Alex Remnick | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com

It's no secret: Jersey City's dining scene has exploded over the last decade and played a major role in New Jersey's second largest city reclaiming its place as one of the state's grandest cultural epicenters.

The sprawling town's eclectic cuisine runs the gamut from Zagat-rated, New York Times-coronated artisan pizzerias and French bistros to divey Szechuan spots and taco joints. There is a restaurant to fit any palate and budget.

Though dining in a city with as many options can be overwhelming — where does one even begin?

Lucky for you, I've got you covered. Not only am I a J.C. local but I spent the last three months sampling restaurants all over the city to determine which were the best — and which were highly overrated. Quality of food, value for cost, overall service and atmosphere were considered as we complied our rankings.

Let's dig in!

NOTE: Jersey City has more than 50 restaurants, but we had to cap it somewhere and made sure to hit all the favorites — and we only considered restaurants that serve dinner and provide table service. Did we miss your favorite restaurant? Who did we overrate or underrate? Let us know in the comment section.

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50. Uncle Momo

289 Grove St.

There may be only one "French Lebanese bistro" in Jersey City, so Uncle Momo certainly gets points for originality. The pita is served hot and fluffy with interesting dips and the pitza (basically pizza on a pita) was appetizing, though the Chicken Tajine (a traditional Moroccan slow-cooked meat stew) was drab, bland and unpleasantly chewy. We came here on a slow night and the service was somehow even slower, which didn't add to the experience. Maybe this space is simply cursed — the restaurant that last occupied it, Marco & Pepe, had terrible service as well.

You gotta try: The sun-dried tomato pitza ($12.75), or just go somewhere else

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49. City Diner

31 Montgomery St.

A 24-hour diner, located in downtown Jersey City? No complaints here, but nothing to write home about. It's pretty far from the main drag of bars, but it's still a decent spot for late-night bites. Standard diner offerings, though a bit fancier — and pricier. Whatever.

You gotta try: The Jersey Benedict ($12). Eggs Benedict with Taylor ham instead of Canadian bacon? Yes please!



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48. Hard Grove

284 Fourth St.

Hard Grove is a longstanding Jersey City spot, originally opening in the 1980s before moving into its new, generic digs in 2017. The ambiance is meh — it feels like you're just eating in any faceless bar — but the Cuban eats are at least affordable and reasonably satisfying.

You gotta try: The Hard Grove Lemon Salsa Chicken ($15.95)



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47. Porto Leggero

185 Hudson St.

My dining companion concluded after our meal that Porto Leggero is the kind of restaurant Tony Soprano would have loved (too bad we'll never get to review Vesuvio). Porto — not to be confused with Porta on Newark Avenue — is an upscale Italian restaurant in Exchange Place with distinctive menu setup. It's essentially two very similar menus ("traditional" and "signature") with slight variations on every dish. Both are loaded with intricate seafood and pasta selections.

You gotta try: Agnolotti di Porcini ($16), porcini-filled ravioli in a white and black truffle cream sauce



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46. Órale Mexican Kitchen

341 Grove St.

If you're looking for Mexican but not looking for the obligatory long wait that comes with Taqueria Downtown, Órale is probably your best bet. The Day of the Dead decor makes for awesome atmosphere with ceramic skulls, graffiti, cacti and a wall of illuminated Jarritos soda bottles making it one of the most colorful and aesthetically pleasing spaces in the city. The menu is more experimental than a your typical taco joint — how 'bout those duck confit nachos and bone marrow tacos! The service is friendly and they'll happily describe and recommend one of their three house-made hot sauces. But the tacos are a clear step below Taqueria; the tortillas are not as fresh and the the meats not as flavorful.

You gotta have: The duck confit nachos. You probably won't find them in Mexico, but you will find your once-heaping plate empty in a hurry





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45. Talde

8 Erie St.

Some saw the arrival of Top Chef star Dale Talde's restaurant as a sign that Jersey City had solidified itself as a foodie destination. While the city certainly has made its mark, it's not because of Talde, which leans more on its style than substance. The ornate decor is impressive, but the pan-Asian fare is disappointing and overpriced. The dumplings we had were lukewarm and blue crab fried rice tasted more like mayonnaise fried rice. Talde was one of the biggest letdowns of this list; the first few times I came here (when it first opened in 2015) it was stellar. Whatever happened, the quality has declined — its no longer in elite company.

