With Christmas almost here, restaurants in and around New Jersey are fully wrapped in holiday cheer—and the over-the-top décor won’t disappear on December 26. Here’s where to find the most camera-ready holiday decorations right now.

Bask46, Woodland Park

Bask 46 is transformed into a true Winter Wonderland Experience during the holidays. Every corner is wrapped in holiday magic, from twinkling lights and festive décor to an atmosphere that feels warm, joyful, and celebratory. Whether you’re stopping in for drinks at the bar, savoring dishes from the grill, or digging into their famous pizza, every meal feels extra special surrounded by seasonal sparkle. It’s the perfect place to gather, celebrate, and soak up the festive vibes all winter long.

Bask46
1530 US-46,
Woodland Park, NJ 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Bottagra, Hawthorne

Botagra doesn’t just decorate for the holidays — it transforms the space entirely. The Deck the Halls experience immerses guests in a full holiday escape, where every corner sparkles with twinkling lights, rich color, and festive energy. A larger-than-life Santa figure anchors the over-the-top seasonal setting, creating a merry, photo-ready backdrop that’s made for capturing gram-worthy moments. ??

Bottagra
80 Wagaraw Road
Hawthorne, NJ

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Brother’s Daley, Sea Bright

Brother’s Daley in Sea Bright adds cozy seasonal charm to its laid-back, coastal-inspired setting. Known for its all-day menu and craft cocktails, Brother’s Daley is a perfect winter gathering spot for friends and family alike. It’s a casual but cheerful option for holiday dining down the shore.

Brother’s Daily
1124 Ocean Avenue
Sea Bright, NJ

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Charlie’s of Lincroft & Charlie’s of Bay Head

Both Charlie’s locations, Lincroft and Bay Head, fully embrace the holiday season with festive decorations throughout their dining rooms. The restaurants balance classic seasonal charm with polished, upscale interiors. Known for their American menus and reliable service, the decorations add a celebratory touch, making each visit feel like an occasion. These locations remain go-to spots for holiday diners across New Jersey.

Lincroft 
700 Newman Springs Rd
Lincroft, NJ 

Bay Head
72 Bridge Ave,
Bay Head, NJ

Congress Hall, Cape May

Congress Hall in Cape May delivers one of the most iconic holiday transformations in the state with its annual Winter Wonderland. Each year, the historic property is decked out with towering Christmas trees and elaborate installations. Wendy Guiles, VP of Procurement and Event Design, says, “We start preparing in mid-October. We have a daily schedule of work that needs to be done, from October 15 through the first week of December.” In addition to their festive decorations, Congress Hall also offers American classics with locally sourced ingredients and seasonal cocktails. 

Congress Hall
200 Congress Place
Cape May, NJ

Laylow, Asbury Park

Laylow, the speakeasy-style bar in Asbury Park, is known for seasonal transformations, and the holidays are no exception. During the winter, Laylow turns into a Christmas-themed hideaway, featuring creative holiday-themed cocktails, moody lighting, and immersive interior decor that set the tone for a cozy, spirited experience. 

Laylow
603 Mattison Avenue
Asbury Park, NJ

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Matisse 167, Rutherford

Cafe Matisse’s garden becomes a magical Christmas wonderland during the holidays, twinkling with lights and festive charm that perfectly sets the mood for cozy, celebratory evenings. Two luxurious private igloos sit nestled among the glowing outdoor décor, offering an enchanting and intimate space to enjoy a special dinner under the stars. Inside, the warm and stylish dining rooms provide an elegant refuge from the winter chill, making every table feel perfect for holiday cheer and shared laughter. Whether you’re tucked into a heated igloo or seated in one of the welcoming indoor rooms, the atmosphere feels straight out of a storybook. It’s a truly memorable setting for festive gatherings, romantic dinners, or unforgettable holiday celebrations. 

Matisse 167
167 Park Avenue
Rutherford, NJ

The Mainland, Manahawkin 

The Mainland in Manahawkin offers warm, polished dining that complements its typical modern coastal design. Known for its seafood-forward menu and cocktails, the restaurant feels especially inviting during the winter season. 

