The chef and founder of Green Pear Heights in Jersey City is not your average restaurateur. In fact, her previous work has nothing to do with food at all. Isabella Molnar used to be a professional opera singer in Hungary. But she grew weary of going from audition to audition, and made the decision to settle in America with her family and open a restaurant.
The Heights section of Jersey City is known for having spots that boast a personal touch. Green Pear Heights is no exception, with many patrons referring to it as a hidden gem. The cozy 850-square-foot BYOB eatery has a “Moulin Rouge” vibe with an intimate, homey, and personable ambiance. Meanwhile, their year-round outdoor area in a parklet seats 10 more guests. A true native, Molnar’s family has been living in town for 27 years. (And also owns a second business, The Green Pear Café, in Hoboken.)
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Authentic Hungarian Menu
At Green Pear Heights, Molnar creates the food she knows best: Authentic Hungarian cuisine. However, these meals require a lot of time, patience, and know how. But she feels that is part of what draws customers from throughout Staten Island and Bergen County; a menu that offers signature dishes that take more time to make than most have to give.
In particular, she describes the dinner-only menu as “homemade, Eastern European, modern, Hungarian, and Balkan” food. Popular menu items include beef goulash, potato and cheese pirogi, orange blossom ricotta crepes, and lamb kebabs. Then, for dessert, fans love their apple pierogi that comes with vanilla ice cream. Click here to see the full menu.
Customers often tell Molnar that their ancestors made similar dishes. Her chicken soup, for example, reminds one customer of her late grandmother. Likewise, Polish patrons stop in (and leave happy) after hearing about her pirogi. But the most frequent compliment is when a meal reminds a customer of their mother’s recipe.
Looking Ahead
Future plans for Green Pear Heights include recreating the concept of their Hoboken location at the Jersey City outpost. Molnar says she wants Green Pear Heights to be a “community hub” that’s “filled with culture” and “live performances”. Those goals are already progressing, as the restaurant features all sorts of entertainment. You can even build your own event on-site, adding features such as a coffee cart, mixologist, and more. Click here to learn more about events at Green Pear Heights.
Visit Green Pear Heights at 93 Franklin Street in Jersey City. (Click here to see them on Google Maps.) To learn more, click here to visit their website or you can click here to give them a call.
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Green Pear Heights FAQs
Yes, they accept reservations.
There are gluten-free options on the menu, yes.
Yes, they serve vegetarian options.
They offer takeout, yes.
Yes, they offer delivery through GrubHub and Uber Eats.
No, they do not serve alcohol.
They do not have a kids’ menu, no.
All Photos: © Isabella Molnar / Green Pear Heights
