Nestled along the picturesque Jersey City waterfront, Maddy Rose offers a dining experience that transcends the ordinary. This upscale restaurant effortlessly blends contemporary elegance with a diverse menu that pays homage to both classic and modern culinary traditions. With breathtaking views of the Manhattan skyline, impeccable service, and an exquisite array of dishes, Maddy Rose is a true culinary destination.
Landmark Hospitality: Leaders in the Space
Opening just this past August, Maddy Rose is a welcome addition to the New Jersey Restaurant Scene and the latest from Landmark Hospitality—a group responsible for many of NJ’s top restaurants such as Felina and Stone House. Landmark Hospitality was originally founded by Frank and Jeanne Cretella in 2001. In 2015, the duo’s daughter Maddy Cretella joined the group and began to lay the groundwork for the next half decade, establishing Landmark as one of the leading hospitality brands in New Jersey, Pennsylvania and New York.
The Maddy Rose Experience
From the moment you step through the doors of Maddy Rose, you are transported to a world of refined elegance. The interior is a harmonious fusion of warm woods, sleek metallic accents, and soft, ambient lighting. The dining room boasts large windows that frame the stunning panorama of the Hudson River and Manhattan’s iconic skyline, offering a truly breathtaking backdrop to your meal. It’s an ideal setting for a romantic date night, a special celebration, or simply a memorable dining experience.
The service at Maddy Rose is as impeccable as the ambiance. From the moment you are seated, you are made to feel like a cherished guest. The staff is knowledgeable, attentive, and eager to make your dining experience as pleasant as possible.
Whether you have dietary restrictions, need a wine recommendation, or have any special requests, the team at Maddy Rose is more than willing to accommodate. Their warm, professional, and unobtrusive service truly sets the standard for fine dining.
The highlight of any visit to Maddy Rose is, without a doubt, the food and drink. The menu, which is curated by Chef and Senior VP of Culinary Operations for Landmark Hospitality, Anthony Bucco, is thoughtfully curated with a blend of classic and contemporary dishes that cater to a wide range of tastes.
For our first course, we enjoyed a beautiful play on a steakhouse classic, Caesar salad. Dubbed “Maddy’s Caesar,” the colorful salad featured heirloom lettuces, house-made Caesar dressing and pita croutons. The pita croutons, which were dusted with za’atar, were a fun deviation from your typical crouton. The savory spice blend went exceptionally well with the sharp Caesar dressing.
For our main course, we stuck to the theme of decadence with a beautiful 12 oz. Ribeye and the pan-seared tuna. The steak was seared to perfection, wielding an unctuous crust and a perfectly medium-rare interior. The luscious Cabernet reduction to accompany it provided a burst of brightness to the dish and the crispy fries tied it all in.
Pro Tip: Dip your fries in the steak sauce.
The seared tuna was flavorful and served alongside an eggplant caponata and yellow tomato coulis. The coulis was luscious and smooth, perfectly saucing each morsel of rare tuna.
Maddy Rose also offers plenty of vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options, catering to all dietary needs and preferences, such as the golden grain harvest bowl—a gluten-free and vegetarian option.
If you have a sweet tooth, you’re in luck. The flourless chocolate cake was dense and gooey, yielding a rich, chocolate flavor. Paired with segments of orange and fresh whipped cream, the cake was a delicious way to close out the meal.
The drink menu is equally impressive, featuring an extensive wine list and craft cocktails that pair perfectly with the dishes. The knowledgeable staff can help you choose the right wine to complement your meal, and the cocktails are skillfully crafted with high-quality spirits and fresh ingredients. I enjoyed several of their Old Fashioned riffs, which exceeded my high standards for the classic cocktail. The West Coast Sazerac boasted a blend of Woodford Reserve Rye and Westward American Single Malt Cask Strength whisky, combined with a touch of absinthe, demerara syrup, Peychaud’s bitters and a spritz of peaty Laphroaig Scotch whisky. This offering was extremely complex, utilizing three different whiskys, yet still incredibly approachable and easy-to-drink.
The quality of the experience at Maddy Rose justifies its pricing. While it is on the higher end of the spectrum, the exceptional food, service, and ambiance make it worth the investment for a special occasion or indulgent night out. The value for the overall experience is evident in every aspect of your visit.
Maddy Rose is not merely a restaurant; it’s an experience. It’s a place where culinary artistry, top-tier service, and stunning views harmoniously coexist to create unforgettable memories. Whether you’re celebrating a milestone, enjoying a romantic evening, or simply seeking a top-notch dining experience, Maddy Rose should be at the top of your list. The attention to detail, the thoughtful menu, and the overall atmosphere make this restaurant a true gem in the Jersey City culinary scene. It’s a testament to the idea that dining is not just about sustenance; it’s about creating moments that leave a lasting impression. Maddy Rose accomplishes this effortlessly, making it a must-visit destination for any food enthusiast.
Tom is a lifelong New Jersey resident, Rutgers and FDU alumni and the publisher of The Digest.