The Mainland
151 NJ-72
Manahawkin, NJ

Nicholas Barrel & Roost, Red Bank

Nicholas Barrel & Roost in Red Bank adds a refined, rustic setting during the holidays. Guests can enjoy their American menu and whiskey-forward bar offerings, making for a cozy and festive dining experience that feels like home. 

Nicholas Barrel & Roose
160 Route 35 South
Red Bank, NJ

San Patricios, Jersey City

San Patricios in Jersey City is celebrating the season with its Las Posadas holiday pop-up, its first festive installation since opening. Inspired by the traditional Mexican Christmas celebration, the space is transformed with vibrant decorations, lights, and seasonal touches. The pop-up blends the warmth of an Irish pub with the color and energy of a Mexican cantina. Festive cocktails and themed food specials complete the experience. Las Posadas runs through early January.

San Patricios
8 Erie St A
Jersey City, NJ

The Sailhouse, Tarrytown

The Sailhouse in Tarrytown, New York, is excited to debut its first-ever Winter Igloo Village, transforming its waterfront patio into a cozy, heated igloo experience overlooking the Hudson River. Each private igloo features seasonal décor, curated menus, and stunning winter views. Reservations are strongly encouraged due to limited availability.

The Sailhouse
238 Green St
Tarrytown, NY 

Sinners Seafood & Steakhouse, Point Pleasant Beach

Sinners Seafood & Steakhouse in Point Pleasant Beach transforms the winter dining season into a full holiday celebration with its “A Sinner’s Christmas Experience,” available now through January 11th. Guests are welcomed into a lively, festively decorated space filled with seasonal cheer, perfect for group outings and family-friendly fun. The experience features craft Christmas cocktails, seasonal food specials, Santa-approved desserts, and a build-your-own hot cocoa station, offering something for all ages to enjoy. Paired with Sinners’ signature surf-and-turf menu and spirited cocktail program, it’s a must-visit destination to celebrate the most wonderful time of the year along the Jersey Shore.

Sinner’s Seafood & Steakhouse
20 Inlet Drive
Point Pleasant Beach, NJ

The Village Pub, Sewell

The Village Pub in Sewell focuses on incredibly cozy and classic seasonal touches that complement its tavern-style setting. Featuring familiar traditional tavern cuisine and comfort classics, the Village Pub also offers an extensive drink menu. 

The Village Pub
139 Egg Harbor Rd
Sewell, NJ 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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The Waiting Room, Hoboken

The Waiting Room in Hoboken transforms into a full winter wonderland each season with its “Home for the Holidays” installation. The bar is filled inside and out with ornaments, garlands, twinkling lights, and a Christmas tree. Every year, nearly 11,000 guests visit this sought-after experience. The celebration runs through January 31st, making it an incredibly immersive holiday installation every holiday season. 

The Waiting Room
72 Hudson St
Hoboken, NJ 

Looking for Restaurants serving The Feast of the Seven Fishes? Check out our list.

A beloved pop-up Jewish deli in Jersey City is shaking things up on the final night of Hanukkah. Known for honoring Jewish deli tradition while never being afraid to riff, Hank Schwartz’s Delicatessen & Appetizing decided to go delightfully off-book this year, offering its loyal following something both meaningful and unexpected.

Yes, the classics are still there: crispy, golden latkes and chocolate gelt dusted in edible gold to celebrate the season. But on the final night of Hanukkah, owner and self-taught chef Jason Stahl is taking things several steps further with a one-night-only debut that feels both deeply personal and wildly creative.

As part of a kitchen takeover at The Alps in Jersey City, Stahl will unveil The Feast of the Smoked & Cured Fishes — a Jewish deli take on the Italian American Feast of the Seven Fishes traditionally served on Christmas Eve. Inspired by his wife’s Italian family tradition, this reimagined “seacuterie” board celebrates Hanukkah through fish, symbolism, and storytelling.

The concept is elegant in its simplicity: up to eight smoked and cured fishes, one for each night of Hanukkah and one for each candle lit on the menorah.

Expect a board layered with flavor and finesse, featuring selections such as:

• citrus-bright gravlax
• classic Nova smoked salmon
• silky sablefish
• maple-bacon salmon candy
• jazzed-up whitefish spread
• matjes herring
• briny fish roe, and
• smoked trout, among others.

