Key Takeaways – Dining in River Vale, NJ

• River Vale’s dining scene covers Italian, pizza, Chinese, Thai, Greek, sushi, bakeries, and cafés.
• Best Pizza & Italian: Crecco’s Cafe, Francesca Pizza, Armando’s.
• Asian Cuisine: China Pavilion, Ammata Thai Kitchen, sushi spots nearby.
• Greek & Mediterranean: Sparta Taverna, Gyro King.
• Breakfast & Coffee: Jack’s Cafe, Dunkin’ Donuts.
• Restaurants are mainly along Rivervale Road or within a 5–10 minute drive.

1. Introduction

While River Vale, NJ is primarily a residential township, it still offers a diverse food scene. Many restaurants are locally owned, bringing personality and authenticity to the dining experience. Whether you’re craving pizza in River Vale, NJ, spicy Thai, fresh sushi, or a sweet pastry, you’ll find something worth your appetite.

2. Pizza & Italian Restaurants

Crecco’s Cafe

Google Maps | Rivervale Road, River Vale, NJ
Crecco’s is the definition of a local classic — the kind of pizzeria where the owners know regular customers by name. Their thin-crust pies are crisp yet chewy, topped with generous portions of cheese and sauce. Beyond pizza, Crecco’s serves hearty chicken parmigiana, baked ziti, and daily specials. The atmosphere is casual, perfect for family dinners or game-day takeout.

Francesca Pizza

Google Maps
Francesca Pizza delivers classic NJ-style slices with bold flavors and a slightly sweet tomato sauce. Locals love their grandma pie and white pizza with ricotta. Small but cozy, this spot is a reliable lunch or weeknight dinner stop.

Armando’s

Google Maps
For a sit-down Italian dinner, Armando’s is a solid choice. The menu blends classic Italian-American fare like shrimp scampi and chicken marsala with seasonal specials. The interior feels warm and inviting, making it a favorite for date nights and family celebrations.

Napolitano’s

Old-school charm meets flavorful pizzas at Napolitano’s. Their crust is slightly thicker, with a rustic chew, and their meatball hero is a standout for lunch.

3. Chinese Food

China Pavilion

Google Maps | Rivervale Road, River Vale, NJ
The go-to for Chinese food in River Vale, NJ, China Pavilion is known for generous portions and consistent flavors. Signature dishes include General Tso’s chicken, beef with broccoli, and pork dumplings. The dining room has a relaxed, comfortable setting for dine-in, and takeout is always quick.

4. Sushi & Japanese

River Vale itself has limited sushi options, but residents head to nearby towns like Westwood and Old Tappan for quality Japanese cuisine.

• Sushi House (Westwood) – Known for creative rolls and fresh sashimi.
• Kiku Sushi (Paramus) – A favorite for sushi lunch specials.

5. Thai Restaurants

Ammata Thai Kitchen

Google Maps | Rivervale Road, River Vale, NJ
Ammata Thai Kitchen is a gem for authentic Thai flavors. Their Pad Thai is perfectly balanced, while the Panang curry has a rich coconut base with just the right spice kick. The interior is bright and welcoming, with attentive service that makes you feel like a regular by your second visit.

6. Greek & Mediterranean

Sparta Taverna

Sparta Taverna offers a slice of Greece in Bergen County. The menu features classics like moussaka, spanakopita, and grilled lamb chops. The portions are generous, and the flavors are authentic — especially their house-made tzatziki.

Gyro King

A quick-service Greek spot perfect for lunch on the go. The chicken gyro platter and falafel wraps are consistent crowd-pleasers. Affordable, fast, and satisfying.

7. Breakfast, Cafés & Bakeries

Jack’s Cafe

A cozy breakfast and lunch café where omelets, pancakes, and fresh sandwiches are the stars. Great for a relaxed morning coffee meet-up.

Dunkin’ Donuts – River Vale

National chain convenience for coffee, donuts, and breakfast sandwiches.

Bakeries

River Vale’s bakery options are limited, but neighboring Westwood has artisan shops for bread, cakes, and pastries.

8. Specialty & International

Let’s Meat

Upscale steakhouse dining with a focus on premium cuts. Perfect for special occasions and business dinners. The bone-in ribeye is a local favorite.

Cuban Eddie’s

Flavor-packed Cuban sandwiches, ropa vieja, and plantain-based sides. Ideal for lunch takeout or a casual dinner.

Zozo Restaurant

An elevated dining experience with a rotating seasonal menu blending Mediterranean and American flavors.

9. Restaurants Near River Vale

If you’re willing to go 5–10 minutes outside of town, you’ll find even more variety in Westwood, Old Tappan, and Hillsdale — including sushi bars, upscale Italian, and modern American kitchens.

FAQs

Q1: Where can I get the best pizza in River Vale, NJ?
Crecco’s Cafe and Francesca Pizza are the top local picks.

Q2: Is there Thai food in River Vale?
Yes — Ammata Thai Kitchen serves authentic Thai dishes.

Q3: Where’s the best Chinese restaurant?
China Pavilion is the most popular choice for Chinese food in River Vale.

Q4: Are there Greek restaurants in town?
Yes — Sparta Taverna and Gyro King offer Greek and Mediterranean menus.

Q5: Does River Vale have bakeries?
Limited options in-town, but nearby Westwood has several artisan bakeries.

Local Insights in Brief

Q: What’s the best pizza place in River Vale?
A: Crecco’s Cafe is the go-to for thin-crust pizza, with Francesca Pizza as another top choice.

Q: Is there good Thai food in town?
A: Yes — Ammata Thai Kitchen is known for Pad Thai and curry dishes.

Q: Where should I go for Greek food?
A: Sparta Taverna for sit-down dining, Gyro King for quick-service platters.

Q: Can I get sushi in River Vale?
A: Limited in-town options, but Sushi House in Westwood is close by.