A lakefront address in Oak Ridge that once belonged to owner Lav Sabani's father and uncles is serving food again, this time as Olive & Oak Lakefront Kitchen. The restaurant at 11 Moquis Trail celebrated its grand opening on Thursday with a ribbon cutting led by Jefferson Township Mayor Eric Wilsusen, giving township residents their first glimpse inside the new dining room.
According to Morris Focus, Wilsusen said he supports the business and expects it to thrive, adding that he looks forward to dining there and wished the owners future success. Town Council members Melissa Senatore and Yvonne Ioffredo also attended the grand opening alongside local residents, per the same report. The restaurant's own site confirms the date, noting that “On October 8, 2026, Jefferson Township Mayor Eric Wilsusen, members of the Town Council, and local residents joined us for our ribbon cutting,” according to Olive & Oak Lakefront Kitchen.
For Sabani, the opening carries family weight. The restaurant's original owners were his father and uncles, and he has said the place has always felt like home to him, Morris Focus reports. He also said the restaurant is for everyone, and that he plans to differentiate it from its earlier version by offering both a fine-dining ambience and family dining under one roof.
Italian-Inspired Menu On The Water
Olive & Oak Lakefront Kitchen describes itself on its website as serving Italian-inspired plates, seasonal cocktails, and warm company by the lake. The Oak Ridge spot bills itself as now open, with the site listing its address as 11 Moquis Trail.
The restaurant's hours, per Morris Focus, run from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, noon to 10 p.m. on Saturday, and noon to 9 p.m. on Sunday. It is closed Tuesdays. Diners looking to make plans can reach the restaurant at 973-320-0400.
A New Chapter For A Familiar Lakefront Spot
The ribbon cutting marks a new chapter for a property with deep ties to Sabani's family, who first ran the restaurant generations earlier. Now, as the sole owner, Sabani is betting that blending that history with a refreshed menu and atmosphere will win over both longtime neighbors and newcomers to the lake.
