This is our favorite place to go for a delicious, fulfilling meal. The owners are ever present and will accommodate your every need. The staff quickly learns your name and greets you like one of the family. The food has never failed to please and the filet mignon is better than those in the best restaurants within miles. read more

My bridal shower was here this past weekend. Great pick by the bridal party! The food was delicious - surprisingly the vegetables were the best! The service was excellent - they were friendly, attentive, and always around but not in our faces. I want to go back for dinner and see what the full menu is like. read more

Last year for my wife's birthday my wife, I and another couple tried to go to Solar Do Minho with out resrvations and the wait was just too long. We stumbled upon this place accidentally. We walked in and had a very short wait to be seated. We all order apps, a main course, a dessert and a lot of drinks. There was a live band that played the oldies and a dance floor. The crowd was mostly seniors but everyone was very friendly. It felt like I had gone back in time. Dinner was reasonably priced. I have to admit that the biggest reason I continue to go here is the dance floor and the band. This is the only offers dinner and dancing. It is always a fun time. Just watch out for the senior guy who wants to cut in while you are dancing with your date. read more

Yesterday was my best friends baby shower here and it was so fun and nice there. The service was excellent and the food was really good. We had a buffet; chicken Marsala, stuffed pork (to die for), penne vodka, rigatoni with broccoli and chicken, eggplant Rollatini , roasted veggies, and salad with bread. The drinks are a little pricey but other than that we all had a great time there. They also have complementary valet parking, which is nice! The place inside is really nice as well. read more

The best restaurant in all of Lyndhurst by far. I've been to this establishment for graduation parties reunions and sit down dinners and it never fails to exceed my expectations. The best experience for my dollar and I recommend it to all my friends and family. read more

I went to Michael's to book a late afternoon/early evening shower and the owner refused my business bc it was a "shower" event. I again repeated that I would pay the evening rate but Michael stated that he wouldn't do it. Let me get this straight - you allow some events and not others even though the pricing is the same?? How is this good for business? Smh read more

The new bar is fabulous! Food is good, friendly atmosphere and a nice place to sit and have a few drinks and dinner or appetizer. I've been to "events" here, bridal shower, class reunion and this place just keeps getting better. Great customer service, the owner is present and involved and seems like he would help rectify a situation if you had one. Lots of parking and the food is good, did I mention the food is really good? ;-) read more

I've been to Michael's Riverside for a bridal shower and graduation party and thought it would be the perfect place for my wedding rehearsal. I had my rehearsal dinner there on 6/19 and the foot and service was excellent!!! Highly recommend!!! :D read more

I've been going to Michaels since around 2009 and go roughly once a month. Its the best Italian food in Lyndhurst vicinity, hands down (which is saying alot as there are many good Italian restaurants in the area). My wife and I had our engagement party here and later her baby shower was held here. Always nothing by rave reviews. Michael is a great guy, a very hands-on owner, talks to all of his customers and ensures all are happy. The restaurant was recently renovated and looks great. read more

Went today for lunch after my father in law burial at holy cross cemetery nearby. Found penne tasty and was sopping up the sauce with the rolls at the table, salad was next, good dressing and freshly made, main course was a choice between broiled salmon, lemon chicken or roast beef. I chose chicken , my wife had the salmon, we traded halfway and wasn't disappointed, salmon was cooked just right, moist center and a crust outside, the chicken was moist, not chewy. Sides were the same broccoli and potato croquette , always a treat. Cake and coffee rounded out our meal. Excellent choice for good food, want try other menu items if we are in the area. read more

From the several parties I enjoyed to dinning privately, Michael's Riverside is a enjoyable experience, comfortable, well prepared food and great service. Chilean sea brass a favorite! read more

Went to Michaels Riverside for Mothers Day and had a wonderful time. Nice choice of food to choose from on the pre fixed meal. And Michael even made two vegan dishes for our table. Place was clean and all in order. Chicken Parmigiana was delicious. Eggplant and fried shrimp yummy. Many other good foods. Also loved the ice cream cookie. Thanks enjoyed my Mother's Day. read more

I have been to Michael's on many occasions. I never disappointed by the food or the service. One of my favorite dishes is the penne with vodka sauce. My husband always orders the prime rib when it is available on the specials menu. I highly recommend the bruschetta as an appetizer. This place is great for dinner or for your next party. read more

Food is very good! Crowed is on the older side and the service is decent.

