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    Reservoir Restaurant

    3.8 (210 reviews)
    ModerateItalian, Pizza
    Closed 3:00 pm - 8:30 PM

    Reservoir Restaurant Photos

    RESERVOIR RESTAURANT ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Casual
    Good for groups
    Dogs allowed

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    Recommended Reviews - Reservoir Restaurant

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    One of the specials of the day: Jersey Beefsteak Tomatoes with fresh mozzarella salad
    Jeannette L.

    Recently we revisited Reservoir, a landmark Italian restaurant/pizzeria in South Orange. It's classic, old school, and cash-only. We had a casual, sit down dinner a few days ago and also ordered takeout this weekend. For dinner, we ordered a salad to share and separate entrees. Food was delicious and really hit the spot; here's what we ordered: - Jersey Beefsteak tomatoes, fresh mozzarella and pecorino, basil, balsamic vinegar, and lemon dressing - This was one of the specials hand-written on the menu board in the dining area. So fresh and delicious. There were pieces of garlic bread/croutons underneath the salad that soaked up all the flavors. Order it if you see it on the menu board. - Chicken Parmesan - The entree comes with either pasta or side salad. I went with pasta, which was served in a separate bowl. My chicken parm covered the entire plate. The breaded chicken cutlets covered in marinara and cheese was a hearty meal. - Eggplant Parmesan - My husband said this was one of the best - if not THE best - eggplant parm entrees in the area. He finished his plate before me. For takeout, I placed the order over the phone. We split a gluten-free regular pizza pie and a Eggplant Rollatini dinner, and served it with salad that we made at home. The GF pizza was pretty good; thin slice pie that could dupe for a normal bar pie. The Rollatini was really good. We both said that it was one of the best ones we've tried - and we would most likely order it again dining-in or for takeout. Highly recommended if you are in or near South Orange.

    Pizza
    Dominic D.

    I'm giving a lot of years for this, but last night was outstanding. If you are going to order from here, I would recommend ordering your pizza thin. For me it's a game changer and the way I remember as a child how it was

    create your own pasta night
    Jennifer A.

    i have great memories of going to the reservoir with my family as a kid - it always feels like home when i go there, even to this day. atmosphere feels like you're always eating around family. portions are huge, cash only, byob, great pizza (try their shrimp pie), & you'll always leave feeling satisfied. monday is create your own pasta night (which i love bc i can put as many veggies in as i'd like as a vegan) & this is my go to italian spot in the area. i've also used them for catering & they didn't disappoint.

    Plain pie
    Sara S.

    So I have been on a local kick lately. Just trying restaurants in my area. Now I have my faves but I'm trying to go out my box. Reservoir was one of my attempts. I've passed this place several times but never ordered from them. Then one Monday after work, hungry and needing something quick I ordered takeout. I went inside and instantly got an old time feel. As I suspected they've been around for decades and not much have changed decor-wise. A few patrons inside (again it's a Monday at about 5pm). The friendly cashier rang me up and I got my order. At home, I heated it up (like my pizza piping hot) although it was still quite warm. From the first bite, let me tell you...delicious! It stands up to the reviews I read. Such nice old school pizza. Perfect balance of sauce, cheese and crust. Great pizza!!

    Nice pizza
    Jerry D.

    Only because I have to give a three, wish there was a .5; then the review would be 2.5 instead of 3. First time here and the staff is wonderful. Especially Bill, the customers love him. Got my food to go. The pizza was good. I love the way they cook it. Looks like a type of deep dish is used but the pizza is not deep. It's nice and flat. Some cheese hits the edges and crusts. They come out and is served piping hot. However, my side order of garlic bread was burnt too I the point that only two pieces were edible. Real disappointment as they were well seasoned with the right amount of garlic. Lots of takeouts and people coming and going. They have outside seating. Staff were not wearing masks. Saw many patrons bringing in their own bottles of wine. Which is cool!! If it wasn't for the huge disappointment with the garlic bread I his would have been a 4. Wish YELP let's you do .5's.

    Mushroom and garlic pizza
    Katarina L.

    This is one of my brother's favorite restaurants, so I've been a few times and have had everything from chicken parm to pizza to one of their gigantic pasta dishes. This place is unassuming and good for big groups and the food is oh so good. We always start off with way too many apps. My favorite appetizers are the fried calamari and a couple big salads (one with meat and cheese and one without). My brother always gets the green shoshito peppers, which I always try, and always realize they are way to spicy for me. The last time I came, my cousin and I split a mushroom and garlic pizza. It was so good! Thin crust, well done. Garlic was perfectly roasted. Just a great pizza. Between the two of us and all of the appetizers we ordered, there were four slices left over which we took home. To make this place even more wonderful, they are BYOB. Between 7 people, each with an entree and a ton of appetizers, the bill was less than $200.

