Details regarding an enigmatic Jersey City restaurant slated to open along the western half of Newark Avenue have become clearer as the eatery looks prepared to launch in the coming weeks.
Jersey Digs was the first to report on a new dining option at 564 Newark Avenue back in October. Situated across the street from the historic Brennan Courthouse, the 3,400-square-foot space had long been a McDonald’s outpost before Grubbs Take Away opened at the property for a brief run that lasted just a few months. The storefront has been vacant since January 2020.
Little was known about the endeavor, but Cilantro Pizza + Burgers has since added more signage and launched a website to clear things up a bit. Described as “a place where Italian food and good people meet every day,” the eatery will feature a breakfast service with omelets, sweet and savory crepes, a variety of breakfast sandwiches, French toast, and even a breakfast pizza option.
The lunch and dinner menu at Cilantro features starters like poutine, Irish nachos, and fried cheese curds. Burgers are the menu’s star, populated with decadent options like a truffle mac and cheese burger or the trademark cilantro burger topped with pepper jack cheese, a slice of pineapple, and chopped cilantro. All burgers can be made vegetarian upon request.
The other half of Cilantro is their pizza, which allows diners to create their own or stick with the restaurant’s concoctions. The Forest Pig features shaved prosciutto and mushrooms while a white chicken version has ricotta with a cilantro drizzle. A Hula Hula pie is topped with smoked bacon, pineapple, and sliced ham.
In addition to lighter fare like soups and salads, Cilantro will also serve a variety of coffee, latte, and macchiato options. While an official opening date has not been announced, the restaurant has already launched an online ordering portal and plans to operate from 7 a.m. to 1 a.m. seven days a week.
