Parents' Guide to Date Night: 7 Must-Visit Italian Spots in Jersey City

Finding a babysitter is hard enough—don't waste your precious night out on a "meh" meal. Whether you want a view of the skyline or a cozy corner in the Heights, Jersey City has an Italian scene that rivals Manhattan (without the tunnel traffic).

Here are 7 of the best Italian spots for a much-needed date night, separated by neighborhood, including the dishes you must order.

📍 Downtown & Waterfront

1. Battello | 502 Washington Blvd

If you want to feel like you’re on a luxury getaway, this is it. Located on a pier with floor-to-ceiling windows facing the NYC skyline, it is breathtaking.

The Vibe: Industrial chic, romantic, and upscale.

The Dish: Ricotta Gnocchi. It’s served with sweet Italian sausage and a mushroom ragu that is pillows-of-heaven levels of good.

Bonus: They have a "Goth Tiramisu" for two that is the perfect dark, decadent end to a date.

2. Razza | 275 Grove St

The New York Times famously called this "the best pizza in New York," even though it's in JC. It’s casual but sophisticated enough for a quality date.

The Vibe: Artisanal, lively, and warm.

The Dish: Project Hazelnut Pizza or the Di Natalie. But honestly? Don't skip the Bread and Butter. It sounds basic, but they are obsessive about their butter, and it’s life-changing.

3. Porta | 135 Newark Ave

A massive, high-energy spot that’s great if you want a date night with a little more "buzz."

The Vibe: Hip, communal tables, and great for people-watching.

The Dish: The 14 1/2 Pizza (mozzarella, ricotta, hot soppressata, and honey). It’s the perfect balance of spicy and sweet.

📍 The Heights

4. Corto | 507 Palisade Ave

This is arguably the most authentic "peasant-style" Italian in the city. It’s small, cozy, and BYOB, which is a major win for date night.

The Vibe: Rustic, intimate, and neighborhood-focused.

The Dish: Angry Chicken. It’s slow-cooked with Calabrian chilis and chianti. Pair it with whatever their seasonal Strozzapreti pasta is.

Pro Tip: Make a reservation early—this place is tiny and fills up weeks in advance.

📍 Journal Square & Marion

5. 15 Fox Place | 15 Fox Pl

This isn't just a restaurant; it’s an experience. You’re literally dining in a converted family home. There is no menu—you sit down and they bring you about 6 to 10 courses of whatever "Nonna" is cooking that night.

The Vibe: Like Sunday dinner at a wealthy Italian relative’s house.

The Dish: Nonny’s Ravioli. Since it’s a prix-fixe feast, you get what you get, but the homemade ravioli is a staple that people talk about for years.

📍 West Side / McGinley Square

6. Laico’s | 67 Terhune Ave

A Jersey City institution since 1972. If you want the kind of place where the waiters wear vests and the garlic bread is complimentary, this is your spot.

The Vibe: Old-school "Sopranos" style (in the best way) and incredibly welcoming.

The Dish: Chicken Savoy or the Mezzi Rigatoni Bolognese. Also, their Homemade Garlic Bread is legendary—just maybe skip it if you're planning on a lot of post-dinner kissing.

7. ITA Italian Kitchen | 682 Bergen Ave

A modern gastropub take on Italian. It’s a great middle-ground if you want high-quality pasta but a more relaxed, modern atmosphere than a traditional white-tablecloth joint.

The Vibe: Modern, upbeat, and great cocktails.

The Dish: Cacio e Pepe. It’s simple, executed perfectly with high-quality Pecorino Romano and cracked black pepper.