Downtown Jersey City has a new restaurant it can brag about. Subito, located on the corner of Erie and Eighth streets in the historic Hamilton Park district, is a cozy place with excellent service and a classic Italian cuisine menu.
Open for business less than three months, Subito has already made an impact in the community, serving lunches to the neighboring companies in the Newport section of town, and offering a large menu consisting of a variety of entrees.
"We want to create a neighborhood place where you feel comfortable," said Subito’s co-owner Marie-Louise Rosales.
Subito is unique in that it combines a comfortable coffee house/lounge ambiance with a sophisticated restaurant atmosphere. And, according to Rosales, area residents are enjoying what Subito has to offer.
The restaurant’s interior is very colorful. The dining room sits up to 50 patrons, and the espresso bar is located in the middle of the room. They offer delicious meals, cappuccinos, a dozen desserts, and a beautiful view of the neighborhood.
Executive chef Frank Peluso’s specialties include: Rib Eye steak ($14.95), a 14-ounce steak, seasoned and then grilled to perfection with roasted red potatoes and vegetable del giomo; pork chops ($14.95), grilled pork chops sautéed with garlic, shallots, and roasted peppers; chicken francaise ($11.50), lightly battered chicken breast in a white wine, lemon and butter sauce, served with your choice of pasta; shrimp Fradiavlo ($12.50) succulent shrimp in a spicy red wine marinara; and pan-seared tuna ($13.50), served over a bed of sautéed spinach with roasted potatoes.
"Everything we do here is fresh," Peluso said. "We provide only the best to our patrons."
Subito is an ideal dining spot for a dinner date, or a night out with friends or the family. Parking is easily accessible throughout the establishment’s surrounding area, and it’s BYOB, so you can bring your favorite bottle of wine. Brunch on the weekends is superb, with a selection consisting of buttermilk pancakes ($5.25), "Brioche" French toast ($5.95); and eggs Benedict ($9.50).
My meal
I began my meal with a wonderful plate of fried calamari served with fresh marinara sauce prepared daily ($6.50). In addition, I tried the homemade mozzarella and tomatoes ($6.25). Subito’s mozzarella, made by Peluso, is soft and tender and a perfect addition to any dish. Other appetizers include Caesar salad ($5.50) with homemade dressing; New Zealand mussels marinara ($6.50); mozzarella fritte ($5.50); and pasta fagioli ($4.95).
After the appetizers, I enjoyed the chicken Tianna ($11.95) with a tall glass of red wine. Named after Peluso’s daughter, the entrée is a lightly breaded chicken breast stuffed with prosciutto and mozzarella, topped with marsala marinara sauce and served with your choice of pasta. I highly recommend this dish, which has become one of the most popular specials on the menu.
For dessert I devoured Frank’s famous cheesecake ($2.75). Rich and creamy, the cheesecake is so good you will want to tell all your friends about it.
Subito is located at 131 Erie St. in Jersey City. They are open Tuesdays through Sundays. Lunch hours begin at 11:30 a.m. and dinner hours start at 5 p.m. They cater private parties, offer brunch from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. Prices are moderate. For more information call (201) 222-7667. q