Alessio's Cafe in Jersey City: Authentic Italian Cafe, Paninis, Pizza, and More in The Heights

Alessio's Cafe Introduce

Welcome to a slice of Italian life right here in the heart of the Garden State! For those living in or visiting the Jersey City area, especially the vibrant Heights neighborhood, finding an authentic, high-quality cafe that offers a complete dining experience can feel like hitting the jackpot. Alessio's Cafe, located at 99 Franklin Street, has quickly established itself as a beloved local fixture, bringing a cozy, casual, and distinctly Italian flair to the North Jersey culinary scene.

More than just a coffee shop, Alessio's Cafe is renowned for combining the best elements of a traditional Italian cafe, a top-tier deli, and a neighborhood pizzeria. The establishment prides itself on serving up delicious, high-quality dishes using authentic Italian products and ingredients—even its signature coffee is sourced directly from a small Sicilian roastery. This commitment to authenticity and quality is what sets Alessio’s apart, creating a dining destination that is popular for everything from a quick morning coffee run to a leisurely lunch or dinner with family and friends.

The atmosphere at Alessio's is described by patrons as casual and cozy, offering a welcoming vibe that is family-friendly, and a comfortable, inclusive space for everyone in the community, including an LGBTQ+ friendly environment and transgender safespace. It’s the perfect setting to relax and savor a meal, providing a genuine "real-feel of an Italian cafe." Whether you’re stopping by for a robust espresso, a filling breakfast, or a classic pasta dish, Alessio’s brings a consistently great experience to its neighborhood.

Location and Accessibility

Alessio's Cafe is conveniently situated at 99 Franklin St in Jersey City, NJ 07307, making it a key spot in the Jersey City Heights community, close to Central Avenue and Palisades Avenue. The location makes it an easy and accessible stop for locals and those commuting through the area.

Accessibility is paramount to the cafe’s mission as a community-based business. They offer various options to accommodate every New Jersey resident’s schedule and preference:

Service Options:

Dine-in: Enjoy the casual and cozy atmosphere of the cafe.
Takeout: Perfect for picking up a quick bite on the go.
Delivery: Available through popular third-party services, including a no-contact delivery option for convenience.

Services Offered

Alessio's Cafe offers an extensive menu that caters to all parts of the day, with a special emphasis on Italian and cafe favorites. Their offerings reflect a blend of hearty comfort food, delicious baked goods, and an impressive beverage program.

All-Day Breakfast: A major draw for the morning crowd and beyond, featuring everything from quick Bagels ($1.95) and the classic Egg & Cheese Sandwich With Meat ($8.95) to signature creations like the Caprese Sandwich ($13.95), The Frenchie ($12.95) (a French Toast Bagel sandwich), and the Jersey Devil Wrap ($12.95).
Authentic Paninis and Wraps: A favorite for lunch and dinner, with an impressive selection of freshly-pressed sandwiches and wraps such as the Portofino ($17.95), Chorizo Pamplona Sandwich ($15.95), the vegetarian Alessio's Veggie ($13.95), and the Chicken Caesar Salad Wrap ($15.95).
Signature Coffee and Espresso: The beverage menu is vast, featuring classic Italian espresso, Cappuccino ($5.50), Caffe Latte ($4.95), and specialty drinks like the Sicilian Pistachio Latte ($5.95), Rainbow Cookie Latte ($5.25), and Nutella Hot Chocolate ($5.50).
Traditional Pastries and Desserts: A delightful array of Italian and American sweets, including Mini Nutella Bomboloni ($6.95), Croissants ($3.95), Tiramisu Cake ($8.95), and New York Cheesecake ($7.95).
Hearty Pasta Dishes: Providing a full dinner option, the menu includes authentic Italian pasta like Penne Alla Vodka Sauce ($19.95), Gnocchi Sorrentina ($19.95), and Chicken Parmigiana Over Linguine ($20.95).
Fresh Salads: Light and filling options such as the Caprese Salad ($14.95), Classic Caesar ($12.95), and Cobb Salad ($14.95) are available.
Catering: Alessio's offers catering services, making it a great choice for events and gatherings in the Hudson County area.