You gotta try: The Thai fried chicken ($26) while overpriced, was the highlight of the meal with a nice crunch and an enjoyable contrast of sweet and savory flavors.



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44. Porta

135 Newark Ave.

If you tell anyone you live in Jersey City, chances are they'll ask if you've been to Porta. And yes, you've been to Porta. Everyone has. And for good reason! Their pizza is good, and their rooftop bar is one of the premiere outdoor drinking spots in the city. Their pasta? Not as great. Their service? Absolutely terrible. The place is very popular, and thus is often busy, so its understandable that you may have slightly longer waits. But on several occasions I have had a server who didn't seem to care that we were still waiting for food or even silverware to eat it with. Go for the pizza, just be prepared for a headache.

You gotta try: The 14 1/2 pizza ($17) with hot soppressata (Italian dry salami) and Calabrian chilies



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43. Buddy Who's

247 Washington St.

While it will never be mistaken for the best restaurant in Jersey City, Buddy Who's might be the most Instagram-able. Their cereal-stuffed pancakes are eye-catching and yummy, though a tad dry. Their menu is deeper than you may expect, however, and it's actually possible to get a table, which in the city brunch game may be the most underrated aspect of this place.

You gotta try: The Cinnamon Toast Crunch pancakes ($13) are great, but we liked the Belgian waffle topped with fruit along with a berry and vanilla drizzle ($8) even better.



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42. Saigon Cafe

188 Newark Ave.

Many things may have changed in Jersey City in the past few years, but Saigon Cafe has been around since 1999, serving up Vietnamese standbys in a classier setting than your typical pho-slinging spot. Sufficient for dining in, or taking out, with a full bar to boot. There isn't a ton of great pho in Jersey City, and Saigon Cafe's about as good as it gets.

You gotta try: The Chicken Ga Xao Sa Ot ($15), which is basically spicy lemongrass chicken



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41. White Star at Warren Street

179 Warren St.

White Star has two locations — the Brunswick Street spot is more of a bar, while this one on Warren Street definitely has a restaurant feel. With fancy bar options ranging from burgers and sandwiches to steak and lamb shanks, it's might not blow you away but you have to at least appreciate the versatility.

You gotta try: The White Star Burger ($12) made with Pat La Frieda's original burger blend of flat iron, brisket and short-rib.



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40. Skinner's Loft

146 Newark Ave.

Skinner's is one of the fancier restaurants on the Newark Avenue pedestrian plaza, featuring an eclectic three-level dining space including a rooftop area that's very popular in the summer. It doesn't have the biggest menu, but most items on it are at least eye-catching. If you're looking to impress your parents when they're in town, a trip here will do the trick.

You gotta try: The whiskey-smoked, sugar-rubbed beef brisket ($25)



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39. Luna Restaurant & Bar

279 Grove St.

It's not easy being the restaurant next to Razza — the hottest restaurant in Jersey City. But this relative newbie that opened less than a year ago isn't a bad fallback if you predictably can't get a table next door. The menu isn't strictly Italian — sure, there are pasta dishes along with Chicken Rollatini and Chicken Milanese, but you can also opt for a skirt steak with chimichurri or a maple-glazed stuffed pork chop. There is a second level of seating that makes for a personal and private setting that overlooks the main dining room, which adds to the ambiance, and the most expensive main dish is just $25. That will make you feel better about splurging on the superior cocktails — the Jersey City Sour with Bulleit Whiskey, amaretto and a cabernet float may be my single favorite drink in town, and was enough to help boost Luna to No. 11 in our Jersey City bar rankings.

You gotta try: The braised short rib with gnocchi ($24)

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38. Hamilton Pork

247 Tenth St.

Make a reservation, because this BBQ joint near Hamilton Park was insanely popular as soon as it opened in 2016 and the buzz hasn't worn off. While the waits can be maddeningly long, there's no denying that it's pretty damn good BBQ. The pulled pork is succulent and tender, but it's the sides that steal the show — the burnt-end beans and macaroni and cheese are especially tasty.

