"Tucked into an alley off Coles Street and backed by the founder of a longtime Jersey City wine shop, this dinner-and-weekend-brunch restaurant channels Hudson Valley sensibilities under chef Alex Tronstad. The daily-changing, seasonally driven menu highlights farmers’ ingredients with dishes such as spring carrots glazed in tamari with furikake; fluke crudo with strawberry; fresh tonnarelli with guanciale; agnolotti with peas in brodo; and larger plates like roasted halibut with fennel gratin, duck with snap peas, and pork loin with grilled cabbage. Beverage programs are a focal point: wine director Tim Farrell curates everything from affordable house selections and by-the-glass options to “rare and curious,” global bottles, while Matt Colvin’s cocktail program skews both savory and sweet using syrups, washed liquors, tinctures, and other craft techniques. The space has been brightened with updated neutrals and floral accents by Tory Censits of Sometimes Metalworks, replacing a former casual bar, and reservations are available on Tock." - Melissa McCart