*& Sussex Restaurant, Jersey City

87 Sussex Restaurant Review:
A must try spot in Jersey City, NJ

87 Sussex
87 Sussex Street, Jersey City, NJ

87 Sussex Restaurant, a refined yet approachable fine dining destination in Jersey City's Paulus Hook neighborhood. Led by Executive Chef Brian Walter, the restaurant blends classic French technique with global influences and elevated American fare, all crafted from seasonal, authentic ingredients.

Cuisine: Chef, Culinary Style, and Menu Highlights

Fare: New American with French and Asian touches

Price: Expensive

Chef: Executive Chef Brian Walter, an honorary James Beard Foundation member with over 20 years of culinary experience at acclaimed restaurants and private clubs in New York and New Jersey.

Culinary style: Elevated American fare rooted in French technique, layered with bold global flavors and locally sourced, seasonal ingredients. Expect artfully plated dishes that balance richness, texture, and nuance—fine dining that still feels inviting rather than intimidating.

Menu highlights:

  • Signature dishes: Escargot Wontons, Ox & Egg, Braised Short Rib, Summer Tagine, Chateaubriand for Two.
  • Seafood & classics: Atlantic Halibut, Colossal Lump Crab Cake, Hudson Valley Foie Gras, Steak Tartare.
  • Vegetarian & lighter options: Seasonal Tagine with Szechuan Tofu, Rose Petal Ravioli, Pasta Alla Nonna.

Ambiance

  • Décor & vibe: A chic, cosmopolitan interior that highlights natural light, with modern design touches and warm, eclectic details. The space feels polished yet relaxed—ideal for special occasions, date nights, and elevated evenings out.

  • Striking features & scenic views: Multi-level dining with thoughtfully designed sightlines, stylish lighting, and a setting that reflects Paulus Hook’s historic charm near the waterfront.

  • Table spacing & noise level: Tables are spaced to preserve conversation and a sense of privacy, with a refined buzz rather than a loud, crowded feel—more “intimate dinner party” than “busy bistro.”

  • Background music & programming: Curated background music that supports the upscale atmosphere; select evenings feature live jazz experiences, adding a sophisticated, lounge-like energy without overwhelming the dining room.

  • Outdoor dining: Patio and outdoor seating are available for guests who prefer fresh air and a more open, neighborhood-facing experience.

Service

  • Staffing: Warm, classically trained staff who are attentive without being intrusive. Service leans toward white-tablecloth standards—thoughtful touches, menu guidance, and polished pacing that supports multi-course dining.

  • Style of service: High-touch hospitality with a focus on making guests feel known: careful attention to reservation notes, celebratory menus for special occasions, and knowledgeable recommendations on both food and wine.

Other factors

  • Alcohol / bar service: Full bar with signature cocktails and a globally sourced, sommelier-style wine list, ideal for pre-dinner drinks or pairing throughout a multi-course meal.

  • Child-friendly: The tone is more adult, special-occasion fine dining than casual family spot. Well-behaved older children and teens will be comfortable, but the menu and ambiance are designed primarily for grown-up evenings out.
  • Best for:
    • Celebrations, anniversaries, and milestone birthdays
    • Date nights and romantic dinners
    • Food-focused evenings for guests who appreciate inventive, chef-driven cuisine
    • Business dinners and small corporate gatherings
  • Not ideal for:
    • Very young children who need space to move around
    • Guests seeking quick, budget casual dining
    • Extremely large, noisy groups looking for a bar-first environment
  • Parking: Street parking in Paulus Hook plus nearby garage parking via LAZ Parking at 70 Greene Street (entrance on Sussex Street), with discounted rates available through advance reservations.

What I like about 87 Sussex

  • I like that 87 Sussex feels genuinely “special” without being stiff.
  • The kitchen is ambitious—Escargot Wontons, Ox & Egg, and Chateaubriand for Two are the kind of dishes that make you excited to read the menu—yet the room stays warm and welcoming.
  • The combination of chef-driven creativity, a serious wine and cocktail program, and service that remembers the details (like personalized celebration menus) makes the experience feel curated rather than generic.

What sets them apart from the competition

  • 87 Sussex stands out in Jersey City’s dining scene by offering true fine dining—multi-layered, globally inspired plates, a chef with notable credentials, and a cosmopolitan interior—while still feeling like a neighborhood gem in Paulus Hook.
  • The menu reads like a tasting journey, the wine list is thoughtfully international, and the special event programming (jazz nights, private celebrations) adds a sense of occasion that many local spots don’t match.

Managing expectations: A balanced look at your visit

To really enjoy 87 Sussex, it helps to align your expectations with what the restaurant is designed to be.

Best mindset to bring:

  • Food: Expect sophisticated, chef-driven dishes with complex flavors and elevated presentation. This is not simple comfort food; it’s creative fine dining, so adventurous eaters will get the most out of the menu.
  • Pacing & price: Courses are paced for a lingering evening, and pricing reflects the fine dining experience—best approached as a special night out rather than a quick, casual meal.
  • Atmosphere: The ambiance is refined and romantic, with a polished crowd and a quieter, more intimate feel than many downtown spots. If you’re looking for loud, high-energy nightlife, this will feel more serene than you expect.

Overall takeaway: 87 Sussex is ideal when you want your night to feel intentional: a beautifully designed room, a serious kitchen, and service that treats your visit like an occasion. Go in expecting fine dining with personality, and you’ll leave feeling like you discovered one of Jersey City’s most distinctive culinary experiences.

Updated: October, 2026