Blu Livingston has just opened its doors in Livingston, New Jersey. #Powerjournalist Markos Papadatos has the scoop.
The distinguished Blu on the Hudson, celebrated for its elevated, New York City–inspired dining experience is expanding with the debut of Blu Livingston, opening 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.
It was 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 revolution 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 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.
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 (“Wine Spectator’s Best of Award of Excellence of 2025”).
To learn more about Blu Livingston, visit its official website.
