Where to Eat in Livingston: The Best Restaurants and Bars

April 14, 2018 Natalie Tallman

Livingston is a township in Essex County, New Jersey, United States. As of the 2010 United States Census, the township's population was 29,366, reflecting an increase of 1,975 (+7.2%) from the 27,391 counted in the 2000 Census, which had in turn increased by 782 (+2.9%) from the 26,609 counted in the 1990 Census.
Things to do in Livingston

1. Thavma Mediterranean Grill

6230 Town Center Way, Livingston, NJ 07039-2987 (Formerly It's Greek to Me) Wheelchair Accessible, Takeout, Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Free Off-Street Parking, Accepts American Express, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Accepts Discover, Accepts Credit Cards Mediterranean, Greek, Vegetarian Friendly, Gluten Free Options, Vegan Options Lunch, Dinner SGD 13 - SGD 35 +1 973-992-8999
Excellent
36%
Good
51%
Satisfactory
12%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 116 reviews

Thavma Mediterranean Grill

Reviewed By ams44 - New Jersey

Went with a group of 10. (You need to make a reservation fort group this size as there are only 1 or 2 options to place tables together for this size group. Service was prompt and very pleasant. Food pricing is reasonable and there is a nice variety (though it seems not as much as there used to be). During the entrée service, the waiter spills a dish on someone's clothing but the manager made good by comping that dish to help defray the cleaning costs. The food was very good and service was fine, but at one point when we wanted to get more water, we had to search around for a waiter.

2. Sweet Basil's Cafe

498 S Livingston Ave, Livingston, NJ 07039-4352 Takeout, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Valet Parking, Free Off-Street Parking, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Accepts American Express, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Accepts Discover, Accepts Credit Cards American, Vegetarian Friendly, Gluten Free Options Breakfast, Lunch, Brunch, Dinner +1 973-994-3600
Excellent
44%
Good
42%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
2%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 126 reviews

Sweet Basil's Cafe

Reviewed By Runnerny2244 - South Orange, New Jersey

We stopped in here on a Friday afternoon. The place was busy, but we got a table pretty quickly. All of the food was really goo. I loved the burger that I tried. Service wAs excellent. Will come here again!

3. Lithos Estiatorio

405 Eisenhower Pkwy, Livingston, NJ 07039-1000 Takeout, Valet Parking, Television, Reservations, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Wine and Beer, Accepts American Express, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Accepts Discover, Outdoor Seating, Private Dining, Highchairs Available, Free Wifi Mediterranean, Greek, Seafood, Gluten Free Options, Vegetarian Friendly Brunch, Dinner, Lunch SGD 20 - SGD 66 +1 973-758-1111
Excellent
52%
Good
27%
Satisfactory
14%
Poor
5%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 169 reviews

Lithos Estiatorio

Greek Inspired Mediterranean Cuisine in a Modern and Warm Environment.

Reviewed By PatentGod - Bridgewater, New Jersey

Was at Lithos in January 2018 for a business meeting. There was ample off-street parking. The dinner was in a room in the basement, so parking by the back door preferred. There were several meal choices (picture) of which I picked mousaka (picture). The baklava (picture) was nicely presented and tasty. The (men's) bathroom was pleasant.
Of negatives, the hostess was abrupt and a bit rude. The wifi required sign-on to Facebook. The "coke" tasted like RC. The prices are a bit expensive for what is obtained.

4. Panevino Ristorante

637 W Mount Pleasant Ave, Livingston, NJ 07039-1609 Takeout, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Free Off-Street Parking, Television, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Accepts American Express, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Free Wifi, Accepts Discover, Reservations, Accepts Credit Cards Italian, Pizza, Gluten Free Options, Vegetarian Friendly Lunch, Dinner, Brunch SGD 39 - SGD 39 +1 973-535-6160
Excellent
33%
Good
40%
Satisfactory
20%
Poor
6%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 163 reviews

Panevino Ristorante

Panevino Ristorante is an Italian Livingston NJ restaurant open for lunch, dinner, takeout, private events and parties. Featuring an outdoor bar and patio for dining and catering private events, and a child-friendly atmosphere, Panevino is considered the best Italian restaurant Livingston NJ has to offer. The menu at this Italian restaurant highlights traditional favorites including Neapolitan pizza, fresh seafood, and homemade pasta as well as gluten-free pastas. Visit Panevino Ristorante to experience one of the best Italian restaurants NJ has to offer.

Reviewed By berniemcg29 - NYNY, USA

Tonight four of us went to an area Italian restaurant for the first time in many years and were happily pleased by the food and service and disappointed by the noise volume throughout the venue.

Panevino Ristorante has been located on Rt 10 in Livingston for maybe 20 years and has been known for excellent food. We were not left wanting for delicious taste.

Two of us had the Tagliolini with shrimp, spinach and a great, tangy red sauce that was light, hearty and plentiful for the dish. It had a wonderful flavor and a perfect portion size. One had the chicken special that was baked to perfection, juicy and tasty. The last entree was the eggplant parmigiana - also well received. All of the dishes were clean and sauce soaked up with excellent bread.

The dessert portion of the meal was equally delicious. We shared marscapone (sp)cheesecake - flaky crust, delicious filling. Two has a dark chocolate Bonet with fresh whip cream - a winner.

We had a wonderful meal, delicious and tasty food at a decent table (even being close to the waiter’s table and restrooms). The service from Josip was flawless.

However, the restaurant suffers from a fateful flaw. The rooms are excessively noisy. I’m unclear what the specifics are for the unpleasant volume, but I think that the low ceilings and hard-surface walls contribute to the din. The artwork on the walls are friendly and inviting, but there is nothing in the restaurant to lower the conversation level all around us. I had walked around the busy rooms on this Thursday evening and noted the common levels throughout.

