Diners' Choice: Best Service restaurants in Essex

OpenTable

Updated July 05, 2025

Looking for restaurants with the best service in Essex? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyzes nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favorite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

La Cucina Piccola

4.8

4.8 (650)

$30 and under

Italian

Roseland

About the restaurant

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.

Top review

JamesVIP

Dined 4 days ago

Remains our favorite local spot and is one of the best Italian restaurants in NJ. Food is consistently delicious. They always have great specials in addition to the regular menu and service is always excellent.

Bivio Pizza Napoletana

4.9

4.9 (218)

$31 to $50

Pizzeria

Montclair

About the restaurant

At Bivio our passion is authentic Neapolitan pizza.
Napoli... our love of the city, its cuisine, and in particular, its pizza is where our story began. We heard time and time again “It’s all about the dough.” True to Neapolitan tradition, and the passion of the pizzaioli, we construct our pizza using “00” flour from Naples, San Marzano DOP tomatoes, extra virgin olive oil, fresh basil, fior di latte or bufala mozzarella, and sea salt. Our dough is gently mixed using a 28 year old “lieveto madre” (natural yeast culture) then with intense heat is baked in our wood burning il forno. At Bivio all of our dishes are made with the freshest and highest quality ingredients.

Top review

andrewVIP

Dined 6 days ago

Absolutely amazing!!!!! Pizza and salads are incredibly

Lumis

4.8

4.8 (431)

$30 and under

Italian

Fairfield, New Jersey

About the restaurant

Lumis is dedicated to delivering the finest Italian cuisine with one of the most innovative and interesting menus. Our extensive ala carte menu is sure to appeal to even the finest of palates, as well as a wide variety of fine imported and domestic wines and cocktails in a beautiful multi-room venue. Great for intimate or large parties for lunch or dinner being served by professional old school waiters in the heart of Fairfield.

Top review

StevenVIP

Dined on Jun 28, 2025

Another really good dinner,great food and service

Sapori Ristorante - Montclair

4.8

4.8 (709)

$31 to $50

Italian

Montclair

About the restaurant

Welcome to Sapori Ristorante, where we’ve been delighting taste buds for 20 years! Recently restored, our charming eatery now features a vibrant, inviting atmosphere that perfectly complements our exciting new menu. With our personal experience from around the world, we are bringing you the best taste of authentic Italian flavors, crafted from the finest ingredients and traditional recipes.

Whether you’re enjoying a classic pasta dish or one of our innovative new creations, every bite promises to transport you straight to Italy. Join us for a memorable dining experience that celebrates two decades of culinary excellence!

Top review

Elena

Dined 1 day ago

We had a great dining experience. The burrata and filet mignon were both delicious. The place has a warm and cozy atmosphere, perfect for a nice evening out.

Giorgio's Ristorante - South Orange

4.9

4.9 (525)

$31 to $50

Italian

South Orange

About the restaurant

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.

Top review

LarryVIP

Dined on Jul 1, 2025

Delicious meal! I had the Chicken Portofino. So good! Loved hearing the live jazz featuring Kate Baker too!

Tops Diner

4.8

4.8 (2058)

$30 and under

American

Newark

About the restaurant

Ever since Tops Diner was established in 1942, our focus has always been to serve what our customers want, exactly when and how they want it. As the American dining culture shifts, we recognize we must strive to recreate the 1920’s renaissance that birthed the diner as we know it today, all the while preserving the historical and cultural identity that made Tops Diner the model all others hope to emulate.

By constantly evolving, we ensure our ability to provide a diverse menu of high quality options with the speed of service we’ve all become accustomed to, providing the uniquely satisfying experience synonymous with the Tops Diner name. Our hope is that we can grow as our clients do, and continue to serve both our Newark family, and our community at large.

Top review

Mildred

Dined 6 days ago

Sky was very sweet and so pleasant and our food was super yummy it’s my new favorite spot

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4.9

4.9 (1568)

$30 and under

Mediterranean

Montclair

About the restaurant

**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.

Top review

AlisonVIP

Dined 6 days ago

Delicious food and great service! Beautiful ambiance!

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Ruth's Chris Steak House - Short Hills

4.7

4.7 (937)

$50 and over

Steakhouse

Short Hills

About the restaurant

Ruth's Chris Steak House in Short Hills, NJ serves the finest USDA Prime beef available, broiled at 1,800° and served on 500° plates, so your steak stays hot, juicy and delicious from first bite to last. Enjoy our New Orleans-inspired appetizers, USDA Prime steaks, fresh seafood, signature side dishes and homemade desserts. All this while you enjoy our warm, inviting atmosphere and Ruth’s Chris’ genuine hospitality. So, whether you’re a regular or have just been wondering what all the buzz is about, Ruth's Chris is the perfect excuse to enjoy the perfect night out. Dinner is served nightly, reservations are suggested, and private dining and offsite catering may be arranged.

Top review

Dario

Dined on Jun 21, 2025

IT WAS A GREAT NIGHT AT RUTH’S CHRIS — THE DECOR WAS MODERN WITH SUBDUED LIGHTING & A QUIET NOISE LEVEL, THE SERVICE WAS WARM & CORDIAL AND THE FOOD WAS DELICIOUS — I RECOMMEND THE PRIX FIXE MENU WHICH ALLOWS YOU TO TASTE A LITTLE BIT OF EVERYTHING — IT’S FILLING WITHOUT LEAVING YOU UNCOMFORTABLY FULL — THANKS FOR A FUN & TASTY DINNER RUTH’S CHRIS!!!

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Experience

$55 3-Course Menu

Experience

Moët & Chandon TasteMaker Dinner

Basilico

4.7

4.7 (1708)

$31 to $50

Italian

Millburn

About the restaurant

Basilico Restaurant, located in Millburn, New Jersey was established by owner Mario De Marco , formerly of Sergio's, also in Millburn. Graduate of the Hotel Management School in Alassio, Italy. From Italy, he brought his original and authentic Italian cuisine to Millburn.

Basilico has a definite New York look and feel, which reflects in our food items. We use the best of ingredients. "Casual and chic" is how we have been described by reviewers. The atmosphere is warm, comfortable and energetic. Our goal is to maintain the highest level of hospitality, remembering that you are the guest, and it is our ultimate goal for you to leave thoroughly satisfied. Special requests can be accommodated.

Top review

PeterVIP

Dined 3 days ago

AS always, a totally excellent dining experience. That is why we'll be back VERY soon

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Popular dish

Ravioli ai Porcini

Samba - Montclair

4.8

4.8 (966)

$30 and under

Brazilian

Montclair

About the restaurant

Homestyle Brazilian fare served in a stylish, rustic space with antique pots & vintage tableware.

Samba is now the only restaurant certified as a gluten-free restaurant in New Jersey from the Gluten Intolerance Group (GIG). @glutendotorg . We are not conforming to a trend. Due to personal experience, gluten
sensitivity is a very serious matter. For the safety of others who are gluten-free, no outside food or cakes will be allowed in the restaurant.

Top review

Melissa

Dined 6 days ago

Excellent Food and Excellent Service! Very good Brazilian food and beautifully decorated restaurant. . Highly Recommend!

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