It’s a greatest-hits lineup of Jewish appetizing culture, curated with a chef’s eye and a deli kid’s soul.

But the fish is only part of the story. The board comes alive with thoughtful accompaniments: Hank’s signature za’atar-spiced olives, a dill-forward cucumber salad, and a joyful spread of pickley things — peppadews, capers, and red onions — plus creamy dips and schmears that beg for one more bite. Anchoring it all is hearty Black Rooster dark rye, the perfect canvas for those tangy, briny, richly layered flavors.

It’s the kind of spread that invites lingering, storytelling, and a little noshing between candlelightings.

This Hanukkah moment is just the latest chapter in what’s been an impressive run since 2021. Over the past year alone, Hank’s has been voted Best Breakout Business in Jersey City, nominated for Best Breakfast Sandwich by readers of The Hoboken Girl, and took home Best Artisanal Egg Cream at the National Egg Cream Invitational during Seltzerfest 2025.

Stahl also made his national TV debut on USA Today’s Connecting America, sharing his take on Jewish holiday food traditions, and was recently named among New Jersey’s best Jewish delis by NJ.com.

Not bad for a deli that continues to balance reverence for tradition with the confidence to do something new — even during the most meaningful moments of the year.

The Alps is located at 351 Palisade Avenue in Jersey City

The holidays are all about traditions — the kind that bring families together around the table year after year. For many Italian American households, Christmas Eve means the Feast of the Seven Fishes, a beloved seafood-forward celebration rooted in Catholic traditions of abstaining from meat and shaped by Southern Italian cooking.

Whether you grew up with this tradition or are tasting it for the first time, these local restaurants are keeping the spirit of the Feast of the Seven Fishes alive with menus that honor the past while making room for new memories.

Editor’s Note: Be sure to make reservations and confirm the menu, as all details are subject to change. 

Andrea Trattoria Italiana

412 Bank St, Cape May, NJ 08204
This restaurant is serving up this festive tradition throughout December. Each week, they’ll be counting down to Christmas with a unique pre-fixe Seven Fishes menu, offering a fresh take on the iconic feast. Priced at $72 plus tax and gratuity, the rotating menus highlight seasonal flavors and coastal inspiration. Guests can preview each week’s offerings and reserve their table directly on the restaurant’s website.
https://andreatrattoria.com/7-fishes-holiday-menu/

Girasole

3108 Pacific Ave, Atlantic City, NJ 08401
Girasole is once again welcoming guests to celebrate Christmas Eve with their Feast of the Seven Fishes dinner. They’ll be serving a four-course meal designed to capture the essence of this beloved Italian tradition. Reservations are recommended for the holiday, and guests can visit the restaurant’s website or call to make a reservation or for more details.
https://mygirasole.com

Nunzio

706 Haddon Ave, Collingswood, NJ 08108
Nunzio is celebrating the Feast of the Seven Fishes family-style, featuring three generous courses plus dessert for $85 per person. This festive dining experience will run from December 16th through December 24th, giving guests plenty of time to enjoy this classic holiday tradition.
https://www.michaelcollingswood.com

Pagano’s Uva Restaurant

800 Main St, Bradley Beach, NJ 07720
Celebrate Christmas Eve at Pagano’s Uva Restaurant, where they’re hosting a festive Feast of the Seven Fishes. The menu includes a first course of seafood salad and mozzarella with tomato, followed by a second course featuring Pesce Fritto and additional seafood favorites. Guests will also enjoy a pasta course with linguini in clam sauce, a hearty entrée course, and a dessert course to finish. One of the best parts? There are no choices to make — you receive every dish on the menu. The feast is priced at $59.95 per person plus tax and gratuity. Tickets can be secured through their website.
https://www.uvaonmain.com

Ristorante Maietta

11 Tennent Ave, Englishtown, NJ 07726
Experience the Feast of the Seven Fishes at Ristorante Maietta, featuring delicious dishes, standout drinks, and a lively atmosphere. Reserve your table on their website to guarantee a spot.
https://maiettas.com