I've been there twice, the first time a friend invited myself and my family, the second time was my daughter 8th grade dinner award. The food is disgusting and the service terrible. I went there a Sunday and surprise !!! was valet parking. Please do not expend your money here, go to a dinner and you will eat better!!!! read more

Seven of us went to Michael's this Thanksgiving. The room was wonderfully decorated and set the tone for the entire meal. The calamari appetizer was huge and perfectly cooked. The eggplant rollatini was lucious, and my mozzarella caprese was so good with the top-notch olive oil. No cheap stuff here. The turkey dinner was so large, half of it went home. The stuffed pork chop could be cut with a fork. My filet mignon melted in my mouth. And the desserts stood up as well. I couldn't believe the quality of the food for a relatively low prix fix. And the attendants were on top of things even though must of the tables were large groups. Thanks to Michael and his staff for taking care of my family so well. Lynn L. and Debra H. read more

Awesome place!!!!Had a retirement party for 100 people and it was perfect..Great food and drinks...Michael was so accommodating and made it a point to make sure everyone was happy... The staff was so nice and ensured all the guests were taken care of...Can't wait to plan my next party there... read more

I am a big fan of Italian food and usually eat out at Italian restaurants. I have yet to find a better Italian restaurant than Mikes, anywhere. Ive been coming to this restaurant for over 10 years and I have never had a bad experience. The food is delicious and they have the best penne vodka. The buschetta is yummy, shrimp cocktail, calamari, chicken marsala, NY strip steak, etc. ITs all delicious. They have a pretty extensive menu with lots of options, especially compared to other Italian restaurants in northern NJ. Its not expensive at all and you normally dont need a reservation, unless the entire place is booked for a party. Mike is always very friendly and accommodating and a gentleman. I once called last minute on Mother's Day and MIke was able to seat me and my family. We've had numerous birthdays and other events here and its always been great. Everyone I bring or refer to Mikes always enjoys the food. If you like great food at a very reasonable price in a nice setting with great service, then Mikes is your place. read more

I have been here for a private party as well as a dining guest. Food was excellent in both settings. Service was a bit slow as a dining guest and I had to ask for a refill our drinks, even water. Music was very pop and a bit to loud for dinner conversation. read more

I agree with some of the negative reviews. I hosted my sister's baby shower here. The 'lady in charge was ok". I had an issue with the owner - Michael , very rude. We signed a contract for certain amount of people. We agreed on the price. He changed the price twice while I was there!!! Was running around the room counting chairs. The staff was uncaring and rushed through the dinner so we can get out quickly. When I came in asked if they could Windex the sinks and table by the entrance because it was dirty and dusted , was not addressed. I had to do it myself. read more

My husband and I held our wedding reception here last month and it was everything we were hoping for. After hours of scouring the internet looking for an inexpensive venue to hold our reception, Michael's Riverside was an answer to a lot of prayers. It was affordable with a nice atmosphere and allowed us to have the laid back reception we were hoping for but still accommodate a lot of guests. Michael can be hard to reach, which was pretty stressful for us since we had booked his restaurant without ever having attended another event or eaten there ourselves, but closer to the wedding, my nerves were put at ease once we had our final head count in and were finally able to eat there ourselves. Michael's website says they can hold up to 250, but it realistically holds closer to 160-175 if you want a dance floor. Seeing as our guest list was at 200, we were very anxious to finally get the final number in. We clocked in at 155 and it was the perfect fit. Our guests enjoyed the food, the DJ Michael referred to us was perfect and all of our guests had a great time and keep complimenting us on what a great party it was. I don't usually post reviews online, but when I was planning my reception I found it hard to find reviews of others who had held their own wedding receptions at Michael's and wanted to help out anyone who may be thinking about having their wedding here. read more

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We had been looking for a venue to host a repast dinner in memorial of my mother, and we came across Michael's Riverside. Michael was extremely accommodating with our last minute request, including substitution of menu items to reflect some of my mother's favorite dishes. I cannot say enough wonderful things about the food, the staff, and the event. The coordinators were extremely professional, organized, and experienced with repast events. They had a proposed timeline and worked with my father and I to adjust the schedule of the evening as the night progressed. They were extremely sweet with us as we grieved, and had the coordination of the event perfected. Also, the food was fantastic. My mother would have loved the chicken parm and the chocolate mousse cake! Thank you, Michael's, for a wonderfully hosted event. read more

I have been going to Michael's for the past 10 years, I have even had 6 parties that I hosted. Without a doubt, the BEST food and service I could have asked for. The owner, Michael, welcomes everyone as if they were coming to his home. As for the food you can't beat it. Fried Calamari melts in your mouth, baked clams, eggplant rollatini etc. excellent. My mother's surprise 85th, my sisters surprise 60th, my other halfs surprise 50th, my Reunion Christmas party and many other functions in the past years were all a success due to Michael, his staff and his chefs. I recommend this restaurant HIGHLY. TEN STARS!!! read more

Michael's Riverside is the best Italian restaurant in New Jersey. The food is delicious and the staff is top notch. I have been there for many dinners and quite a few parties. Yesterday I was there for my sister's repast. Michael and his family could not have been nicer. They were so accommodating for all of us. As always, the food was delicious. If you have never been to Michael's Riverside, do yourself a favor, and go. If you have the misfortune to have to have a repast, I would suggest for you to go to Michael's. Michael, thank you and your family for making my family's sad day, easier. read more