You gotta try: The burnt ends beans ($6)



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37. Latham House

299 Marin Blvd.

A fancier dining option only steps from the Grove St. PATH station, Latham House offers an eclectic menu with a plethora of international influences — Italian, Mediterranean, Spanish and French offerings among others — and everything we tried was enjoyable if not particularly memorable. The Moroccan lamb meatballs were well-seasoned with harissa and paired well with the serving of polenta, though the portion could have been a bit more substantial. Our biggest beef? The majority of the entrees are nearly $30, and while our meals were good, we didn't think they were "$30 good." The brunch here gets rave reviews, we'd suggest sticking to that.

You gotta try: The cheese plate with Dan's homemade jam and imported prosciutto ($21)



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36. Mathews Food and Drink

351 Grove St.

A relative newcomer to the Jersey City dining scene, Mathews boasts an eclectic menu ranging from Hampshire pork chop and Long Island duck breast to salads and pasta dishes. The decor is beautiful and the vibe intimate, making it a strong albeit pricey date option in Harsimus Cove. Everything we ate was appealing, though Mathews seems to be one of those places hellbent on leaving you hungry with its small portions.

You gotta try: The sweet potato gnocchi with oyster mushrooms and pumpkin seed pesto ($13)

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35. Beechwood Cafe

290 Grove St.

Perfect for a nice brunch without the headaches and waits that usually come with the most millennial meal of the day, but don't sleep on the surprisingly good dinner selection. Beechwood finds a happy medium between bougie brunch and a no-frills diner. I walked in without a reservation on Mother's Day last year and got a table within 20 minutes — the staff moves quickly, and it's still one of Jersey City's best kept secrets despite being on the main drag.

You gotta try: The turkey burger ($10) with basil mayo and Beechwood sauce



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34. Left Bank Burger Bar

194 Newark Ave.

There are plenty of burger joints in Jersey City, but Left Bank is certainly the most creative. Want a burger served on a grilled cheese sandwich? They've got you covered; try the 'Merica Meltdown. How about pulled pork and coleslaw? Get The Tar Heel. They have weekly special "challenge" burgers as well, with customers voting for which one stays on the menu for the next week.

You gotta try: 'Merica Meltdown ($10), a house blend burger with caramelized onions, bank sauce on grilled cheese challah



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33. Amelia's Bistro

187 Warren St.

There's something whimsical about Amelia's. Maybe it's the funky decor. Maybe it's the fact that every table at this Paulus Hook bistro gets a mortar and pestle filled with chickpeas and garlic to make your own hummus. No, it wasn't the best hummus I've ever had, but how many restaurants have an interactive component to their meal? The entrees were more or less standard, but we were blown away by their crostini — there are 12 different types, like peanut butter and bacon or aged white cheddar, apple and truffle honey, and they were all scrumptious.

You gotta try: The crostini (three for $10, or six for $16)

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32. Brownstone Diner and Pancake Factory

426 Jersey Ave.

Do you like pancakes? Of course you do, they're pancakes. Why not try a spot that literally has "pancake factory" in its name? Yes, Brownstone is flipping nearly 30 different types of pancakes, and they're absolutely worth a cheat day meal. They serve classic diner food like sandwiches, chicken tenders and salads as well. But if it ain't broke, don't fix it, right? Just be prepared to wait; it gets jam-packed on the weekends. Pro trip: try to get a seat at the counter, which is usually less of a wait. If you're with a bigger party and need a booth, put your name down and go for a stroll in nearby Van Vorst Park to kill time.

You gotta try: The original pancake wrap ($7.50) which is scrambled eggs, bacon and cheese stuffed into a pancake. Perfect if you can't pick between pancakes and eggs for breakfast.



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31. GP's Restaurant and Bar

236 Pavonia Ave.

A Hamilton Park standby with a menu filled with classic Italian dishes and generous portions. The Veal Marsala we tried was a bit sweet for our taste, but the Chicken Parm was excellent — it was so big it was spilling off the plate, well-breaded with plenty of melty mozzarella. The lighting in the restaurant space was oddly dim when we were there for an early dinner, so you may need to use your cell phone to see your menu, but once you order, you'll probably enjoy your food.

