Diners' Choice: Good for special occasions restaurants in Middlesex

OpenTable

Updated 05 October 2026

Looking for the best special occasion restaurants in Middlesex? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyses nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favourite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you book, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

Casa Giuseppe

5.0

5 (341)

$31 to $50

Italian

Iselin

About the restaurant

Casa Giuseppe is a casaual fine dining restuarant that specializes in Northern Italian Cuisine. Great for corporate or social gatherings with private dining or a cozy intimate dinner for two. We cater to your individual needs and always make you feel welcome. Enjoy a delicious cocktail or relax with a great bottle of wine from our well rounded wine list.

Top review

MichaelGold

Dined on 9 Oct 2026

Food and service are excellent every time. Menu is very appealing.

Stage Left Steak

4.9

4.9 (1546)

$50 and over

Steakhouse

New Brunswick

About the restaurant

A contemporary steakhouse in the heart of New Brunswick's theater district with a wood-burning grill serving delicious dry-aged steaks and locally sourced dishes since 1992. The wine list is extensive and features estate-bottled wines from small producers. A variety of hand-crafted cocktails are offered on the nationally-recognized cocktail menu. Winner of many accolades including Best of the Best, Best Steak, Best Burger, "Best of Award of Excellence", Coziest Restaurant and more.

We are currently open Monday - Thursday : 4:30-9 and Friday - Saturday : 4:30-9:30.

In cooperation with our sister restaurant, Catherine Lombardi, guests have the option of ordering from both of our menus on the days that we're open.

Top review

HanGold

Dined 1 day ago

Great time at this classic steakhouse! We had a group of four and shared one of the largest cut dry-aged porterhouse steaks which was cooked perfectly medium rare but also served with a salt block to allow for greater customization. The cocktails and wine list were quite good as well and we will need to come back to try the extensive cheese selection. Our server Emily was a delight and able to guide us through the menu as well. Look forward to returning!

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Experience

The Haunted Lounge: A Spooky Bar Takeover

Labebe Prime - Steak & Seafood

4.9

4.9 (1642)

$50 and over

Steak

New Brunswick

About the restaurant

Labebe Prime was born from the heart of my beloved grandmother, who taught me that food is love made visible. Her table was filled with warmth, laughter, and abundance, and her kitchen was a place of comfort and belonging.

She raised her family in the 1950s with honor, discipline, and devotion. Meals were sacred, conversations mattered, and family came first. That spirit lives on at Labebe Prime, from our elegant style to the music that brings people together.

I carry her legacy into every dish I create, welcoming each guest with the same love and generosity she shared with me. Every plate carries a piece of her heart and a promise: to nourish both body and spirit.

At Labebe Prime, food is shared as an invitation to gather, feel seen, and remember what truly matters.

Only the best, for the best!

Chef Tony Pierre

Top review

PhilipGold

Dined 2 days ago

This was our first time dining at Labebe Prime Steak, and it will definitely not be the last. Our daughter and grandson pronounced it the best restaurant they have been to, and we've been to some great ones. The vibe is nice and the music evokes a nice Southern/New Orleans mood. There is a great list of craft cocktails with nice presentation. The hostess "warned" us that all the cocktails are made with 4 oz of premium liquor, so be careful if you can't hold your liquor. Three of us had the Spicy Smoked Margarita. It was excellent.Our waiter, Bryan, was friendly and informative. The bread service consisted of homemade focaccia with two homemade spread. One is a garlic butter and the other had red pepper. We ordered 3 appetizers. Hummus, Short Ribs Croquettes, and Crab Cake. They were all outstanding. For entrees we had a perfectly prepared Filet Mignon (my grandson broke into a smile with the first bite), a Angry Stuffed Lobster Tail, Wagyu Kufta Kebab, Seafood Risotto, and a Seafood Jambalaya. All of the dishes were outstanding, plenty of seafood and portions were huge. We were too full for dessert. Bryan brought us 5 small cups of lemon ices (outstanding) and tri-color Italian cookies. Service was great. The meal was nicely paced. They brought over the appetizers in two waves and then a nice pause before the entrees. Each time was brought out, the servers enthusiastically described the dish and all of the accompanying sauces and sides. We look forward to returning.

Salt Seafood & Oyster Bar

4.9

4.9 (3423)

$31 to $50

Seafood

New Brunswick

About the restaurant

Salt Seafood & Oyster Bar brings bold coastal flavors to the heart of New Brunswick. Our modern oyster bar features a wide selection of fresh local oysters and seasonal picks from across the U.S., making us a go-to for the best seafood in New Brunswick. Chef Chris crafts a vibrant menu of seafood-forward dishes, local meats, and creative vegetarian options. Enjoy it all in our elegant dining room or casual bar, perfect for everything from a relaxed night out to a romantic dinner. With signature cocktails, warm décor, and a welcoming team, Salt is where great food and good vibes meet. Whether you're here for a cozy date night, weekend celebration, or just craving oysters and cocktails, we can't wait to serve you.

Top review

Deborah

Dined 1 day ago

Everything we ate, from appy to dessert was delicious, without exception. Can’t wait to go back.

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Popular dish

Seafood Risotto

Popular dish

Seafood Tower (Small & Large)

Popular dish

Potato Crusted Wild Halibut

Mezcal

4.9

4.9 (2088)

$50 and over

Steakhouse

Old Bridge

About the restaurant

Mezcal blends authentic Mexican flavors with steakhouse sophistication, offering exceptional dining and a vibrant, refined atmosphere in Old Bridge, NJ.

