Best Neighborhood Gem Restaurants in Livingston

Price

$$
$$$
$$$$

Cuisine

AmericanItalianSteakhouseSeafoodFrenchJapanese

Regions

EssexMorrisPassaicUnion

Neighborhoods

Berkeley HeightsCedar GroveChathamCranfordDenvilleFairfield, 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

BarStandardHigh TopOutdoor

Accessibility

Gender-neutral restroomWheelchair access

41 restaurants available nearby

1. Mezza Livingston

4.7

Exceptional(653)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Mediterranean • Livingston

Booked 10 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(717)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Steakhouse • Livingston

Booked 16 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(3764)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• American • West Orange

Booked 24 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(959)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Italian • Livingston

Booked 9 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(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.

A photo of Scalini Fedeli - Chatham restaurant

6. Scalini Fedeli - Chatham

4.7

Exceptional(2522)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• Italian • Chatham

Booked 10 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.

7. Il Capriccio - NJ

4.9

Exceptional(1104)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• Italian • Whippany

Booked 10 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.

8. La Cucina Piccola

4.8

Exceptional(608)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Italian • Roseland

Booked 5 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.

9. Fiorino

4.8

Exceptional(1876)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• Italian • Summit

Booked 18 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. Zeugma

4.9

Exceptional(1487)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Mediterranean • Montclair

Booked 33 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.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

V
Veronica
New York City •8 reviews
4.0
Dined 2 days ago
The entertainment was very loud, where you could hear conversations or them calling your name while you were waiting. I asked for bread and the dip that they give was a bowl of oil.
More info
McLoone's BoathousePrice: Moderate• American• West Orange
•
4.5
R
Rich
New York City •1 review
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
Great food and great service. One of the restaurants around.
More info
THAVMA Mediterranean GrillPrice: Moderate• Mediterranean• Livingston
•
4.7
R
Roberta
San Francisco Bay Area •1 review
5.0
Dined 5 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
A
Amy
New York City •1 review
5.0
Dined on Dec 19, 2024
Good as always and the new decor is beautiful! Our waitress was sweet and was very attentive.
More info
Panevino RistorantePrice: Moderate• Italian• Livingston
•
4.5

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