You gotta try: The Chicken Parm ($21)



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30. Ani Ramen House

218 Newark Ave.

The arrival of Ani Ramen was a boon for Jersey City and something of a foodie perfect storm, as the Ramen craze intersected with Jersey City's cultural and culinary resurgence. The noodle house located in Harsimus Cove boasts six different styles of ramen including vegan and broth-less bowls along with add-ons like marinated soft-boiled egg and umami bombs, but you can't go wrong with a bowl of the classic Ani Ramen, with a hearty Berkshire pork bone broth and rich, buttery chashu pork. It's open until 1 a.m. during the week and 2 a.m. on the weekends, making it arguably the best late-night restaurant in the city.

You gotta try: The Hennessy and pineapple ice cream, served at the "speakeasy" in the back



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29. Roman Nose

125 Newark Ave.

The pasta here consistently hits the spot and Roman serves pretty good pizza as well, in a casual environment. The service could be better — I've had issues on multiple occasions, including most recently when even though the restaurant was empty we had to wave down an inattentive server — but the reasonably priced and thoroughly tasty Italian eats tend to make up for it.

You gotta try: The Tonnarelli Cacio E Pepe ($15) which is basically a fancy, decadent macaroni and cheese

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28. Pinwheel Garden Dumpling & Noodle Bar

318 Communipaw Ave.

Just like the space itself, Pinwheel Garden's menu is undersized yet impressive. Their offerings are limited to, as their name suggests, pretty much just dumplings and noodles. But the service was among the friendliest we experienced for this ranking — the staff's passion for their food shines through as they explain their dishes and they're happy to answer any questions about the menu. It's a no-frills, down to Earth setup with a smattering of minimalist wooden tables and benches, but what more do you need when slurping down noodles?

You gotta try: The coconut curry over udon noodles with lemongrass chicken ($14) — don't be afraid to slurp



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27. Harry's Daughter

339 Communipaw Ave.

Now, I might not have the most discerning palate when it comes to good Caribbean food, but I do know this Bergen-Lafayette haunt nails its spicy and saucy jerk chicken served with pumpkin rice, tasty curries and fluffy roti bread to dip it in. Don't sleep on their cocktails either, especially the rum punch.

You gotta try: The jerk chicken ($19)

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26. Pasta Dal Cuore

527 Jersey Ave.

A made-in-house pasta shop by day and a restaurant by night, the freshness of the pasta is evident in every carefully crafted bite. It It's BYOB which is good for the wallet, and the restaurant strikes the right balance of quaint and classy without being pretentious. If you're looking for over-the-top pasta dishes with heaps of toppings, you should look elsewhere. If you want a place that knows how good and fresh its pasta is and lets that do the talking, look no further.

You gotta try: The gnocchi di ricotta di bufala all'arrabbiata ($24) — basically, gnocchi in a spicy tomato basil sauce. Simple? Yes. But the gnocchi are heavenly pillows of tender doughy pasta goodness.

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25. Just BeClaws

280 1st St.

If you fancy yourself a shellfish addict, Just BeClaws has you covered, with Lobster, crab, and other shellfish with your choice of seasoning and fixings served in big plastic bags and plopped right down on your paper tablecloth. It feels more like a backyard lobster boil than a restaurant and things get boisterous in here, which is perfect if that's what you're in the mood for — but if loud dining isn't what your jam, then venture elsewhere. It was far from the best lobster I've ever had — New Jersey isn't Maine — but it was still enjoyable. The wait was surprisingly long, maybe because there isn't another restaurant quite like this one in the city. Put on your bib, things are about to get deliciously messy.

You gotta try: The snow crab (market price) with garlic butter



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24. The Lighthorse Tavern

198 Van Vorst St.

Dependable classic tavern fare in an chic atmosphere, accented by exposed brick, wood panels and occasionally a piano player. A little on the pricey side, but that comes with the territory in generally affluent Paulus Hooks. Having eaten here for both lunch and dinner, I'd say the evening fare is more impressive — I had several pork chops while working in this story, and Lighthorse's with herbed spaetzle, braised red cabbage and a coriander honey glaze was the best I tasted; the juiciest and thickest of the bunch.

You gotta try: The mussels mariniere ($13)

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23. Komegashi Too

99 Town Square Pl.

There are sushi spots that you go to for takeout once a week, and there are sushi spots you go to for special occasions. Komegashi Too is the latter (though you can order takeout as well). The sushi is fresh, visually appealing and fairly priced, and the views of downtown Manhattan make for a memorable dining experience.

