Best Restaurants for Outdoor Dining in Short Hills

Price

$$
$$$
$$$$

Cuisine

AmericanItalianSteakhouseSeafoodFrenchSpanish

Regions

EssexMorrisSomersetUnion

Neighborhoods

Basking RidgeCranfordFairfield, New JerseyLivingstonMillburnMontclair

Top Rated

CharmingFancyGood for business mealsGood for groupsGood for special occasionsGreat for brunch

Dining Options

All dining options

Delivery only

Takeout only

Seating Options

BarCounterStandardHigh TopOutdoor

Accessibility

Wheelchair access

30 restaurants available nearby

How are Featured results ranked

1. Nero's Grille

4.7

Exceptional(745)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Steakhouse • Livingston

Booked 19 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.

2. La Pergola BYOB

4.7

Exceptional(1724)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Italian • Millburn

Booked 27 times today

Indoor and Outdoor dinning . BYOB *Outdoor dinning weather permitted.Nestled in the heart of Millburn, walking distance from Paper Mill Playhouse, La Pergola has curated a delightful outdoor garden dining experience in addition to our signature indoor space. Now whether you prefer to dine surrounded by the lush, flower-filled beauty of nature or in the candlelit elegance of our chic interior, we look forward to serving you the region's best Northern Italian cuisine in style! Please specify your choice with your reservation.To access the outdoor dinning go around to the back of Fidelity Bank. Follow LA PERGOLA GARDEN signs. Bring along your favorite bottle of wine or champagne. LA PERGOLA IS BYOB Open 7Days Lunch and Dinner: 11:30 am to 10pmOrders to go is Pick Up before 6pm!

A photo of Providence Bar and Kitchen restaurant

3. Providence Bar and Kitchen

4.7

Exceptional(704)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Italian • Summit

Booked 3 times today

Eclectic Cuisine with a newly added full-service bar, the very first bar ever in New Providence, NJ.Named “Top 15 Best Outdoor Dining From Philadelphia to NYC” from OpenTable.Named “One of the Best Outdoor Seatings in NJ” from multiple magazines with overhead heaters and retractable awning.

A photo of McLoone's Boathouse restaurant

4. McLoone's Boathouse

4.0

Excellent(3839)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• American • West Orange

Booked 30 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 THAVMA Mediterranean Grill restaurant

5. THAVMA Mediterranean Grill

4.7

Exceptional(712)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Mediterranean • Livingston

Booked 16 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 Panevino Ristorante restaurant

6. Panevino Ristorante

4.4

Awesome(969)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Italian • Livingston

Booked 10 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.

7. Mezza Livingston

4.4

Awesome(671)

$$$$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 Giorgio's Ristorante - South Orange restaurant

8. Giorgio's Ristorante - South Orange

4.8

Exceptional(527)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Italian • South Orange

Booked 4 times today

Giorgio's of South Orange has always been one of the landmarks in the area. Specializing in fine Italian cuisine and catering, we have a wide range of signature soups, salads and of course, our special, main-course, all-time favorite items.

A photo of Felina Steak - South Orange restaurant

9. Felina Steak - South Orange

4.3

Awesome(64)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Italian • South Orange

Booked 22 times today

Felina Steak South Orange is the latest chapter in the Felina story, carrying forward the award-winning legacy of Felina Ridgewood, Felina Summit, and Felina Steak Jersey City. Rooted in our signature blend of red sauce luxury and New Jersey attitude, Felina Steak brings bold flavors, impeccable hospitality, craft cocktails, and familiar Italian American cuisine to a vibrant new setting.We’re proud to be part of the South Orange community and are open for dinner Tuesday through Sunday from 5PM to 10PM, and for brunch on Saturdays and Sundays from 12PM to 3PM.Outdoor dining is now available, weather permitting — reservations are required.Reserve your table today!

10. 1776 - Morristown

4.4

Awesome(74)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• American • Morristown

Booked 73 times today

Experience 1776 MorristownEscape to 1776 Morristown, a beautifully designed destination perfect for gathering with friends, family, and coworkers. Enjoy our delicious cuisine and the exciting atmosphere of our main dining room, paired with the unique experience of the Topgolf Swing Suite. Together, these elements create a one-of-a-kind venue that truly sets us apart.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

A
AbbyVIP
New York City •22 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
Always a great cocktail and always delicious food!
More info
Nero's GrillePrice: Moderate• Steakhouse• Livingston
•
4.7
R
ReQuan
New York City •1 review
5.0
Dined 6 days ago
The service was excellent, the food was tasteful, the scenery was exquisite, and the atmosphere was very welcoming. Thank you & I’ll be back numerous times.
More info
La Pergola BYOBPrice: Expensive• Italian• Millburn
•
4.7
R
RobertVIP
New York City •1 review
5.0
Dined on Jul 17, 2025
We were very impressed with all aspects of Providence Bar & Kitchen. The staff was so friendly and the food was perfect. Definitely will come back.
More info
Providence Bar and KitchenPrice: Expensive• Italian• Summit
•
4.7
S
Sarah-Ann
New York City •10 reviews
5.0
Dined on Jul 17, 2025
Very good service and food. I love dining at this restaurant.
More info
McLoone's BoathousePrice: Moderate• American• West Orange
•
4
M
MartinVIP
New York City •27 reviews
5.0
Dined on Jun 28, 2025
This is a real neighborhood gem, with great food and friendly, prompt service.
More info
THAVMA Mediterranean GrillPrice: Moderate• Mediterranean• Livingston
•
4.7

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