(Dined 09/17/2026 TH @ 6:00pm): Oui oui to this North African cuisine restaurant!…read more
In my quest to explore the various cuisine scenes and things to do throughout Jersey City (specifically the Heights) and by extension nearby Hoboken, my dear friend made dinner reservations at a place she wanted to try for a while... Barbès Restaurant. An eatery that featured French Moroccan cuisine (which I couldn't recall ever having), I was game for this. The original concept opened in Manhattan in 2003 by French owner Omar Balouma and Moroccan owner Abdellah Ksiyer, but sadly shuttered nearly 15 years later due to the building being sold. Both former Hoboken residents, they decided to open their current location in 2018, and have since expanded within Hoboken into sister restaurants La Boheme and Cafe Tati, respectively. The name came from a vibrant district in Paris at the foot of the Sacré-Cœur known as a "little North Africa," that reflected a blend of French and North African immigrant traditions, music, and food. Did we have any barb comments about this restaurant!?
PURCHASE(S)
Cosmo Martini Cocktail ($15.00): A wonderful classic tart elixir to get my dinner plans started - santé!
C'est Frais Cocktail ($17.00): A refreshing citrusy sweet drink great on a hot day!
Rock 'n Moroccan Cocktail ($17.00): Basically a Moscow Mule, it was fine.
Dirty Gin Martini Cocktail ($15.00): Dirtier the better!
French Martini Cocktail ($15.00): Fruity sweetness to the max!
2020 Chateau Rieussec Dessert Wine ($15.00): Lip-licking and smacking goodness!
Calmars Grillés Hors d'oeuvres ($16.00): Small squid rings in a dry zesty sauce, these were enjoyably chewy and tender.
Bronzini Grille w/Mashed Potatoes Entrée ($36.00): Two delicately tender grilled pieces of fish in a fragrant light lemon sauce on a bed of fluffy mashed potatoes - c'est magnifique!
Steak Au Poivre Entrée ($39.00): Seasoned tender meat layered with a creamy peppercorn sauce with nicely-steamed brussels sprouts and sauteed mushrooms - outstanding!
Pastilla Au Lait Dessert ($14.00): It had potential, but the roasted phylo was hard to crack and eventually the crème fraiche made it soggy.
Creme Brûlée ($14.00): Always a favorite, it was always about the crackling caramelized sugar top.
Credit Card Fee 3.00% ($5.91): C'est la vie...
SERVICE
We made 6:30pm reservations, but I arrived early, so I headed to the bar where a young male bartender warmly greeted me and took the time to craft my first cocktail before my friend showed up. When my friend arrived, a young woman showed us to our table, and from that point on she was awesome, chatted with us, and gave us room to enjoy our evening. Our food started to arrive about ten minutes later in perfect intervals, and eventually the payment process was a breeze - excellente!
PARKING
(Varied; N/A this instance): This was a moot point since it was minutes away from Louise And Jerry's Tavern (or, slightly flat-to-downhill leisurely walk 40-minute distance from my friend's place). No parking lots in sight, there seemed to be plenty of spots along the main drag of Park Ave. and all surrounding side streets - 'nuff said.
ATMOSPHERE, DÉCOR, AMBIENCE
A one-floor elongated layout with exposed brick walls where some whimsical framed pictures hung, a quaint bar to the right once you entered, plenty of booths and tables inside while there was an outdoor covered patio. A decent amount of natural lighting filtered through the front glass door and various windows while large hanging electric ceiling lights filled in the rest. There were no TVs while an eclectic mix of music played in the background.
ATTIRE
Totally casual, so I would normally be in a t-shirt, boardshorts, and flip-flops.
OVERALL
Barbès Restaurant was génial, and I would love to return to try some of the more Moroccan dishes. Yes, this place was a tad pricey, but the food was phenomenal, the cocktails exquisite, and the service exceptional. The food menu was just right, I wished they had more beers on tap, especially from local breweries, and apparently they offered a happy hour but had no idea what it was. Plus, I always preferred to support small mom & pop businesses. I found complete value based on the prices, service, and experience noted above (TOTAL paid experience was around $216.00 BEFORE any discounts and/or tip). And, they accepted my credit card of choice... AMEX! 5.0 STARS