BLU LIVINGSTON Debuts as a Premier Dining Destination in Livingston NJ

Blu on the Hudson, celebrated for its elevated, New York City–inspired dining experience, is expanding with the stunning debut of Blu Livingston that opened Friday, May 1st in Livingston, New Jersey. This newest location brings Blu’s signature blend of New York City inspired dining to a vibrant new community. Blu Livingston is poised to become one of New Jersey’s most sought-after dining destinations, offering guests a distinctive and transportive culinary experience rooted in the essence of the Blu brand.

Founded by Blu Hospitality Group's Michael Giannopoulos and led by Directors of Operations Andrew Christianson and Karl Khambatta, Culinary Director Juan Carlos “JC” Ortega, and Beverage Director Jeremy LeBlanche, Blu Livingston marks the next evolution of the Blu restaurant brand. The project brings together BHG’s seasoned team of industry professionals, from culinary talent to operations, to create a dining destination that is full of energy, style and fun.

Blu Livingston builds off the signature essence of Blu on the Hudson, while introducing a more intimate and immersive dining experience. Designed in collaboration with Peggy Leung Design, whose portfolio includes Scarpetta, Thompson Hotels, and TAO Las Vegas, has designed a space that achieves a thoughtful balance of sophistication, warmth, and atmosphere.

The restaurant unfolds as a sequence of interconnected environments, featuring three distinct dining rooms, a central bar, and a four-season loggia with a retractable roof and floor-to-ceiling windows that open to surrounding outdoor views. Each dining room offers a unique mood within a cohesive concept. At its core, the design is a journey through dawn, daylight, and twilight, expressed through color, light, and intricate details such as custom murals, ornate chandeliers, crisscross leather detailing, and hand-blown glass globes. The color palette is inspired by a natural landscape, using organic shades of sage green, sand, and brown.

Blu Livingston’s menu highlights world-class seafood, a premium steak program, and house-made pastas. Chef Ortega’s culinary philosophy centers on high quality ingredients layered to create complex flavors, drawing inspiration from the Mediterranean and beyond.

Blu Livingston has tantalizing menu highlights.  The Jewels of the Sea section showcases premier seafood offerings such as a Red Snapper Ceviche, serrano, tiger’s milk, and lemon oil; and Shellfish Cocktails like Jumbo Shrimp with cocktail sauce, and Maine Lobster with yuzu-avocado.

Accompanying is a large Sushi selection: Greatest Catch Roll, bluefin tuna, snow crab, avocado, wasabi, soy; and Nori Tacos prepared with a choice of miso Black Cod, truffle        A-5 Wagyu, or Toro & Kaluga Caviar.

Blu Classics spotlight fan favorites: Caesar Salad, deviled eggs and croutons; Pastrami Salmon, apple, lemon, and dill; and Calamari oreganata style with cherry peppers.

House-Made Pastas are central to the Blu experience: Lobster Fra Diavolo, spaghetti, spicy tomato sauce, and basil; and Pappardelle, braised short ribs with aged parmigiano.

Land & Sea fare include Baby Octopus with calamari, tomato couscous and saffron aioli; Australian Lamb with a labneh-tahini sauce, herbs, and lemon; and Branzino, chickpea purée, salsa verde, and tomatoes.

Blu’s world class steak program will be carried over from Blu on the Hudson: Filet Mignon, center cut 6oz / 10oz; Prime Boneless Ribeye, 16 oz/20oz; Westholme Wagyu Skirt Steak, 8oz; and Japanese A5 Wagyu, 3 oz minimum.

An array of Sides round out the menu: Whipped Potatoes, chives, potato-parm crumble; and Truffle Mac and Cheese with white cheddar and a truffle béchamel, to name a few.

Pastry Chef Erika Martinez brings Blu on the Hudson’s signature desserts including the Tiramisu and Spiced Carrot Cake.

The cocktail program brings a refined, elevated approach to Blu Livingston’s menu. Highlighting top-shelf and barrel-aged spirits, the menu preserves the brand’s signature focus on theatrical, sensory-driven creations. New additions include The Cone, Su Casa Mezcal, espresso, coconut, cardamom, and Mr. Black Coffee Liqueur; and Oro Mule, Patron Silver Tequila, Domaine de Canton Ginger Liqueur, pandan, orange blossom, lime juice, and black tea smoke. Classics also remain, such as The Dual, Angel’s Envy bourbon, Remy Martin VSOP, Laphroaig 10 YO, maple syrup, and Peychaud bitters.

The wine program, curated by Corporate Wine Director and General Manager Adam Greer, builds on a strong foundation from Blu on the Hudson by spotlighting boutique wineries of exceptional quality and value alongside respected legacy labels. An approach that’s earned BHG an award-winning wine program that has been recognized as Wine Spectator’s Best of Award of Excellence 2025. 

Blu Livingston is located at 277 Eisenhower Pkwy, Livingston, NJ 07039. For dining hours,  menus, and more information, please visit www.bluhospitalitygroup.com/livingston and call 862.277.3333. Lunch and brunch service is coming soon.

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Blu Livingston