Battello, Jersey City, NJ: A Waterfront Dining Review

Battello, Jersey City, NJ. A restaurant review.

Battello
502 Washington Boulevard
Jersey City, NJ

Best NJ Restaurant

Prestigious "Best Restaurant" Recognition
Awarded to establishments earning 3 stars or higher for culinary excellence, service, and overall dining experience.

Battello Restaurant Highlights

Fare: New American with an Italian-influenced menu

Price: Expensive

Food Quality: Well executed seasonal menu, creatively prepared using quality ingredients

Service: Friendly, knowledgeable, and attentive.

Ambiance/Decor: Upscale industrial vibe with stunning views of the lower Manhattan skyline.

Noise Level: Moderate - High

Overall Rating: 3 Stars

Note: Four-star Rating System from 1/2 star = poor to 4 stars = Best in Class

What to Order: Fresh seafood, such as crudo, roasted fish, or shellfish, House-made pasta with Italian accents, Well-built cocktails and a wine list shaped by a sommelier.

Recommended For: Diners who enjoy upscale dining with stunning ambiance in a casual, high energy setting

Not Recommended For: Budget conscious diners who prefer a low key, casual, setting with traditional family style menu served in huge portions

Liquor: Full bar service with a vibrant bar scene and an extensive variety of specialty cocktails, domestic & international wines, & beers


Battello sits on a pier in Jersey City with sweeping views of Lower Manhattan. It is a chef-driven spot that blends polished service with a relaxed, upscale vibe.

Managing Partner Cory Checket and Executive Chef Ryan DePersio lead the team. Together, they keep the focus on hospitality and well-made food. Checket, a certified sommelier, runs a thoughtful beverage program with a deep wine list and balanced cocktails.

Chef DePersio trained at the New York Restaurant School, then honed his skills at Jean‑Georges in New York City and Enoteca Pinchiorri in Florence. His work has been featured on the Today Show, Food Network, and Tony Tantillo’s Table. Beyond Battello, he also operates Fascino in Montclair, NICO Kitchen + Bar in Newark, and The Kitchen Step in Jersey City.

The menu follows a New American style with strong Italian roots. Seafood and house-made pasta set the tone. Expect seasonal updates, clean flavors, and dishes that highlight top ingredients. DePersio calls it Italian without borders, and the plates reflect that idea without feeling fussy.

The space is striking, with high exposed ceilings, timber beams, and airy rooms. Glass jars line partial walls that create visual interest without closing things in. Two handsome bars anchor the scene, and a lounge often hosts live entertainment. In warm weather, the patio is the prime seat for sunset cocktails. One dining room features large doors that open wide, which frames the skyline and floods the room with light.

Battello is also known for events. The main dining room, wrapped in floor-to-ceiling windows on three sides, makes a statement for weddings, corporate dinners, and big celebrations. For something more private, the Wine Cellar holds up to 16 guests and offers a quiet, enclosed setting.

Service runs seven days a week, with lunch and dinner offered daily, plus brunch on Saturday and Sunday. It suits a date night, a client lunch, or a special occasion with a waterfront backdrop.

Hours: Open daily for lunch and dinner, Brunch served Saturday and Sunday

Key Takeaways

  • Prime Jersey City waterfront location with skyline views
  • Chef-driven New American menu with Italian influences
  • Standout seafood and house-made pasta
  • Strong wine and cocktail program led by a certified sommelier
  • Multiple bars, lounge, and seasonal patio seating
  • Excellent venue for weddings and private events
  • Open seven days a week, with weekend brunch

FAQs

Q: Do I need a reservation?
A: Yes, reservations are recommended, especially for weekend evenings and brunch.

Q: Is there outdoor seating?
A: Yes, the patio is open in warmer months and offers great skyline views.

Q: What is the dress code?
A: Smart casual works well. Most guests dress up a bit for dinner.

Q: Is there live music?
A: The lounge hosts live entertainment on select nights. Check the current schedule before you go.

Q: Are there vegetarian or gluten-free options?
A: Yes, the kitchen offers several choices. Ask your server for guidance on dietary needs.

Q: Is this a good spot for private events?
A: Yes, from intimate dinners in the Wine Cellar to large parties in the main room, the venue handles a range of events.

Q: What are the best seats for the view?
A: Tables by the windows and the patio offer the most dramatic skyline sightlines.

Q: Is parking available?
A: Nearby garages and street parking are common in the area. Arrive a bit early on busy nights.


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