Spiaggetta Restaurant

9800 3rd Ave, Stone Harbor, NJ 08247
Join Spiaggetta for a multi-course feast celebrating this cherished holiday tradition, featuring a variety of Italian delicacies. In addition to the incredible food, guests can enjoy live music, creating a lively and memorable evening for the whole family. The event is BYOB, and doors open at 6:30 p.m. Visit their website to reserve a spot for you, your family, and your friends.
https://spiaggettanj.com

The Lobster Shanty

83 Channel Dr, Point Pleasant Beach, NJ 08742
If you’re planning to dine out this Christmas Eve, this restaurant is hosting a festive Feast of the Seven Fishes from 3:00 to 8:00 p.m. The experience is priced at $60 per adult and $18 for children under 12. Guests can look forward to a wide selection of appetizers, carved entrées, and indulgent desserts. To secure your spot, call (732) 295-0350.
https://www.thelobstershantynj.com

Vette Ristorante

588 S Livingston Ave, Livingston, NJ 07039
Indulge in this cherished tradition at Vette Ristorante, where a special multi-course Feast of the Seven Fishes is being served for $90 per guest. The menu begins with options like warm seafood salad, Fritto Misto, Linguine with Lobster, and more. To elevate the experience, guests can add a $35 wine-pairing flight or choose from a lineup of festive holiday cocktails, ranging from the jewel-green Grinch to the playful Mistletoe Margarita.
https://vette-nj.com

If you’re looking for less mess and stress this Thanksgiving, with more family time, and plates piled high, we’ve got you covered. Here’s a list of restaurants offering Thanksgiving buffets, dinners, and catering packages that will make your holiday stress-free and delicious.

Note: This list is an evolving one, and we’ll continue to update it throughout the season. If your restaurant is offering a Thanksgiving menu and is not included here, please email us your details—we’d be happy to add you.

NORTH JERSEY

87 Sussex, Jersey City

Take your Thanksgiving feast to the next level with 87 Sussex’s elevated five-course takeout menu, available in two generous sizes: a package for 4–6 guests ($350) and a larger option serving 8–12 ($650). The spread features standout dishes like Volute of Butternut Squash w/ Roasted Pumpkin Seeds, Thanksgiving Trio: Local Yams, Sweet Potato and Butternut Squash with Honeycomb-Butter, Toasted Walnuts, and a Mélange of Seasonal Spices, death-by-truffle whipped potatoes, heritage turkey, and more. All meals must be picked up on Thanksgiving Day, November 27, between 11 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.

website

Bacarosa

238 Franklin Avenue, Nutley, NJ
Let Bacarosa handle the cooking this year with chef-prepared Thanksgiving feasts available for pickup on November 26 & 27. Add some excitement to your Thanksgiving table with an Italian twist! Options include a full Thanksgiving feast with a whole carved turkey, mashed potatoes with gravy, green bean casserole, and more ($275 for 6–8 people); butternut squash soup ($18/quart); Brussels sprouts with pancetta & sherry ($45 for 6–8 people); herb-crusted sirloin ($145); and pumpkin pie ($45). Pickup hours: Nov. 26 (12–9 p.m.) & Nov. 27 (8–11 a.m.).

website

Blue Morel, Morristown

2 Whippany Road, Morristown
Blue Morel invites guests to enjoy a festive Thanksgiving buffet complete with roast turkey, beef, a raw bar, salads, desserts, and plenty more holiday favorites. Reservations—strongly encouraged—are available from noon through 8 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day. Pricing is $89 per adult and $29 for kids (under 12).

website

Blu on the Hudson

1200 Harbor Blvd, Weehawken, NJ
Serving a three-course prix fixe Thanksgiving dinner for $79. Start with shrimp cocktail, spicy tuna rice cakes, pumpkin bisque, or steak tartare. Entrées include classic turkey dinner, chicken parm, lobster gnocchi, or salmon. Desserts include pumpkin pie, carrot cake, chocolate layer cake, or spiced panna cotta. Don’t skip their cheddar cornbread with truffle honey and jalapeño butter.

