Gnocchi: the delicious, pasta pillows composed mostly of potato (and love) have been an Italian delicacy for centuries. These little bites of heaven are typically served in a sauce, but could honestly be accompanied by any seasoning. Hudson County is no stranger to these Italian treats and has been mastering the art of gnocchi for as long as we can remember. To celebrate this amazing and versatile style of pasta, we’ve rounded up some of our favorite spots in the area serving up their own gnocchi. Each dish, while unique in its own way, is nothing short of perfection. Read on to learn about some local spots offering this traditional Italian pasta.
Hoboken
Anthony David’s | 953 Bloomfield Street
It makes sense to start this list off with one of the most decadent iterations of gnocchi in town. The gnocchi at Anthony David’s is made with lobster and potato and served with chanterelle mushrooms, corn, and thyme in a lobster brodo (broth). Like everything else at this neighborhood favorite, it is top-notch.
Augustino’s | 1104 Washington Street
Two words: gnocchi bolognese. This dish is anything but ordinary, drenched in a bolognese sauce that is flavorful in each and every bite. While the gnocchi bolognese is listed as a pasta dish, not even an entree, it would be more than enough for dinner.
Brass Rail | 135 Washington Street
This local spot puts a seriously delicious twist on this classic dish. The truffle meatball + gnocchi is out of this world. Tossed in pancetta, mushrooms, + a sherry cream sauce, this dish will rock your world.
Cafe Michelina | 423 Bloomfield Street
Cafe Michelina’s house specialties include the menu all-stars that keep Hobokenites coming back. The most notable of these dishes is the gnocchi vodka alla burrata, which comes saturated in a vodka sauce with fresh burrata to top it off.
Elysian Cafe | 1001 Washington Street
This Hoboken staple restaurant has been in business since 1895 and just because it is a French bistro doesn’t mean that gnocchi isn’t on the menu. The homemade potato gnocchi entree, which is doused in a house-made bolognese sauce and topped with shaved parmesan, is a local favorite.
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Grand Vin | 500 Grand Street
The homemade ricotta gnocchi at Grand Vin is one of the most sought-after dishes in the Mile Square. Tossed in a three-cheese sauce, this dish is light, fluffy, and oh so delicious. The portions come in full and half sizes, so guests can enjoy this as an entree or appetizer. Pro tip: sub the three-cheese sauce for vodka sauce when available.
Leo’s Grandevous | 200 Grand Street
Going strong for the last 80+ years, Leo’s is a culinary and historical tribute to Ol ‘ Blue Eyes. The restaurant features two versions of this mouth-watering dish. Available for dinner, the gnocchi marinara and gnocchi in a three-cheese sauce rival each other for the number one spot. Both dishes, although different, are insanely delicious and will always hold a spot on this list.
Panello | 720 Monroe Street
There is something so enticing about gnocchi in a four-cheese sauce and Panello knows exactly how to hit the spot with this dish. This creamy dish warms the soul and is one of the most popular dishes at Panello.
Pizza Republic | 406 Washington Street
Pizza Republic is heating things up with its spicy twist on the classic gnocchi dish. The gnocchi fra diavolo at this restaurant is equal parts spicy and comforting. If you’re looking for something different, this is the place to go.
Sorellina | 1036 Washington Street
The gnocchi at this family-run restaurant is one of the more unusual offerings on this list. We like it because, well, gnocchi, but also because of its creative use of the season’s best produce. The gnocchi here is white sweet potato gnocchi served with a white sauce, called fonduta, made with sunshine kabota squash.
Zack’s | 232 Willow Avenue
Zack’s knows how to do good, wholesome food and the menu is filled with a mix of dishes sure to wow any foodie. Available at Zack’s is a gnocchi dish with fresh mozzarella and sweet sausage tossed in a creamy pink sauce. The combination of flavors will send anyone through the roof!
Jersey City
Battello | 502 Washington Boulevard
Light, airy, and smooth — the ricotta gnocchi at Battello is truly something to write home about. The gnocchis are drenched in a sweet sausage bolognese sauce and topped with a pecorino romano cheese and basil.
The Franklin JC | 159 New York Avenue
This self-proclaimed ‘number one BYOB spot for breakfast lunch and dinner’ in the Heights is worth a visit. Chef Jaime Ramirez’s take on gnocchi is worth the Uber alone. It’s lobster gnocchi, served in a creamy pesto sauce with smoked mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, and pancetta. It’s the perfect mix of smoky and sweet. Just bring a BYO bottle of a crisp, refreshing white wine, and the evening will be off to a great start.
Green Pear Café | 93 Franklin Street
It goes without saying that Green Pear is a hidden gem in Jersey City. This restaurant, sister to the cafe of the same name in Hoboken, features a menu that is a fusion of different cultures. Available for dinner is a beef goulash with gnocchi and cottage cheese. This dish will leave you begging for more, that’s for sure. Also available is a chicken paprikash with gnocchi and cottage cheese, too. While gnocchi takes a bit of a back seat to the main focus of the dish, it complements it perfectly.
The Kitchen Step | 500 Jersey Avenue
Chef Ryan DePersio is one of New Jersey’s most acclaimed chefs, and lucky for us, we don’t have to travel far to enjoy his creations. This cheerful Van Vorst restaurant is known for its commitment to fresh, seasonal ingredients, and the gnocchi is no different. The dish consists of ricotta gnocchi, served with cherry tomato confit, pea leaves, smoked asparagus, and basil crema. Everything is made in-house, and it’s a fun take on the classic tomato-basil-mozzarella flavor combination.
Laico’s | 67 Terhune Avenue
You haven’t lived a proper Hudson County life unless you’ve been to Laico’s in Jersey City. Opened by the Laico family in 1972, Laico’s has been serving its tried-and-true dishes even as its menu evolves with the times, and their gnocchi bolognese is no exception. Its presence varies on the menu, depending on the specials — but no matter what you order there, you’ll be pleased.
Porto Leggero | 185 Hudson Street
This downtown spot is light and airy. Diners will enjoy the views as much as the gnocchi, which is served here with veal, pork, and beef stew cooked in a red wine reduction. Order a hearty red from the extensive wine list, and it’s a match made in heaven.
Renato’s | 278 Central Avenue
OK, so we all know Renato’s for the pizza, BUT the restaurant also has a gnocchi dish sure to wow any foodie. A classic dish in the Neapolitan region of Italy, think Amalfi Coast — more specifically Sorrento, the gnocchi Sorrentina is full of flavor. The sauce and gnocchi are mixed with mozzarella cheese, melted to perfection, and the dish is perfect for dinner.
Satis Bistro | 212 Washington Street
This cozy Paulus Hook spot has an emphasis on fresh, high-quality ingredients. The gnocchi here is no different: it is made in-house with ricotta cheese and is served with roasted garlic, broccolini, lemon zest, and parmesan shavings. This combo makes for a light, airy, and still creamy take on this classic dish.
