For those who have the travel bug, staycations may be the only thing possible during the current pandemic. Luckily, Jersey City’s vast neighborhoods seem to offer hidden gems around every corner. Although traveling isn’t in the books, locals can mentally escape to the French Riviera even if just for a moment when dining at la côte in Jersey City. La côte is located in Jersey City’s quaint Paulus Hook neighborhood and boasts authentic French Riviera cuisine. Read on to learn more about this local gem, la côte, bringing the French Riviera to Jersey City since February 2018.
{Photo credit: @lacotejerseycity}
The Background
Owners, Jean-Marc Ehrenfeld and his wife, Jennifer opened la côte in February of 2018 in an effort to bring the French Riviera to their neighborhood in Jersey City. Jean is originally from Nice, France but has lived in Jersey City for years with his wife, Jennifer who is from Maryland. They had the idea to open a restaurant for a while and jumped on the opportunity when the corner spot on Warren Street opened up, and in February of 2018, la côte was born.
The Menu
{Photo credit: @lacotejerseycity}
La côte’s menu offers typical dishes from the French and Italian Riviera, made with fresh, authentic ingredients. In addition to la côte’s long list of delicious pasta and seafood entrees, be sure to also ask about the specials which may not be listed on the menu {off-the-menu ordering 101}. For starters, Jean recommends the moules mariniere, which are mussels in a delicious white wine sauce, or the calamari which can be grilled and served with chorizo, arugula, tomatoes, onions, and olives straight from Nice, or fried and served with marinara and a side of espelette spicy mayo.
{Photo credit: @lacotejerseycity}
For seafood lovers, the bouillabaisse as a main dish is a must-try. It is a classic Riviera stew of seafood and fish in rich tomato saffron broth and served with croutons and rouille on the side. With Italy and France bordering one another, Jean explains that they have also incorporated some Italian-style pasta into the menu, such as the pappardelle alla bolognese. Also, start your week off right and be sure to stop by on Mondays for la côte’s Lobster Day, where it serves lobster seared with extra virgin olive oil, and served with a citrus butter or marinara sauce.
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In addition to the dinner, la côte also offers an excellent brunch experience on Saturdays and Sundays from 12:00–4:00PM.
La côte is BYOB, but works with local winery, Hopewell Valley Vineyards from Hopewell Township in Mercer County, New Jersey, and keeps a few bottles in stock for customers to purchase.
The Vibe
{Photo credit: @lacotejerseycity}
The restaurant’s minimalist white decor radiates a seaside feel so customers can transport themselves to the French Riviera during their meal. La côte is short for la côte d azur, meaning French Riviera, and the coastal vibe is very apparent both inside and outside of the restaurant. The area, being so close to the marina, definitely adds to the experience.
During the pandemic, la côte offers spacious outdoor dining on its sidewalk, which extends further into a parklet on Morris Street. Jean explains that the team has also increased its takeout business tremendously over the past few months so the restaurant’s delicious french classics can be indulged from locals, living rooms.
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The Info
La côte is located at 199 Warren Street in the quaint neighborhood of Paulus Hook in Jersey City. Visit la côte’s website, www.lacotejerseycity.com, and follow the locale on Instagram, @lacotejerseycity for more information and to order online.