Beautylicious Eats- Brunch at VB3 Villa Borghese III Jersey City

While on the quest for delicious brunch in my local hood of Jersey City, NJ I am starting to sample some  new and established places I havent been to yet. As a foodie I can’t resist trying new restaurants. Hence, why I must work out to maintain from the foodie overkill.

The eatery I want to share with you today is  VB3 Villa Borghese III located downtown near the Newport Center Mall. Upon arrival the first thing you will notice about the  restaurant  is the large outdoor space for dining al fresco. That’s what we decided to do as it was such a gorgeous spring day. They are  open daily for lunch and dinner, featuring Chef Michael Colletti.  No reservations are required and 1/2 priced appetizers and drink specials are available during happy hour Monday-Friday from 5-8pm. Brunch is available on Saturdays and Sundays .The new brunch menu is something I’ll be back for !

VB3 Jersey City

VB3 has been in my Jersey City hub area for a while but I had not ventured out until recently when I was contacted about their summer menu. So I headed over one sunny afternoon with another blogger ,Kim of  @FashionablyPetite.We had an amazing brunch.

First I have to say the pizza is freshly made in a genuine brick oven for a crunchy ,yet soft and buttery tasting crust. This is pretty irresistible with all the flavors mixing with truffle oil.

What made the experience even better was meeting the owner and trying out some of his suggestions. Secondly our reason for being there was to celebrate the new menu of fresh summer cocktails . Cheers! A sampling of suggested favorites were brought to the table for a mini tasting .

Summer Cocktails! Privateer: hennessy cognac, coconut water, muddled strawberries, fresh lime juice, agave nectar
Watermelon Rita: avion silver tequila, agave nectar, fresh limes, fresh sour mix, hella smoked chili bitters
Blackberry Smash: death’s door white whisky, fleur elderflower, cherry heering, fresh lemon juice, blackberry preserves

Next our appetizers arrived and we hungrily devoured them . I’m getting hungry just writing this post about it.

A new favorite ! Arancini: Saffron Rice Balls stuffed with Mozarella

Fried Calamari is one  Kim at Fashionable Petites favorites and it was pretty tasty.

Crispy Baby Calamari: Lightly Fried, Milk Tendoerized Calamari, Tossed with Cherry Peppers and Capers, Drizzled with Citrus Vinaigrette

This Baby Spinach , Shrimp and Fennel salad was  the perfect summer salad to compliment our appetizers. It was seafood with light and tasty spinach and  fennel greens.

VB3 Baby Spinach and fennel with shrimp . Marinated Grilled Shrimp, Dried Cherries, Toasted Almonds, White Balsamic-Cherry Vinaigrette and Crumbled Gorgonzola Cheese

Finally this delicious Mushroom Truffle pizza was served. We could barely eat any more but somehow made room for  slice or two.

VB3 Villa Borghese is located  475 Washington Avenue in Jersey City’s waterfront area facing the Manhattan skyline. If you go leave me a note on how you liked it.