Brasserie Mémére, Closter

107 Vervalen Street, Closter
Brasserie Mémére is offering a classic three-course dine-in Thanksgiving menu, served from noon to 7 p.m. Guests can look forward to dishes such as escargots in garlic-herb butter, foie gras terrine, cassoulet de canard, roast turkey, beef tenderloin, pumpkin-spiced crème brûlée, and more—$ 69 per person. 

website

Brothers Smokehouse

900 Route 17 North, Ramsey, NJ
Brothers Smokehouse in Ramsey is serving up all the comfort of a home-cooked Thanksgiving without the stress of cooking it yourself. Their Thanksgiving Dinner Packages include two half-trays of homemade sides, a half-tray of cornbread smoked sausage stuffing, homemade cranberry sauce, and a 9-inch pie of your choice: apple, pecan, pumpkin, or sweet potato. For the main event, you can choose between their Smoked Fried or Boneless Turkey Package for $330, served with homemade gravy, or the Smoked Prime Rib Package for $500, served with au jus and horseradish cream. Each dish is packed with flavor and made to impress, giving you that authentic Thanksgiving taste right from their smoker to your table. Pick-up is available on Thanksgiving Day from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. However, please place your order early, as these packages tend to sell out quickly. To view their full Thanksgiving offerings, visit their Instagram page and call to place your order.

website

Halifax

225 River St Apt 2601, Hoboken, NJ
Halifax offers a seasonal Thanksgiving dinner for $79 per person ($35 for kids 12 and under). Appetizers include pickled beet salad, butternut squash soup, salmon carpaccio, or turkey confit fritters. Entrées include heritage turkey breast, mushroom Bolognese, lamb shank, or halibut. Family-style sides include green bean casserole, roasted vegetables, and mashed potatoes. Dessert options: apple pie, pavlova, or pumpkin fritters. Thanksgiving wine specials: Chardonnay + Pinot Noir at $40 per bottle.

Thanksgiving Take-out

website

Vette Ristorante

588 S Livingston Ave, Livingston, NJ
Chef Maurizio de Rosa presents a refined, Italian-inspired Thanksgiving menu: Oysters Rockefeller, Pumpkin Ravioli, entrées like Black Sea Bass, Venison Rack, Squash Lasagna, or Traditional Stuffed Turkey. Dessert includes Pumpkin Pie, Pecan Pie, and Poached Apples. $95 per person ($45 for kids 12 and under).

website

CENTRAL JERSEY

Americana Kitchen & Bar

359 US-130, East Windsor, NJ
Offering a buffet-style Thanksgiving feast on Nov. 27 with seatings from 11 a.m.–3:30 p.m. ($59 adults; $49 kids). Includes appetizer boards, salads, roasted turkey, honey-glazed ham, braised short ribs, classic sides, and a dessert bar of pies and pastries.

website

Avenue

23 Ocean Ave North, Long Branch, NJ
Three-course Thanksgiving menu from 1–7 p.m. Highlights include roasted beet salad, truffle macaroni gratin, escargot, and lobster bisque. Mains include mushroom ragù rigatoni, beef bourguignon, and roasted turkey, accompanied by classic sides. Dessert: pumpkin crème brûlée. $65 per person.

website

B2 Bistro + Bar – Multiple Locations

Bayville – Thanksgiving Day Buffet 10am – 6pm and Catering available
Bordentown  – Thanksgiving Day Buffet 11am – 6pm
North Brunswick – Thanksgiving Catering
Red Bank – Thanksgiving Catering

Blend on Main

152 Main St, Manasquan, NJ
Buffet includes shrimp cocktail, antipasto, salads, roasted turkey with gravy, ham, sausage stuffing, whipped potatoes, roasted Brussels sprouts, creamed corn, and pies for dessert. $55 adults; $25 kids. Free kids under 5. Also offering Thanksgiving catering.

website

Brando’s Citi Cucina

162 Main St, Asbury Park, NJ
Offering a turkey dinner with all the trimmings plus the full signature Italian menu—pasta e fagioli, zuppa di clams, meatballs with ricotta, Bolognese, chicken scarpariello, and veal Milanese. Starts at 1 p.m. Also offering a catered Thanksgiving Family Dinner $425.

website

Christie’s Italian Seafood Grill

2420 Route 9 South, Howell, NJ
Family-style feast. Whole cooked turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, gravy, green beans, cranberry sauce, pumpkin pie, apple pie, and more. Family of 10 $375. Order at least one week in advance.

