In summertime there’s nothing better than visiting a rooftop or dining al fresco right on the water. Set beside the Hudson River, Jersey City has a beautiful stretch of waterfront with incredible views of the Manhattan skyline. The city also boasts a beautiful marina filled with yachts, making you feel like you’ve been transported to another place entirely. Watching the sail boats come into dock, you’d never quite guess you’re just a few miles from Manhattan.
Below is a list of the best restaurants in Jersey City by the water where you can feel the breeze on your face and enjoy drinks and dinner with a view.
Battello
One of the best waterfront restaurants in Jersey City, Battello is a spacious fine dining venue that’s very popular for weddings and events. If you try to visit on a weekend in the summertime, you’ll often find it closed for private parties, so always call up before you go.
Located in Newport right on the Hudson River, Battello serves an extensive wine list, innovative co*cktails and a contemporary menu featuring oysters, seafood, pastas and delicious entrées prepared with fresh ingredients. Highlights of the menu include hamachi crudo, mafalde cacio e pepe, buttermilk baked chicken, branzino filet and fennel crusted pork chop.
502 Washington Blvd, Jersey City, NJ 07310
Hudson & Co.
Situated on the waterfront in the Harborside district in Jersey City, Hudson & Co. is a 12,000Sq.ft. / 300 seat restaurant venue serving Modern American cuisine with an emphasis on seafood. Whether you choose to dine indoors or outdoors on their outdoor patio, you’ll be able to enjoy unparalleled views of the Manhattan skyline and the Hudson River.
Menu highlights include crispy Spanish octopus, tuna tartare, burrata and spiced fig salad, Maine lobster gnocchi, Australian wagyu steak and pressed young chicken. A variety of gourmet burgers, brick oven pizzas and sushi rolls are also available.
Guests can also choose from over 120 different bottled and draft beers, as well as an extensive list of wines and co*cktails.
If you’re visiting Hudson & Co. by car, you’ll be able to enjoy 3-hours free parking at the outdoor parking lot across the street from the Mandalay Building. The restaurant is also conveniently located close to the light rail, Exchange Place Path station and the NY waterway ferry stop.
3 2nd St, Jersey City, NJ 07302
https://www.hudsonandconj.com/
Lokal Eatery & Bar
Although Lokal doesn’t have any outdoor seating, it does offer beautiful views of the river and Manhattan through its floor-to-ceiling windows. With mid-century modern furniture and an eye-catching bar, Lokal is a trendy spot that’s perfect for brunch, date night or special occasions.
The global menu features small plates made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients and beautifully crafted co*cktails that’ll look great on your Instagram feed. The platters, flatbreads and tapas dishes are great for sharing, or you can order a main all to yourself.
Lokal also has one of the best Happy Hours in Jersey City, available from Tuesday to Sunday, 4pm to 6pm. During this time guest can enjoy $5 beers, $7 wines, $1 oysters and discounts on food.
2 2nd St, Jersey City, NJ 07302
Komegashi Too
Situated on the waterfront right by Newport Path Station, Komegashi Too serves sushi and Japanese cuisine in an elegant setting with river views. On the menu you’ll find sushi rolls, nigiri, sashimi, teriyaki, mikado, udon, tempura and a variety of special entrées.
For discounts on food, visit during Happy Hour from 4.30pm to 6pm Monday through Thursday, or at lunchtime, from 12 noon to 3pm Monday through Friday.
If you love sushi, make sure you check out our list of the best sushi restaurants in Jersey City for more inspiration.
99 Town Square Place, Jersey City, NJ 07310
Smorgasbar
Smorgasbar is a dog-friendly outdoor beer garden serving draft beers, mojitos, margaritas, signature co*cktails, wine, and sparkling. If you need to eat something to soak up the alcohol, it also has a variety of food vendors serving tasty snacks.
Perfect for summertime drinks, Smorgasbar has plenty of seating including tables, benches and Adirondack chairs facing the water. Visit during Happy Hour from Tuesday through Thursday 3pm to 7pm to enjoy $5 beers cans and $7 signature co*cktails.
3 2nd St, Jersey City, NJ 07302
Vu
Vu at the Hyatt Regency is conveniently located next to the Exchange Place Path station and serves New American fare in an elegant setting. Views of Manhattan’s skyscrapers, the Statue of Liberty and the Hudson River can be seen through the restaurant’s floor-to-ceiling windows. It’s only open from breakfast and lunch though, with opening hours from 7am to 2pm.
If lunch is too early for you, head to the Vu Lounge, which opens from 4pm-10pm Sunday to Thursday and 3pm to 11.30pm on Fridays and Saturdays. Serving refreshing co*cktails and tempting light fare, Vu Lounge is popular with guests and locals and makes a good spot for after work drinks.
2 Exchange Pl, Jersey City, NJ 07302
https://www.hyatt.com/en-US/hotel/new-jersey/hyatt-regency-jersey-city-on-the-hudson/newjp/dining
Surf City
Only open during summer from May to October, Surf City is a large, seasonal bar located right on the water next to the Liberty Landing Marina. It has tons of outdoor tables, a fake sandy beach, and several bars serving everything from beers to frozen co*cktails. With beautiful views of the yachts and sailboats, surf city makes you feel like you’re a million miles from New York City.
There are two separate dining areas – to the left is the restaurant area with table service, while to the right you’ll find tons of benches where you can drink and order food from the self service counter.
Dogs are allowed, which is a big plus, and the atmosphere is always relaxed but fun. It’s the best place in Jersey City to watch the sunset or to hang out with a big group of friends. Remember to bring your ID with you because they check IDs with a special scanner before entering.
1 Marin Blvd, Jersey City, NJ 07302
Liberty House
Over in Liberty State Park you’ll find Liberty House, which has incredible views of the Manhattan skyline, Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty. Dine inside the elegant restaurant or grab a drink and head out onto the lawn, where you’ll find giant chess, fire pits and beautiful gardens.
The menu at Liberty House is focused on farm to table cuisine, offering creative seasonal dishes made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
With multiple event spaces and private dining areas, Liberty House is popular for event bookings, including wedding receptions, corporate events, birthdays and anniversaries. It’s a stunning venue and definitely worth visiting to watch the sunshine on a summer’s day.
76 Audrey Zapp Dr, Jersey City, NJ 07305
https://libertyhouserestaurant.com/
Maritime Parc
Perched on the water next to Liberty Landing Marina, Maritime Parc offers a modern take on traditional seafood dishes and a raw bar featuring lots of fresh, local shellfish.
Each table at Maritime Parc offers views of both the Liberty Landing Marina and an open plan kitchen where you can watch your meal being prepared. In the summer months guests can also dine outside on the split-level stone patio, which has a dedicated bar and seating 100 people.
With interiors designed by architect Stephanie Goto, the restaurant has a coastal vibe with French doors letting plenty of light in.
The menu is curated by Executive Chef Chrisopher Siversen and features all sorts of delicious seafood items including pan roasted mussels, charred octopus, ginger glazed seabass, brined Ora King salmon and seafood pasta. You’ll also find a selection of non-seafood dishes too, including baby beets, roasted chicken, duo of beef and a gourmet burger.
Liberty State Park, 84 Audrey Zapp Dr, Jersey City, NJ 07305
A Final Word…
As you can see, Jersey City has tons of great waterfront restaurants which is what makes the area so special! If you’re looking for more inspiration for drinking/dining outside in summer, check out our lists of the best outdoor bars in Jersey City, the best lobster rolls in Jersey City and the best restaurants with outdoor dining in Jersey City!