    Clams Oreganata
    Cindy C.

    I've lived in this area for over 15 years and my neighbors have always spoken highly of this restaurant, so I finally decided to give it a try last night. The place was bustling at 630p on a Friday, which was a good sign! In addition to the busy dining room, the kitchen was also cranking out to-go orders, so I was anticipating a great meal. Unfortunately I don't understand the hype: the seating was cramped and the food was average at best. I think that everyone is so bowled over by the huge portions, they overlook the flavor and taste. The best thing of the evening was the Tony Salad: it's advertised for two but could easily feed four or more. The plate was piled high with crunchy iceberg lettuce, roasted red bell peppers and red onions, and the acidic vinaigrette provided a nice contrast to the salty/rich salami and cheese. The clams Oreganata were disappointing: could hardly find clams underneath all the breadcrumbs and the all we could taste was the garlic butter sauce. The worst was the Chicken Arnold main course: chicken was unevenly cooked, with some pieces tender and others dry as the Sahara. The sauce was an undistinguishable "brown sauce", which I could only assume is based on veal stock, but it was so greasy with the fried onions, peppers and potatoes, we left most of it on the plate. The side of pasta was literally drowning in olive oil and some of the garlic pieces were burnt, which meant that some bites were wonderful while others were awful. My friend ended up packing up 80% of the chicken, which he will drop off at the lunchroom at his work because no one wanted the leftovers. On the bright side, service was fantastic: our waitress was attentive and managed her many tables with professionalism and grace. Overall, giving this place 4 stars because we're still in a pandemic and I'm currently grading on a curve.

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    1 year ago

    Good pizza, salad, and penne alla vodka! Great service and a nice family vibe though we usually order for pick up.

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    2 years ago

    Good good good price. Nothing fancy but solid service and food. BYOB. Pizza is the best choice here.

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    3 years ago

    The pizzzzaaaaaaaaaaaa!!! Plain pie preferably for me but I'm sure they are all great.. The pastas are good also but that pizza!

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    2 years ago

    Great food good service. Feel right at home and comfortable. Ambience excellent. Pizza was very good

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    Giorgio's Ristorante

    Giorgio's Ristorante

    4.3
    (146 reviews)
    0.2 mi
    $$

    I came to Giorgio's for a friend's surprise birthday party. The private room downstairs was…read moredecorated immaculately. There was plenty of room for dining, a bar, a photo booth, and a DJ station. The servers were more than accommodating all night. The garlic shrimp, chicken wings with hot sauce, and filet mignon and gorgonzola topped on crostini were delicious. The sicilian salad was flavorful, and the salmon capri was tender and nicely portioned.

    I met fellow Board Members of Empowered Community for a working dinner at Giorgio's Restaurante. We…read moremet early on a Sunday evening at 4:00 pm and were the first customers to arrive that night. I arrived first and was very warmly greeted by Michael, who immediately made me feel welcome. The rest of our party arrived within five minutes, and while waiting we had a very pleasant conversation. Michael ended up serving us as well, and his attentiveness truly elevated the entire experience. We were seated in a large dining room down a few steps, a space typically used for large parties and events. Since it was the Sunday between Christmas and New Year's, the room was set with four-top tables. We were able to choose our table, which offered a great view of South Orange--something that most tables in this beautifully designed restaurant seem to enjoy. The restaurant is BYOB, and one member of our party brought a bottle of red wine. Giorgio's provided attractive, proper wine glasses, which was a nice touch. For appetizers, we shared the Caprese and Calamari Fritti--both excellent. I ordered one of the specials: bone-in pork chops topped with blue cheese over mushroom risotto. Simply outstanding. Others in our party ordered the Chicken Parmigiana with penne vodka sauce and the mushroom ravioli, and they enjoyed their meals just as much as I did. After dinner, two of us had cappuccinos and one had regular coffee. I ordered the chocolate mousse cake, another guest chose the cheesecake, and everyone thoroughly enjoyed dessert and coffee. Overall, it was an extremely enjoyable evening in a wonderful restaurant with a great location, inviting atmosphere, outstanding service, and excellent food. By the time we left, the restaurant had filled up with what appeared to be many locals and repeat customers--always a great sign.

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    Dining room, usually used for special events and large parties
    Dining room, usually used for special events and large parties
    Giorgio's Ristorante
    Event Room!

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    Event Room!

    Reservoir Restaurant - italian - Updated June 2026

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