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What makes Jersey City so great? Is it the nightlife, the waterfront views, or the high density of fitness centers reminding residents to get in shape? We think there are many reasons to love Jersey City, but our favorite has to be the dining scene. Which is why Best of NJ is showcasing a list of The Best Jersey City Restaurants.
If you’re a fellow JC dweller or are thinking about relocating to the city, we helped put together the ultimate Jersey City bucket list to help you maximize your time in this dynamic city.
Many people visit Jersey City for its numerous historic points of interest including Liberty Island National Park. Some come to enjoy the Liberty Science Center or see the Goldman Sachs Tower, the tallest building in New Jersey. Whatever the reason, be sure to stop for something to eat at any of the following Jersey City restaurants.
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The Best Jersey City Restaurants
15 Fox Place
Details: 15 Fox Place is run by chef/owner Marc Budinich. The restaurant is actually in his parents’ former home on a residential street in the Marion section. Feeling like grandma’s house during “Sunday dinner,” Marc serves family-style meals in different rooms throughout the house. Dinner is a two-and-a-half-hour meal that costs $99 per person. Patrons can expect at least six appetizers, salad, two entrees, dessert, and some homemade Limoncello.
Battello
Details: Seafood, craft cocktails, and breathtaking views of Manhattan best describe this contemporary Italian restaurant. The industrial-chic interior features one main dining room with leather banquettes, as well as two large bars. Battello also has an enclosed porch area, an outdoor patio, and a separate lounge that hosts live music events. Chef Ryan DePersio offers signature dishes such as braised octopus, lobster ravioli, and Mediterranean branzino.
Bread & Salt
Details: At Bread & Salt, James Beard semifinalist nominee Rick Easton serves Roman-style pizza and traditional Italian dishes. While this busy 25-seat counter-service spot is small and casual, its flavors are anything but. Chalkboards announce the daily specials, like spring-onion calzones, chicken cutlet, sausage pie, fried baccala, parmigiana di zucca, and spezzatino. Scout out the daily offerings on Instagram, then either order online or (literally) on line.
Cellar 335
Details: Cellar 335 is a sleek and sexy cocktail lounge located in the basement of White Eagle Hall. It features dark, moody colors, exotic island vibes, hand-crafted Hawaiian cocktails, custom tiki mugs, and an Asian-fusion menu. Their menu of shared plates and larger entrées include Korean-style wings, “tiki” masala chicken meatballs, and confit duck legs. The indoor tiki bar also offers standout dishes like crispy pork belly and short-rib bao.
Corto
Details: Homemade pastas and Italian comfort food made from simple and fresh ingredients are the standouts at Corto. This cozy, no-frills BYOB Italian spot brings in fresh produce six days a week, and makes fresh pasta daily. The rotating menu includes strozzapreti, malfadini, agnolotti, shallots and ricotta, leg of lamb, and menu mainstay the Angry Chicken. The latter is served in a tomato, chili, and garlic sauce. Note: reservations are a must at this restaurant.
DOMODOMO
Details: This modern Japanese sushi bar is known for its clever hand rolls and sushi. But they also offer an ever-changing, inventive menu with omakase-inspired dishes and modern takes on traditional Asian fare. Their $89 signature tasting course — The DOMOKASE — includes 8 pieces of chef’s choice sushi; plus Chawanmushi, seasonal oysters, Hamachi ceviche, Spicy tuna cone, Miso black cod, and choice of one hand roll. It also includes a choice of dessert.
Hamilton Inn
Details: Simple and sustainable are the catchphrases at this neighborhood American-fare restaurant. The menu focuses on burgers, seafood, and classic sandwiches with favorites like Lobster roll and short-rib grilled cheese. Other popular picks include pastrami and Swiss and steak frites. The patio hosts Camp Hamilton in the summer, with outdoor dining and cocktails served from an Airstream bar. They also offer both happy-hour specials and weekend brunch.
Hamilton Pork
Details: Hamilton Pork is the place to go for BBQ in Jersey City. They smoke all meats daily in-house. Options include baby back ribs, pork ribs, brisket, pulled chicken, pulled pork, pork belly, lamb belly, and sausage. Classic sides and Mexican dishes such as nachos, tacos, and quesadillas round out the menu. In addition to cocktails, beer, wine, and spirits, they offer weekly happy-hour specials and a unique weekend brunch menu; plus takeout and delivery.
