 'fabulous' food and 'outstanding' service. It's not just the food that shines, the 'attention to detail' is much appreciated. It's the go-to place for many for special celebrations, making it a perfect place to enjoy 'the perfect night out'.

A photo of THAVMA Mediterranean Grill restaurant

7. THAVMA Mediterranean Grill

4.7

Exceptional(700)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Mediterranean • Livingston

Booked 4 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.

8. The Dining Room

3.8

Excellent(147)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• American • Short Hills

The Dining Room Restuarant at the Hilton Short Hills Hotel - All of the charm… without the formalityThe renowned casual restaurant, 'The Dining Room’ at the Hilton Short Hills Hotel is open for breakfast and lunch with a more relaxed, casual dining experience, suitable for special occasions or business gatherings. Led by Executive Chef Richard Kennedy, our team of experienced chefs have created a contemporary American Bistro menu, sourcing Certified Angus Beef, small-plate portions, local ingredients and delectable homemade desserts. In addition to our new menu, house specialties are offered daily including wine pairings from our wine list. In keeping with the fresh, sophisticated style of the menu, the room has been enhanced with striking artwork by local artist Jim Inzerro, bringing a vibrancy to the space.

9. Fiorino

4.8

Exceptional(1876)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• Italian • Summit

Booked 25 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.

10. The Highlawn

4.3

Awesome(1484)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• American • West Orange

Booked 19 times today

The Highlawn is a special occasion gem. It's been trusted by many for its outstanding food, exceptional service, and beautiful ambiance. Reviews highlight it as the 'go-to for special occasions' and 'unique among NJ fine dining establishments for its elegance'. The place has a breathtaking view, great menu, and professional staff, making every visit special. Whether it's for a birthday, anniversary, or a holiday dinner, The Highlawn ensures a fantastic experience.

‘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

T
Travis
New York City •3 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
We had an awesome experience at the boathouse. Even though it was a holiday, the service was great. The server was very attentive and ensure we had everything we needed. The food was amazing.
More info
McLoone's BoathousePrice: Moderate• American• West Orange
•
4.5
B
BrentVIP
New York City •7 reviews
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
Fabulous dinner in a beautiful restaurant. Best Italian restaurant in northern NJ at least!
More info
Scalini Fedeli - ChathamPrice: Very Expensive• Italian• Chatham
•
4.7
K
KevinVIP
New York City •1 review
5.0
Dined 6 days ago
Always exceptional service and food. I dine here weekly. Always treated like family and the best homemade cannoli on the East coast- hands down.
More info
Il Capriccio - NJPrice: Very Expensive• Italian• Whippany
•
4.9
R
Roberta
San Francisco Bay Area •1 review
5.0
Dined 6 days ago
Excellent business lunch meeting Food & service were outstanding
More info
Nero's GrillePrice: Moderate• Steakhouse• Livingston
•
4.8
P
PeterVIP
New York City •172 reviews
5.0
Dined on Feb 7, 2025
We always enjoy Mezza, and we have brought many people here who also love it. The food is always innovative, excellent, and well presented. The chef and servers are able to work with you to adapt many dishes to meet specific dietary needs. BYOB and there is a wine/beer/liquor store a couple minutes' walk away in the same shopping plaza. Very attractive decor and comfortable. Plenty of free parking. Today we had hummus, tzatziki, lamb shank, whole grilled branzino, and gelato. All excellent. Highly recommended.
More info
Mezza LivingstonPrice: Expensive• Mediterranean• Livingston
•
4.7

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