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Aurora, Old Tappan, NJ

Aurora

4.8 (287)
$30 and under
Mediterranean
203 Old Tappan Rd, Old Tappan, NJ 07675-7042

Make a reservation

A photo of Aurora restaurant

Aurora

4.8
$30 and under
Mediterranean
Old Tappan

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 25 times today

About this restaurant

  • Good for special occasions
  • Romantic
  • Neighborhood gem
Aurora Restaurant in Old Tappan, NJ, is a fine dining establishment that offers an elegant atmosphere and a refined menu featuring Italian cuisine with modern touches. Known for its upscale setting and exceptional service, Aurora has become a favorite spot for both special occasions and casual dining. The interior is beautifully designed with soft lighting, tasteful decor, and a comfortable, yet sophisticated ambiance.

The menu at Aurora blends traditional Italian flavors with contemporary techniques. It offers a variety of pastas, seafood, meats, and wood-fired pizzas, along with a well-curated selection of wines to complement the dishes. The restaurant is also praised for its attention to detail, from the presentation of food to the overall dining experience.

In addition to its impressive food offerings, Aurora is known for its warm, welcoming service, making it a popular choice for families, couples, and those celebrating special events.

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Price
    $30 and under
  • Cuisines
    Mediterranean
  • Hours of operation
    Mon–Thu 11:00 am–9:00 pm Fri 11:00 am–11:00 pm Sat 12:00 pm–11:00 pm Sun 12:00 pm–9:00 pm
  • Phone number
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress

Concierge
AI Beta

Our AI assistant, Concierge, is here to answer your questions about this restaurant.

What 287 people are saying

Aurora reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.8
4.8 based on recent ratings
  • 4.9Food
  • 4.6Service
  • 4.7Ambience
  • 4.5Value

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • New Jersey

    Mediterranean

  • Bergen

    Romantic

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
Aurora delights diners with its "great vibe, food, and people." Known for "impeccable" service and "delicious" food, the restaurant offers a warm, inviting atmosphere. Signature dishes like the paella and chicken aurora receive high praise. Accommodating to dietary needs, Aurora ensures a memorable dining experience with "attentive without being overbearing" service.
287 Reviews
  1. Tom Gold

    New York City27 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 2 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Last night was our first time eating at Aurora and it was great. Quality and quantity of food was excellent. There were six of us and all had a great experience. Will definitely be going back.

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  2. Gary Gold

    New Jersey26 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 7 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Outstanding evening with great food and service. Great vibe and atmosphere. Much like all of their other restaurants, they do things the right way!

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  3. debbieb

    New York City7 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on April 27, 2026

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Lovely environment with option of outdoor seating. Excellent service and delicious food!

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  4. Cindy Gold

    New York City11 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on April 22, 2026

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Everything from start to finish was delicious. We will definitely be back.

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  5. Melissa

    New York City6 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on April 5, 2026

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    I have eaten here many times and it never disappoints. Food, Service, Ambience all impeccable. Whether it's lunchtime, Saturday night or a Holiday, everything is airways on point. Look forward to the next visit!

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  6. Eileen

    San Francisco11 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on April 3, 2026

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 3
    Celebrating a birthday at Aurora is amazing! Great vibe, food and people.

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  7. Jose Gold

    New York City4 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on March 22, 2026

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    This was a great spot. Will definitely be returning.

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  8. Steve

    New York City1 review

    5.0

    Dined on March 20, 2026

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    I had an absolutely incredible experience at Aurora Restaurant — truly 5 stars across the board. From the moment we walked in, the atmosphere was warm, elegant, and inviting. The service was impeccable—attentive without being overbearing, and every recommendation was spot on. But let’s talk about the food… the paella is an absolute must-try. Perfectly cooked, packed with flavor, and loaded with fresh seafood—lobster, shrimp, mussels, clams—every bite was rich, balanced, and unforgettable. You can tell this dish is made with real care and authenticity. Everything we ordered was outstanding, from appetizers to drinks, but the paella completely stole the show. It’s the kind of dish you keep thinking about long after you leave. If you’re looking for a place that delivers on quality, flavor, ambiance, and service, Aurora is it. I’ll definitely be back.

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  9. Estelle Gold

    New York City67 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on March 16, 2026

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Service was fabulous! Food outstanding! Ambience beautiful!

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  10. Carrie

    New York City7 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on March 6, 2026

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Amazing food, service, and ambience and I’m picky!

    Is this helpful?