Features / Highlights

Alessio's Cafe in Jersey City Heights is distinguished by several key features that resonate with the local New Jersey community:

Authentic Italian Products: The use of high-end, quality ingredients is a core part of their brand. This includes high-quality cold cuts and cheese, and their coffee comes directly from a small Sicilian roastery.
Highly-Rated Coffee: Their coffee program is a major highlight, consistently praised by customers for its quality and wide variety of offerings, from a strong Cold Brew ($4.95) prepared in-house to unique flavored lattes.
"The Hoboken Girl" Sandwich: A popular signature item, sometimes featured as part of their creative sandwich program where proceeds from select items are dedicated to charitable causes, highlighting their community involvement.
Versatile Dining Options: Catering to every meal of the day—Breakfast, Brunch, Lunch, and Dessert—and offering various comfortable Seating arrangements. They are popular for solo dining as well as for family outings.
Community-Focused Atmosphere: The cafe is recognized as a welcoming, family-friendly environment that embraces all members of the community, including being LGBTQ+ friendly and a transgender safespace.
Dietary Accommodations: The menu includes Vegetarian options, ensuring a variety of choices are available for customers with different preferences.
Pet-Friendly: They welcome dogs in their outdoor seating area, which adds to the neighborhood appeal for pet owners.

Contact Information

To learn more, place an order, or inquire about their menu and services, you can contact the Jersey City Heights location:

Address: 99 Franklin St, Jersey City, NJ 07307, USA

Phone: (201) 256-3090

What is Worth Choosing

For anyone in New Jersey looking for an authentic and satisfying Italian-inspired meal, Alessio's Cafe offers a compelling array of choices that make it a standout. The consensus among local patrons points to several must-try categories that embody the cafe’s mission.

The coffee selection is undeniably a highlight. New Jersey coffee lovers looking for a quality morning boost should explore their extensive menu of espresso-based drinks. The highly-rated Sicilian Pistachio Latte ($5.95) offers a unique and delicious flavor profile that is a popular favorite. Additionally, their freshly brewed coffee is made with gourmet 100% Arabica beans.

For a quick, satisfying meal, the selection of paninis and wraps is excellent. Customers often rave about the deliciousness of their wraps and sandwiches, citing them as some of the best in the area. Options like the Pesto Chicken Club ($16.95), the meaty Prosciutto Supreme ($16.95), and the breakfast favorites like the Morning Wrap ($11.95) are highly recommended for their generous portions and fresh, quality ingredients. The breakfast options are served all day, so you can enjoy these signature sandwiches anytime.

If you are craving something sweet, their dedication to Italian pastries is evident. Patrons have called the quality of their pastries "delish," and the in-house baked goods are a hidden gem. While not explicitly listed as a specialty of the Jersey City location in the same way as their Hoboken counterpart, the availability of Italian classics like Mini Nutella Bomboloni ($6.95) and other desserts makes it a perfect stop for a treat.

Finally, for a fuller meal, the menu of comfort food and pasta is a great choice. Dishes like Penne Alla Vodka Sauce ($19.95) and a traditional Chicken Parmigiana Sandwich ($15.95) deliver a taste of classic Italian-American comfort. With its wide variety of food selections, including options for quick bites, substantial meals, and sweet treats, Alessio's Cafe is a perfect all-in-one spot for New Jersey residents seeking quality, authenticity, and a friendly neighborhood vibe in Jersey City Heights.

