We are always on the lookout for different restaurants in the area. And while we all have our ‘go-to’ spots, discovering a new place can be an exciting experience in and of itself. Think — moody vibes, ambient lighting, gorgeous decor, and of course only the best food + drinks. We’ve rounded up a list of favorite places for a cozy evening out. Read on to see our list of the best cozy restaurants in Bergen County, New Jersey.
A Taste of Greece | 935 C Kinderkamack Road, River Edge
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A Taste of Greece certainly packs a lot of flavor into a small space. Owner and Greek native Themis Mourelatos brings authentic Greek dishes to life. This intimate restaurant is great for a cozy night out with no frills, just authentic Greek food in a charming little restaurant that could be missed if not paying attention. The menu is filled with classic Mediterranean dishes using the finest and freshest ingredients. Expect selections of gyros, spreads, soups (one of the best avgolemono soups we’ve ever had) spanakopita, grilled octopus, and many other dishes. The pork souvlaki is TDF.
Casual Habana | 200 Main Street, New Milford + 125 Main Street, Hackensack
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There’s something cozy about a Cuban restaurant — warm colors, rich, spicy flavors, and ambient lighting that make for a perfect night out. Casual Habana, which has some of the most authentic Cuban food in the area, has all of the classics from the iconic ropa vieja, churrasco con chimichurri, arroz con pollo, and of course, paella. There’s even an outdoor patio for a cozy night out under the stars.
Read More: The Best Diners in Bergen County, New Jersey
Elia | 240 Hackensack Street, East Rutherford
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Tucked away in East Rutherford, just outside of the city but still beaming with Manhattan class, Elia is popular and seems to always draw in an eclectic crowd. This Mediterranean restaurant gives off serious cozy vibes with its elegant dining room + outdoor patio adorned with climbing vines filled with blooming flowers. The menu puts a fiery twist on Greek classic dishes with a curated selection of items like braised short rib cavatelli, lamb chops, and spanakopita egg rolls. Be on the lookout for celebs, especially during football season — Elia brings in quite a hot crowd.
Ivy Inn Restaurant + Bar | 268 Terrace Avenue, Hasbrouck Heights
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True to its name, Ivy Inn Restaurant is covered from top to bottom in the most gorgeous climbing ivy imaginable. The Tudor-style eatery has indoor and outdoor seating with American-style dishes boasting a wide range of classic dishes with a Mediterranean flare for the dramatic. The menu has comfort food dishes like chicken cordon bleu, breaded veal over fresh pappardelle pasta, roasted rack of lamb, and a selection of thin-crust pizza. Warm up by the fireplace or enjoy an evening garden for an unforgettable meal experience.
Matisse 167 | 167 Park Avenue, Rutherford
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A charming establishment built into a historic horse and buggy fire house, Matisse 167 (FKA Cafe Matisse) is a long-standing staple in the heart of Rutherford. Designed after impressionist artist Henri Matisse’s work, this BYOB spot serves up New-American fare under the personal supervision of Chef Peter Loria. The inviting dining room and the al fresco seating paired with the exceptional flavors and unique combinations make Matisse 167 a unique place for a night out. The prix-fixe provides a four-course showcase of the finest quality local and seasonal ingredients with dishes like peppered pan-seared sirloin, crispy pan-seared panko-crusted crab cakes and chipotle cheddar glazed shrimp, or a white sesame seed cube sushi tuna. Top off the meal with a rich dessert like the vanilla-scented cheesecake topped with vanilla glazed apples and an espresso for a sophisticated blend of all of the most tantalizing flavors money can buy.
Oceanos Oyster Bar + Sea Grill | 2-27 Saddle River Road, Fair Lawn
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Now that the weather is getting warmer, a cozy dinner on a serene outdoor patio is the ideal backdrop for a night out. The ambiance is warm, inviting, and cozy from the very beginning. This upscale restaurant indulges guests in a culinary experience where every dish tells its own story. From the signature Lobster Risotto to the Chilean sea bass, this cozy spot is never short of flavor. With dishes centered around the sea and complemented by classic surf and turf dishes. Don’t pass up the raw bar, which has oysters from Spinny Creek, Blue Point, Pine Island, and more.
