Here are some of our favorite bring-your-own-bottle restaurants (as well as places to pick up a bottle). Now you can pair a mouthwatering meal with your favorite beverage.
Bergen County
Café Panache {130 East Main Street, Ramsey; 201.934.0030; cafepanachenj.com}
Located in the heart of downtown Ramsey is Café Panache: an elegant BYOB restaurant that has pleased diners for over 30 years. Chef-Owner Kevin Kohler designs the menu seasonally using natural, farm-fresh produce and free range livestock. There are usually eight to 10 appetizers and entrées to choose from. Looking to host a private event? Off site catering is available.
Izzy’s Pizzeria {86 The Promenade, Edgewater; 201.795.2600; izzyspizzeria.com}
Creating the experience of the legendary Brooklyn pre-war pizzeria, Izzy’s aims to transport customers back to a time when pizza was the center of the neighborhood social scene. Bring along a bottle of wine, whether it’s a hearty red or a crisp white, and enjoy it with Neapolitan-style pizza. Top picks include the Italian Salami (sopressata, mozzarella, tomatoes, oregano, olive oil) or Olivia’s Meatball Pizza (meatballs, tomatoes, mozzarella, parmesan, olive oil). Other stellar menu items include appetizers like Potato Croquettes with garlic-aïoli and Saffron Arancini with fontina and sundried tomato dipping sauce. And for dessert? The Nutella Pizza with bananas is a must-try.
Fontana di Trevi {248 Fort Lee Road, Leonia; 201.242.9040}
For a classic Italian meal, try Fontana di Trevi, where you can not only enjoy pasta, but a Caesar salad made tableside.
Linwood Wine and Liquor {102 Linwood Drive, Fort Lee; 675 Park Avenue, Fort Lee; 201.944.5504}
The owners of Linwood Wine & Liquor Co. have been providing the best wines and spirits to their customers since 1979. On a mission to “marry your tastes and desired experience with the universe of products that are at our disposal,” the owners encourage customers to call, email, and/or visit the store or website. There is a wide variety of domestic and international wines, micro and imported beers, and liquors, which are highlighted by a fine selection of whiskeys from around the world. Their newer location at 675 Park Avenue in Hudson Lights (Fort Lee) has given more convenience to local residents searching for their next perfect bottle. This large space has many liquors and wines, which are difficult to find, including a bottle of Macallan scotch which sold for $65,000!
Mado {570 Kinderkamack Road, River Edge; 201.265.3629}
Mado serves up flavorful meat and fish dishes, which all can be perfectly paired with either wine or liquor. The restaurant’s combination platters will satisfy the hungriest of diners. For dessert, the Baklava pairs exceptionally well with brandy.
Mezza {20 Jefferson Avenue, Westwood; 201.722.8822; mezzawestwood.com}
Mezza, offering authentic Mediterranean cuisine, aims to put a modern touch on their dishes. With seven “mezza” options, diners get their fix of hummus, baba ganoush, or tabbouleh. There are several salad options available that pair nicely with either chicken, salmon, or grilled shrimp. Hummus bowls and sandwiches are available for lunch. Private rooms that seat up to 12 are also available for special events and conferences.
Namaste {1086 River Road, Edgewater; 201.224.9777; namasteedgewater.com}
Located in Edgewater, Namaste is a Himalayan-Indian fusion restaurant that has something for everyone. Offerings include chicken, lamb, seafood, goat, vegetarian options, and more. The Everest Gobi, a fried cauliflower doused in sweet and spicy glaze, is just one of the many top sellers at the restaurant.
Hudson County
Anthony David’s {953 Bloomfield Street, Hoboken; 201.222.8399; anthonydavids.com}
Tucked away on a side street in uptown Hoboken is Anthony David’s. Brunch is our favorite meal here, specifically any of the eggs Benedict options, paired with a bottle of bubbly.
Cork Wines & Spirits {1450 Washington Street, Hoboken; 201.942.9964 corkwines.net}
This wine and spirits shop loves creating the “cork experience” for their customers. The cork experience includes personal touches like greeting patrons by name and establishing a rapport. Cork Wines & Spirits’ team of experts—including Mike Garcia (Principal Buyer), Jay Emminger (Consulting Wine Director), and Carlos Ramos (General Manager)—are equipped to help patrons discover the perfect bottle of wine or spirit suited to their taste and preference.
La Isla {25 12th Street, Hoboken; 201.659.6090; laislauptown.com}
La Isla—a Cuban restaurant and bar turning out traditional dishes and mojitos in a warm and welcoming environment—has a second location in Hoboken. Like it’s Washington Street location, the Hoboken spot encourages guests to BYOB and enjoy their classic Cuban fare.
By Heather Dean Bennington
