Brian Nagele
Jersey City, NJ, is a vibrant city with a surge in development and popularity in recent years.
Located just across the Hudson River from New York City, Jersey City is a charming city with diverse neighborhoods sprinkled throughout.
One of the city’s biggest draws is its thriving food scene, with a wide selection of restaurants that cater to all tastes and budgets.
From upscale Italian eateries to casual taco joints, there is no shortage of options when it comes to dining out in Jersey City. Each one offers a unique dining experience that showcases the flavors and culture of this dynamic city.
Best Restaurants in Jersey City
Check out my list of the best restaurants in Jersey City, NJ, below!
Razza
275/277 Grove St, Jersey City, NJ 07302
Phone: 201-356-9348
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Razza is a popular pizzeria near several notable landmarks, including the historic downtown area and Jersey City City Hall.
The restaurant has a casual decor that still provides an upscale atmosphere. The vibes are warm and inviting, making it a popular destination for both casual diners and food enthusiasts.
Razza is known for its artisanal pizza made with locally-sourced ingredients and a wood-fired oven, which gives the pies a deliciously charred crust.
Other popular dishes include housemade pasta dishes, but their menu changes daily based on the availability of seasonal ingredients.
I always stop by when I’m in the city; it’s one of the best restaurants in Jersey City, NJ, for sure.
Ani Ramen
218 Newark Ave, Jersey City, NJ 07302
Phone: 201-408-9811
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Ani Ramen is a Japanese restaurant located in the heart of downtown Jersey City, just a few blocks from the Grove Street PATH station.
It’s a modern eatery that features hanging lights, art and comics from Japan, and more. The vibes are energetic and family-oriented, with a bustling atmosphere perfect for a night out with friends.
The menu features a variety of ramen bowls, as well as small plates like the Pork Belly Bao Buns, which are delicious.
The Spicy Miso ramen is a customer favorite, though I prefer the Shoyu almost every time!
Overall, every time I’m in town and I’m in the mood for exquisite ramen, I head to this place for deep and unique flavors that I can’t find elsewhere.
Bread & Salt
435 Palisade Ave, Jersey City, NJ 07307
Phone: 201-500-7338
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Bread & Salt is a bakery and cafe located by Riverview-Fisk Park, just a few blocks from the Hudson River.
The interior is warm and rustic, they have excellent service, and the staff is great with making recommendations.
The ambiance is cozy and welcoming, great for a morning coffee or a quick lunch.
Be mindful that you can only go there Friday through Sunday, however. From my experience, all of the ingredients are incredibly fresh.
The menu features a variety of fresh-baked breads and pastries, as well as sandwiches and salads. The Baked Ziti is phenomenal, and their authentic Italian-style pizzas are crunchy and flavorful.
Battello
502 Washington Blvd, Jersey City, NJ 07310
Phone: 201-798-1798
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Battello is a waterfront restaurant located in a former industrial warehouse on the Hudson River. The decor is industrial yet still luxurious, with high ceilings and a stunning Manhattan skyline view.
The vibes are sophisticated and elegant, so I enjoy visiting for special occasions like birthdays or romantic dinners.
The Italian-inspired cuisine places an emphasis on seafood. Guests love the Nantucket Sea Scallops with pickled red currants and harissa carrot puree.
I also thoroughly enjoyed the Tomato Lacquered Eggplant with basil oil, tomato coulis, crispy lentils, and smoked yogurt—the extensive wine list and craft cocktails round out the dining experience.
Hamilton Pork
247 10th St, Jersey City, NJ 07302
Phone: 201-957-7245
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Hamilton Pork is a barbecue restaurant located in the Hamilton Park neighborhood of Jersey City. It’s rustic inside the restaurant, with reclaimed wood accents and communal seating.
The place gives off laid-back and friendly vibes, so it’s a solid option for dinner with family or friends.
They have a lot of classic barbecue dishes that you’d expect on the menu, like brisket, ribs, and pulled pork, as well as delicious sides like mac and cheese and Mexican street corn, cheddar-jalapeno cornbread, and more.
The smoked wings are a local favorite, as the meat literally falls off the bones! Hamilton Pork also features signature tacos and Mexican-inspired sides along with their Texas BBQ plates.
Harry’s Daughter
4072 339 Communipaw Ave, Jersey City, NJ 07304
Phone: 201-464-2420
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Harry’s Daughter is a Caribbean-inspired restaurant in the Bergen-Lafayette neighborhood of Jersey City.
It’s bright and colorful inside, with a trcopical vibe that transports you to the islands. The setting is relaxed and fun, and I love visiting this eatery for a weekend brunch or hanging out with friends.
They have delicious Caribbean dishes like jerk chicken and curry goat, signature cocktails, and a great selection of rum.