Happily, we had a fine dinner and good time at Panevino. We all agreed that we would return to the restaurant again for the food and service. Hopefully the management will do something to make the dining environment more pleasurable.

5. Eppes Essen

105 E Mount Pleasant Ave, Livingston, NJ 07039-3005 Takeout, Reservations, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible American, Soups, Kosher, Vegetarian Friendly, Gluten Free Options Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Brunch +1 973-994-1120
Excellent
36%
Good
34%
Satisfactory
20%
Poor
4%
Terrible
6%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 124 reviews

Eppes Essen

Reviewed By Kathy H - Blairstown, New Jersey

Went down to a Dr's visit in Livingston and asked for a recommendation on a Jewish Deli. The nurse didn't hesitate and gave me directions. It is without question the best Hot Pastrami sandwich I have had since Kartzman's Deli and Bakery in Newark/Irvington closed years ago. I ordered Pastrami, rye bread, mustard separately since I had an hours drive home. The Pastrami was wrapped tightly in doll and we had HOT Pastrami when I reach d home. Potato salad excellent as well as chopped liver, pickles and halavah.

6. Ritz Diner

72 E Mount Pleasant Ave, Livingston, NJ 07039-3004 Takeout, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible American, Diner, Vegetarian Friendly Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, Late Night +1 973-533-1213
Excellent
21%
Good
46%
Satisfactory
20%
Poor
9%
Terrible
4%
Overall Ratings

3.5 based on 171 reviews

Ritz Diner

Reviewed By Richard S - Livingston nj

The fish served at the Ritz is comparable to that served in the finest restaurants. The hamburger very slightly exceeds the best that Burger King has to offer??????

7. Nana's Deli

127 S Livingston Ave, Livingston, NJ 07039-3010 Takeout, Seating American, Delicatessen Lunch, Dinner +1 973-740-1940
Excellent
52%
Good
40%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
2%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 45 reviews

Nana's Deli

Reviewed By Sunshine34500 - West Orange, New Jersey

When you desire truly Home-Made "everything", one visits Nana's Deli plus much more. A neighborhood gem for many years, still making his Mom's secret Tunafish recipe for sandwiches. For the Jewish Holidays, this is unbeatable. The Brisket and Chicken Soup are amazing. Their Garlic Italian Bread is like no ones and you can order it in bulk for a party. Dr. Browns' Sodas and lunch area as well.

8. Nero's Grille

618 S Livingston Ave, Livingston, NJ 07039-5413 Takeout, Reservations, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Valet Parking, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Private Dining American, Steakhouse Lunch, Dinner, Late Night SGD 26 - SGD 39 +1 973-994-1971
Excellent
31%
Good
40%
Satisfactory
17%
Poor
7%
Terrible
5%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 92 reviews

Nero's Grille

Reviewed By GlobalVilla9er - New York City

Nero's Grille is a family restaurant that serves traditional American cuisine. I had some good soft shell crabs over pasta. My wife had some nice fish and the kids had chicken strips. All were good, but nothing imaginative. The restaurant was very helpful and careful in regards to my son's peanut allergy, which was much appreciated. I liked this place, but it was a bit expensive for a standard traditional meal.

9. Jerusalem West

99 W Mount Pleasant Ave, Livingston, NJ 07039-2928 Takeout, Seating, Wheelchair Accessible Middle Eastern, Israeli, American, Pizza, Mediterranean, Sushi, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Kosher Lunch, Dinner, Brunch +1 973-533-1424
Excellent
40%
Good
49%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
2%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 42 reviews

Jerusalem West

Reviewed By bocaberger - Livingston, New Jersey

Let me start by saying this is a very casual counter service restaurant with cafeteria style service and tables. This is not a sit down waiter service restaurant. It is a Kosher restaurant as well, which means it is closed on Saturday.

Jerusalem Restaurant has consistently been excellent for as long as I have been going there (over 20 years). If you are interested in Mediterranean style food, they have it all. Chumus, babaganoosh, every type of salad you could think of. What I love about the place are their dinner plates, that allow you to choose any three items behind the counter. Food is clearly prepared fresh, and every day the variety switches up just enough to keep you interested week after week to return. I would say I eat here at least once a week, sometimes more.

For those of you interested in Pizza, they have very unusual vegetarian pizzas, for example, Pepperoni, Sausage and onion, Taco pie, Baked ziti pie, stuffed crust, and many more.

There is also a fish selection each day and always a small sushi bar, producing decent sushi on the smaller side. (I would not come here for the sushi, but it certainly is not bad, its just not a sushi restaurant).

Favorite Dishes: Jerusalem plate (5 different Mediterranean salads and falafel balls and a couple of pita breads), enough to share. I am also a huge fan of the teriyaki salmon.

10. Anthony Marra's Restaurant

18 E Mount Pleasant Ave, Livingston, NJ 07039-3002 Takeout, Reservations, Seating, Waitstaff, Wheelchair Accessible Italian, Pizza Dinner, Lunch +1 973-992-8911
Excellent
26%
Good
57%
Satisfactory
15%
Poor
2%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 38 reviews

Anthony Marra's Restaurant

Reviewed By SueDale - Staten Island, New York

Went to Marra's for dinner last Saturday evening. It's a good thing that we had a reservation. This restaurant is small and it gets crowded!! The room is pretty. The service is thoughtful and cheerful. The food was very good. I recommend the chopped salad and pizza for starters. Both were exceptionally good. I had whole wheat penne pasta with shrimp in a flavorful red sauce. My husband had chicken Marvin which he thoroughly enjoyed. For dessert, we each had a tasty cappuccino and a tartufo. My only critique is the noise level but it will not stop me from going back......

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