Waterside Restaurant, NJ

Waterside Restaurant Review:
A must try spot in North Bergen, NJ



Waterside Restaurant
7800 River Road
North Bergen, NJ

Waterside Restaurant is a fine dining, waterfront destination on the Hudson River, pairing gourmet seafood, steaks, and pastas with handcrafted cocktails and vibrant nightlife.

Floor to ceiling skyline views, outdoor terraces, and a retractable roof patio create a dramatic backdrop for date nights, celebrations, and upscale evenings out.

Fare and price

  • Cuisine: American/Mediterranean influenced seafood, steakhouse, and pasta

  • Price: Expensive

The chef and style of cooking

Owner and Executive Chef: Gus Shizas. Culinary Institute of America–trained executive chef

Style of cooking:

    • Global, contemporary influences on American and Mediterranean foundations
    • Emphasis on seafood, prime meats, and house made pastas
    • Balances classic techniques (sauces, braises, raw bar) with modern plating and bold flavors

Menu highlights:

    • Raw Bar: Oysters, clams, shrimp cocktail, crab, Frutti di Mare tower
    • Appetizers: Spicy tuna tartar, baked littleneck clams oreganato, lamb rib‑lets, Bang Bang shrimp, lobster tacos, stuffed zucchini blossoms
    • Seafood mains: Savory glazed Chilean sea bass, pan roasted salmon, pan seared tuna, seared sea scallops with saffron corn and truffle
    • Meat & poultry: Classic steak frites, filet mignon, dry aged tomahawk, braised veal osso buco, Greek style brick chicken
    • Pasta: Homemade spaghetti alla chitarra with clams, lasagnette Bolognese, truffle pappardelle, black ink pasta with shrimp, seafood capellini

Ambiance

  • Décor & vibe:

    • Sleek, contemporary design with large windows framing the Manhattan skyline
    • Sophisticated, upscale feel—ideal for date nights, birthdays, and special occasions
  • Striking features:
    • Unobstructed river and skyline views from indoor dining rooms and outdoor terraces
    • Retractable roof and outdoor bars for all season waterfront experiences
    • Multiple dining spaces, including semi private rooms and ballrooms for events
  • Scenic views:
    • Direct, panoramic views of NYC and the Hudson River, especially stunning at night
  • Table spacing & noise level:
    • Tables are relatively close, reflecting a lively, social atmosphere rather than hushed fine dining
    • On weekends, expect elevated noise from conversation, bar traffic, and music
  • Background music & nightlife:
    • Live DJs on many Friday and Saturday nights
    • Music leans toward club/lounge energy, especially later in the evening
  • Outdoor dining:
    • Terraces and patios with waterfront seating
    • Outdoor bars and semi private spaces for groups and celebrations

Service

  • Professional servers accustomed to events, celebrations, and fine dining service
  • Attentive and polished, with pacing geared toward multi course dinners and cocktails
  • Can feel busy and energetic on peak nights; reservations strongly recommended

Other factors

Unusual policies: Complimentary valet parking is a notable perk.

Alcohol / bar service:

    • Full bar with handcrafted cocktails, wines by the glass and bottle, and beer
    • Strong nightlife component—bar scene and music are part of the experienc

Child friendly:

  • Children are welcome, but the vibe is adult leaning, especially evenings and weekends
  • Best suited to families with older kids or teens rather than toddlers
Best for:
  • Romantic date nights and anniversaries
  • Birthday dinners, girls’ nights out, and celebrations
  • Out of town guests who want a dramatic NYC skyline view without crossing the river

Not ideal for:

  • Very quiet, intimate conversation on peak weekend nights
  • Budget conscious diners seeking casual, low key meals
  • Families needing a kid centric environment or simple, fast service

Parking:

    • Complimentary valet parking on site
    • Additional public transit access via NJ Transit bus 158 and nearby ferry plus cab

What I like about Waterside

  • The view is genuinely special: The Manhattan skyline and riverfront setting feel cinematic, especially at sunset and after dark.
  • The menu is ambitious and varied: From raw bar towers to truffle laced pastas and prime steaks, there’s depth for both seafood lovers and meat centric diners.
  • It doubles as a destination: You’re not just going out to eat—you’re going out for dinner plus nightlife, with music, cocktails, and a celebratory atmosphere.

What sets them apart from the competition

  • Location and sightlines: Many restaurants claim “waterfront views,” but Waterside’s unobstructed skyline panorama is hard to match.
  • Chef driven fine dining: A CIA trained executive chef leading a menu that balances raw bar, modern seafood, and serious steaks gives the restaurant culinary credibility beyond just “a place with a view.”

Managing expectations: a balanced look at your visit

To really enjoy Waterside, it helps to align your expectations with what the restaurant is designed to be:

  • Energy level:

Expect a lively, sometimes loud environment, especially on weekends with DJs and a strong bar scene. If you’re seeking hushed, meditative fine dining, you may find the atmosphere more celebratory than serene.

  • Pricing and value:

Entrées in theexpensive range reflect the combination of location, view, and fine dining execution. You’re paying for both the culinary experience and the setting—it’s best approached as a special occasion outing.

  • Service and pacing:

On busy nights, service can feel brisk and high volume, typical of popular waterfront venues.
Arrive with reservations, a bit of patience, and a flexible timeline to enjoy cocktails, courses, and the view without rushing.

Waterside is ideal when you want a memorable night out with skyline drama, elevated food, and nightlife energy. Go in expecting fine dining meets lounge vibe, not a quiet neighborhood bistro, and you’re far more likely to walk away impressed.

Updated July 25, 2026