Summer Dining on the Hudson: Battello's Outdoor Terrace and What to Order This Season
When summer arrives along the Hudson River, the dining experience at Battello shifts into something that is genuinely hard to find anywhere in the greater New York area. The restaurant's main dining room, which features floor-to-ceiling windows on three sides, opens fully to create a dockside setting that places guests right at the edge of the water with an unobstructed view of the Manhattan skyline. Combine that with a seasonal menu that is built around the best of what summer has to offer, and Battello at 502 Washington Boulevard in Jersey City becomes the most compelling outdoor dining destination along this stretch of the Hudson.
Here is what makes summer at Battello special, what to order this season, and how to plan your visit.
The Setting: Open-Air Dining on the Hudson
Most restaurants that advertise outdoor or waterfront dining offer a patio beside a parking lot or a rooftop with a partial view. Battello's summer dining experience is something different. The main dining room was designed with the outdoors in mind: floor-to-ceiling windows on three sides of the room open entirely during the warmer months, dissolving the boundary between the interior and the pier outside and creating what is effectively a dockside dining room.
The view from this space is the Manhattan skyline framed by the Hudson River, and on a summer evening with the city glittering across the water, it is among the most striking dining settings accessible from New York City. The space has been described as "a flawlessly designed eating and drinking complex that looks both industrial and luxurious," with designer Anthony Carrino creating an atmosphere that is as memorable during daylight hours as it is at night.
The setting works for lunch, brunch on the weekends, and dinner, and the warm summer evenings in particular make the later dinner service something worth planning well in advance.
Lunch on the Terrace: Light, Fresh, and Seasonal
Summer lunch at Battello is served Monday through Friday from 11:30 AM to 2:30 PM, and it is one of the most underrated midday experiences along the Jersey City waterfront. The lunch menu from Chef and Partner Ryan DePersio and Chef de Cuisine Giancarlo Junyent is designed to be satisfying without being heavy, with a range of options that work well when dining outside on a warm afternoon.
From the Raw Bar, the Seafood Tower (available as a Schooner for $110 or a Yacht for $165) is an exceptional summer lunch centerpiece, arriving with oysters, clams, shrimp, crab, tuna tartare, and lobster. The Shrimp Cocktail with old bay seasoning, calabrian chili cocktail sauce, and lemon ($22) is a lighter way to lean into the waterfront setting.
For Starters, the Spring Burrata from Jersey Artisan Co. with strawberry-balsamic, asparagus emulsion, and thai chili ($24) is a dish that leans directly into the seasonal spirit. The Chopped Kale Caesar with mint, aged gouda, barley, candied pistachios, and Caesar dressing ($24) is a substantial salad that stands alone as a lunch.
For Sandwiches and Entrees, the Lobster Roll with Maine lobster, old bay mayo, toasted N.E. style bun, and melted butter ($30) is the quintessential summer lunch item, and Battello's version is worth ordering. The RD Burger, a 6 oz. chef's blend patty with bacon, caramelized onions, black pepper cheddar, bang bang aioli, pickles, and brioche ($22), is another satisfying option. The Pistachio and Oregano Crusted Halibut with crab, zucchini orzotto, fennel, and saffron jus ($39) is available at lunch as well, and it is a refined choice if you want something more substantial.
The Porcini Mushroom Risotto with crispy enoki, trumpet, and maitake mushrooms ($28) is a vegan option that does not feel like a compromise.
Summer Brunch: Weekend Mornings With a View
Saturday and Sunday Brunch at Battello runs from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM and is one of the most popular services of the week. The combination of the open waterfront setting, a brunch menu that offers genuine range, and the dedicated Brunch Cocktail selection makes it an experience that extends well beyond the meal itself.
Brunch Highlights from the Menu
The Avocado Toast with grilled sourdough, sambuca cured salmon, and fried eggs ($21) is a summer brunch staple with a Battello signature on it. The Olive Oil Pancakes with seasonal compote and whipped butter ($15) are a lighter, seasonal option that reflects the kitchen's commitment to using what is available at its best. The Eggs Benedict with prosciutto di parma, English muffin, sriracha hollandaise, and smashed fingerlings ($19) is a brunch classic executed with care.
The Guanciale and Fontina Biscuits with honey butter ($11) are an ideal way to start before any main course, and the Spring Burrata and Chopped Kale Caesar both appear on the brunch menu for guests who want something lighter.
Brunch Cocktails
The brunch cocktail list is separate from the main cocktail menu and designed specifically for the daytime setting. The Truffle Trouble Bloody Mary with truffle-infused vodka, sriracha, and chipotle tomatillo is a standout. The Crazy Ex-presso Martini with vodka, Shanky's Whip, cold brew, and whipped coffee is ideal for late-morning energy. The Brewmosa with white rum, Aperol, pineapple, and KS Crush IPA topper is a summer-ready twist on a classic. The Raunchy Ranch Water with jalapeno and cucumber infused tequila, lime juice, agave, and Topo Chico is a warm-weather favorite. All brunch cocktails are $17.