Harry’s Daughter
Details: Home-cooked Caribbean cuisine and craft cocktails grace the menu at this unique gastropub. Inspired by the owner’s childhood in Trinidad and Tobago, Harry’s Daughter features lush tropical wallpaper, hanging chairs, and rattan lights. Jerk chicken, coconut shrimp, oxtail stew, curry goat, and fried plantains are just some of the authentic Trinidadian dinner options. They also offer a prix-fixe menu for parties over 8. Reservations suggested.
Kitchen Step
Details: This neighborhood bistro comes from the same team behind Battello. Kitchen Step offers creative New American plates and bespoke cocktails. It’s equally great for after-work drinks or weekend full-course dinners thanks to indoor and outdoor greenhouse seating. The market-inspired menu includes broiled oysters, pork chops, Long Island duck breast, zucchini fries, and more. They also offer daily specials, a happy-hour menu, and weekend brunch.
Korai Kitchen
Details: While this simple storefront may not seem like anything special on the street, looks can be deceiving. Chef and owner Nur-E Gulshan Rahman and her daughter Nur-E Farhana serve authentic Bangladeshi comfort food. Homestyle halal dishes include fried rohu, Palak shrimp, Hilsa fish, and goat Biryani, plus unique daily specials. Korai Kitchen is take-out and delivery only, and they do not accept walk-in orders. All patrons must call ahead to order.
Lobster Garage at Light Horse Tavern
Details: This aptly-named eatery first opened in the actual garage of the Light Horse Tavern. A hit among locals and seafood aficionados, this seasonal outdoor bar offers a number of to-go favorites. Popular options include their signature lobster roll, fish and chips, Blue Point oysters, shrimp po’boys, cod burgers, and mussels. Service is simple: Order from the outdoor service counter behind the garage door, and enjoy first-come, first-serve seating.
Maritime Parc
Details: Executive chef/owner Chris Siverson has been delighting seafood lovers since 2009. The seasonally inspired menu focuses on local, organic, and sustainable ingredients. Favorites include ginger-glazed sea bass, grilled oysters, and the short rib and scallops. Patrons can dine indoors, or enjoy the stone patio with panoramic views of the Statue of Liberty and Manhattan skyline. Their can’t-miss Sunday brunch features bananas Foster french toast.
Porta
Details: This bustling Italian restaurant features authentic Neapolitan pizza, pastas, salads, and appetizers. The three-story building includes two levels of family-style seating at long wooden tables. Plus, rooftop deck dining spans an entire block with two full bars, large-screen TVs, and its own pizza oven. In addition to family dining and mimosa brunches, Porta is a late-night hot spot; complete with a separate late-night pizza menu and live music.
Razza
Details: Razza offers award-winning pizza with a thin eggshell-like outer crust, artisan cheeses, and fresh ingredients. Pizza chef and Co-owner Dan Richer crafts mouth-watering favorites that rotate based on seasonality and availability. Popular pies include the Jersey Margherita, Potato Pie, La Rossa, and the Di Natale. In addition to pizza, Razza serves meatballs, daily and seasonal specials, craft cocktails, and homemade breads and desserts.
Taqueria Downtown
Details: Originally operating as a food truck in the early 2000s, this authentic Mexican restaurant has gone brick-and-mortar. The chef/owners, originally from Mexico and Los Angeles, proudly boast that “everything is legit here” in terms of authenticity. The weekend brunch menu includes huevos rancheros and torrejas (Mexican French toast). Taqueria Downtown is open seven days a week for lunch and dinner, including dine-in and take-out.
WÜRSTBAR
Details: In the mood for fine sausages, burgers, poutine, and an excellent lineup of rotating craft beers and ciders? Wurstbar is just the place, but it’s much more than the average biergarten. Everything on this rustic gastropub’s menu is a winner. Standout dishes include Mexican corn dogs and German bratwurst. But they also offer a list of signature burgers and sandwiches, and even have vegan franks. Save room for the Hawaiian bread pudding dessert.
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Top Photo: © Battello / Facebook
