Green Pear Heights

The chef and founder of Green Pear Heights in Jersey City is not your average restaurateur. In fact, her previous work has nothing to do with food at all. Isabella Molnar used to be a professional opera singer in Hungary. But she grew weary of going from audition to audition, and made the decision to settle in America with her family and open a restaurant.

East European

Jantares

Cantina, Grupos, Ao ar livre

At Green Pear Heights, Molnar creates the food she knows best: Authentic Hungarian cuisine. However, these meals require a lot of time, patience, and know how. But she feels that is part of what draws customers from throughout Staten Island and Bergen County; a menu that offers signature dishes that take more time to make than most have to give.

In particular, she describes the dinner-only menu as “homemade, Eastern European, modern, Hungarian, and Balkan” food. Popular menu items include beef goulash, potato and cheese pirogi, orange blossom ricotta crepes, and lamb kebabs. Then, for dessert, fans love their apple pierogi that comes with vanilla ice cream.

The Heights section of Jersey City is known for having spots that boast a personal touch. Green Pear Heights is no exception, with many patrons referring to it as a hidden gem. The cozy 850-square-foot BYOB eatery has a “Moulin Rouge” vibe with an intimate, homey, and personable ambiance. Meanwhile, their year-round outdoor area in a parklet seats 10 more guests. A true native, Molnar’s family has been living in town for 27 years. (And also owns a second business, The Green Pear Café, in Hoboken.)

Chef/Owner Isabella Molnar

2005

East European Dishes