Summer Dinner: The Full Experience as the Sun Sets
Summer dinner at Battello is where the full range of the experience comes together. As the sun sets over the Hudson and the Manhattan skyline begins to light up across the water, the open dining room takes on a quality that makes every dinner feel like an occasion.
What to Order This Season
The current dinner menu from Chef DePersio and Chef de Cuisine Giancarlo Junyent includes several dishes that are particularly well suited to summer.
The Tuna Tartare with orange dashi, lime, shallots, radish, and crispy potatoes ($26) is a bright, clean opener that fits the season perfectly. The Seafood Insalata with shrimp, mussels, clams, calamari, lemon, charcoal shallot jam, celery, mint, and shaved fennel ($24) is another excellent summer starter that showcases the kitchen's seafood focus.
For pasta, the Cavatelli Verde with jonah crab, tomato confit, meyer lemon, braised artichokes, and citrus crumbs ($42) is a dish that feels made for summer. The Mafalde con Vongole with manila clams, lemon, calabrian chili, and garlic crumbs ($40) is equally bright and well-suited to warm weather dining.
Among the entrees, the Day Boat Sea Scallops with tri-color cauliflower, beluga lentils, salsify puree, and pignoli and raisin gremolata ($48) and the Pistachio and Oregano Crusted Halibut with crab, zucchini orzotto, fennel, and saffron jus ($49) are the two dishes that most directly reflect the season. The Local Black Sea Bass with white and green asparagus, mushroom puree, foraged morels, eggplant escabeche, and prosciutto glaze ($46) is a standout as well. The Grilled Whole Red Snapper with swiss chard, gremolata, and red pepper romesco ($90) is a large format option that works beautifully for two guests who want to share.
Summer Cocktails for Dinner
The signature cocktail menu has several drinks that feel perfectly calibrated for a summer evening on the Hudson. The Melon Overboard with mezcal union, blood orange, cantaloupe, grapefruit, and lime juice with tajin is a bold, summer-forward choice. The Bad and Buoy with Ketel One vodka, hibiscus and orange blossom, lychee, rose water, and lemon juice is lighter and floral. The Nauti by Nature with Bacardi Superior rum, coconut, banana, pineapple, matcha liqueur, lime juice, and strawberry air leans into a tropical sensibility that suits the waterfront setting.
The Spritz Collection at $16 per cocktail includes the Hugo with elderflower, prosecco, sparkling water, lime, and mint and the Wildchild with Marendry wild cherry aperitif, prosecco, sparkling water, and amarena cherry, both of which are ideal summer openers.
Planning Your Summer Visit
Hours
Lunch: Monday through Friday, 11:30 AM to 2:30 PM Brunch: Saturday and Sunday, 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM Dinner: Monday through Thursday, 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM; Friday and Saturday, 5:00 PM to 11:00 PM; Sunday, 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Reservations
Summer is the busiest season at Battello, particularly for weekend brunch and Friday and Saturday dinner service. Making a reservation in advance is strongly recommended to secure the table you want. Reservations can be made online or by calling 201.798.1798.
Getting There
Battello is located just steps from the Newport PATH station and the Newport stop of the Hudson Bergen Light Rail, making it easily accessible from Manhattan and throughout Hudson County. Taxis are available at the stand at the corner of Washington Boulevard and Town Square Place. Limited parking is available on the pier on a first come, first served basis, with overflow parking in the South Garage adjacent to the Westin Hotel. Get full directions and location details.
Private Summer Events
Battello is also an exceptional venue for summer private events and gatherings. The Main Dining Room accommodates up to 200 guests seated and 450 guests for a cocktail-style reception, with the open windows providing a stunning waterfront backdrop for corporate events, milestone celebrations, and summer parties. The Lounge accommodates up to 100 guests seated or 200 guests standing. For smaller gatherings, the Wine Cellar is a fully private space for up to 16 guests. Inquire about private events at Battello to learn more.
Summer on the Hudson at Its Best
There is a reason Battello has earned consistent recognition from outlets including The Infatuation, New Jersey Monthly, The Digest Magazine, and The Knot as one of the top dining destinations in the region. The combination of a genuinely spectacular waterfront setting, a kitchen led by James Beard-recognized Chef Ryan DePersio, and a team that brings passion and precision to every service produces an experience that is difficult to find anywhere near New York City.
Summer on the Hudson reaches its peak at Battello. View the full menu and make your reservation to experience it for yourself.
Battello is located at 502 Washington Boulevard, Jersey City, NJ 07310. Phone: 201.798.1798.
Planning a romantic evening? Read our full guide to The Ultimate Date Night in Jersey City at Battello for everything you need to know.
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