Sure, summer backyard barbeques are great and all, but you know what’s even better? Dinner out at a restaurant where you don’t have to cook or clean up ... and that has a more impressive view than what you see every night from the dinner table? Here, six dining-on-the-Hudson hot spots you’ll want to hit soon.
Orama, Edgewater
The sleek and sophisticated dual-level restaurant with 180-degree views of the water was created in the style of style of an airy Mediterranean waterfront villa. The menu focuses on an eclectic array of cuisines with dishes ranging from baby rack of lamb with Moroccan cous cous to octopus ceviche on crisp plantains along with an upscale bar menu of fun shareable stuff like jalapeno mac and cheese and bacon-wrapped dates. Don’t miss nightly happy hour with killer deals including cocktails, wines by the glass, and duos of beer for $8.
Orama
595 River Road
Edgewater
(201) 945-2020
Porto by Antonio, North Bergen
There are few things more delish than super-crisp Neapolitan pizza out of a wood-burning oven. And if you’re gonna’ throw swimsuit season to the wind and indulge, you might as well do it at this cozy and casual Italian eatery and splurge on creative pies like the truffle burrata and prosciutto; homemade fennel sausage with pistachio pesto; or (God help us), Porto’s deep-fried version topped with tomato sauce and imported buffalo mozzarella. In addition to a solid wine list, the place now offers a full bar and specialty cocktail menu too. Follow dinner up with a stroll along the river to burn off those totally-worth-it calories.
8921 Old River Rd
North Bergen
(201) 941-7107
Noco at Tallman Beach and Pool Club, Sparkill, New York
If you love sand between your toes (and let's face it who doesn't?) and a beachy vibe, head over to the just updated Tallman Beach and Pool Club's cafe Noco for an early dinner and cocktails before the sun sets. Not only will you love the easy eats like tacos, quesadillas and salads- but the cafe offers a great kids menu too. The Hudson view serves as the perfect backdrop for summer photos.
Noco at Tallman Beach and Pool Club
2 Tallman Mountain Rd.
Sparkill, NY
Son Cubano, West New York, NJ
This retro-glam spot has a little of everything – a fun and fresh Cuban-inspired menu, evening happy hour, twice-weekly live entertainment, indoor and outdoor seating, and plenty of cool cocktails – all in a swanky, sexy setting on the river. Basically, it’s exactly where you want to be for a date night on a perfect warm-weather evening.
40-4 Riverwalk Place
West New York
(201) 399-2020
Molos Restaurant, Weehawken
We’re tempted to say that the Manhattan skyline is the main event at this two-story seafood mecca with floor-to-ceiling windows on the Hudson, but that was before saw the crazy fresh fish tempting diners on glistening over ice in the fish market, where whole black sea bass and dover sole along with shellfish like Nova Scotia lobster and Madagascar colossal shrimp are on display daily. Add to that the Greek specialties like the fire-roasted kastoria beans, housemade tzatziki, and heirloom tomato-laced Greek salad, and you’ll have to remind yourself to look up from your plate to take in the scenery.
1 Pershing Road
Weehawken
(201) 223-1200
Lutze Biergarten, Jersey City
There’s nothing trendier than beer gardens these days, and now we’ve got a breezy and beautiful one right on the water in our own backyard that just opened for the season. In addition to plenty of beer options with a focus on craft and German brews, the completely outdoor venue offers a handful of wine and a full bar along with a food menu that adds raw bar options on weekends, when it opens at noon. Let the day drinking begin ...
15 Second Street
Jersey City
(201) 915-8508
