- Attraction: Reservoir Tavern
- Location: 92 Parsippany Blvd, Boonton, NJ 07005
- Industry: Italian Restaurant
- Website: https://therestavern.com/
There are plenty of Italian restaurants across New Jersey, but only one has been perfecting its craft in the same family for nearly nine decades.
Reservoir Tavern has been slinging pizza and homestyle Italian dishes since Nicola Bevacqua first opened its doors back in 1936, and every generation since has kept the tradition alive with recipes and techniques that make this place legendary.
Locals simply call it “The Res,” and if you’re anywhere near Morris County, you need to understand why this unassuming tavern consistently draws crowds willing to wait for a table.
The pizza alone has earned awards and cult status, but that barely scratches the surface of what makes this place special.
The Pizza That Built A Legend
The Crust: This is where Reservoir Tavern truly shines. You’ll encounter a crust unlike most New Jersey pies—thick yet airy with an almost bread-like quality on the outer edges, while the center stays thin and crispy.
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Keep Exploring →The texture strikes that perfect balance between chewy and crunchy, with beautiful bubbles scattered across the surface that add character to every slice. That slight yeasty tang in the dough hints at the careful fermentation process that’s been perfected over decades.
The Sauce: Tangy, herby, and bright red, the marinara here is what dreams are made of. It’s not too sweet, not too acidic—just perfectly seasoned with a robust tomato flavor that lets you know this isn’t from a jar. The sauce-to-cheese ratio is spot-on, ensuring every bite delivers that ideal harmony of flavors without one overpowering the other.
The Cheese: Expect generous amounts of high-quality mozzarella that melts into a gooey, golden blanket across your pie. The cheese gets those beautiful char spots under the heat, adding a slightly nutty flavor that complements the tangy sauce perfectly.
Some pies arrive with a bit of oil on top—it’s part of the experience with a bar pie of this caliber, and it actually enhances the richness.
Specialty Pies: Beyond the classic plain pie, you’ll want to explore options like the clam and garlic pizza, which brings briny ocean flavors to the party, or go for a half-sausage, half-meatball combination that showcases their housemade meats. The toppings are restaurant-quality ingredients, not afterthoughts—each one could easily star in an entree.
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Discover MoreThe Famous Toasties & Standout Appetizers
Toasted Meatballs (Toasties): These are non-negotiable. Picture perfectly seasoned, beefy meatballs with a gloriously crunchy exterior that gives way to tender, juicy centers bursting with herbs and spices.
They arrive with a side of that incredible marinara for dipping, though honestly, they’re phenomenal on their own. You can see the seasoning flecked throughout each meatball when you break one open.
Shrimp Calabrese: Jumbo shrimp swimming in a white wine fra diavolo sauce, served over crispy toasted panelli bread. The sauce has just enough kick to wake up your taste buds without overwhelming the sweet, succulent shrimp. It’s messy, it’s delicious, and it’s absolutely worth ordering.
Fried Calamari: Cooked to perfection with a light, crispy coating that doesn’t overpower the tender squid inside. The marinara dipping sauce gives you another preview of just how good their red sauce is.
Stuffed Mushrooms: Loaded with housemade sausage, breadcrumbs, fresh herbs, chopped vegetables, and imported cheese, these are basically a meal in themselves. Each mushroom cap is generously filled and baked until golden.
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Keep Exploring →Meatball Sliders: Tender meatballs nestled in bread with that signature spicy sauce. These hit all the right notes if you want something hearty but not quite a full entree.
Beyond Pizza: The Italian Classics
Chicken Parmigiana: This dish has earned its reputation—breaded chicken cutlets that are crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, smothered in marinara and melted mozzarella. It comes with your choice of pasta and portions are generous enough to guarantee leftovers.
Pasta Dishes: From gnocchi (their potato dumplings are house specialties) to linguine with shrimp scampi, the pasta dishes showcase traditional Italian-American cooking done right. The seafood is always fresh, and sauces range from lemon butter to rich marinara to creamy preparations.
Eggplant Rollatini: Eggplant cutlets rolled with ricotta cheese and baked in marinara sauce, served over your choice of pasta. It’s comfort food that tastes like someone’s Italian grandmother made it with love.
Veal Dishes: Multiple veal preparations grace the menu, including veal parmigiana and veal marsala with mushrooms. The portions are substantial, and the quality is consistently high.
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Discover MoreChicken Rossini: A tender chicken breast topped with prosciutto, fresh mozzarella, and sliced tomato in a white wine light marinara sauce, served atop capellini. This is one of those dishes that combines multiple flavors and textures into something truly special.
Old-School Tavern Vibes
The Setting: Walking into Reservoir Tavern feels like stepping back in time—and that’s entirely the point. The interior hasn’t been renovated in decades, maintaining that authentic old-school Italian tavern aesthetic that adds to the charm rather than detracting from it.
You’ll find vintage photos and autographed pictures adorning the walls, especially in the bar area, creating a nostalgic atmosphere that tells the story of this place’s long history.
Dining Options: You can choose between the main dining room or bellying up to the bar. The bar area has its own distinct personality—lively, social, and perfect for solo diners or couples who want to be in the heart of the action while watching a game and enjoying their meal.
The Space: This is a cozy establishment, not a sprawling restaurant. The space can feel tight when it’s busy, and tables are positioned fairly close together.
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Keep Exploring →But that intimate setting contributes to the convivial atmosphere where laughter and conversation fill the air. It’s loud at times, but it’s the good kind of loud—people genuinely enjoying themselves with friends and family.
Outdoor Seating: During warmer months, you’ll find additional seating in a large tented outdoor dining area, which helps accommodate the crowds that flock here.
What You Should Know Before You Go
Pricing: Expect mid-tier pricing that represents solid value for the quality and portion sizes. The food is reasonably priced considering you’ll likely take home leftovers from any entree. Pizza prices are competitive with other quality pizzerias in the area.
No Reservations: The Res doesn’t take reservations, so be prepared for a wait during peak hours—especially Thursday through Saturday evenings around dinner time. You can call ahead to put your name on the list, which helps reduce waiting time. Many regulars arrive early or opt for lunch to avoid the crowds.
Parking Situation: There’s a private parking lot on-site, which is convenient, but it fills up quickly during busy periods. The lot can become extremely packed since this is a local favorite, so arriving during off-peak hours gives you better parking luck.
Best Times To Visit: Lunch service during the week tends to be less crowded, with quicker seating. Early dinner arrivals (before 6:00 PM) also help you beat the rush. The restaurant is closed Sundays and Mondays, so plan accordingly.
Takeout Available: You can order takeout if you don’t want to wait for a table, though eating in the tavern itself is part of the full experience. No delivery service is offered.
Family-Friendly: This is absolutely a place where families are welcome and common. The atmosphere is casual enough that kids fit right in, though bringing some games or activities during potential waits isn’t a bad idea.
BYOB & Full Bar: The tavern has a full bar with beer and wine selections, including house Chianti that pairs beautifully with the Italian fare. Cocktails are available, and drinks are strong.
Reservoir Tavern
📍 92 Parsippany Blvd, Boonton, NJ 07005
