Ramen and sushi can almost seem a dime a dozen these days, but in Jersey City Heights, there’s one spot that has taken its Asian cuisine to the next level. Meet OZU, located at 106 Hutton Street. Here’s more about this must-visit BYOB Japanese spot in the Heights:
All About OZU
Upon walking into OZU, you’ll find tiny spot with just three bar chairs and one small table for two to three people {almost literally a hole in the wall} — and in the summer, two tables for dining outside are available. But what separates OZU is truly the food and the service. It’s ridiculously memorable. You can dine in, takeout, or opt for delivery.
Our server {we were the lucky ones to snag the one indoor table and set it up for a party of three!} was friendly and courteous, explaining all the menu options to us and her favorite picks.
If you do get lucky enough to dine in, order some green tea and bring a bottle of wine {it’s BYOB!}. It sets the tone nicely, and the cozy atmosphere is perfect for a cold night with some wine interspersed with tea.
Of course, ramen is always a safe and comforting bet here, especially if dining in — as evidenced by the beauty below — but if you’re wanting to expand your palate, the menu has a plethora of options for meat, fish, and veggie lovers. Everything is made right in front of you, fresh — the kitchen is connected and open, so chances are the meals being prepared will be in plain sight.
See More: The Best Sushi in Hoboken and Jersey City {According to Your Mood}
A Few Must-Try Plates:
The Salad Roll: a vegan roll with watercress, kale, and cilantro pestro. It is SO good, and goes perfectly with some soup. $6.50
{Photo: @ozufoods}
Pork Yaki Soba — or pretty much any Soba bowl. $10.50-$14.50
^Chicken wings — another dish to order, 100%.
The soft shell crab bento box is also something to write home about — coupled with brown rice, pickled cucumbers, and zucchini salad. Spicy chicken wings and veggie udon are two others that deserve a mention. For vegans, there are a decent amount of options {including the salad roll!} that deserve a serious nod because they’re not only vegan but also quite flavorful and filling. Bravo.
The menu changes seasonally, so everything is fresh to order and not always the same, FYI. You can find the takeout selection here.
Décor-wise, touches of Japanese culture adorn the walls, with a book for origami and some paper to play, Japanese magazines, and more.
Opened in the fall of 2015, OZU boasts seasonal Japanese cuisine with an emphasis on healthy ingredients. Its owner Claude Chassagne, was the former executive chef at The Fig Tree in Hoboken and has long been a professional chef.
He recalls that by the time he was six, he was already boiling the spaetzle for his German-American mother’s Sunday dinner and splashing the Vouvray on his French father’s paté de foie gras. After graduating from Johnson +Wales College with Culinary Arts degree, Chassagne began his professional career at Hyatt Hotels and then joined Sam Hazen as Sous Chef at The Terrace in Manhattan. Chassagne also spent time in France, including three years in Paris at Michelin-starred gastronomic temples as Jamin, Jacques Cagna and Le Square Trousseau. In spring of 2000, after a short tenure of teaching at Manhattan’s French Culinary Institute, he launched the Midtown brassiere Montparnasse.
Between the years of 2002 through 2008, Chassagne owned and operated the well-reviewed restaurant, Chubo, on Clinton Street in Manhattan’s Lower East Side. Chassagne has been consulting and developing menus for various venues in the New York area, as well as catering for various functions. So, safe to say, there’s passion behind this JC Heights project.
Everything we ate was delicious, creative, cooked with love to perfection.
Highly recommend this adorable spot for a cozy night’s dinner.
Read More: Best Ramen Spots in Hoboken and Jersey City
Where to Find OZU
OZU is located at 106 Hutton Street in Jersey City. This must-visit Japanese locale is open Wednesday from 5:00PM-9:30PM, Thursday 5:00PM-10:00PM, Friday 11:30AM-2:30PM + 5:00PM-10:00PM, Saturday 4:00PM-10:00PM, and Sunday 4:00PM-9:00PM. OZU is closed on Monday and Tuesday, FYI.
Have you hit up this delicious Japanese restaurant yet? Have a menu favorite? Let us know in the comments!
