Boccone South Introduce
For those in the New Jersey area with a passion for genuine Italian flavors, Boccone South in Livingston offers a dining experience that feels both authentic and warmly personal. The name 'Boccone' itself, which translates to a mouthful or a big bite, reflects the restaurant’s dedication to the ancient, traditional recipes and robust tastes of the Southern Mediterranean region of Italy. More than just a place to eat, this establishment is celebrated as a neighborhood gem, known for its commitment to high-quality ingredients and a personalized touch, often attributed to the hands-on and welcoming nature of the owner, Silvio.
Boccone South has quickly become a local favorite, not only for its exquisite food but also for its inviting atmosphere. It manages to be casual yet cozy and even romantic, making it a perfect spot for various occasions, from a spontaneous solo dinner to a special family celebration. The menu is a delightful showcase of Italian culinary artistry, featuring everything from light, crisp salads and traditional antipasti to deeply satisfying pasta dishes and impressive main courses, known as Secondi. Whether your craving is for classic comfort food or a healthier option, the menu is designed to cater to diverse tastes while maintaining an authentic Italian core.
The dining experience is enhanced by the restaurant's noteworthy highlights, including consistently praised fast service and exceptional desserts and coffee—often the perfect end to a marvelous meal. This dedication to every detail, from the initial greeting to the final bite of dessert, is what transforms a simple dinner out into a memorable, highly recommended event for residents across Essex County and beyond. Furthermore, the restaurant operates under a convenient Bring Your Own Bottle (BYOB) policy, which allows patrons to pair their favorite wine or beer perfectly with their meal, making it an ideal venue for a relaxed and cost-effective evening.
Boccone South is conveniently situated at 471 W Mt Pleasant Ave, Livingston, NJ 07039. This location places it in an easily reachable area within Livingston, making it accessible for residents throughout the surrounding towns of Essex County and Central New Jersey.
Accessibility is a key priority at Boccone South, ensuring a comfortable experience for all guests. The restaurant provides:
- A free parking lot, simplifying the search for a spot.
- Additional free street parking options nearby.
- A wheelchair accessible entrance.
- A designated wheelchair accessible parking lot.
- A wheelchair accessible restroom and seating areas.
The address on West Mount Pleasant Avenue is straightforward to find, serving as a convenient destination for both planned gatherings and last-minute dining decisions.
Boccone South is designed to accommodate various dining preferences, offering a range of services centered around the authentic Italian table.
- Dine-in: Full table service is provided in a charming, comfortable setting that is suitable for groups, romantic evenings, and even solo diners.
- Reservations: The restaurant accepts reservations, and they are highly recommended, especially for dinner, to secure seating and minimize wait times. This is particularly helpful for larger groups.
- Takeout: Guests can enjoy the full menu from home by placing takeout orders.
- Table Service: Dedicated staff ensures a professional and attentive dining experience.
- Private Events: The restaurant has a demonstrated capacity to accommodate large parties, even for last-minute family events, showcasing flexibility and welcoming service.
- Lunch and Dinner: The restaurant serves both lunch and dinner, making it a versatile choice throughout the day.
- Dessert Service: A dedicated dessert service provides house favorites and is a recognized highlight of the dining experience.
Boccone South is distinguished by a collection of features that have made it a standout choice for Italian cuisine in the region.
- BYOB Policy: Patrons are encouraged to bring their own wine or beer, which adds to the value and personal nature of the dining experience.
- Authentic Southern Italian Flavors: The menu focuses on traditional, rustic recipes from the Southern Mediterranean region of Italy.
- Exceptional Desserts and Coffee: Desserts, such as the praised Bread Pudding with gelato, are a major highlight, as is the quality of the coffee served.
- Owner-Operator Engagement: Owner Silvio is frequently cited in reviews for his personal attention, welcoming demeanor, and genuine pride in the establishment and its food.
- Specialty Dishes: Beyond the standard menu, the restaurant features seasonal or daily specials, such as Octopus and Osso Bucco, which are enthusiastically received by regular diners.
- Welcoming Ambiance: The atmosphere is noted as a pleasant blend of casual, cozy, and romantic, appealing to a wide range of patrons including couples, families, and groups.
- Diverse Menu Offerings: The full menu includes comfort food, healthy options, and clearly marked vegetarian choices, ensuring there is something for everyone.
- Highly Acclaimed Pasta and Entrees: Dishes like the Capellini Frutti Di Mare, Rigatoni, Veal Saltimbocca, and the Rib-Eye Boccone consistently receive high praise for their preparation and quality.
To make a reservation for a cozy dinner, arrange a takeout order, or inquire about hosting a special event, you can contact Boccone South using the details below. Dinner reservations are highly recommended due to the restaurant's popularity.
