Jersey City has an excellent food scene with something for everyone. When your parents are in town, show off the city’s culinary highlights at these incredible eateries. Many of these spots take reservations and have a nice, parent-approved vibe. Keep reading to discover the best restaurants in Jersey City to bring your parents.
902 Brewing Company | 101 Pacific Avenue
902 Brewing Company is a great option for parents who are in the mood for a laid-back hang or want to catch a game on one of the brewery’s multiple TVs. The taproom serves hand-crafted beers which can also be enjoyed on the roof deck. Food trucks sometimes park nearby, but outside food is welcome, too.
Chickie’s | 236 Pavonia Avenue
Chickie’s is an Italian restaurant in Hamilton Park with a parent-pleasing menu of pizza, pasta, and cocktails. This is a Jersey City brunch staple, and the morning menu includes cannoli French toast, + eggs Benedict. Reservations are accepted and certain happy hour specials are available every day of the week.
Read More: The Best Hoboken Restaurants to Take Your Parents to Eat
Corto | 507 Palisade Avenue
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Corto is a timeless Italian restaurant in the Heights. The menu changes seasonally + always features high-quality ingredients treated with care. Reservations are available for the outdoor terrace, dining room, or pasta bar. Corto is BYOB so grab a bottle of wine at the nearby Riverview Wine + Spirits before your meal.
Frankie | 264 Grove Street
Frankie is a funky, cool wine bar + Australian restaurant in downtown Jersey City. The patio is a great choice if your parents enjoy sipping a nice glass of wine outside. Frankie serves brunch + dinner with dishes that appeal to a variety of tastes, including burgers, branzino, smoothies, and avocado toast.
Golconda Chimney | 806 Newark Avenue
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Golconda Chimney is a popular Indian restaurant in Journal Square that serves dishes from Indian Mughlai, Punjabi, + Indian Chinese cuisines. The elevated menu has meat + vegetarian options, like paneer tikka, goat ghee roast, and vegetable hakka noodles. There are plenty of tables inside, but online ordering is available if you need take-out while your parents are visiting.
The Hamilton Inn | 708 Jersey Avenue
The Hamilton Inn is an American bistro that serves brunch, lunch, + dinner. Reservations can be made online for the dining room. The seasonal, outdoor Camp Hamilton spot, which has a bar and full menu, is first-come-first-serve seating. Hamilton Inn’s menu covers a variety of cuisines + includes oysters, quinoa Greek salad, and short rib grilled cheese.
Harry’s Daughter | 339 Communipaw Avenue
Harry’s Daughter is a fun, Caribbean-inspired eatery in Bergen-Lafayette. The dinner menu includes jerk chicken, coconut shrimp, double braised oxtail stew, + vegan stew peas. Brunch dishes, like the buttermilk pancakes and banana rum flambe French toast, are served from 11AM to 3:30PM on Saturday + Sunday. Reservations are accepted on Resy.
Kitchen Step | 500 Jersey Avenue
Kitchen Step is a modern American eatery close to Van Vorst Park. There’s plenty of indoor + outdoor seating, but reservations are only accepted for indoor dining. Kitchen Step has been named the Best Brunch spot in Jersey City according to The Hoboken Girl readers, and the menu features Nutella swirl pancakes +and steak + eggs.
Korai Kitchen | 576 Summit Avenue
Photo Credit: Alisha Rana
Korai Kitchen is an incredible reservations-only Bangladeshi restaurant in Journal Square. Led by James Beard Award-nominated Chef Nur-E Gulshan Rahman, this eatery highlights homestyle, halal dishes during “Dawat” dinners. Make reservations well in advance, grab a bottle of wine for this BYOB spot, + prepare to impress your parents with the eight-course meal.
Laico’s | 67 Terhune Avenue
Laico’s is an elevated, family-owned Italian restaurant in the Greenville neighborhood of Jersey City. The restaurant opened in 1972 and continues to provide classic dishes, including brick-oven pizza + chicken parm, in a cozy atmosphere. Reservations can be made by calling the restaurant, and Laico’s has valet parking for anyone who plans to drive.
Maddy Rose Restaurant at Liberty House | 76 Audrey Zapp Drive
Maddy Rose at Liberty House is a luxurious restaurant tucked away in the Liberty House. Diners can sip craft cocktails and share a seafood tower with their parents while showing off the impressive Manhattan skyline view. Reservations are available on OpenTable.
Mathews Food + Drink | 351 Grove Street
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Matthews Food and Drink is an American restaurant focused on seasonal flavors + craft cocktails. Diners can enjoy elevated salads, steaks, + sandwiches in the dining room or on the outdoor terrace. Brunch is always a hit at Mathews with a menu that has lemon ricotta pancakes, Hudson Valley smoked salmon, + country scrambled eggs. Reservations are accepted online for the dining room, but bar seats and outdoor tables are first-come-first-serve.
Porta | 135 Newark Avenue
Porta is a spacious restaurant in downtown Jersey City with indoor + rooftop dining. It’s popular with the late-night crowd but has a relaxed vibe for brunch, lunch, and early dinners. The menu features Neapolitan pizza, pasta, + salads. Shared plates, like eggplant parm + breaded chicken cutlets, are perfect for larger groups. Reservations can be made online via Tock.