You gotta try: The Spicy Red Dragon Roll ($15.95) with eel and avocado inside topped with spicy tuna and tobiko on the outside



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22. Pasta e Vino

136 Newark Ave.

You may be tempted to write this spot off as just another one of the many Italian restaurants downtown. Don't. Pasta e Vino creates an intimate vibe that's deceivingly difficult to find elsewhere on the Newark Avenue strip — and you won't have to break the bank for a quality meal. The pasta is creative and delicious — plenty of restaurants serve pasta with vodka sauce, but Pasta e Vino does theirs with panchetta, giving it a savory bite and added richness. The wine list is delightfully massive — I purposely took two friends who work in the wine industry here and they were both impressed with the vino selection.

You gotta try: The rigatoni alla vodka ($16)



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21. Liberty Prime

111 Montgomery St.

If you need an epic cut of beef from a city that doesn't offer a ton of steakhouses, lock in on Liberty Prime. Its has a luxurious feel, full bar, and succulent steaks make this a carnivore's paradise. The Bone In Filet is so tender and juicy that it came in at No. 6 on our list of expensive steaks last year. If you're more into the modern steakhouse experience than the classic variety, Liberty Prime is the way to go with a more contemporary interior featuring cushy leather booths and dim lighting as well as a menu that compliments its 11 different cuts of beef with offerings like soft shell crab, lobster mac and cheese and grilled octopus.

You gotta try: The Bone In Filet ($58)



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20. The Hamilton Inn

708 Jersey Ave.

This Hamilton Park eatery achieves a high-end but low-key vibe with a pleasant wood-paneled aesthetic that feels more like eating inside of a cozy ski lodge than a hotel restaurant — which the name suggests this is, yet there are no rooms for rent upstairs. The menu ranges from no-frills sandwiches and fun appetizers to fancy seafood entrees, not to mention great deals depending on the day of the week like $1 oysters and half-off cocktails. Their brunch is great as well, though the wait for a table can be long enough to require several walks around Hamilton Park.

You gotta try: The French onion soup dumplings ($12)

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19. South House

149 Newark Ave.

Stepping into South House feels like taking a trip to Charleston, or Texas, or somewhere in the South — just definitely not Jersey City. From the courtyard featuring rocking chairs out front to old vinyl record covers that house the restaurant's menus, the decor is authentic to the owners' Southern roots and right on point. The food, drinks and service all follow suit. Smoked Old Fashioneds are en vogue right now, and South House does a great one, and if you're attentive you'll see them burning wood right at the bar to fill the glass with smoke. Fair warning: Be ready to eat, the portions are hefty and the food sticks to your ribs.

You gotta try: The Kale Detox Salad ($14) which tastes so good it doesn't even feel like a salad



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18. Edward's Steakhouse

If you're looking for a classic steakhouse experience, Edwards's is your spot. White table cloths, wooden floors and well-dressed waiters set the stage nicely for the ensuing beefy feast featuring Kansas City sirloins, dry-aged porterhouses and delicate filet mignons. Don't be afraid to indulge in one of the many seafood appetizers, either — the baked clams were nicely breaded and very flavorful. It sure isn't cheap, but good steak dinners rarely are. No, it isn't a Peter Luger Steakhouse, but it's as close as you'll get in Jersey City.

You gotta try: The Dry Aged 20oz Kansas City Sirloin ($47)



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17. Cellar 335

335 Newark Ave.

Come for the drinks, stay for the food. Yes, Jersey City's hottest tiki bar (No. 6 in our Jersey City bar rankings) has some of the tastiest cocktails in the state, and their bites are just as inviting and great for sharing. The maple chipotle Korean-style wings are a tantalizing blend of crispy, sweet and spicy. The spicy cornbread with smoked cheddar may seem like a square peg with Asian fusion but its served in an adorable small cast iron pan and is buttery and delicious. Located in the basement of White Eagle Hall — the city's hottest concert venue — Cellar 335 is a logical choice for a pre-show meal.

You gotta try: The maple chipotle Korean style wings (5 for $11, 10 for $21)

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16. Hudson & Co.

