87 Sussex brings polished fine dining to Jersey City

The overview

87 Sussex presents itself as a polished Jersey City destination spanning fine dining, French influences, cocktails, wine, brunch and private events. That broad identity is reflected in public feedback, where the setting receives nearly as much attention as the food. With a Google rating of 4.7 from 205 reviews, the restaurant has built a notably positive reputation, particularly among diners marking an occasion or looking for a more elaborate night out.

The experience falls firmly into the expensive category. Reviews suggest that the appeal comes from the full package: a trendy interior, careful presentation, attentive hospitality and, on some evenings, live music. It appears best suited to diners who want dinner to feel like an event rather than a quick meal.

Food and drinks

Beautiful plating is one of the clearest themes across public reviews. Diners repeatedly describe the food as attractive, thoughtfully prepared and consistently enjoyable. One repeat customer reported no disappointing bites across several visits, while another praised everything ordered as both delicious and well executed.

Specific dishes mentioned in the available feedback include short rib, bass, ravioli and escargot wontons. The latter stood out to one diner as an unusual flavor combination. That same Restaurant Week account found the savory courses tasty and fairly priced for their quality, although the two desserts made less of an impression. Since no individual dish recurs across the supplied reviews, there is not enough evidence to identify a consensus signature plate.

Cocktails receive positive attention, too. An espresso martini was singled out for praise in an otherwise mixed review, reinforcing the restaurant’s credentials as a cocktail bar as well as a dining room. Wine is part of the stated concept, though the supplied comments offer little detail on the selection.

Room and service

The interior is among 87 Sussex’s strongest assets. Reviewers call it beautiful, tasteful and trendy, with a look that encourages photographs and seems naturally suited to weddings, banquets and other private gatherings. Live music was the defining feature for one recent diner, who credited the performers and atmosphere with making the evening feel special.

Service trends positive overall. Multiple reviews describe staff as warm, professional, friendly and useful when making recommendations. Front-of-house hospitality also earned enthusiastic praise from a diner with industry experience.

There are, however, signs of inconsistency. One guest found the server pleasant but intermittently absent, with support staff handling several parts of the meal. Another had to request the Restaurant Week menu rather than receiving it on arrival. These do not dominate the feedback, but they matter at an expensive restaurant where smooth pacing and detail are part of the value.

Editorial verdict

Based on its public rating, listed offerings and the supplied diner reports, 87 Sussex looks like a compelling choice for an upscale Jersey City evening. The strongest reasons to book are the handsome room, highly photogenic food, polished cocktails and celebratory atmosphere. Service is often a highlight, though isolated lapses suggest that execution may vary by visit. It is an especially sensible candidate for date nights, milestone dinners and guests who value ambiance as much as the plate.