Hidden Gems: 10 Top Restaurants for Your Wedding Rehearsal, Engagement Party, or Bridal Shower in New Jersey

When it comes to planning your wedding festivities, finding the right spot for your rehearsal dinner, engagement party, or bridal shower is just as important as choosing your main event venue. If you are hosting your wedding at premier locations like Riverview Ballroom, Rockleigh, Nanina’s in the Park, The Terrace, The Venetian, or The Grove, you’ll want pre-wedding celebrations that feel equally special.

Luckily, North Jersey is home to incredible — and sometimes under-the-radar — restaurants that offer beautiful settings, unforgettable food, and just the right vibe to start your wedding story off right. Here are ten hidden gems you may not know about (yet), perfect for creating magical memories before the big day.

1. Haven Riverfront Restaurant

Located along the Hudson River in Edgewater, Haven offers breathtaking water views, contemporary American cuisine, and a sleek, modern atmosphere perfect for intimate gatherings. Whether you’re planning a chic engagement party or a relaxed rehearsal dinner, the private dining spaces at Haven provide an upscale yet welcoming experience.

2. Waterside Restaurant and Catering

Waterside, located in North Bergen, is a stunning restaurant that rivals even top wedding venues for its skyline views and elevated dining. Known for their exceptional seafood and fine dining menus, Waterside offers the kind of sophisticated yet lively atmosphere that’s ideal for a bridal shower or rehearsal dinner with a bit of extra sparkle.

3. Liberty House

Overlooking Liberty State Park and the Manhattan skyline, Liberty House in Jersey City is a true hidden treasure for wedding-related celebrations. With indoor and outdoor spaces, seasonal menus, and garden vibes, it’s a favorite for those who want an elegant, light-filled atmosphere for their engagement party or bridal shower.

4. Hudson House

Just steps from Liberty House, Hudson House blends urban chic with waterfront romance. Known for its panoramic views and contemporary design, Hudson House is perfect for couples hosting their wedding at places like The Terrace or The Grove who want a stylish setting for their pre-wedding events.

5. Maddy Rose

If you’re looking for something fresh and vibrant, Maddy Rose in Hoboken offers an upscale but relaxed Mediterranean-inspired menu in a beautifully curated environment. It’s a standout choice for bridal showers that feel celebratory, colorful, and filled with delicious food and cocktails.

6. Liberty Prime Steakhouse

For a classic rehearsal dinner with steakhouse elegance, Liberty Prime in Jersey City is the go-to. With private rooms, rich interiors, and a reputation for outstanding steaks and service, it’s a perfect match for couples seeking a timeless, upscale setting before they say “I do.”

7. Hudson and Co.

Also located along Jersey City’s waterfront, Hudson and Co. offers an airy, lively setting for an engagement party or rehearsal dinner. It has a vibrant bar, stylish dining spaces, and unbeatable views of Manhattan, making it a wonderful alternative to more traditional venues like Nanina’s in the Park or Rockleigh.

8. Rooftop at Exchange Place

For those craving a rooftop celebration, you can’t go wrong with the Rooftop at Exchange Place. With a glamorous skyline backdrop, rooftop cocktails, and indoor-outdoor versatility, it’s an unforgettable choice for smaller engagement parties or modern bridal showers.

9. The River Palm Terrace

The River Palm Terrace, with locations in Edgewater and Mahwah, is known for serving some of the finest steaks and seafood in New Jersey. If you want an intimate, top-tier dinner before your wedding day, this polished restaurant is a perfect hidden gem.

10. De Novo European Pub

Looking for a more casual yet stylish vibe? De Novo, with locations in Edgewater and Montclair, offers a European tavern experience that’s full of charm. It’s a wonderful spot for a cozy engagement party or laid-back rehearsal dinner with friends and family.

Planning Around the Perfect Wedding Venue

Whether you’re hosting your wedding at Riverview Ballroom — known for its breathtaking views of the New York City skyline — or iconic New Jersey venues like Rockleigh, Nanina’s in the Park, The Terrace, The Venetian, or The Grove, these restaurants offer beautiful extensions of your wedding journey. A thoughtful rehearsal dinner, a festive engagement party, or a meaningful bridal shower creates the perfect lead-up to your celebration.

At Riverview Ballroom, we believe every part of your wedding experience should feel magical. If you’re still searching for the ultimate wedding venue NJ couples dream of — a venue with the view that leaves guests speechless — we invite you to explore our luxurious spaces overlooking the Hudson River. Your celebration deserves a setting as unforgettable as your love story.

To learn more or to schedule a private tour, contact Riverview Ballroom today.

Visit riverviewballroom.com or call 201-224-2211 to begin your journey.