3 Second St.

Jersey City has such a terrific – and underutilized — asset in its views of the Manhattan skyline and Hudson & Co.'s floor-to-ceiling windows beautifully showcase the scene. The food is just as impressive, from delectable pizza, sushi and sandwiches to the menu's star: its seafood. I had never tried branzino before I came here, and I loved it so much that it's become one of my favorite dishes to try at restaurants — and few have even come close to this one, which was fresh and had a perfect flaky texture. I came here for an indulgent birthday feast, and the food and experience made Hudson & Co feel worthy of a special occasion.

You gotta try: The harbor mussel pot, which will have you licking the bowl for every last drop of broth ($18)



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15. Los Cuernos

499 Washington Blvd.

Los Cuernos is the newest restaurant on this list; the owners of Taqueria Downtown opened this Newport spot in February offering many of the same dishes that make Taqueria one of the best Mexican restaurants in New Jersey, but in a bigger space. It doesn't quite have the same charm as its smaller counterpart downtown, but the food is comparable (if not a little more expensive) and getting a table is much easier — and we actually enjoyed the guacamole and margaritas more here than at Taqueria.

You gotta try: The picadillo plate, essentially a ground beef stew with potatoes and other assorted vegetables

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14. Grand Sichuan

342 Grove St.

If you've never eaten soup dumplings, head for Grand Sichuan right this minute. There's nothing fancy about this hole-in-the-wall Chinese spot (though it was recently renovated) but it's somehow one of Jersey City's best-kept secrets despite being just up the block from the Grove Street PATH station. Delicious dumplings, spicy Dan Dan noodles and a sweet, tangy caramelized eggplant in garlic sauce that you didn't know you needed in your life until you've tried it. The service can be unfriendly, but the food is good (and cheap) enough to forgive it.

You gotta try: The pork soup dumplings ($6.99), which are tricky to eat but amazing nonetheless

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13. Laico's

67 Terhune Ave.

A true gem in the heart of Greenville, cooking up old school Italian food in a cozy brick-walled space. Before you even order appetizers, you'll find a well-dressed house salad and warm Italian bread headed to your table. The pizza is fine but not the reason you're making the trip down John F. Kennedy Boulevard — the pasta and entrees are. The ravioli in vodka sauce was creamy and rich, while the chicken parm was so filling we almost couldn't finish it (don't worry, we did). Parking is limited and the restaurant is small, but it's worth the trip around the block to find a spot and they do have valet service.

You gotta try: The Chicken Parm ($20)



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12. Liberty House Restaurant

76 Audrey Zapp Dr.

Liberty House has a reputation as the fanciest restaurant in Jersey City. The location in Liberty State Park is gorgeous, the views of New York City's skyline stunning and the service friendly and attentive. The problem? For the amount of money you're spending on a meal (the average entree price is more than $33) the food simply wasn't memorable enough. Not bad, mind you; the duck was tasty as was the seared cod, and both the caramel creme brulee and vanilla ice cream for dessert were divine. But it's a bad sign when you're shelling that much money and the best part of the meal was dessert. It's a great (and very popular) wedding venue, but Liberty House as a restaurant is simply good, not great.

You gotta try: The caramel creme brulee ($9)



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11. The Kitchen Step

500 Jersey Ave.

There is no shortage of Jersey City restaurants that fall into the "American bistro" category, but The Kitchen Step is definitely a step above. Maybe it's the creative cocktails (The "Bourbon Is Cheaper Than Therapy" features a burnt cherry ice cube, and "The Red Head from The Ski Resort" is a boozy hot chocolate with Misunderstood Whiskey) or the dessert menu that you'll wish you saved room for. While the entrees aren't outlandish, they do feature a certain flair that elevates each dish — it's not just gnocchi, but purple sweet potato gnocchi, and the crescent duck breast is served with a plum miso sauce. Delicious.

You gotta try: The purple sweet potato gnocchi ($23)



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10. Madame Claude Bis

390 4th St.

If you're craving coq au vin, you must visit Madame Claude Bis, an inviting eatery tucked away on an otherwise desolate section of Jersey City's Village neighborhood — a diamond locale you wouldn't find unless you were looking for it. The intimate setting and delectable french food make it a perfect date spot in a quiet corner of the city, along with its impressive wine and cocktail list, decadent cheeseboards and live music. Every time I imagine myself in Paris, I just get dinner at Madame Claude instead.