Alessio's Cafe Food & drink

Breakfast Sandwiches, Omelettes and Bagels
Morning Wrap $11.95
Two Scrambled Eggs, Cheddar Cheese, Bacon, Avocado, Basil Aioli on a Warm Flour Tortilla
Caprese Sandwich $13.95
Two eggs, fresh mozzarella, tomato, basil aioli and prosciutto parma on a ciabatta roll.
Veggie Tricolore $12.95
Two eggs, pesto, fresh mozzarella, roasted peppers, avocado. choose to be served on ciabatta or wrap.
Italian Montecristo Panini $11.95
Two eggs, honey mustard aioli, fresh mozzarella, ham or Turkey pressed on a ciabatta roll .
The Frenchie $12.95
French Toast Bagel, Scrambled Eggs, Cheddar Cheese, Maple Vermont Sausage, Crispy Hashbrowns, Hot Honey Aioli
California Dreamin' $13.95
Smashed Avocado, Monterey Jack Cheese, Arugula, Sun-dried Tomatoes on Sourdough Bread
Rocky Balboa $12.95
Egg whites, Cheddar, Turkey Bacon, Sundried Tomatoes, Arugula, Avocado, Italian Butter Garlic Aioli
Omelette $16.95
Try our omelette and ask for your customized toppings and your egg white choice.
B.L.T. Evolution $12.95
Smashed avocado, fried eggs, bacon, lettuce, tomato.
Egg & Cheese Sandwich With Meat $8.95
Choose Meat, Cheese and Bread
The Anthony Bourdain $12.95
Two Fried Eggs, Spicy Mortadella (Italian Pork Roll), Provolone Cheese, Hot Honey Aioli, served on a Plain Bagel or Ciabatta Roll
The Hoboken Girl $14.95
The Hoboken Girl Breakfast Sandwich: Scrambled Eggs, Cheddar Cheese, Caramelized Onions, Avocado, Crispy Hashbrowns, Jalapeno/Avocado Aioli served on Sourdough Bread. Profits will be donated to "York Street Project"
Bagel (Or Toast) $1.95
A selection of bagels in various flavors, some topped with seeds and others with a vibrant, multi-colored swirl.
Avocado Toast $14.95
Smashed avocado, cherry tomatoes topped with an egg .
Egg & Cheese Sandwich $7.50
Two eggs with choice of cheese.
Farm House Skillet $15.95
Potatoes, onions, peppers, bacon topped with two eggs
The Bold And Beautiful $13.95
Egg whites, turkey, cheddar, avocado, lettuce, tomato & basil aioli served on wheat bread toast or wrap.
Spicy Texas Sandwich $12.95
Two eggs, chorizo, avocado, chipotle aioli, cheddar cheese on ciabatta bread.
Jersey Devil Wrap $12.95
Two Eggs, Provolone, Sausage, Roasted Peppers, Tomatoes, Avocado and Chipotle Aioli
Country Breakfast $15.95
Two Eggs any style, choice of bacon or Sausage, Home Fries and toast
The Sinatra $14.95
Scrambled Eggs, Fresh Mozzarella, Chorizo, Bacon, Hot Honey Aioli, Avocado on Ciabatta Roll

Desserts
New York Cheesecake $7.95
A rich, creamy slice of new york cheesecake with a smooth, velvety texture and a crumbly crust.
Carrot Cake $7.95
Tiramisu Cake $8.95
Layers of espresso drenched ladyfingers cream and dusted with cocoa powder.
Chocolate Mousse Cake $7.95
Chocolate layer cake filled with chocolate ganache, topped with a chocolate miroir and rimmed with a chocolate flake.

Salads
House Salad $11.95
Choice of romaine or spring mix, cherry tomatoes, green peppers, red onions.
Caprese Salad $14.95
Tomato and fresh mozzarella platter.
Italian Grilled Chicken Salad $15.95
Romaine Lettuce, Carrots, Cucumbers, Tomatoes, Red Onions, Grilled Chicken
Cobb Salad $14.95
Avocado, bacon, blue cheese, cherry tomatoes, hard boiled eggs and lettuce.
Classic Caesar $12.95
Crispy homemade croutons and a light caesar dressing. Add chicken for a full pack of protein.
Italian Santa Fe Salad $14.95
Spring Mix, Corn, Cherry Tomatoes, Avocado, Fresh Mozzarella with or without Chicken

Appetizers and Sides
Tomato Bruschetta $9.95
Tris Calzone Tomato Mozzarella $6.50
Tomato Mozzarella mini calzones. Serving of 3 pieces
Chicken Fingers $7.95
French Fries $5.50
Sweet Potato Fries $8.95
Arancini - Rice Ball $3.95
Italian rice balls stuffed, coated with breadcrumbs and deep-fried. Filled with ragù (meat or mince, slow-cooked at low temperature with tomato sauce and spices).
Mozzarella Sticks $10.95
Elongated pieces of battered mozzarella quickly deep fried to golden perfection.
Onion Rings $8.95
Chicken Wings $14.95
Prosciutto And Fresh Mozzarella Platter $16.95
Prosciutto crudo rovagnati and fresh mozzarella made in house for a gourmet experience.