Address: 471 W Mt Pleasant Ave, Livingston, NJ 07039
Phone: (973) 378-9222
Mobile Phone: +1 973-378-9222
Choosing Boccone South for your next Italian meal in New Jersey means opting for a guaranteed experience of warmth, quality, and authentic flavor. What truly sets this restaurant apart is the trifecta of a memorable atmosphere, the celebrated BYOB convenience, and, most importantly, the consistently stellar quality of the food. It's an ideal choice for New Jersey diners looking for an affordable yet elevated Italian night out.
The food menu presents a convincing case on its own. The wide variety of freshly made pasta, from the simple yet elegant Cacio E Pepe to the generous Capellini Frutti Di Mare, ensures that pasta lovers will find their perfect dish. A standout worth choosing is the Secondi section, where high-quality dishes like the Rib-Eye Boccone—a tender cut served with roasted garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and capers—challenge the offerings of dedicated steakhouses, all within a welcoming Italian trattoria setting. The various preparations of Pollo (Chicken) and Veal, such as Pollo Scarpariello or Veal Saltimbocca, demonstrate the chef's expertise in classic Italian techniques.
Moreover, the overall dining context makes the choice clear. The ability to bring your own wine not only customizes your experience but also dramatically reduces the cost of the meal compared to licensed establishments, offering exceptional value. This, combined with the personal touch of owner Silvio, who treats patrons like 'fast friends' and manages large-group logistics with grace, transforms dining here from a simple transaction into a genuine social event. Patrons looking for a romantic spot, a reliable family dinner location, or just great food with a great atmosphere and the convenience of BYOB will find Boccone South to be the perfect, highly recommended Italian sanctuary in Livingston, NJ.
Boccone South Food & drink
Zuppe
- Escarole E Fagioli $12.00
Secondi
- Rib-Eye Boccone $49.00
Roasted garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, capers, broccoli rabe, with garlic fries.
- Tilapia Provençale $28.00
Capers, grape tomatoes, green olives, garlic, fresh herbs.
- Veal $32.00
Choice of Francese, Marsala, or parmigiano.
- Pignoli Salmon $33.00
Over wild mushroom polenta, sautéed spinach, porcini mushroom sauce.
- Veal Saltimbocca $33.00
Prosciutto, spinach, mozzarella, port wine reduction.
- Pollo Fantasia $28.00
Wild mushrooms, artichokes, sun-dried tomatoes, sweet vermouth reduction.
- Pollo Sorrentino $28.00
Fresh tomato, eggplant, melted mozzarella, marsala wine.
- Pollo $26.00
Choice of Francese, Marsala, or parmigiano.
- Pollo Scarpariello $32.00
Bone-in chicken, hot and sweet sausage.
- Veal Milanese $33.00
Breaded veal top round, arugula, artichokes, fresh tomatoes, olives, vinaigrette.
Insalate
- Caprese $15.00
Sliced plum tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, roasted peppers, extra virgin olive oil.
- Caesar $14.00
Hearts of romaine, croutons, shaved Parmesan, homemade Caesar dressing.
- Casa $14.00
Mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, artichokes, Provolone, chickpeas, balsamic.
- Trecolore $14.00
Arugula, endive, radicchio, lemon vinaigrette.
- Arugula $14.00
Shaved fennel, toasted walnuts, Parmesan, walnut vinaigrette.
- Insalata Di Mare $23.00
Shrimp, calamari, lump crabmeat, celery, tomato, lemon olive oil.
- Warm Goat Cheese $15.00
Baby greens, asparagus, beets, goat cheese croquette, Moscato vinegar.
Pasta
- Linguini Vongole $28.00
Clams, parsley garlic and oil.
- Capellini Scampi $32.00
Lightly breaded shrimp, garlic butter, white wine sauce.
- Penne Toscana $25.00
Mushrooms, peas, bolognese sauce.
- Spaghetti Con Polpetti $25.00
Veal meatballs, tomato basil sauce, fresh ricotta.
- Spaghetti Carbonara $25.00
Onions, smoked pancetta, egg yolk, and Parmesan cheese.
- Capellini Frutti Di Mare $40.00
Shrimp, calamari, scallops, clams, mussels marechiare in a light tomato broth.
- Paccheri Vinaro $25.00
Onions, asparagus, in pink sauce.
- Cacio E Pepe $24.00
Spaghetti encrusted with pecorino Romano, grana padano cheese, black pepper, in natural broth.
- Rigatoni $25.00
Italian sausage, broccoli rabe, red pepper flakes, garlic and oil.
