Maritime Parc Jersey City is one of those classic venues with Insta-worthy views, a handsome interior, and a smartly curated, seasonal menu.
Founded in 2009, the restaurant primarily focused on seafood with multiple fish entrees, a scallop burger, and even a raw seafood tower. However, the new Maritime Parc — which opens Thursday, May 23 — will offer a more diverse menu.
“We want people to know that we’re more than a seafood restaurant,” said executive chef and owner Chris Siversen.
As a result, Siversen has added more meat options to the menu at Maritime Parc Jersey City. This includes chicken and pork entrees as well as a 20-ounce porterhouse. There’s even an Impossible Burger option.
Seafood fans shouldn’t worry though. New seafood options include a lobster thermidor entree, something that’s near impossible to find at any Jersey City restaurant. And fans of Maritime Parc’s duck fat fries can rest assured — the fries are still on the menu. Maritime Parc’s bar menu will also reintroduce the restaurant’s Thursday special, which consists of six oysters, a burger, and a beer.
Brunch will also commence this Sunday from 11am to 4pm. Their full menu with pricing is now up on their website.
Jersey City Upfront was invited to an early tasting of the new menu. Here’s our take on what we sampled.
Charred Octopus w/ Chorizo Vinaigrette
The charred octopus was one of our favorite dishes of the night. The octopus is sliced into tender, firm medallions. It pairs really well with the chorizo vinaigrette, which gives the dish a gentle trace of spice and salt. It’s all topped with peppery arugula.
Spinach & Shiitake Mushroom Risotto
Our favorite dish of the night, Maritime Parc’s risotto is deliciously rich and creamy without being overly mushy (as some risottos can be). The shiitake mushrooms give the entree a “meaty” texture. This is a must for any visit to the restaurant.
Pork Tenderloin
Juicy and tender, the pork tenderloin was another big highlight of the night. The meat is succulent and served on a bed of fingerling potato hash and broccoli rabe. It carries a little zest from the gremolata.
Hazelnut Cake
Whereas some restaurants tend to overlook their dessert menu, Maritime Parc is doubling down on its treats with the addition of pastry chef Michael Lee. Lee’s Hazelnut Cake includes a decadent hazelnut mousse and dark chocolate ganache. Though I’m normally not a big sorbet fan, the orange Greek yogurt sorbet is phenomenal. Not to take away from the cake, but we could’ve eaten a bowl of the orange Greek yogurt on its own.
Cocktails
Northern #29
The Northern #29 is a mix of Beefeater gin, amaro nonino, Campari, and carpano antica formula vermouth. I’m normally not a gin fan, but the cocktail is refreshing and will likely be a summer hit (especially if you’re dining out on the patio). That said, I’d love to see it made with a more floral gin like those from Corgi Spirits Jersey City.
Clyde
The Clyde is more along the lines of what I’d normally order. It’s made with honey agave, lemon juice, and Bulleit bourbon. It’s clean and smooth with just a hint of honey.
Maritime Parc | 84 Audrey Zapp Drive
