North Jersey residents no longer have to leave New Jersey for a taste of Europe. Taverna Veranda – a new restaurant in Edgewater – offers Mediterranean cuisine and scenic views of the Hudson river. The new venture combines the talents of restaurateurs Constantine Youssis and Moutaz Ali, as well as Executive Chef Nestor Moina.
The 3,000-square-foot Taverna Veranda can seat 82 guests at tables and 14 more at the bar. They also have an outdoor patio for up to 48 guests, which overlooks the Hudson River. The restaurant features white-washed brick walls, polished concrete floors, and cast-iron planters with lush greenery throughout. Likewise, accent walls are covered in reclaimed wood. In fact, the bar is made from an entire tree. Meanwhile, dining room tables and chairs are made of solid walnut wrapped in cast iron.
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Contemporary Comfort Food
Taverna Veranda specializes in Mediterranean comfort food with the occasional contemporary twist. They offer starters such as stuffed mini peppers and chicken wings. Entrees include a lamb burger with arugula and goat cheese on a brioche bun, lobster gyros, chicken shawarma, and moussaka; in addition to short rib in tomato sauce, lobster pasta with white wine, and falafel-crusted salmon with mint yogurt.
“It took the chef and I awhile to figure out how to make lobster gyros,” says co-partner Constantine Youssis. “I’m pretty proud of the way they came out.”
Dessert options at Taverna Veranda include Kormo Lava Cake; a spin on an old Greek recipe for a chocolate dessert called Kormo. For their version, they mix chocolate with chunks of cookies called Papadapoulos that are then powdered. This powder becomes the flour for the chocolate cake. The restaurant plans to offer lunch and brunch soon, as well. Click here to see the full menu.
The extensive wine menu features over 100 wines by the bottle from Greece, Lebanon, Cyprus, Italy, France, and Napa Valley. Of course, they also offer a few specialty cocktails, like the Never too Old to be Sexy; a drink with Great Jones bourbon, brown sugar, angostura, and maraschino. Likewise, the Life Is Too Short for Bad Coffee includes Lobo Reposado, Cantera Negra, and espresso. Another option is the Putin Has Nothing on This Mule, with Belvedere vodka, lime, and blueberry.
About the Owners
All three owners have plenty of experience in the restaurant industry. Both Youssis and Moutaz Ali oversaw restaurants in New York City such as Nerai and Falucka, respectively. Meanwhile, Chef Nestor Moina comes from Pergola in NYC.
Taverna Veranda is their first project in New Jersey. “We thought the riverfront was perfect,” says Youssis. “After all, there is only a fixed amount of locations with amazing views.”
Visit Taverna Veranda at 725 River Rd in Edgewater. (Click here to see them on Google Maps.) To learn more: Click here to visit their website | Follow them on Instagram | Click to give them a call.
Click here to find the latest restaurants open in New Jersey.
Taverna Veranda FAQs
Yes, they do accept reservations.
Yes, they do serve gluten-free options.
Taverna Veranda offers vegetarian options, yes.
Takeout will be available starting early Spring 2022.
No, they do not offer delivery.
Yes, and they sell alcohol.
Yes, there is a kids’ menu.
All Photos: © Gregory DelliCarpini Jr.
