Scene by Laurie

Hoboken is a great little city, one square mile and easy to reach from New York City by ferry, path train or bus. Go out for an afternoon of shopping at the boutiques on Washington then stop for dinner afterwards or make an evening of it, there are lots of bars to choose from as well like the W for beautiful views of the city. These are my fave places for good eats in the boken.

Anthony David
Chef Anthony Pino began his culinary career as sous chef in NYC at Park Avalon and then headed across the river to start his own restaurant which has flourished since opening in 2002. His cuisine is Italian with an American flair. Brunch and dinner menus include refined dishes such as potato tart with caramelized onions and prosciutto, pumpkin tortellini, truffle risotto, seared scallops with blood oranges, bourbon glazed doughnuts and French toast with coconut almond butter. They have a selection of over 40 cheeses and a five course tasting menu for $35 Tuesday through Thursday. It’s BYOB, but don’t worry if you forget, there are nearby wine stores and Anthony David’s has an affiliation with some so you don’t even have to leave the restaurant, the wine will be delivered to your table and there’s no cork fee.
Location: One block off Washington 111 Tenth Street (at Bloomfield)

La Isla
La Isla is a little diner on Washington well known in Jersey for its Cuban delicacies. The place is laid back and casual, with a great staff and Chef Omar is ever present. The cubano sandwich is pure heaven. Chef Omar is also innovative with the menu offerings, most notably for his stuffed French toast (two slices stuffed with strawberry and guava cream cheese, dipped in cinnamon batter and coated with almonds and corn flakes) that beat out Bobby Flay during a recent throwdown. Given their recent fame crowds line up for brunch on the weekends, they serve on Sunday only until 3pm. Also BYOB.
Location: 104 Washington Street

Amanda’s
Cozy and at the same time elegant; Amanda’s is in an old brownstone and it feels like you’re stepping into a friend’s well appointed home complete with burning fireplace in the winter. The space is large with 5 different rooms for dining and a terrace. The cuisine is American and dishes are impeccably prepared and presented, with interesting flavor combinations like the cedar plank salmon with a parsnip puree, apple and walnut chutney and pickled cranberries or the creamy polenta with mushroom ragout and three cheese sauce. The wine list is equally impressive. It’s a tad pricey but definitely a fine dining experience. They offer an early dinner special, which is a great deal at $14 a person for a three course meal if you can make it in time (seatings are at 5 and 5:30).
Location: 908 Washington Street

Zafra
Zafra’s warm atmosphere combined with delicious Latin dishes and friendly staff make for a great evening with friends. I’ve always loved the art that gives the space a colorful Latin feel and learned that the painter is the owner’s father. The empanadas beat a lot of places (including NYC!). You can get a bunch of their yummy little Latin dishes and share with the table, or order from their extensive selection of entrees. They’re also BYOB and will make white or red wine sangria for you for $10. The sangria recipe is very good, we asked for it last time we were there and made it at home. There’s outdoor seating in nice weather but expect a wait.
Location: 301 Willow Avenue

Flickr: cwbuecheler, ilkerender