Summer is officially here and there is no better way to kick off the season than to enjoy a gorgeous new restaurant in the heart of Edgewater. Bonita by the River, located at 190 River Road, opened this past week, bringing a unique Euro-style tapas bar to the area just in time for summer. Read on to learn all about this new restaurant and its vibrant menu.
More About Bonita by the River
The space at 190 River Road used to be home to Mariners Bistro but has a new identity for Summer 2023 as Bonita by the River. The team behind popular Bergen County spots including Fig + Tomato, Cork + Crust, and Augie’s Trattoria is behind this new spot. Bonita by the Water will feature a traditional Spanish menu accented by other classic European flavors and twists made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. This restaurant is good for an intimate date night or a night out with friends. It features a brunch, lunch, and drink menu that is to die for. The restaurant has an outdoor bar and deck to enjoy food and drinks.
Read More: The Pizza Shop by Flour’s Sister Concept ‘Flour’ Soft Opens in Hoboken
The Menu
The lunch and dinner menus are reminiscent of an upscale Euro-style eatery, filled with hot and cold dishes and a blend of seasonal flavors. Options for lunch include salads, sandwiches, flatbreads, a raw bar, and a selection of appetizers. With classic Spanish dishes such as ham + manchego cheese croquetas and other plates such as the fig + prosciutto sandwich, which combines the sweet and savory flavors of two of our favorite summer ingredients. We are also gushing over the incredible raw bar offerings, which include chilled lobsters, tuna tartare, Bonita oysters, spicy shrimp ceviche, and – if you’re up for it – a seafood tower that could feed a small army.
The dinner menu is a bit more formal, with tapas, raw bar, flatbreads, as well as surf + turf entrees and side dishes. The tapas menu is a surefire way to start a great meal or accompany drinks and will whisk dinners to the Mediterranean with dishes like the grilled pulpo, shrimp Ibiza, or mussels y chorizo. The surf and turf entrees, which range between $23 and $73 include paella for two, stuffed lobster, Bronzino, a private reserve pork chop, and churrasco, amongst others.
Libations + Vibe
The drinks are just as unique and refreshing as the menu and include an extensive wine and cocktail list. With wine by the glass and bottle, there are quite a few options for every palate including, reds, whites, + sparkling options ranging from $10-$15 by the glass and $30-$135 by the bottle. Don’t sleep on the Champagne + Oyster Bar. Trust us on this one.
On the cocktail menu, guests will find classics with a unique blend of options including some of the restaurant’s most popular choices including the Mediterranean Blues – Tito’s, blueberry, fresh lime, Figenza, cucumber, + mint as well as the Smoke on the River – Espolon Tequila Blanco, Sorel liquor, Grand Marnier, watermelon, fresh lime, and charred rosemary. Other options include a Grey Goose Le Citroen and a Bonita Martini Classico.
See More: New Contemporary Restaurant ‘Gioia Mia’ Just Opened in Fascino’s Montclair Space
Bonita by the River is located at 190 River Road in Edgewater. The restaurant is open Tuesday through Sunday for brunch (Sundays), lunch, and dinner. Check out the menu or make a reservation online. 