Razza | 275 Grove Street
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Razza, frequently named one of the best pizzerias in the country, is located in the heart of downtown Jersey City. Reservations book up quickly, so be sure to snag one in advance. The menu of thin-crust pizzas and small plates changes seasonally, but diners can always expect incredible options like the yellow Margherita pizza made with Jersey Girl fresh mozzarella + the corn pie topped with New Jersey-grown corn and shaved onions.
Roman Nose | 125 Newark Avenue
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Roman Nose is an authentic Italian restaurant on Newark Avenue. The chefs use simple, fresh ingredients to create classic dishes like spaghetti al pomodoro, tagliatelle al ragù, + margherita pizzas. Happy hour specials are available Tuesday to Friday from 4PM to 6PM and Saturday and Sunday from 12PM to 6PM. Reservations for brunch and dinner can be made on Resy.
Rumba Cubana | 235 Pavonia Avenue
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Rumba Cubana is a beloved Cuban restaurant and bar in Hamilton Park with outdoor + indoor dining. The menu highlights authentic Cuban dishes like croquetas de jamón, sandwich Cubano, and ropa vieja. Families can find a table inside or on the patio, + reservations are accepted on OpenTable.
sam a.m. Cafe | 112 Morris Street
sam a.m. Cafe is a Paulus Hook neighborhood staple. It’s a casual, welcoming brunch spot with daily specials + standbys, like the challah French toast and biscuits + gravy. Since sam a.m does not accept reservations, plan to arrive early to get a table inside or on the patio.
Skinners Loft | 146 Newark Avenue
Skinners Loft is a family-owned restaurant with an expansive menu to please even the pickiest parents. Diners can enjoy brunch favorites like omelets, pancakes, + cornflake-crusted stuffed French Toast. The dinner menu has a vegan buffalo cauliflower sandwich, steak frites, cacio e pepe, and a chopped salad. Dining room reservations are available online, and when the weather is nice, grab a table on the rooftop.
The Table At 3 Acres | 400 Claremont Avenue
The Table at 3 Acres opened last year on Jersey City’s West Side and has quickly become a favorite in the neighborhood. This sleek restaurant is Chef Daniel Latham’s latest venture and the menu includes many favorites from his former restaurant in downtown Jersey City, Latham House. Reservations are accepted via OpenTable and diners get free parking with validation.
See More: These Restaurants + Bars in Montclair Will Wow Your Visitors
White Star | 179 Warren Street + 230 Brunswick Street
White Star is a laid-back restaurant with two locations in Jersey City. The elevated sports bar atmosphere makes it a great place to take parents. The menu has craft burgers, wings, salads, sandwiches, specialty cocktails, draft beer, + wine by the glass. Brunch is served at both locations and reservations can be made online for White Star Warren Street.
Wurstbar | 516 Jersey Avenue
Wurstbar is a fun, casual beer hall with a rotating menu of draft beer + cider. The food menu features sausages, dogs, + burgers, that can be substituted with vegan and vegetarian-friendly options. Fries, poutine, + a selection of drinks are discounted during happy hour on Monday to Friday from 4PM-7PM.
And the Winner of the 2025 Hoboken Girl Puppy Photo Bowl Is…
It's always an incredibly tough decision with all of the cute pups out there, but our 5th annual HG Puppy Bowl Contest 2025 finally has a winner after a long weekend of voting. Scroll down for the big reveal...
MEATBALL!!!
Over the last week, the top 9 finalists were voted on, and the people and pups have spoken.
Meatball's owner shared with us:
“Meatball, the 1.5-year-old Corgi, is a connoisseur of fine treats with a penchant for charming his dads into extra helpings of Stella & Chewy’s Chicken Hearts and Pure Bites freeze-dried beef or salmon. This well-traveled pup has already explored Florida, Napa, CA, and San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, leaving a trail of admirers in his wake. A beloved “frequent flier” at Hoboken Bond Vet, Meatball is now setting his sights on a new challenge: winning Hoboken’s Puppy Bowl 2025.”
Here's what Meatball will get to enjoy with his winnings:
The Prizes
L+B Healthy Pet Markets | 155 4th Street, Hoboken
IG handle: @lbhealthypetmarkets
Giveaway + Gift Value: $100 gift card
Bond Vet | 1425 Washington Street, Hoboken
IG Handle: @bondvetclinic
Giveaway + Gift Value: Appointment credit for the Hoboken location ($100 value)
Cornerstone Pets | 105 9th Street, Hoboken
IG Handle: @cornerstonepets
Giveaway + Gift Value: Gift basket valued at $150
Hound About Town | 17 McWilliams Place + 218 Montgomery Street, Jersey City
IG Handle: @houndabouttown
Giveaway + Gift Value: $50 gift card, Dandylion Clean Paws No-Rinse Foaming Cleanser, Dandylion Lick Mat, and Muttluks Nosemagik Soothing Nose Balm ($100 value)
The Local Girl Media Group
IG Handle: @thelocalgirlhq
Giveaway Gift + Value: $50 gift card to New Jersey business of choice
Email [email protected] to claim your Puppy Bowl prizes.
