Roman Nose

Roman Nose | 125 Newark Ave, Jersey City, NJ

I always look forward to a meal at this authentic Italian kitchen. It makes my Italian-American heart cry for joy when I can roll in here with a few friends and share one of my favorite Jersey City experiences with them.

Roman Nose recently expanded their space to include more tables and a bar area that serves up refreshing cocktails. Their menu is consistently excellent; you just can’t go wrong with their traditional offerings or their daily specials.

2008 Mocali Brunello di Montalcino

We selected a delicious red wine to start, the 2008 Mocali Brunello di Montalcino. This was a big wine, full of deep, dark red fruits, medium toasted oak, and in-your-face tannins that I could only describe as playful…hey, I like to play hard.

Eggplant Parmigiano

I couldn’t say no to the special Eggplant Parmigiano. It arrived perfectly fried in a vibrant tomato sauce; its thin layers almost resembled a Napoleon or pasta-less lasagna. I would love to make something like this for Sunday supper.

Tagliatelle with rosemary and fennel sausage

The house-made Tagliatelle is always an excellent choice. This hearty pasta was enrobed in a luxurious cream sauce accompanied by savory rosemary and fennel sausage.

Taglierini with pine nuts and vegetables

Another special of the evening, I really enjoyed the house-made Taglierini with pine nuts and vegetables. This thin yet rustic pasta was coated in a deliciously earthy pesto.

Broccoli di Rapa and Verdure alla Griglia

Two sides that we are never without here are the Verdure alla Griglia and the Broccoli di Rapa. The mixed vegetables are grilled to perfection and drizzled with a tantalizing aged balsamic. The broccoli rabe is tender, bitter, and loaded with fresh sautéed garlic.

You always need a side of meatballs….

Meatball bowl

These veal, pork, and beef meatballs are seasoned perfectly and can be ordered in several different ways. We chose a bowl of 4 meatballs in their zesty Sunday Sauce and Parmigiano with two pieces of bread on top. They are so good; they may even be better than my own mother’s (but don’t tell her I said that)!!

What’s a second bottle of wine amongst friends? A great idea, that’s what. The elegantly fruity Tenuta delle Terre Nere Etna Rosso 2012 paired perfectly with the rich and delicate house-made Tiramisu.

House-made Tiramisu

This dessert is so delectable, you may not want to share!

I am so happy that we found a neighborhood go-to that serves elegantly comforting Italian fare. Rather than keep it a secret, I wish them success and plenty of patrons!