website

Colts Neck Inn Steakhouse

191 Route 537, Colts Neck, NJ
Family-style Thanksgiving meal from noon–5 p.m. for groups of 6+. Includes whole turkey, cream of turkey soup, sides, and pies ($285 for 6; $47 per extra person). Also à la carte holiday dishes, including filet mignon, rack of lamb, and pork chop.

website

Drifthouse Restaurant, Lounge & Bar

1485 Ocean Ave, Sea Bright, NJ
Dine-in Thanksgiving menu from noon–8 p.m. ($85 adults; $35 kids). Appetizers include lobster dumplings and Caesar salad. Entrées include turkey, squash ravioli, salmon, short rib, pork chop, chicken, lobster, or filet. À la carte sides. Desserts include tart, pie, mousse cake, and crème brûlée. Family-style meal to-go serves 4–6 for $300.

website

et al fine food

300 Shore Dr, Highlands, NJ
Offering a wide variety of individually priced Thanksgiving catering items (cocktail bites, pumpkin crepes, mac and cheese bites, turkey, spiral sliced ham, beef tenderloin, butternut squash lasagna and more). Pickup windows on Nov. 26. Orders due Nov. 20.

Candlelight Dinner seatings at 2pm & 5pm.

website

Half Moon Point

2154 Bridge Ave, Point Pleasant, NJ
Offering fully prepared heat-and-serve packages. Turkey sizes range from 12–14 lbs to 24–26 lbs. Sides include stuffing, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, green beans, carrots, rolls, gravy, and cranberry sauce. Dessert options vary by package size. Packages start at $159 for four people.

website

Iron Whale

1200 Ocean Ave, Asbury Park, NJ
Family-style Thanksgiving menu from 11 a.m.– 8 p.m. Includes butternut squash salad, turkey breast with gravy, grilled salmon, shrimp with pancetta, stuffing, mashed potatoes, sweet potato pie, and pumpkin crème brûlée. $52 adults; $18 kids (3 – 11yrs).

website

The Lobster Shanty

83 Channel Dr, Point Pleasant Beach, NJ
Buffet starting at 11 a.m. Features butternut squash soup, lobster bisque, turkey, roast beef, apple cider chicken, macaroni and cheese, salmon, mussels, stuffing, and whipped potatoes. $45 adults; $20 kids under 12.

website

McLoone’s Pier House

1 Ocean Ave, Long Branch, NJ
Thanksgiving Day Buffet served 11 a.m.–8 p.m. Includes cheese/fruit displays, raw bar, turkey and roast beef carving stations, stuffing, mashed potatoes, candied sweet potatoes, and dessert spread. $52 adults; $18 kids (10 and under).

website

Orchard Park by David Burke

670 Cranbury Rd, East Brunswick, NJ
Three-course prix fixe for $98 adults; $55 kids (12 and under). Includes beet salad, acorn soup, lobster dumplings, turkey, filet, shrimp/scallops, pumpkin risotto, and optional sides.

“Grab n Gobble” to-go feeds 6–10 for $225–$450.

website

Our House Restaurant

420 Adelphia Road, Farmingdale, NJ
Buffet from 10 a.m.– 6 p.m. Includes hot entrées, pastas, salads, omelet + waffle stations, carving stations, desserts, and an ice cream bar. $39.99 adults; $19.99 kids (12 and under).

website

The Oyster Point Hotel

146 Bodman Place, Red Bank, NJ
Pearl Restaurant & Lounge serves a buffet from noon to 5 p.m. The menu includes carving boards (turkey, ham, and flank steak), a potato bar, raw bar, pasta station, stuffing, macaroni and cheese, vegetables, rolls, and a Viennese dessert table. $76.95 adults; $24.95 kids (12 and under).

website

Red Horse by David Burke

26 Ridge Road, Rumson, NJ
Their Thanksgiving menu includes all-natural Roast Turkey, Braised Beef Short Ribs, butternut squash bisque, lobster dumplings, traditional sides, desserts, and much more. Seatings noon–8 p.m. $95 adults; $45 kids (12 and under). 