I also love the fried plantains, jerk egg rolls, vegan stew peas, and the double braised oxtail stew. The flavors have a lot of depth, and you can taste the authenticity of this cuisine in every bite.
I never leave this spot disappointed!
Korai Kitchen
576 Summit Ave, Jersey City, NJ 07306
Phone: 201-721-6566
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Korai Kitchen is a Bangladeshi restaurant located in the Journal Square neighborhood of Jersey City, not far from the post office.
The interior is simple and clean, with a welcoming vibe. However, there is no indoor dining at this establishment; only take-out orders and delivery are accepted.
Nonetheless, the portion sizes are very generous, and the food quality doesn’t suffer by having to wait to eat until you get home.
They have exotic Bangladeshi dishes with flavorful spices, such as their Goat Biryani, the Coconut Milk Chicken Curry, or the Shrimp Dopiaza with basmati rice.
I can’t say enough good things about Korai Kitchen; the food is top-tier, and the service is excellent.
Würstbar
516 Jersey Ave, Jersey City, NJ 07302
Phone: 201-479-8396
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Würstbar is a German-inspired gastropub located by Jersey City Free Public Library.
It’s intimate with a spacious interior, and the atmosphere is upbeat. It’s one of the best restaurants in Jersey City, NJ, for a casual dinner.
There are many “snack choices,” like fried cheese curds, Mexican corn dogs, brussel sprouts, macaroni and cheese, and more.
I also love the wide variety of sausages and bratwursts on the menu, as well as the burgers and chicken sandwiches. The Poutine is exceptional!
The beer list is extensive, with a great selection of local and international brews to choose from. This place is a 10/10 whenever I’m in Jersey City.
Cellar 335
335 Newark Ave, Jersey City, NJ 07302
Phone: 201-222-1422
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Cellar 335 is a tiki-inspired restaurant located in the downtown area of Jersey City, near Mary Benson Park. The decor is somewhat tropical and funky in a setting similar to a basement.
The vibes are energetic and fun, which makes it the perfect choice for a celebratory dinner. The menu features a variety of shareable plates and creative cocktails.
The chef recommended the Korean-style Wings, the Avocado Fried Rice, and the Charred Edamame, which were all immensely flavorful.
I love Asian-inspired cuisine, and my favorite menu items are the Pepper Beef and the Shrimp & Garlic. The dessert selection is also impeccable. Everything looks amazing.
Corto
507 Palisade Ave, Jersey City, NJ 07307
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Corto is an authentic Italian restaurant in the Heights neighborhood of Jersey City, a few minutes from Riverview-Fisk Park.
The setting is cozy, with wooden tables and a small bar. The ambiance is laid back, and the staff makes you feel like family.
I liked how welcoming it was when I entered this eatery, and the scent of the food made my mouth water.
They carry homemade pasta, yummy appetizers, and a daily dessert. Their entrees are limited, but they are expertly made with the finest ingredients.
When you want a satisfying meal like grandma would make in the rural corners of Italy, come here!
Madame Claude Bistro
390 4th St, Jersey City, NJ 07302
Phone: 201-876-8800
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Madame Claude Bistro is a trendy restaurant serving genuine French fare.
You can find it by the Mary Benson Park; the interior design is charming, with exposed brick walls and a vintage vibe.
They have classic French dishes like escargots, pomme frites, and a cheese board.
What stood out to me most was how good their desserts were, as I tried the profiteroles, the lavender creme brulee, and the crepes “Suzette” cake.
They all had a decadent flavor profile that made it hard to choose a favorite. The perfect meal for me was the organic chicken schnitzel with bacon, lardon, and mushrooms.
Pinwheel Garden
318 Communipaw Ave, Jersey City, NJ 07304
Phone: 201-413-5333
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Pinwheel Garden is an Asian fusion restaurant just three minutes from the Liberty Science Center. The decor is bright and cheerful, with repurposed furniture in a friendly setting.
They serve a variety of dishes that give you traditional American and genuine East Asian cuisine wrapped up in one.
The menu is creative and has much to try, including vegan and vegetarian options.
I can’t get enough of the Spicy Thai Basil Fried Rice, while almost all my friends raved about the Trinity Ramen and the mac and cheese dumplings.
One thing’s for sure, and there is something for everyone on the menu, all very healthy options.
Taqueria
236 Grove St, Jersey City, NJ 07302
Phone: 201-333-3220
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Taqueria is a Mexican restaurant located in the downtown area of Jersey City by Morris Square Park.
I love the cultural design of the Taqueria, and you can kick back, relax, and get ready to enjoy unique Mexican eats.
There’s a laid-back and fun feel to Taqueria, and they also provide catering services and takeout for those who choose not to dine in.