Panini and Wraps
Spicy Turkey BLT $16.95
Deli Turkey, Bacon, Monterey Jack Cheese, Avocado, Lettuce, Tomato and Chipotle Aioli
Alessio's Veggie $13.95
Tomato, fresh mozzarella, pesto.
Vesuvio Panini $16.95
Chipotle aioli, fresh mozzarella, grilled chicken, prosciutto parma 18 months aged, arugula.
Capri Panini $15.95
Grilled chicken, pesto, sun-dried tomatoes, fresh mozzarella.
Prosciutto Supreme $16.95
Prosciutto Parma, Sopressata, Fresh Mozzarella, Roasted Peppers, Tomato & Basil Aioli served on Panini Bread
Amalfi $16.95
Chicken Cutlet, Fresh Mozzarella, Prosciutto di Parma, Roasted Peppers, Basil Pesto, Arugula on Sourdough Bread
Meatball Parm Sandwich $15.95
Italian Chicken Wrap $15.95
Grilled Chicken, Provolone, Red Onions, Tomatoes, Romaine Lettuce
Firenze Panini $15.95
Grilled chicken, provolone cheese, roasted peppers, arugula.
Cheesesteak By Alessio’s $15.95
Sliced pieces of beef steak and onions, peppers and melted cheese in our famous Alessio’s bread.
Turkey Pesto $15.95
Fresh Mozzarella, Pesto, Turkey, Lettuce, Tomato
Pesto Chicken Club $16.95
Pesto, Grilled Chicken, Bacon, Double Cheddar Cheese, Caramelized Onions, Lettuce, Tomato served on a Toasted Sourdough Bread
Tommy Cutlets 🤌🏼 $16.95
Alessio’s Chicken Cutlet, Fresh Mozzarella, Broccoli Rabe, Roasted Red Peppers pesto, pressed on our Signature bread
Milano $15.95
Turkey, Provolone, Mayo, Avocado and Roasted Peppers
Venezia $16.95
Grilled chicken, 🥓 bacon, provolone cheese, avocado, lettuce, tomato and chipotle aioli.
Chicken Cutlet Sandwich $15.95
Breaded Chicken, Fresh Mozzarella, Mayo, Lettuce, Tomatoes and Red Onions
Portofino $17.95
Prosciutto di Parma, Burrata Filling (Stracciatella), Fried Tomatoes, Arugula, Balsamic aged glaze
Chorizo Pamplona Sandwich $15.95
Chorizo, Grilled Chicken, Fresh Mozzarella, Avocado, Arugula, Roasted Peppers Pesto served on a Pressed Panini Bread
Chicken Caesar Salad Wrap $15.95
Grilled chicken and crisp romaine lettuce tossed with parmesan cheese and caesar dressing, wrapped in a soft flour tortilla.
Crispy Buffalo Chicken Wrap $16.95
Alessio's Chicken Cutlet tossed in Frank's Buffalo Sauce, Romaine, Avocado, Carrots. Choice of Blue Cheese or Ranch
Italiano $16.95
Italian Ham, Prosciutto Parma, Sopressata, Provolone, Roasted Peppers, Lettuce, Tomatoes, Balsamic Vinaigrette served on Panini Bread
Chicken Parmigiana Sandwich $15.95
Leonardo $15.95
Breaded eggplants, fresh mozzarella, Lettuce, Tomatoes, Roasted Peppers and Honey Mustard Aioli

