When you look across the Hudson from Jersey, thereâ€s no other sight as riveting and urbanely beautiful than the New York Skyline, an image that is always changing according to the weather and time of day. In the morning, the skyline is in silhouette, a watercolor of blacks and grays; by night, itâ€s electric and cool, like a jazz riff by Miles Davis.

Views of the New York Skyline add value to any restaurant experience and Battello on the Jersey City waterfront hits the payload. No matter where you stand or sit, the Skyline is in view; along with the yachts and boats docked on all three sides of this refurbished boat house.

Battello is 10,000 square feet of restaurant, bar, club room and wine cellar. Owned by Cory Checket and designed by his good friend Anthony Carrino, host of “Kitchen Cousins” on HGTV, the décor is industrial elegance with shabby chic minimalist touches.

The menuâ€s pretty terrific, too, designed by Executive Chef Ryan DePersio and prepared daily by the staff under the direction of Chef de Cuisine David Viana, it features fresh Oysters ($3.50 per), Clams ($2.50 per) and a Seafood Tower of Oysters, Clams, Shrimp, Crab and Tuna Tartare ($35 for two people).

Appetizers include Chilled Asparagus Coconut Soup, Tuna Rollatini, Summer Beet Salad, Crispy Lump Crab Cake, Grilled Octopus, Rock Shrimp Pollette, Romaine Wedge, Sea Scallop Crudo and Sambuca Cured Salmon ($10-$16)

Pastas feature the Ricotta Gnocchi, Tagliatelle and Little Neck Clams, Ricotta and Spinach Francobolli and Squid Ink Cavatelli ($14-$26).

Entrees include Butter Poached Lobster Tail, Pancetta Wrapped Scallops, Pork Porterhouse, Pignoli Crusted Halibut, Buttermilk Baked Chicken and Filet Mignon ($25-$38).

“Itâ€s an Italian Seafood restaurant with all homemade pasta and fresh seafood,” Checket says. “The Ricotta Gnocchi – thatâ€s one of our signature dishes; people keep coming back for that.”

The bar offers sexy cocktails, beers from local brewers and the wine list is five-pages. The wine cellar also has a private dining room and TV for intimate corporate dinners. Thereâ€s live entertainment on Friday and Saturday nights in the club room with couch seating and a long bar for schmoozing.

Formerly MichaelAnthonyâ€s, Battello opened with new owners last March after a renovation that included moving the bar to the other side of the building that opened up the space. Overhanging fans give it that “Casablanca” feel – it seats 175 and seems perfect for parties and weddings.

“People are looking for atypical wedding venues,” Checket says, “We have the old boathouse feel with elegant, classy touches and an amazing view.”

Chris C. of Jersey City posted this review on Yelp.com in June: “Stopped in for a quick drink and some bar food…the service was quick and friendly. The burgers were very good. This definitely has potential to be a great spot for some drinks or dinner on the water in Jersey City during nice weather. Will definitely go back to try the full dinner menu and sit outside.”

If you go:

Battello

502 Washington Blvd

(Located on the Newport Marina east of Newport Mall)

Jersey City

(201) 798-1798

www.battellojc.com

The post Battello on the Hudson- Fine Dining on Jersey City’s Waterfront with the Best Views in Town first appeared on River View Observer.