Justine’s on Hudson: a new must-try in West Village
Justine’s on Hudson is an elegant bistro, with exciting dishes and an expertly-curated wine list.
About: Justine’s on Hudson is a new 30-seat French and Filipino-inspired bistro / wine bar in the West Village. The restaurant is owned by a father-daughter duo, Justine and Neal Rosenthal, who have curated a warm and intimate feel. With a phenomenal dining and wine menu, this is a spot to watch.
The menu: Justine’s expertly unites a novel dining menu with wine expertise to create a seamless dining experience.
Justine’s is an elegant and intimate bistro in West Village
Co-owner Neal is a renowned wine importer, resulting in an impressive and diverse wine list with a rotating by the glass menu. The team is very knowledgeable and eager to introduce you to new wines.
The food, however, manages to shine despite the impressive wine list. The cooking is elegant, yet earnest. Chef Jeanne Jordan thoughtfully combines French and Filipino flavors, producing dishes which are novel, yet subtle.
The Smoked Crab and Whitefish Salad stood out – large morsels of buttery crab are balanced by a zippy sauce, covered in an airy coconut rice cracker. The Bo Bo Chicken was also delicious, served with perfectly roasted sunchokes and a slightly acidic black garlic and truffle sauce, somewhat reminiscent of chicken adobo.
The food is pricy, but portions are ample – the Bo Bo Chicken, for example, is half a chicken (with the foot included). Dinner also starts with complimentary sourdough and aromatic olive oil, which is so delightful that you’ll have to stop yourself from filling up on the bread alone.
The Vibe: Justine’s creates an intimate and elegant feel with soft lighting and warm tones. Velvet seats, a dark walnut bar and brass railings instill a sense of comfort, balanced by a chandelier, delicate wine glasses and fresh flowers. A small waiting space at the entrance, decorated with framed photos and a bookshelf, is reminiscent of a hotel lobby or café – which makes sense, given that the space used to be a Starbucks.
How to do it right: The space is small, so make a reservation. Even with a reservation, there was a bit of a delay in getting seated, but you can enjoy a glass of wine at the bar. Even if you aren’t a wine aficionado, sample the wine menu. The dishes can be enjoyed for one or shared, but don’t skip on desert. This is a great spot for solo diners, couples and small groups – large groups may be cramped.
