Best Casual Restaurants in South Orange

Price

$$
$$$
$$$$

Cuisine

AmericanItalianSteakhouseSeafoodIndianMexican

Regions

BergenEssexHudsonMorrisPassaicUnion

Neighborhoods

BayonneBloomfield, New JerseyCaldwellCedar GroveClarkClifton

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

94 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Pandang - South Orange restaurant

1. Pandang - South Orange

4.7

Exceptional(6)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Sushi • Maplewood

Sushi bar serving Thai & Japanese cuisine, including curries & noodle soups, in an intimate setting. Pandang Restaurant offers authentic and delicious tasting Japanese & Thai cuisine in South Orange, NJ. Pandang's convenient location and affordable prices make our restaurant a natural choice for dine-in, take-out meals in the South Orange community. Our restaurant is known for its variety in taste and high quality fresh ingredients. Come and experience our friendly atmosphere and excellent service.

A photo of McLoone's Boathouse restaurant

2. McLoone's Boathouse

4.5

Awesome(3770)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• American • West Orange

Booked 16 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.

3. Nero's Grille

4.8

Exceptional(724)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Steakhouse • Livingston

Booked 20 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 Benihana - Short Hills, NJ restaurant

4. Benihana - Short Hills, NJ

3.7

Very Good(2626)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Japanese • Short Hills

Booked 33 times today

Welcome to Benihana, a dining experience unlike any other! Our guests are seated at communal tables in groups, where your personal chef will perform the ancient art of Teppanyaki. Watch as we slice and dice, preparing a meal that will dazzle your eyes as well taste buds, whether you choose mouth-watering steak, tender chicken or succulent seafood. You can also enjoy sushi prepared by a talented sushi chef and indulge in a specialty cocktail.

5. La Griglia

4.9

Exceptional(2155)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Italian • Kenilworth

Booked 18 times today

With a unique combination of sophisticated atmosphere, an extensive wine list, and contemporary Italian cuisine, La Griglia offers a taste of Italy far from the ordinary.

A photo of La Famiglia Ristorante and Pizzeria - Maplewood restaurant

6. La Famiglia Ristorante and Pizzeria - Maplewood

4.4

Awesome(10)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Italian • Maplewood

Welcome to our Italian restaurant, where we celebrate the vibrant flavors and rich culinary traditions of Italy. From the moment you step inside, you'll be transported to a cozy and charming setting that evokes the warmth and hospitality of the Italian countryside.Our menu is a carefully crafted selection of classic and modern Italian dishes, made with the freshest and highest quality ingredients available. Start your meal with one of our delicious antipasti, such as our crispy calamari or our creamy burrata with tomatoes and onions.To complement your meal don't forget to save room for dessert - our tiramisu and cannoli are not to be missed.Whether you're looking for a romantic dinner for two or a lively gathering with friends and family, our Italian restaurant is the perfect destination. We can't wait to share our passion for Italian cuisine with you

A photo of NICO Kitchen + Bar restaurant

7. NICO Kitchen + Bar

4.2

Awesome(1899)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Contemporary American • Newark

Booked 4 times today

Unwind from the grind at NICO, Newark's most relaxing space. Savor our American menu and the best fries you've ever had. NICO is the perfect place to meet up with friends after work, enjoy a pre-show meal before your NJPAC performance.. Our award-winning team is always here to bring you good times, great music, and delicious vibes.

A photo of THAVMA Mediterranean Grill restaurant

8. THAVMA Mediterranean Grill

4.7

Exceptional(703)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Mediterranean • Livingston

Booked 3 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 MoonShine - Modern Supper Club restaurant

9. MoonShine - Modern Supper Club

4.1

Excellent(1347)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Contemporary American • Millburn

Contemporary American cooking executed with style, finesse and an "updated" comfort-food sensibility, featuring new takes on retro-classic dishes. MoonShine is a happy amalgam of modern regionally sourced cuisine with approachable, appealing dishes. The beverage program boasts an emphasis on seasonal specialty cocktails – original creations and updates on classics. 30 beers by the bottle and 20 draft lines will delight the palate of even the novice beer enthusiast. Prefer Wine? 50 wines by the glass, in 3- or 6-oz. pours coupled with another 50 bottle Reserve List from Old- and New World, with brief, vivid, helpful descriptions to assist w/selection provide a sanctuary for any professional wine swoosher. MoonShine Modern Supper Club is an instant new classic.

A photo of Crabbae - West Orange restaurant

10. Crabbae - West Orange

4.5

Awesome(116)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Seafood • West Orange

Booked 3 times today

Nestled within Bond’s Tavern, this modern day “speakeasy” brings flavorful large portions of delicious caribbean fusion specialties, music & ambiance.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

F
Frances
New York City •13 reviews
5.0
Dined today
Very friendly, patient, good options and the salads are huge and delicious.
More info
McLoone's BoathousePrice: Moderate• American• West Orange
•
4.5
B
Bill
New York City •9 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
Always a great experience at LaGriglia. From the time you park your car to the greeting from the hostess or host. The food and drink are quite good as well and the service is awesome. I bring a lot of people here because it’s always a good time.
More info
La GrigliaPrice: Moderate• Italian• Kenilworth
•
4.9
G
GaryVIP
New York City •15 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
Excellent Service, Food & Spirit(s)! We will be back soon.
More info
Nero's GrillePrice: Moderate• Steakhouse• Livingston
•
4.8
OT
OpenTable Diner
New York City •2 reviews
5.0
Dined on Mar 1, 2025
Daniel did amazing food was delicious!! We have a great lunch
More info
Benihana - Short Hills, NJPrice: Moderate• Japanese• Short Hills
•
3.7
C
Craig
San Diego •4 reviews
5.0
Dined on Nov 4, 2024
Great service, outstanding menu offerings , big portions and most importantly quality food.
More info
Pandang - South OrangePrice: Moderate• Sushi• Maplewood
•
4.7

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