Pasta and More
Rigatoni Alla Siciliana $19.95
Rigatoni baked with a sauce made with fresh mozzarella, marinara, eggplants, basil and parmigiano cheese.
Pasta & Meatballs $22.95
Served with spaghetti.
Chicken Parmigiana Over Linguine $20.95
Gnocchi Sorrentina $19.95
Potato gnocchi made with fresh mozzarella, marinara Sauce, parmigiano cheese cooked in the oven.
Linguine Al Pesto $21.95
Penne Alla Vodka Sauce $19.95
Add chicken for an additional charge.
Eggplant Parmigiana On Pasta $20.95
Alessio’s nonna recipe of this italian classic.
Spaghetti Al Pomodoro $17.95

Sodas, Drinks and Candies
Coca Cola $4.35
The cold, refreshing, sparkling classic that America loves.
Canada Dry Ginger Ale $4.35
Tropicana Orange Juice $4.50
Diet Coke $4.35
A crisp, refreshing taste you know and love with zero calories.
Smart Water/Pure Life Water $6.00
1Litre.
Poland Spring Water $2.50
0.5ml.
Sprite $4.35
The cold, refreshing flavors of lemon and lime, perfectly blended.
Water San Pellegrino Small $4.50
Gatorade $3.95

Sweet Breakfast
Croissant $3.95
Best croissants in Hoboken with customized filling
Mini Nutella Bomboloni $6.95
Coffee Cake $3.95
Rainbow Cookie $3.50
Bagel (Or Toast) $1.95
Muffin $3.95
Choose between the blueberry muffin or the double chocolate chip muffin
Truffle Brownie $4.95

Coffee Tea and Espresso Beverages
Lemonade $4.95
Nutella Latte $5.95
Apple Caramel Latte $5.25
Americano $3.50
Espresso shots and hot water for a strong coffee flavor and a burst of caffeine.
Freshly Brewed Coffee $2.95
Gourmet coffee 100% arabica and freshly brewed every half hour.
Cappuccino $5.50
Italian espresso-based coffee drink prepared with steamed milk foam.
Sicilian Pistachio Latte $5.95
A rich espresso blended with frothy milk and sweet sicilian pistachio flavor, topped with whipped cream and chopped nuts.
Espresso $3.50
Rainbow Cookie Latte $5.25
Lavander Latte $5.45
Chai Tea Latte $4.75
Iced Coffee $5.50
Arnold Palmer $5.25
Pumpkin Spice Latte $5.25
Matcha Green Tea Latte $5.45
A cup of Matcha cappuccino with powdered Matcha tea.
Cold Brew $4.95
Fresh and strong coffee drink with a sweet and fruity taste, produced with 100% Arabica blend with 20 hours of preparation in house!
Cinnamon Bunn Latte $5.45
Black Unsweetened Iced Tea $4.95
Brewed Hot Tea $3.50
Enjoy our mighty leaf's whole leaf tea collection. Each cup offers a one-of-a-kind experience.
Caffe Latte $4.95
Try our "caffe latte" made with espresso and steamed milk (choose our milk substitution).
Cortado $4.50
espresso drink with 3 ristretto shots and steamed milk
Iced Shaken Espresso $4.75
Decadent Hot Chocolate $5.00
Rich and creamy with intense chocolate flavor. Student's favorite!
Toasted Marshmallow Latte $4.95
Try our "caffe latte" made with espresso and steamed milk (choose our milk substitution)
Strawberry Dragonfruit Refresher $4.95
Blueberry Matcha $5.25
Mocha Latte $5.95
Chocolate-flavoured variant of a caffè latte served with whipped cream and mocha sauce.
Nutella Hot Chocolate $5.50
Rich and creamy with intense chocolate flavor. Student's favorite!
Banana Foster Latte $5.25
Lavander Matcha Latte $5.75
Caramel Macchiato $5.45
Freshly steamed milk with vanilla-flavored syrup marked with espresso and topped with caramel drizzle.