Top review

Melissa

Dined 2 days ago

to Dan, who was absolutely wonderful! He was friendly, attentive, professional, and made sure everything was perfect throughout our visit. His hospitality truly made us feel welcomed and appreciated. And then there's Alessandro someone who deserves more than five stars! Alessandro is truly one of a kind. His personality, kindness, professionalism, and genuine passion for making guests feel special are simply unmatched. He doesn't just provide excellent hospitality; he creates an experience that makes you want to return again and again. It's rare to come across someone who leaves such a lasting impression, but Alessandro does exactly that. I travel an hour and a half to come to Mezcal, and Alessandro is one of the biggest reasons I will continue coming back! He is an incredible asset to this restaurant, and I hope management recognizes just how exceptional he truly is. Thank you, Dan and Alessandro, for making every visit memorable. You both represent hospitality at its absolute finest!

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4.8

4.8 (4515)

$31 to $50

Steakhouse

New Brunswick

About the restaurant

Steakhouse 85 is a 21st century rendition of the classic American Steakhouse. The menu at Steakhouse 85 is comprised of fresh and inspiring modern day interpretations of classic American cuisine, served alongside the traditional steakhouse classics we all know and love. The back bone of our menu is without a doubt our beef. Our mouth watering dry aged steaks are rubbed with a simple yet luscious combination of sea salt, black pepper and fresh herbs. They are seared on a 1200 degree cast iron grill and then broiled to your liking. Paired with a large classically designed bar, complete with savvy cocktails and a Wine Spectator award winning wine list, this steakhouse is sure to please.

Wine Spectator Award of Excellence

Official Steakhouse of Rutgers Athletics

Top review

Karen

Dined 3 days ago

Everything was excellent! Sat at the bar before going to the State Theatre for a show. Thank you.

Cafe Luna of Old Bridge

4.7

4.7 (725)

$30 and under

Italian

Old Bridge

About the restaurant

After over 20 years of serving fine Italian cuisine in New York City, we are proud to announce our newest location in Old Bridge New Jersey. Join us under the stars in our romantic dining area, lounge or upscale bar, serving our authentic Sicilian Cuisine, delectable desserts and extensive wine list. We pride ourselves on serving the finest ingredients in every dish. Whether you’re having an intimate dinner or seeking to host a special event, happy hour, or other occasion, Café Luna of Oldbridge will provide a dining experience that is out of this world!

Top review

JeanetteGold

Dined 1 day ago

All the staff, including the hostess, the waiters and the support staff were attentive, professional and just plain nice! The food was excellent, starting with the delicious bread basket. If you order the pork chop dinner, be prepared to take 2/3 of it home, I couldn't even finish half of one pork chop let alone start on the 2nd! Pork chops were tender, juicy and very flavorful. All the other chicken entrees were delicious as well

ORCHARD PARK STEAKHOUSE by David Burke

4.7

4.7 (2322)

$50 and over

Steakhouse

New Brunswick

About the restaurant

Award winning Celebrity Chef David Burke brings his whimsical approach to American cuisine and classic dishes. Join us in this stunning venue to enjoy his specialty Clothesline Bacon, Pretzel Crab Cakes and his patented Himalayan Salt-Aged Beef. Save room for dessert, with staples items on Chef Burke dessert menu such as Tin Cake in a Can and the Cheesecake Lollipop Tree. Offering a stellar Brunch on Sundays, sure to be a family hit!
Planning an intimate gathering? Our Wine Room built with 2500 Himalayan salt brick wall, European glass globe lighting fixtures suspended above, we can accommodate up to 22 guests, offering a sophisticated and welcoming atmosphere.

** Our restaurants are generally not the best environment for young children. We welcome families, but we ask parents to keep children at the table and calm vocal infants or youngsters outside of the dining room. We do not allow strollers in the dining room, however we do offer child seating in our "Lounge Area".

Top review

Katrina

Dined 6 days ago

Delicious steaks perfectly cooked. The vanilla bean sweet potatoes and fresh French fries were amazing.

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Popular dish

Skirt Steak

Popular dish

DB Signature Clothesline Bacon

Popular dish

16 Ounce Prime Rib

Q'ERO Restaurant

4.7

4.7 (149)

$50 and over

Peruvian

New Brunswick

About the restaurant

Q'ERO Restaurant invites you on a culinary journey to Peru. Our menu celebrates traditional Peruvian cuisine with a modern twist, featuring fresh ingredients sourced locally and directly from Peru.

Indulge in our signature ceviche, a delightful mix of tangy citrus and fresh seafood, or savor our hearty lomo saltado, a sizzling stir-fry of marinated steak and vegetables. We also provide a range of vegetarian and vegan options, ensuring there's something for everyone.

The warm and inviting ambiance, adorned with colorful décor and friendly service, makes Q'ERO the ideal spot for a romantic date, a lively gathering with friends, or a casual family dinner. Experience the magic of Peruvian cuisine at Q'ERO Restaurant.

Barriga llena, corazón contento. (Full belly, happy heart.)

BYOB

Top review

Randi

Dined on 10 Oct 2026

Have dined here probably 6 or more times. The food is amazing, so much flavor. Early issues (when first opened) were the kitchen time, that’s resolved. The location will fool you, it’s definitely low visibility. Inside however is a beautiful decor. So great food, great ambiance, excellent service, I highly recommend.

Elizabeth's Italian

4.7

4.7 (621)

$31 to $50

Italian

Old Bridge

About the restaurant

Elizabeth’s Italian joins 618 & Mezcal as the newest brand by Death Of Hospitality — a modern Italian restaurant inspired by timeless hospitality, elevated design and the warmth of family. Elizabeth’s blends modern Italian cuisine with a stylish, contemporary dining experience built for memorable nights out.

Top review

Scott

Dined 2 days ago

Absolutely exceptional. Our server, Dani, was incredible. We will definitely be back.

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