Best Restaurants for Special Occasions in Livingston

Price

€€
€€€
€€€€

Cuisine

AmericanItalianSteakhouseSeafoodFrenchJapanese

Regions

EssexMorrisPassaicUnion

Areas

Cedar GroveChathamCranfordKenilworthLittle FallsLivingston

Top Rated

CharmingDog-friendlyFancyGood for business mealsGood for groupsGood for special occasions

Dining Options

All dining options

Delivery only

Takeaway only

Seating options

BarCounterStandardHigh TopOutdoor

Accessibility

Gender-neutral toiletWheelchair access

35 restaurants available nearby

1. Mezza Livingston

4.7

Exceptional(654)

€€€€Price: Expensive

• Mediterranean • Livingston

Booked 9 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

4.5

Awesome(3769)

€€€€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

3. Scalini Fedeli - Chatham

4.7

Exceptional(2532)

€€€€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.

4. Il Capriccio - NJ

4.9

Exceptional(1109)

€€€€Price: Very Expensive

• Italian • Whippany

Booked 12 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

5. Ruth's Chris Steak House - Short Hills

4.7

Exceptional(913)

€€€€Price: Very Expensive

• Steakhouse • Short Hills

Booked 19 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

6. 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.

7. 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.

8. Fiorino

4.8

Exceptional(1882)

€€€€Price: Very Expensive

• Italian • Summit

Booked 27 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 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.

10. Rails Steakhouse

4.6

Exceptional(3726)

€€€€Price: Expensive

• Steakhouse • Montville

Booked 59 times today

Rails Steakhouse is a modern American steakhouse offering carefully selected USDA Prime and CAB corn-fed beef, dry-aged a minimum of 28 days on-premise & hand-cut daily. We offer modern and contemporary dishes, including sustainable fresh seafood, homemade desserts, and an award-winning wine list recognized by Wine Spectator. Attention to detail can be seen in this beautiful 20,000 sq. ft., restaurant where sprawling timber meets natural stonewalls, accents of glass showcase fire-and-water features in this luxe lodge. While all levels feature the same menu, the main dining room has a more sophisticated ambiance and Rafters on the second floor has a more casual lodge appeal. Descend to the lower level to find the secret passage that takes you to the wine cave, and Thirty 3, a speakeasy-style bar and lounge. Dine al fresco on our outdoor terraces offering spectacular views of the Pyramid Mountains. Most importantly, we want you to feel at home where our hospitality is second to none.

‘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

OT
OpenTable Diner
New York City •1 review
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
We were offered a stool for our purses! Warm and welcoming.
More info
Il Capriccio - NJPrice: Very Expensive• Italian• Whippany
•
4.9
SM
SherwinM
New York City •2 reviews
5.0
Dined on 5 Mar 2025
Had a great 2 year anniversary dinner, the ribeye was excellent, my lady had the lobster tail which she enjoyed very much. Would definitely go again. The staff was very accommodating, we showed up before the reserved time and we're seated immediately. Thank you for your hospitality.
More info
Ruth's Chris Steak House - Short HillsPrice: Very Expensive• Steakhouse• Short Hills
•
4.7
OT
OpenTable Diner
New York City •1 review
5.0
Dined on 3 Mar 2025
We love this place! Everything about it is amazing. We've been coming here for years for all special occasions and it never disappoints.
More info
Scalini Fedeli - ChathamPrice: Very Expensive• Italian• Chatham
•
4.7
R
ROBINVIP
New York City •1052 reviews
5.0
Dined on 2 Mar 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
T
Theresa
1 review
5.0
Dined on 28 Feb 2025
Nice place, tasty food i recommend. The white sangria and the bbq wings
More info
McLoone's BoathousePrice: Moderate• American• West Orange
•
4.5

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