The Other 2025 Finalists
Luna
Luna's owners shared with us:
"Luna Balloona is a 4 year old English Bulldog who currently resides in Exchange Place, Jersey City. She’s as stubborn as she is cute. Fetch? Ha! Walks? Good luck. She’s the boss of the house and everyone knows it. She’s steals toys from her sister, only to drop them seconds later and move on. Her favorite spot is the kitchen, where her lightning fast reflexes catch any stray food particles before they hit the floor. Be warned: this smoosh-floof seductress may look like she only wants to be loved and held close but these are lies! Luna’s cuddles are not to be trusted as they’re often accompanied by 'unexpected rough air'."
David
David's owners shared with us:
"David is 100% American bully with a beautiful brindle coat. He’s 7 years old and we rescued him in June on a whim at an event at the Ale House. He’s the sweetest boy in the world, his favorite store is cornerstone and his favorite treats are greenies!"
Joey
Joey's owners shared with us:
"Meet Joey, the three-legged pittie with a heart as big as her smile! After being hit by a car living on the streets of Philly, she was given a second chance at life, and now she’s all about living it to the fullest. Joey may be missing a leg, but that doesn’t slow her down one bit—she’s a goofy, 50lb lap dog with endless love to give. Her sweet nature, fun-loving antics, and those irresistible wiggles when she’s excited make her the absolute best."
Riley
Rileys owners shared with us:
"Meet Riley, a 3-year-old booty shaking bundle of joy from Hoboken! Riley was adopted from Maryland and has been living her best city girl life ever since. She’s got a serious love for treats, especially the Mackie's treats that her mom and dad get at the Hoboken Farmers Market (she can spot them from a mile away!). When she’s not enjoying a snack, you can find Riley at Church Square Dog Park, where she’s the queen of chasing pigeons and squirrels, or down the shore on her Grandma and Grandpa's boat. Her favorite local hangout is Hoboken Pet, but she also loves tagging along with mom and dad to Mojo Coffee Shop, where they always have dog treats ready for her. Fun facts: Riley is afraid of cats (even though she tries to act tough), she’s a pro napper while her mom works from home, and if you catch her in a good mood, she’ll wow you with the cutest butt wiggles you’ve ever seen!"
Cinnamon Puff
Cinnamon Puff's owners shared with us:
"Meet Cinnamon Puff! He’s a 10-week-old Yorkipoo who recently moved to Hoboken with his parents after being adopted from a friend whose dogs had puppies. Though he’s still settling into his new home, Cinnamon Puff is already loving exploring around Hoboken. We’ve been taking him for "walks" (aka carrying him in a bag) around town so he can take in all the sights and smells. He’s been loving the local pet stores and has already scored plenty of treats (shout out Cornerstone Pets and Bond Vet for the goody bag and treats). He’s soaking it all in and adjusting to his new life with endless curiosity. We are so thrilled to have him and can’t wait for the many adventures ahead with our little buddy!"
Zorba
Zorba's owners shared with us:
"Zorba is a 6.5 year old German shepherd whose first visit as a puppy after being adopted was to Stevens campus to visit his now Dad. He now lives a spoiled life in his favorite city with his parents (who are both Stevens Alumni) getting absolutely everything he wants. Zorba has osteoarthritis and hip dysplasia, so his favorite new activity is going for therapy at Sage Veterinary in Jersey City to do the under water treadmill - where he gets lots of treats. One of Zorba’s best buddies was the stray cat who lived near our building! She used to follow him around and sit on his tail. The cat (Cleo - now Yardie) was untrusting of humans but when Zorba was outside, she would trust him and come close. Zorba likes to say he was instrumental in getting her rescued and adopted. Zorba’s favorite treats are beef lung from Hoboken Pet."
Metro
Metro's owners shared with us:
"Metro is a 1 year old cockapoo and is just the happiest guy. Originally from NYC, he moved across the Hudson to Hoboken with his pawrents in late 2024 and is loving his new city! He loves going anywhere with his mom, whether it’s picking up more chicken treats at LB Healthy Pet Markets or grabbing a drink at The Ale House. You can find him cruising down Washington with his head out the window every weekend. He also loves creating content for his TikTok account, @metrothecockapoo!"
Winni
Winni's owners shared with us:
"I’m Winni, a 1 year old silver brindle pug! I live in Hoboken, NJ with my mom and all my friends aka anyone who will pet me or let me sit on their laps! I am OBSESSED with Cornerstone Pets and will refuse my treats at home so my mom will take me there for their superior treats! My grandma calls me the parkour pug because I run so fast and love to go under things (people’s legs and park benches) and jump up on high surfaces like it’s no problem! I love to go shopping with my mom, get pup cups and sit on random strangers laps at the dog park!"
Thanks again to all who entered and donated to Wise Animal Rescue and Ace of Hearts Rescue — and stay tuned for some potential additional pup features because we just love them all!
