Note: Jersey Bites was invited to visit Molos and our writer received a complimentary meal.
Molos is a true gem of a restaurant. Situated right on the Hudson River in Weehawken, the floor-to-ceiling windows offer guests an unbelievable panoramic view of New York City. Serving lunch, dinner and weekend brunch, it is an exceptional destination for couples, friends’ outings, business gatherings and family celebrations. We visited early on a Sunday evening. The sun was setting on a clear night as the lights of Manhattan beamed across the river.
The Greek- and Mediterranean-inspired menu has something to please every taste. Meze, the freshest seafood, delicious meat dishes, sides and desserts are expertly prepared and paired perfectly with their fine beverage program that features signature cocktails and Greek wines. Plan to sit back and relax. Service is gracious and attentive. And the presentation of the menu items is as delightful as the surroundings.
We especially like that Molos keeps its seasonings simple yet creative, allowing the full nature of your food to shine through thanks to the talents of Executive Chef Gregory Zapantis. Zapantis was born on the Greek island of Kefalonia, where he forged his early culinary training. His style was developed by the values of a traditional fisherman’s family who respected the sea and all that it generously brought to their tables. Surrounded by the succulent flavors of charcoal grilled fish, and recipes handed down from generation to generation, he has mastered the most basic skills of treating seafood with herbs, spices and olive oil. Zapantis came to Molos in November 2014, following time spent in the kitchens of Estiatorio Milos, Trata, Kellari and Thalassa in New York City.
Before you choose your meal, take a few moments and view the fish selection. This impressive display of seafood is one of the centerpieces of the dining room. We started our culinary journey with some of the wonderful appetizers. The hummus is made daily, with just the right touch of seasoning. Tempting raw bar selections include a favorite of mine: moonstone oysters. You’ll want to order the traditional salad, which is highlighted with ripe tomatoes with a summery Jersey Fresh taste. The octopus is sushi grade, perfectly charred and served with eggplant puree and caramelized onion. We were introduced to the king prawn, a variety measuring nearly a foot, larger than any I had ever seen. Simply grilled, it is tender and delicious as you take it out of its shell.
For an entrée, the broiled black sea bass with a few herbs was the best we had ever tasted. If you prefer a meat dish, filet mignon, dry aged strip steak and lamb chops are also on the menu. Your server will be happy to discuss vegetarian and gluten free options as well. (Julio Paris, whose food and wine expertise helped us to make the best selections for our dinner, was our server.)
Dessert is a must. The Greek yogurt cheesecake, chocolate lava cake and other scrumptious choices allow you to sit back, and enjoy a cup of coffee or an aperitif, reflect on a fine meal and take in more of the spectacular view.
Molos also features a happy hour menu that includes reasonable pricing on beer, wine, signature cocktails, raw bar and meze.
While it’s safe to say that Molos offers the finest Mediterranean choices this side of the Hudson, New Yorkers would also benefit by making the short excursion to Weehawken. This upscale dining destination is elegant and impressive yet wholly approachable. One trip will never be enough.
Molos serves lunch, dinner, happy hour and weekend brunch, along with a second-floor dining space for special events. Free valet parking is offered as a courtesy to guests.
Molos
1 Pershing Road
Weehawken (convenient to the NY Waterway ferry)
201-223-1200
All photos are courtesy of Molos.