Alessio's Cafe Details

Service options
No-contact delivery
Delivery
Takeout
Dine-in

Highlights
Great coffee

Popular for
Breakfast
Lunch
Solo dining

Accessibility
Assistive hearing loop
Wheelchair accessible parking lot
Wheelchair accessible restroom

Offerings
Coffee
Comfort food
Prepared foods
Quick bite
Small plates
Vegetarian options

Dining options
Breakfast
Brunch
Lunch
Catering
Dessert
Seating

Amenities
Gender-neutral restroom
Restroom
Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi

Atmosphere
Casual
Cozy

Crowd
Family-friendly
LGBTQ+ friendly
Transgender safespace

Payments
Credit cards
Debit cards
NFC mobile payments
Credit cards

Children
Good for kids
High chairs
Kids' menu

Pets
Dogs allowed outside

Alessio's Cafe Photos

Alessio's Cafe Location

Alessio's Cafe

New Jersey Hudson County Jersey City The Heights Franklin Street

99 Franklin St, Jersey City, NJ 07307, USA

Alessio's Cafe Reviews

An average rating of ★4.4 from 87 user reviews.

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★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1

Beware ordering salads to-go here!!My gf and I have been to Alessio’s before and gotten the Cobb salad to much of our satisfaction. The first time we had it we fell in love with it. The salad was so big that two people could’ve easily eaten it , plenty of chopped up lettuce, avocado, bacon, tomatoes, cheese and chicken.We were so happy with our order we decided to order two salads to-go. Once we received our order we were disappointed. The size of the container is so small and not to even say it wasn’t even full. The lettuce is not chopped, it looks like they sliced a quarter of a quarter of a tomato, two tiny slices of avocado. I mean look at the pictures!Unfortunately, we spent $40 dollars on two salads and the quality we received on the to-go order falls short compared to dining in.Try to dine in if you can to prevent being disappointed by the portion sizes once you received it.
May 09 · Isadora Martinez
I was visiting Jersey area and a friend took me to this Neighbourhood the coffee shop. The inside is very neat and clean and the coffee selections are numerous. I ordered the Sicilian pistachio Café. It was very unique and tasty coffee. The sandwiches selections are also unique, and I had a Frenchie for breakfast. It was delicious. I definitely recommend this place whenever you are. In town near Central Avenue and palesadesAvenue in Jersey City that’s where this is located.
December 28 · Manish Shukla
This is a local cafe with locations in The heights JC and Hoboken.I decided to try out their iced coffee and pistachio croissant, the servers are friendly and the atmosphere is good but the place is small overall. Coming to the food, the iced coffee was well.. just iced coffee. Actually I thought that it would be a latte but instead it turned out to be black coffee! The pistachio croissant was okay, the flakiness was good but the cream could have been better.Overall a decent experience.
April 28 · Sanchit Kamath
Been here a few times now but will stop coming for the food.Ordered a BLT for breakfast. They forgot the Bacon and the bread was hard. How do you forget the first ingredient in the name, smh. Mind you it wasn’t busy in the morning when I came.For lunch the other day, we got their signature chicken parm pasta. I thought the chicken was overcooked and the breading was coming apart from the chicken. It was a really small portion too for $20. We also ordered a sandwich which was average at best.I really wanted to support this local place because it’s in the neighborhood. But for the quality of food and price, I would not recommend. I hope the owner sees this and improves because there’s so many better Italian places in the neighborhood.
April 25 · Ke Lou
Alessio's Cafe was nothing short of exceptional. Located in a great spot, the cafe exudes charm and warmth from the moment you step in. The service was impeccable, with attentive staff ensuring that every need was met promptly.As for the food, it was simply outstanding. We indulged in the veg omelet, avocado toast, and California Dreamin' drink, and each dish was a culinary delight. The ingredients were fresh, the flavors were vibrant, and the presentation was impeccable.Whether you're craving a hot beverage or a refreshing drink, Alessio's Cafe has you covered with their extensive menu. We left feeling completely satisfied and already planning our next visit. Without a doubt, Alessio's Cafe deserves a glowing five-star review for their fantastic location, awesome service, and incredible fresh food. Highly recommended to anyone in the area!"
April 25 · darpan dhimmar