You gotta try: Le Steak Frites ($28), don't overthink it. It's a classic for a reason.



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9. Satis Bistro

212 Washington St.

Satis is more appealing than most of the European-style bistros in Jersey City due to its elegant atmosphere and decor, strong drinks and the scrumptious dishes in Paulus Hook. The patatas bravas (fried potatoes in a spicy tomato sauce) appetizer was massive and flavorful, and the hanger steak was juicy. But it was the red wine pappardelle with braised oxtail that blew us away — the pasta was excellently cooked, the red wine sauce was tangy and oxtail tender. You'll spend a pretty penny here, but the portions are large enough that you'll have leftovers for lunch the next day.

You gotta try: The Red Wine Pappardelle ($26)



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8. Rasoi

810 Newark Ave.

If you're visiting India Square for some amazing Indian food, do yourself a favor and walk into Rasoi, which boasts a simple but elegant white tablecloth aesthetic and a friendly, attentive wait staff to go with the some of the tastiest, most authentic Indian cuisine in the city. The portions are massive, especially considering how reasonable the prices are. Rasoi's menu specializes in North Indian cuisine with an impressive array of curries along with classics like Tandoori Chicken, though they also feature Chinese-Indian food like Chili Paneer and Chicken Manchurian.

You gotta try: The chicken vindaloo curry ($12.95), which the kitchen can season to your preferred spice level



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7. Corto

507 Palisade Ave.

Turn just about any street corner in Jersey City and you'll spot an Italian place — this is New Jersey, after all. But Corto up in the Heights is not your average pizza and pasta joint, with a small but ambitious menu with dishes intricate enough that you'll have questions for your waiter. The rigatoni with tomato, panchetta, Calabrian chili, basil and mint made for an interesting contrast of sweet, herbal and spicy, cooked to a precise al dente that came together deliciously, while the Angry Chicken brazed in a spicy wine sauce was so tender we didn't need a knife. The rustic, minimalist motif feels like eating in a friend's dining room.

You gotta try: The rigatoni ($18)



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6. Battello

502 Washington Blvd.

There are nice restaurants, and then there are restaurants that are so nice that you specifically want to use for your wedding proposal — and then also host your wedding reception there. Battello's Newport pier location provides some of the the best views of New York from any restaurant in town. After closing for nearly a year and a half for pier repairs, the popular wedding venue is back in business and Battello doesn't just rely on its views and ambience to impress, as the cocktails and the entrees are stellar. The meat dishes were strong, but it was the pasta that was the absolute star — pillowy perfect gnocchi and squid ink torchio pasta featuring an octopus and king crab gauzzetto (fancy word for sauce), spicy pomodoro and citrus crumbs. I didn't know what half the words in that description meant until I googled them, but I didn't need my phone to tell me it was one of the most decadent pasta dishes I'd ever eaten.

You gotta try: The squid ink torchio ($18 for a small portion, $28 for a large),



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5. Sam AM - Bergen Lafayette

196 Pine St.

If you enjoy Sam AM's cafe location in Paulus Hook, you'll love owner Sam Kirk's Bergen-Lafayette dinner spot, which serves up tasty American classics with a southern spin (and recently changed its name from The OAK on Pine). The space has a quaint, warm and intimate feel while still feeling upscale with exposed brick and decorative lighting. The centerpiece of Communipaw's Avenue's burgeoning restaurant row, it also serves Sam AM cafe's brunch menu Wednesday through Sunday.

You gotta try: The "some like it hot!" chicken sandwich ($17), which is succulent, spicy and worth getting hot sauce all over you face





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4. Taqueria Downtown

236 Grove St.

The bad news? Getting a table at Taqueria Downtown can be more difficult than finding a reasonably priced apartment downtown. The good news? These tacos are worth the wait. They aren't fancy — simply seasoned meats ranging from ground beef to grilled pork stomach, served on a fresh tortilla topped with cilantro, onion and lime — and that's all you need. The carnitas and fish tacos are particularity excellent, but all of them are incredibly flavorsome and affordable, served in a small and lively basement space with loads of Los Angeles sports gear on the walls — an homage to the owners' roots in the city of Angels. The backyard is open in the summer, and you can't really beat fresh tacos outdoors, can you? If the wait is too long, you can pull a real Jersey City foodie move and go eat at their take-out/catering location just a few blocks up at 354 Grove St., which recently put in tables for diners.

