Corto — Restaurant in Jersey City

Summary: Bland chicken, slightly above average pasta, and a basic salad. The tomato appetizer was delicious though. I would have given the spot another chance because their menu was interesting, but the hostess was so rude to my party and put such a bad taste in my mouth that I won’t return. Her entire demeanor expressed that we should be grateful to eat here.

Review: I arrived with my parents 10 minutes before our reservation and immediately felt unwelcome as I waited awkwardly by the front door for what felt like a long time. Finally the hostess/waitress in question, who had walked past me three times at this point, asked if I had a reservation.

I understand if you are busy, but the dining room was half empty and she had been chatting with patrons so it didn’t seem like she was in a rush.

I had our dog since we were going to sit outside, but I was told no dogs were allowed, which I understand. I didn’t want to cancel the reservation and get charged $75 ($25 per guest) so I went back outside to discuss with my parents.

When I came back inside a minute later I was again ignored for some time. When the hostess finally addressed me again I asked:

Me: “Could you please seat my parents while I bring our dog back home right around the corner?”

Hostess: “Oh we usually require that all parties are present before we seat them.”

Me: “I saw that but we are all here. I will be right back, I just have to return the dog home 5 minutes away, but the entire party is here.”

Hostess with an eye roll, visible disgust and sarcasm: “Alright, I guess that’s fine.”

I was really surprised and taken off balance by her aggressive attitude. She could have professionally insisted that she can’t bend the rules, but instead made me feel really uncomfortable. I understand entitled patrons can be obnoxious, but we were in a tough spot with the dog, and I was polite in my ask, and was really just asking.

When I returned I found that my parents were seated at a very small table and weren’t allowed to order until I returned. There were larger three person tables available, but they felt the hostess sat them there to be vindictive. The hostess/waitress returned several times to clear plates/serve us alongside our waiter, and completely ignored us awkwardly.

Rules are rules I get it, but really sometimes there should be some exceptions. What do you want us to do? Either you seat my parents and I come back in 10 minutes, or you lose our business entirely because we can’t bring our dog in.

Someone train this hostess to be less of a stickler, and if she has to be a stickler, then train her how to professionally...

We have been to Corto many times. It has been our go-to when celebrating birthdays, anniversaries, life accomplishments, and taking our parents and close friends out to dinner. To say we enjoy this restaurant, the people, and the food would absolutely be an understatement. The best way I could describe our love for Corto is the fact we hosted our wedding reception at the restaurant in December of 2021, and it was a magical dream come true. We struggled for years (3+) trying to decide on a venue that encompassed "us". We knew we wanted something small, charming, unique, and with some kickass food. It was while sharing a bowl of mushroom agnolotti in their backyard under heat lamps on Valentine's Day when my now-husband and I looked at each other and said, "why don't we just get married here?" Luckily for us, Corto does host weddings! We rented the restaurant on a Saturday night and welcomed our 35 guests into the cozy indoor space and the new weather-proof pergola in the backyard. Warmed by heat lamps and a fire pit, our guests enjoyed the delicious appetizers we have come to love under the glow of magical string lights. It was so picture-perfect. We hired a bartender who set up out back, since the restaurant is BYO. My florist and the amazing staff set up thoughtfully arranged simple flower displays and handmade decor. With the help of Matt, Drew, and the dedicated staff it was the perfect reflection of us. We felt our guests truly enjoyed our very non-traditional, low-key wedding and had a really good time. So many people were raving about the food and still are - my parents actually had me purchase a tray of their homemade lasagna to bring to Christmas dinner. Everything was beyond what we could have asked for and I am so thankful that Corto was such a big part of one of the most special days in our lives. I will always recommend this restaurant not just for the incredible, but simple, ever-changing seasonal menu, but for the kind and hard-working staff that pours their love into the food and restaurant. If you don't host your wedding here like us...make sure you at least go for dinner one night (or a few). And if you fall in love with their homemade rigatoni and angry chicken, don't say I...

Excellent small farm to table Italian restaurant in Jersey City! They have a small menu that changes frequently. Some dishes are staples and never leave the menu. Prices are extremely reasonable and everything is house made from pastas to dessert. They also have a covered outdoor dining area in the back of the restaurant. They don’t serve bread with your meal so make sure you order the ricotta honey toast its OUTSTANDING! I’ve also had their Panzanella salad and their heirloom tomato salad. The panzanella salad was good, and the heirloom salad was EXCELLENT! The flavor in the heirloom salad was amazing with the red pesto, almond, colatura, basil and olive oil. For dinners I had the rigatoni in a Calabrian chili sauce, ricotta gnocchi in a pesto sauce, and gnocchetti sardi. The best dish out of those 3 was the ricotta gnocchi in a pesto sauce. It was to die for! I just wish that dish was little bit bigger as it was on the smaller side. The gnocchetti sardi was excellent, and more filling. The rigatoni in a Calabrian chili was good, but it needed more sauce. If it had more sauce it would of been amazing. I’ll ask for more sauce on it next time. All the ingredients the chef uses here are so fresh that it reflects in every dish. The chef was really accommodating too which was great! I don’t eat pork and a few of the pasta dishes had pork in them. He was willing to accommodate my request to leave out the pork. Desserts are a must order here! Make sure you order your own because you will not want to share it! I had the chocolate olive oil cake, chocolate chip ricotta cheesecake, and the olive oil cake topped with peaches. All were fantastic! My favorite would probably be the chocolate olive oil cake as I’m a chocolate lover. I highly recommend Corto in...