Thanksgiving to go also available

website

The Robinson Ale House

1200 Ocean Ave, Asbury Park, NJ
Buffet from 11 a.m.–8 p.m. Includes cheese displays, salads, antipasto, turkey, salmon, stuffing, potatoes, carving stations, pies, and cobbler. $49 adults; $18 kids.

website

The Rum Runner

816 Ocean Ave, Sea Bright, NJ
Thanksgiving Buffet 11 a.m.–8 p.m. Includes raw bar, mac & cheese bar, carving station, roasted turkey, salmon, cornbread casserole, classic sides, and pies. $52 adults; $18 kids (3 – 10 yrs).

 website

The American Hotel

18–20 E. Main St, Freehold Borough, NJ
Thanksgiving buffet from 1–6 p.m. featuring turkey, ham, and all traditional sides. $69 adults; $34 kids (12 and under).

website

SOUTH JERSEY

Council Oak Steak & Seafood

1000 Boardwalk, Atlantic City, NJ
Offering a three-course Thanksgiving dinner for $79 per person, including bisque or salad, roasted turkey with sage gravy, and pie (pumpkin, pecan, or apple).
website

Harbor Pines

500 St Andrews Dr, Egg Harbor Township, NJ
Thanksgiving dinner for $55.99 adults; $25.99 kids (3–12); free under 3. Served every half hour from 2–5 p.m. Must book via reservation request form.

website

Nunzio by Chef Michael DeLone

706 Haddon Ave, Collingswood, NJ
Offering à la carte Thanksgiving dishes to-go. Orders due Nov. 25; pickup Nov. 26 from 3–7 p.m. Featuring scratch-made Italian comfort classics with a holiday twist:
Butternut Squash Bisque,  Pumpkin Gnocchi, Baked Turkey Bolognese & Truffle Gnocchi
Turkey Scallopine & Cutlets, Seasonal Salads, Whipped Ricotta Toast & Sides to share
Pecan Pie to finish.
Serves 4–6 Heat & Serve at Home

website

Park Place Prime at Bally’s

1900 Pacific Ave, Atlantic City, NJ
November 26 & 27th. $55 per person holiday dinner featuring roast turkey, classic sides, and desserts. Full menu also available.

website

The Ebbitt Room at The Virginia in Cape May

This Thanksgiving, reflect on the things you’re grateful for with the people you love and let The Ebbitt Room handle the preparations. Executive Chef Jason Hanin and his team have curated a decadent three-course prix fixe menu filled with timeless Thanksgiving selections and a few added touches. Devour mouth-watering favorites like whole-roasted turkey, prime-cut filet mignon, and heirloom apple pie—pairing each dish with one of the Ebbitt Room’s signature wines. Afterward, guests can take the stairs home with deluxe overnight accommodations at the Virginia Hotel & Cottages.

website

The Reeds at Shelter Haven

9601 3rd Ave, Stone Harbor, NJ
Thanksgiving buffet 11am – 7pm. $75 adults; $35 kids. Includes classics, seasonal dishes, and a full dessert spread. Reservations required.

website

The Waterfront

361 East Lacey Road, Forked River, NJ
Thanksgiving catering menu includes roasted turkey or turkey breast, classic sides, apple or pumpkin pie.

website

If you are doing the cooking this Thanksgiving, check out our recipes for some menu inspo.

If you’re looking for a new reason to dress up and dine out in Essex County, make your way to Vette Ristorante at Calabria in Livingston. This recently opened fine-Italian dining destination from Chef and Sommelier Maurizio de Rosa reimagines traditional Naples-inspired cuisine through a lens of modern refinement — and a touch of tableside theater.

From smoked cocktails to handmade pastas and show-stopping desserts, dinner at Vette is an experience that unfolds like a story, one delicious chapter at a time.

A Night of Tableside Magic

When you walk into Vette Ristorante at Calabria in Livingston, you immediately feel that something special is happening here. Tucked within the familiar Calabria building, this new concept from Chef and Sommelier Maurizio de Rosa brings elevated Italian dining to Northern New Jersey — where authenticity meets artistry, and every dish has a story.

Chef de Rosa’s culinary journey stretches from his hometown of Naples to Michelin-level kitchens in New York and Buenos Aires. His philosophy is simple: let quality ingredients shine, with technique and hospitality that transform dinner into an experience. After my visit, I can confidently say — mission accomplished.