You gotta try: The carnitas taco ($3.75), aka crispy fried pork goodness



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3. The Barge Inn

324 Third St.

After finishing dead last in our Jersey City bar rankings last summer, The Barge Inn made a run at the top spot on our restaurant list — that's how much we enjoyed the food. Nothing fancy, and it doesn't need to be. A classic red-sauce Italian restaurant serving up tried and true favorites in a cozy and friendly environment. The chicken parm was the best we've had in Jersey City; the sauce was terrifically sweet and flavorful. Don't be surprised if you feel like you're in a mafia movie — Paul Sorvino of "Goodfellas" fame filmed part of a Mafia-themed short film here back in 2010. Make a reservation, because the joint is tiny. And try to come on a Thursday, when they serve all-you-can-eat pasta for a bargain $9 a person.

You gotta try: The Chicken Parmesan ($20)

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2. 15 Fox Place

15 Fox Place

This has to be the most one-of-a-kind and exclusive dining experience in Jersey City. How exclusive? I've been eating in this city for years and didn't even know I could eat here until I started researching this story. The restaurant itself is inside a house in the city's Marion neighborhood. It doesn't take walk-ins and doesn't have a menu. So make a reservation, get to the house by 7:30 p.m. that night, sit back and enjoy an old-school, from-scratch Italian meal that feels more like dinner at your grandmother's house than at a restaurant.

Diners are seated in different rooms around the ornately decorated house and treated to course after course like crab cakes in pesto, polenta with arrabbiata sauce, manicotti and chicken roulade. It's so much food that you will need to pace yourself, or risk burning out by the time the entree course has arrived. It would be easy for pretension or gruffness to arise in this environment — reservations are coveted, with big names like Sen. Cory Booker having eaten here multiple times. But to the contrary, the Budinich family makes the night incredibly warm and inviting, allowing you feel like one of their own. It's $95 per person, which isn't cheap, but for the amount of food and the experience, it's money well-spent.

You gotta try: Whatever they put on your table. Whatever it is, chances are it's going to be delectable.



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1. Razza

275 Grove St.

There is no Jersey City eatery more awash in its own fanfare than Razza, the 40-seat restaurant across the street from City Hall that The New York Times deemed "the best pizza in New York" despite its location west of the Hudson River.

Yes, you'll likely have to wait an hour for a table. No, that shouldn't deter you. Yes, bread and butter is an appetizer on the menu. No, you shouldn't skip it.

Get there as early as you can, give them your name and number, and wait. Go get a drink and prepare for the best meal this city has to offer.

The Neapolitan-style pizza itself is simple, but wonderfully delectable with the quality of preparation and locally sourced ingredients shining through. The burrata pie and maple bacon pie (a seasonal option) are personal favorites, but this is a bulletproof pizza menu through and through. The elegant yet understated ambiance boosts what is truly an unforgettable, upper-echelon experience. Razza was No. 1 on the list of restaurants I couldn't wait to try when moved to this city five years ago. It lived up to the hype then — and to this day, I have to collect myself after the first bite of their bread and butter because it's mind-blowing how something so simple can be so unbelievably good.

The best part? The dining experience at Razza is on another level than the rest of Jersey City, yet it's not even close to the most expensive restaurant on this list. Chef and co-owner Dan Richer has built Razza into Hudson County foodie royalty — and when you step inside, you feel like you're joining a very special club: Patrons of The Greatest Restaurant in Jersey City.

You gotta try: We're just gonna order for you. Get the Golden Door, a cocktail with bourbon, lemon and honey ($12), the bread and butter ($6), which you should pair with fire-roasted meatballs ($3) for an appetizer, and the burrata pie ($18).



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Jeremy Schneider may be reached at jschneider@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @J_Schneider. Find NJ.com on Facebook Have a tip? Tell us. nj.com/tips Get the latest updates right in your inbox. Subscribe to NJ.com's newsletters.