The rich flavors and exotic spices come through in so many of their signature dishes.
They have tostadas, enchiladas, burritos, and quesadillas, plus so many other options that you can dig into, all at great prices and portions. They also have an excellent brunch selection.
Liberty House
76 Audrey Zapp Dr, Jersey City, NJ 07305
Phone: 201-395-0300
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Liberty House is a waterfront restaurant located in Liberty State Park, with stunning views of the Manhattan skyline and the Statue of Liberty.
The service is nothing short of amazing. The eatery is elegant and sophisticated, with huge windows, chandeliers, and a large outdoor patio.
This spot is upscale and refined, perfect for a special occasion or a romantic dinner.
They specialize in American cuisine with a focus on seafood and steak, like the Octopus Mosaic, the Crispy Skin Salmon, or the Tomahawk Steak, my favorite.
I always enjoy coming here during my trip to the city, and I highly recommend them for their private dining services especially.
Light Horse Tavern
199 Washington St, Jersey City, NJ 07302
Phone: 201-946-2028
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Light Horse Tavern is an American restaurant close to Paulus Hook Park, in a historic building that dates back to the 1800s.
The decor is refined and classic, with high ceilings, dark wood accents, and a large bar. The atmosphere is upscale and sophisticated, and the staff is very professional and attentive.
I adore their wine and beer selection, as it’s refined without being pretentious.
Also, they have a lot of American classics like fish and chips, baked meatloaf, steaks, and chicken sandwiches, but they also have a raw bar and other choices like chicken fricassee, mushroom gnocchi, and lobster rolls.
Órale
341 Grove St, Jersey City, NJ 07302
Phone: 201-333-0001
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Órale is a Mexican restaurant near the Grove Street PATH station. Inside, it’s colorful and vibrant, with Dia de los Muertos-inspired artwork and a large bar.
This is where you come to get delicious brunches like breakfast nachos, breakfast tacos, huevos rancheros, and more.
Though I enjoy the brunch most, you can’t sleep on the regular menu, as it has gems like pork belly bao buns, shrimp ceviche, barbacoa tacos, and much more.
Everything is full of flavor, and you get huge portions of all dishes. Plus, their tequila selection and creative cocktails are delightful.
Cafe Alyce
641 Montgomery St, Jersey City, NJ 07306
Phone: 201-434-9583
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Cafe Alyce is a cozy and trendy cafe in the Greenville neighborhood of Jersey City.
The decor is simple, and the atmosphere is friendly, with plenty of seating and a small counter. The service is also very courteous, which is highly appreciated.
They have tons of breakfast items and salads, with my favorites being the Bulgogi Beef Breakfasts Skillet, the Shakshuka Grits, and the Crispy Bacon Fried Rice.
That being said, that’s nothing like their fresh, warm, and flaky biscuits with gravy. You should try them if you’re ever in town!
Laico’s
67 Terhune Ave, Jersey City, NJ 07305
Phone: 201-434-4115
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Laico’s is in the West Side neighborhood of Jersey City. It feels elegant as soon as you walk through the doors, with white tablecloths and a large bar.
This is definitely a sophisticated location where you could have a lovely evening of fine Italian dining.
Their menu features classic dishes like chicken parmesan, linguine with clam sauce, brick-oven pizzas, homemade bread, pasta, and more.
They also have steak, seafood, and special desserts that they present after you finish your meal. Regarding authentic Italian food, Laico’s is one of the best restaurants in Jersey City, NJ.
The Hutton
225 Hutton St, Jersey City, NJ 07307
Phone: 201-356-9169
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The Hutton is near Leonard Gordon Park, and this restaurant has a simple and classy decor.
There’s a decent amount of menu options available for lunch and dinner, and they also serve brunch.
They focus on flavors and freshness, so you can appreciate the time and effort they put into creating your meals.
Small plates are available, like the apple guacamole, Hutton pork buns, and cauliflower or chicken wings.
I personally enjoyed the Crab Bucatini and the Jerk Fried Calamari when I visited this lovely establishment.
DomoDomo
200 Greene St, Jersey City, NJ 07311
Phone: 201-267-0222
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DomoDomo is a sushi restaurant in the Jersey City Urby Apartments, close to the waterfront. It’s sleek and clean inside, and it feels sophisticated with top-notch service.
They have a sushi bar and plenty of seating, so I enjoy dining there in a group.
The sashimi is delicious, as well as the spicy smoked pork belly, but to be honest, there are so many sushi options it’s hard to know which one to pick!
That’s where the servers come in, as they explain all the ingredients and help you figure out what you may like.
It’s one of the best restaurants in Jersey City, NJ, especially if you want quality sushi and Asian delicacies.