Cocktails with a Show

We began the evening with two cocktails, both prepared tableside for that extra touch of flair. The Smoked Old Fashioned arrived enveloped in a wisp of aromatic smoke that set the tone for the night — smooth, bold, and elegant. My companion opted for the Gin Martini, crisp and expertly chilled, a perfect classic executed with precision.

An Italian Wine Journey

Naturally, the wine program reflects Chef de Rosa’s background as a sommelier and his deep love for Italian wine. The all-Italian wine list (except for a few champagnes) reads like a journey through Italy’s diverse regions. Familiar varietals, such as Sauvignon Blanc, share the page with Timorasso, a rich and sharp white wine from Piedmont that’s rarely found on menus stateside. Among the reds, guests can sip everything from classic Chianti to the more obscure Cannonau of Sardinia. For those looking to splurge, the reserve selection features prestigious bottles, such as Dal Forno Amarone and Sassicaia — benchmarks of Italian winemaking excellence. With more than 30 wines by the glass, all kept at perfect temperature in the restaurant’s wine cave, guests are encouraged to experiment and discover new favorites. Every pour arrives in crystal stemware, and wines of a certain age are carefully decanted, ensuring the experience is as refined as the cuisine.

A Stunning Start

Our first bite came in the form of Calamari, fork-and-knife fashion — a creative presentation that’s as beautiful as it is time-consuming. Clearly, the kitchen takes pride in the details here. Each ring was tender, flavorful, and delicately plated, setting the stage for what was to come.

Impeccable Service, the Old-School Way

What truly elevates the Vette experience, beyond the exceptional food, is the impeccable, old-school service. The staff, dressed in ties and jackets, exude professionalism and warmth. Every movement feels intentional — from the way plates are presented to the cadence of conversation. Our server’s knowledge of the wine list was remarkable; he offered thoughtful pairing suggestions that perfectly complemented each course. It’s rare these days to find service that blends such formality with genuine hospitality — a reminder that fine dining, when done right, is as much about people as it is about plates.

Pasta Perfection

Next came two small plates of house-made pasta that stole my heart. The Gnocchi Sorrentina — tender pillows in a rich tomato and mozzarella sauce — was pure comfort, yet refined.

The Scialatelli Fra’ Diavolo with wild shrimp brought a lively kick, with the spice perfectly balanced by the sweetness of the shrimp and the brightness of the tomato sauce. Both dishes showcased the finesse and care that go into every component.

The Main Event

For my entrée, I chose the Snapper Acquapazza, poached and finished tableside with a pour of cherry tomato sauce. The presentation was simple but breathtaking. The fish was tender and delicately seasoned, while the sauce was bright, tangy, and perfectly salted — the kind of dish that stops conversation mid-bite. This one was the standout for me.

My dining companion’s Veal Scaloppine Marsala with mixed mushrooms was equally impressive. He declared it “knife-optional,” thanks to its tenderness, and the mushrooms were sautéed and seasoned to perfection.

A Sweet Finale

We ended the evening with a touch of drama: tableside Tiramisu. Fresh espresso was poured over ladyfingers, then layered with mascarpone whipped cream and finished with a dusting of cocoa powder. It was light, luscious, and the perfect pairing with a lovely dessert wine and espresso.

More Reasons to Visit

If you needed another reason to plan your visit, Vette Ristorante at Calabria offers a Monday–Thursday Happy Hour featuring special pricing on select cocktails, wines, and small plates — the perfect way to unwind after work. And for those looking to experience Chef de Rosa’s complete culinary vision, the Four-Course Tasting Menu ($49), also available Monday through Thursday, is an unbeatable way to explore the best of the kitchen’s seasonal offerings. With choices that range from fresh pasta to perfectly executed entrées, it’s an elegant midweek indulgence that feels worlds away from ordinary.

Chef Maurizio de Rosa describes dining as “a story that begins when the guest arrives and ends when they walk away satisfied.” After experiencing Vette, I can tell you this story is one worth savoring.

Vette Ristorante at Calabria
588 S Livingston Ave, Livingston, NJ
973-992-8496
vette-nj.com