Northern NJ is filled with a unique melting pot of culture mainly due to the close proximity to NYC. With this vibrant culture comes many wonderful, delicious restaurants spanning from Jersey City to Hoboken to Edgewater. And, you often are treated with a postcard view of the Manhattan skyline. While I could easily name nearly 20 great dining locations, I decided to focus on just 5 unique spots that I personally enjoy.
Anthony David’s | 953 Bloomfield Street | Hoboken | 07031
One of my all time favorites for brunch in Hoboken. But then again, I absolutely adore it for dinner to catch up with girlfriends, for a romantic date night and for out of town visitors. I fortunately had my last meal of 2014 at AD’s and it was worth every savory moment! I simply love this trattoria style, intimate restaurant that offers traditional classics and new creations, with a seasonal, farm-to-table twist. To top it off, it’s BYO (aka. “Bring Your Own” wine and beer aka. the BEST thing in the world). P.S. They offer cute sidewalk seating for you to bring your dog too during Spring/Summer/Fall.
Rebecca’s Cuban & Caribbean Restaurant | 236 Old River Road | Edgewater | 07020
My husband and I enjoy exploring different neighborhoods near us and this is exactly how we stumbled upon Rebecca’s. It truly is a Cuban culinary experience offering the best plantain chips to mouth watering cilantro shrimp to tender churrasco steak with homemade yucca fries. Oh and it’s also BYO. I love how cozy it is and when it’s warm outside, they have an exquisite back patio with cute lighting. You really feel like you’re at someone’s home. I’ve only been for dinner a few times, but I would love to go for a brunch soon!
Skinner’s Loft | 146 Newark Avenue | Jersey City | 07302
I have only been once for a last minute brunch a couple of weeks ago, but wow. Delicious. Skinner’s Loft brunch menu does seem to change, but I had a Mexican-inspired egg entree that was just divine. Even more, they offer cute cocktails and a extensive beer list. This bistro-style restaurant offers 2 floors and a garden rooftop – which I can’t wait for when the warmer temps return! We had the pleasure of sitting in the lofted area on the second floor and I loved it. I’m already eager to go back when I have some visitors soon. I’m thinking it’s a good place to bring my Brooklyn family – the whole time I kept saying, “I feel like I’m in Brooklyn.” I think that’s a very good sign, NJ.
Las Olas Sushi Bar & Grill | 1319 Washington St. | Hoboken | 07030
Basically my next door neighbor, Las Olas has become a local, reliable fav for sushi. I would like to call myself a faithful regular. Their sushi and sashimi is fresh, they have multiple specialty rolls (a favorite of mine is the ‘skinny flaca roll’) and they even offer some Mexican plates, which can be a nice option for a larger crowd! Overall, I honestly feel this is the best sushi place in Hoboken and I’m a sushi snob. They even have an outdoor backyard that is AMAZING with string lights, cute brick and fun music. Summer, can you hurry up…?
Battello | 502 Washington Boulevard | Newport Waterfront section of Jersey City | 07310
One of the most exquisite views of One World Trade and lower Manhattan is from the Newport Yacht Club and Marina Pier in Jersey City where this gem is located! Not only is the view way too picturesque that it often looks fake, the food at Battello is also beautifully prepared and the restaurant design and setting is stunning. If it had opened earlier and I had a smaller guest list, I would have highly considered it for a wedding venue! On top of it, the food is quite tasty offering a variety of different apps and entrees that consist of a wide range of fresh seafood, poultry and meat. I’ve had a fun time here for a night out with a group of friends, as well as on a double date! Next up is brunch. Oh, and you can dock and dine – if only, I had a yacht. Maybe one day? #keepondreaming
*Battello was even reviewed in the NY Times this past October.
Hope you enjoy! More to come soon.