Margheritas

At Margherita’s, the Margherita Was the Main Character

We visited Margherita’s in Hoboken on a bit of a whim. Originally, we had our hearts set on a different restaurant, but when we saw that the waitlist was 45 minutes long (and growing), we decided to keep walking. After a few blocks, we spotted this charming little Italian restaurant with a name that felt like a sign. “Why not?” we said - and that spontaneous decision turned out to be such a good one.

The weather that day was in that sweet spot: not too hot, not too cold. A bit cloudy, yes, but still perfect for outdoor dining. We were seated right outside the restaurant at a table that, at first, made us a little nervous - it was just beside the road. But as we settled in and the food began to arrive, all our doubts disappeared. Between the good food, good wine, and a little people-watching, it was honestly one of those unexpectedly lovely afternoons.

Since it was an Italian restaurant, we knew we had to go with the classics. We decided to share a pizza and a pasta dish, and ordered a bottle of Pinot Grigio from Italy to enjoy while waiting for the food. There’s something so relaxing about starting a meal with a crisp glass of white wine - it really sets the tone for a slow, satisfying experience.

Before the food arrived, they brought us a basket of warm, crusty bread with olive oil, and we happily nibbled on that while sipping our wine. The bread was surprisingly good - fresh and with just the right amount of chew. It’s those little touches that make a restaurant memorable, and this place definitely delivered in that department.

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What We Ordered

When the food came out, it looked so good that we both instinctively reached for our phones to take pictures. The plates were vibrant, well-portioned, and smelled incredible. We couldn’t wait to dig in.

Margherita Pizza

The Margherita pizza was the star of the show. Thin, crispy crust with just enough chew, topped with generous slices of fresh mozzarella and juicy tomatoes. There was a single basil leaf on each slice, which might not sound like much, but it added just the right herbal note to balance everything out.

The cheese was rich and creamy, but not greasy, and it paired beautifully with the acidity of the tomatoes. The whole thing tasted fresh and homemade—like something you’d get in a small trattoria in Naples. We drizzled a bit of extra virgin olive oil over the top, and that brought it to another level. Highly recommend doing the same.

Shrimp Fra Diablo

The Shrimp Fra Diablo was another hit. The shrimp were perfectly cooked—plump, juicy, and not rubbery at all. The sauce had a beautiful balance of garlic, tomatoes, and spice. It had a kick, for sure, but not the kind that overpowers the dish. Instead, it elevated the natural sweetness of the shrimp and coated the pasta in a way that made every bite feel satisfying.

There’s always a risk with seafood pasta that something will be overcooked or under-seasoned, but this one was well-executed and full of flavor. If you like a little heat and want something beyond your basic marinara, this dish is a great choice.

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Wine Pairing Vibes

The Pinot Grigio was a refreshing, light-bodied white with crisp acidity and notes of green apple and lemon - perfect for both the pizza and the spicy pasta. It also felt like a great wine for the weather and the outdoor setting. There’s something about sipping a chilled white wine in the open air that just hits differently. It made the whole meal feel a bit more luxurious without being fussy.

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Bonus Points: Dog-Watching

Lowkey, the best part was all the cute dogs walking by. 😂

There must’ve been a dog-walking event nearby or something, because we saw so many pups in all shapes and sizes passing our table. We even got to say hi to a particularly charming dachshund in a bowtie. Honestly, it just made the experience that much more enjoyable. Good food, good wine, good weather… and dogs? Yes, please.

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Final Thoughts: Should You Go?

If you find yourself in Hoboken and craving Italian food, Margherita’s is absolutely worth checking out. It’s the kind of place that strikes a balance between casual and special, perfect for a relaxed lunch or an easy-going dinner date. The service was friendly and efficient, and the vibe was cozy with just enough polish.

We walked in without high expectations and walked out planning our next visit. I’d love to come back again—maybe to try a different pasta or even just to enjoy the wine and pizza combo again.

Just a heads-up: if you’re sitting outside, you might be a little close to the street, but honestly, it didn’t bother us once the food arrived. That said, maybe check the traffic situation before you go.