My family recently had the pleasure of celebrating my Mom's 90th birthday. Not all families get to do that, so it was very special. From the minute we walked in Michael's Saturday night and I saw the beautiful & spacious table that had been arranged for us, I knew I had made the right choice. The service was great, the food was plentiful and delicious, and that was topped off by a band that played for a good part of the evening. The salmon was said to be excellent, as well as the sea bass and all the chicken entrees ordered were very tasty. When they brought out the cake & the band sang "Happy Birthday", my Mom blew out the candles & tearfully said ,"This is a night I'll never forget". I think that says it all. Thanks to everyone for the attentiveness and caring that made my Mom feel so special !!!! read more

Awesome is how I would describe my experience at Michael's Riverside! I hosted a baby shower there this past weekend and was extremely pleased from beginning to end. The decor was tasteful, the staff was attentive and accommodating, and the food was excellent!! Honestly, I cannot say one food item in the buffet was better than the others! The chicken Marsala, penne vodka, tortellini Alfredo, eggplant rollatini, and meatballs were all delicious! And, by the way, I have received nothing but compliments from family and friends who attended. It was definitely a 5-star experience for my guests and myself! read more

Wow, What a great time the food was wonderful and impressive what an extensive menu they have, if your looking for steak, seafood or pasta they have it all. On the weekends they have music which was wonderful we danced the night away. The service was on the money, very attentive. Michael the owner is such a great host he welcomed everyone all night. I would highly recommend this place for dinner or drinks they have a great bar and extensive wine list. read more

Went to a shower last month. Food was good. Service could be better. We waited an hour before we got any drinks, then the waiter taking orders was a wise guy in a rush. Once we got our food, it was flung at us. We were next to the entrance, so there was a lot of noise, football game on, people talking at the bar, dj from the back room testing his music. No regard to our party. read more

I had a surprised birthday party for my husband. Everyone was very satisfied with the food and the staff. Michael and his staff treated us like family. It was as if the party was for one of their family members. All were very professional, courteous and friendly from the time I booked the event until we left there. Very pleased!!! read more

I have never experienced such terrible, unprofessional, miserable, rude, and ignorant customer service. The staff made absolutely no effort to please their customers. There was not one smile or nice gesture from any of the staff working the event. There was one pitcher of flat diet Coke and one pitcher of water on the table that was never refilled. When I requested regular Coke they insisted what was on the table was all they had. I requested the roast beef medium rare no gravy and received well done roast beef with gravy and was told that it all came like that. When the waitress went to the owner to discuss the issues he had the nerve to come out to the table and tell his customers that if they did not like the soda they should have brought their own! The food was tasteless and the truth is nothing about the place wowed me but the rudeness of Michael "the owner". Oh, and I would think Michael's Riverside would have some sort of water view but was disappointed with that as well, signing off, DFWU NYC Food Snob read more

i have seen bad restaurants, Michael's is the worst of the worst, the first impression when i drove in the parking lot Michael (the owner) was parking car, as i walked in (the room is an L shape) i notice a band playing in one side of the room while the other side had not speakers and you were not able to hear the music (i am wondering if the owner noticed that) on the rectangular table of 10 they had only one pitcher of water, and one pitcher of coke to serve half of the table, and a small plate of some short of antipasto good for two people (full of papers and very little of anything else) in front of my seat i had a photo copy of the menu cut by scissors. my other observations were: 1) sorry looking salad (it was cut the previous day and it was black) 2) Penne vodka. total submerged in a sauce very unappealing presentation 3) SERVICE NOT EXISTING, ONE PERSON IN ALMOST 8 TO 10 TABLES OF 10 4) the water had a strong odor of chlorine (NOT DRINKABLE) 5) MISSING SILVERWARE 6) first an second course on time ( walked in the room 1:00 PM) by 2:00 PM first and second course were served, by 3:30 PM the main course was not served (an hour and half later finally they started to serve the main course) 7) sorry looking presentation of the main course 8) after 15 minutes we completed our meal and they collected the plates, i was hopping to have a coffee after the meal, guess what, at 4:30 PM i asked my wife to leave she said that why dodnt we wait for the coffee, by that time my patient was gone and we left. by the time we left not coffee was served. CAN YOU IMAGINE THE EXPERIENCE I HAD AFTER 3:30 HOURS OF TORTURE NOT COFFEE. THIS THE WORST EXPERIENCE I HAD, I HOPE THE OWNERS IS ABLE TO MAKE THE NECESSARY CHANGES OR I DONT THINK HE IS GOING TO LAST VERY LONG IN THE BUSINESS read more

we had my fiends B-day party there. let me tell you every single wine and water glass on the table was dirty!! I had Pork Chop Valdestano... it was terrible !! other guest were complaining about their food too!! read more