- Gnocchi Padia $25.00
Handmade dumplings, tomato sauce, melted mozzarella.
- Pappardelle Funghi $28.00
Mixed exotic mushrooms over handmade ribbon pasta, in white truffle cream sauce.
- Strozzapretti $32.00
Eggplant, shrimp, and pesto in vodka sauce.
Antipasti
- Calamari Fritti $18.00
Fried calamari, fresh tomato sauce.
- Arancini $14.00
Southern-style rice balls, bolognese, with peas and mozzarella.
- Calamari Fritti Thai Style $19.00
Lightly breaded and fried calamari with a hint of Thai spices, served with a tangy dipping sauce.
- Shrimp Chevre $19.00
Over sliced tomatoes, topped with warm goat cheese. Finished in light white wine, capers, and mushrooms.
- Eggplant Rollatini $16.00
Fresh ricotta, basil, and mozzarella, topped with tomato sauce.
- Mozzarella In Carrozza $13.00
Layers of fried bread, stuffed with mozzarella, prosciutto, tomato, and sweet basil.
- Crab $23.00
Jumbo lump crab over baby arugula.
- Antipasto Boccone $20.00
Italian salami, cheese, olives, artichokes, roasted peppers.
- Clams Casino $17.00
Sautéed with roasted peppers, smoked pancetta, bread crumbs, natural jus.
- Fresh P.E.I. Mussels $16.00
Sautéed in garlic, in a light tomato broth. Spicy or sweet.
Boccone South Details
Service options
- Takeout
- Dine-in
- Delivery
Highlights
- Fast service
- Great coffee
- Great dessert
Popular for
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
- Wheelchair accessible seating
Offerings
- Coffee
- Comfort food
- Healthy options
- Vegetarian options
Dining options
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Dessert
- Seating
- Table service
Amenities
- Restroom
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Cozy
- Romantic
- Trendy
Crowd
- Groups
- Tourists
Planning
- Dinner reservations recommended
- Accepts reservations
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
- Credit cards
Parking
- Free parking lot
- Free street parking
- Parking
Boccone South Photos










Boccone South Location
Boccone South
471 W Mt Pleasant Ave, Livingston, NJ 07039, USA
Boccone South Reviews
bread puddingfood and servicediningappetizerpresentationeveningbirthdayoctopusvealthe menu
★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1Had a fantastic dinner with my husband here tonight. Everything was so delicious. Owner Silvio is the man! Nick was very friendly and attentive. The bread pudding was one of the best we have ever tasted. Highly recommend!
October 18 · Ellen NgWe had a fantastic time at Boccone South and it quickly became my favorite Italian restaurant in the area. We had a last minute family event of 16 people that included 9 adults as well as toddlers and infants. Other restaurants struggled to accept this (understandably), but when I called Silvio, he was so accepting and so we made the Sunday afternoon reservation 1 day in advance. When we walked in, he addressed me by name and I felt like we were fast friends. He clearly takes pride in his food, service and establishment! As others have said, every dish was better than the next, and we ordered specials which we don't normally do. Highlights included Octopus (from Portugal), Calamari, Zucchini and Stuffed Pepper appetizers. Amazing Osso Bucco, Papperdelle Funghi, Shrimp Scampi and Chicken Parm entrees (among others) and delicious bread pudding w/ gelato and lava cake /w gelato desserts. Give it a try, you won't be disappointed! BYOB.
August 15 · Kevin GannWe were wowed by owner, Silvio! He explains the specials that can turn a non foodie into a foodie within seconds. Every dish is better than the next. Each dish we have tried is full of flavors and fresh ingredients.Also- the homemade Italian bread pudding is a dessert that I dream about and cannot wait to have it again.
May 27 · Liza San LuisOne of the best Italian restaurants in the area.Many of their dishes have a modern spin on them.Normally we don't go for the specials but here they really are diffrent and worth trying.~Highly recommended
June 26 · Victor CI went there with my wife and daughters and was so pleased. Recently heard about it from a friend that said they would swear by it and we are always looking for authentic Italian food with a nice BYOB setting and I tell you the second I made the phone call for the reservation and I heard that Calabria accent I knew we were in for a treat. The owner Silvio greeted us as soon as we came in, spoke to me about where we were from in Italy and really set us up with a nice bunch of specials and choices, and we left so full. The octopus was tender, the stronzopretti was made perfect. He makes all his pasta homemade and you can tell. I couldn’t even breathe. We will be back and this is going into our rotation as go to spots. The Affogato was phenomenal for dessert as well as the pudding cake.The only negative I can say is that they brought out the meat with the pasta, but I won’t hold it against them. It was delicious.
May 17 · Pat Loconsole
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