87 Sussex, Jersey City, NJ: A Restaurant Review
An Evening of Refined Global Flavors at 87 Sussex, Jersey City
87 Sussex
87 Sussex Street, Jersey City, NJ
Prestigious "Best Restaurant" Recognition
Awarded to establishments earning 3 stars or higher for culinary excellence, service, and overall dining experience.
87 Sussex: Restaurant Highlights
Fare: New American with French and Asian touches
Price: Expensive
Food quality: Outstanding. A tightly edited menu, focused on top-tier and sometimes rare ingredients.
Service: Warm, informed, and attentive without being stiff or showy.
Decor and ambiance: Romantic and cozy, pairing old-world polish with modern style.
Overall rating: 3 1/2 stars
Rating scale: 1/2 star is poor, 4 stars is best in class
Noise level: Moderate
Recommended for: Guests with refined taste who enjoy non-traditional menus, premium products, and progressive technique.
Not recommended for: Budget-minded diners who prefer casual, familiar fare.
Recommended dishes: When available, Paupiette of Sea Bass Le Cirque, Black Tie Scallops, Braised Short Ribs, and Diver Scallops.
Liquor: Full bar with seasonal and classic cocktails, an informed wine list, and both draft and bottled beers.
The experience
Set in the quiet Paulus Hook pocket of Jersey City, 87 Sussex balances the polish of classic fine dining with a warm, modern mood. Under the direction of Executive Chef Brian Walter, the kitchen delivers an elevated experience that reads like a thoughtful tour through culinary tradition and global ideas.
Chef Walter brings over two decades of training and leadership, starting at New York’s French Culinary Institute. His résumé includes time with Mario Batali, French Master Chef Luc Pasquier, and Celebrity Chef Daniel Or. He is an honorary James Beard Foundation member, and his cooking has been featured in both local and national press.
The menu reflects a clear point of view. French technique, precise Asian influences, and a seasonal mindset come together in a way that feels current and confident. Expect pristine ingredients, some rare, treated with care and restraint.
Presentation matters here. Plates land at the table with purpose and balance. Elements are placed with precision, and tableside touches, like pouring veal jus for scallops or finishing sauces for lobster, add a quiet sense of theater without turning fussy.
Space and setting
The room blends rich materials with clean lines. Dark wood floors, gold accents, blue leather seating, and a bold blue feature wall set a sophisticated tone across a split-level layout. The vibe is intimate and casually luxe, ideal for a date night or a polished business dinner. Conversation is easy since the sound level sits in the middle. When the weather is mild, the patio is a welcome option.
Bottom line
87 Sussex restaurant offers inventive French-global cooking with careful technique, a stylish setting, and attentive service, only minutes from Manhattan. For diners who value premium ingredients and refined execution, it belongs on the short list.
Updated September 2025
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