Osteria Crescendo | 36 Jefferson Avenue, Westwood
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From the chef behind the iconic pastaRAMEN, Robbie Felice brought Osteria Crescendo to Bergen County in 2019 — an Italian eatery with traditional Italian dishes with a touch of modern flair. Osteria is reminiscent of an upscale NYC Italian restaurant with choices that push the boundaries of traditional Italian cuisine. With an Orecchiette dish drenched in spicy pork sausage ragu, broccolini, and Parmigiano, or the Berkshire pork chop, topped in a honey black pepper glaze paired with butternut squash, braised red cabbage and apple mostarda, Osteria has something for everyone. With simple yet cozy indoor and outdoor seating and a drink menu that’s out of this world. It’s no wonder why Osteria earned a place on the coziest restaurants list.
Park West Tavern | 30 Oak Street, Ridgewood
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Whether coming for a drink or for dinner, this tavern, located in the heart of Ridgewood is beaming with flavor and warmth. Park West has a full bar, dining area, private dining room, and outdoor seating when the weather is nice, and is the ideal spot for a cozy night out. The ambient lighting paired with the warm fireplace in addition to a unique menu makes it a great place to grab a bite or drink. The ribeye spring rolls and the garlic braised short rib dish are favorites. As for pasta, the pappardelle with white truffle butter sauce, brioche crumbs and parmesan is a great pick. Don’t sleep on cocktails and wine to pair with lunch or dinner.
Rustica Lounge Bar + Restaurant | 565 Gorge Road, Cliffside Park
Without a doubt, Rustica Lounge Bar + Restaurant has made the list — it checks off every box for the cozy night out. With a carefully curated Italian-American fusion selection, Rustica brings together fine dining and indulgent food for an incredible experience. The menu has an eclectic mix of staple Italian dishes with a flare including a porcini mushroom ravioli that is to die for, a tremendous tomahawk steak for two, a succulent branzino, among others. And as if that lineup wasn’t enough (though we know it is), the Rustica team is always bringing in live entertainment — jazz bands, dance shows to further solidify its place on the list of cozy spots.
See More: Fun Date Night Spot Ideas in Hoboken + Jersey City
S. Egidio | 17 North Broad Street, Ridgewood
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Almost as if plucked off the streets of Italy and placed in Bergen County, S. Egidio showcases artisan Neapolitan pizzas, pastas, antipasti, and meat + cheese boards. Its warm and inviting dining room is intimate and cozy. The burrata or polpette are both savory and sweet and just the right way to start off an unforgettable meal. We suggest getting at least one PFT (pizza for the table) and entrees to share. The Delizia pizza, which has San Marzano tomatoes, fior di latte, stracciatella cheese, prosciutto crudo, basilico, and e.v.o.o., is top notch. S. Egidio does not take reservations and is first come first served, so bake a little extra time into evening plans in order to snag a seat.
Varka Estiatorio | 30 North Spruce, Ramsey
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For a truly upscale experience, a visit to Varka is necessary. This Mediterranean restaurant is open for lunch and dinner and serves up classic catches from the sea all over the world. The build-your-own oyster and shellfish bar is a great way to taste a little bit of everything before indulging in an elevated lunch or dinner. The lunch prix fixe is a balanced combination of all of the best and freshest ingredients of the day and comes complete with a first course, entree, and dessert. For dinner, the Santorini Tipsy Lobster, baked with white wine and tomato broth topped with feta cheese, or the Royal Dorado from Greece is a top choice. The chef’s exclusive 10-ounce Filet Mignon is cooked to preference and is to die for. Varka also has an extensive drink and martini selection to pair with any dish. Don’t forget to check out the fresh whole fish display with fresh seasonal catches daily.