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Price
    $30 and under
  • Cuisines
    Mediterranean
  • Hours of operation
    Mon–Thu 11:00 am–9:00 pm Fri 11:00 am–11:00 pm Sat 12:00 pm–11:00 pm Sun 12:00 pm–9:00 pm
  • Phone number
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress

FAQs

Yes, Aurora is a popular choice for date night thanks to its elegant, warm ambiance, polished service, and refined menu. Guests frequently praise the atmosphere as cozy and sophisticated, with soft lighting and tasteful decor that suit a romantic evening. Consider booking a booth or the quieter “library” room for more privacy, and expect a menu of seafood, pastas, steaks and wood‑fired pizzas paired with crafted cocktails and a curated wine list.

Portions at Aurora tend to be generous, many guests remark on large, ample servings that are easy to share or save for leftovers. Expect hearty entrees like seafood pastas, lamb shank, and sizeable steaks; appetizers (Aurora Chips, burrata) are also abundant. If you prefer lighter plates, consider sharing an entrée or ordering sides like spinach or lemon potatoes.

Aurora’s regular hours are: Mon–Thu 11:00 AM–9:00 PM, Fri 11:00 AM–11:00 PM, Sat 12:00 PM–11:00 PM, Sun 12:00 PM–9:00 PM. For holidays or special events (e.g., Mother’s Day, Christmas), hours may vary, call ahead to confirm and to make reservations.

Yes, Aurora accommodates families. Guests note comfortable booths, high chairs, and a family‑friendly vibe; many bring teens or celebrate birthdays with kids. The staff have accommodated celiac/gluten‑free needs and are attentive to dietary requests. For young children, an early seating is recommended to avoid busier evening service.

If you prefer a quieter, more relaxed meal, weekdays and early dinners are best, guests frequently say weekday or early dinner visits are calmer and not rushed. For a lively scene, choose Friday or Saturday evenings or weekend bar service. If you want lower noise and quicker service, aim for weekday lunch or an early weekday dinner.

Aurora offers several seating options: a main dining room, booths (great for privacy), a lively bar area, and named sections like a quieter “library.” Guests also report the restaurant has three rooms for events (small, medium, large), which many use for celebrations, call to reserve the space for larger parties.

Aurora blends cozy and refined, guests describe a warm, elegant, and inviting atmosphere with tasteful decor and soft lighting. It’s comfortable enough for family dinners yet polished for special occasions. Note: weekends, especially Saturday nights, can be noisy and lively; weekdays are calmer and more intimate.

Casual dress is the stated policy, but guests often opt for smart‑casual or slightly dressier attire given the elegant atmosphere. For special occasions or date night, many diners wear business casual or nicer outfits to match the refined setting.

Yes, Aurora’s staff are accommodating: guests report the team handles dietary needs (gluten‑free, celiac), seating requests (quieter room or booth), and event arrangements. For birthdays or special occasions, mention it when booking and the staff will help with seating and service. Calling ahead is the best way to ensure specific requests are met.

Yes, families do dine at Aurora and guests often celebrate birthdays with children. While there isn’t a dedicated kids’ menu, there are kid‑friendly options (pizzas, pastas, a chicken finger platter) and high chairs are available. For a smoother visit with young children, choose an early seating and notify the restaurant when booking.

Aurora accepts reservations and can get busy on Friday and Saturday evenings, guests report crowded weekend service and occasional waits. While explicit waitlist policy isn’t published, it’s wise to reserve in advance for weekend or holiday dining; if you’re arriving without reservations, expect possible waits during peak times.

Busiest: Friday and Saturday evenings and major holidays (Mother’s Day, Christmas), guests frequently note lively, noisy crowds on weekends. Quietest: weekday lunches, early weekday dinners, and some weekday evenings are calmer and more relaxed. If you prefer a quiet meal, aim for a weekday or an early seating.

Weekdays (Monday–Thursday) are often the best bet for a relaxed meal, guests report quieter rooms, attentive service, and less noise midweek. If you want a lively scene, Friday or Saturday evenings deliver more energy but also more crowding and potential service slowdowns.

Yes, guests report that Aurora offers private/event rooms and hosts gatherings. Multiple reviews mention three event rooms (small, medium, large) suitable for celebrations, business dinners, and special occasions. Contact the restaurant directly to reserve a private room and discuss menus or event needs.

Often yes, reviews reference dining at Aurora on busy holiday dates like Mother’s Day and Christmas, indicating the restaurant operates on some public holidays. Holiday hours and service can vary, so call ahead and make reservations for major holidays to confirm hours and availability.

Yes, guests report dining al fresco and describe it as a peaceful option. Outdoor seating can be a pleasant choice for a calmer experience; availability may depend on season and reservations, so call ahead if you prefer an outdoor table.

How FAQ content is generated

  1. Home
  2. United States
  3. New Jersey
  4. Bergen
  5. Old Tappan

Make a reservation

A photo of Aurora restaurant

Aurora

4.8
$30 and under
Mediterranean
Old Tappan

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 25 times today
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