Inside Porto Leggero’s post-pandemic makeover

The pandemic changed the way restaurants operate. For Jersey City’s Porto Leggero, it also changed the way it looks.

The Italian restaurant, located at 185 Hudson, has emerged from the pandemic with a new bar, dining room, and lounge. The makeover comes courtesy of New York-based design firm TPG Architecture, which was enlisted to re-imagine the restaurant’s interior. Unfortunately, after the design process was completed, the restaurant industry came to a screeching halt as COVID-19 restrictions shut down much of the state.

“While the pandemic didn’t hit until after the design process was completed, we had to change certain aspects of the design to respond to new health and safety protocols,” says Shay Lam, Managing Executive and Studio Creative Director at TPG Architecture.

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Indoor seating, for instance, was greatly reduced to meet social distancing protocols. The team also introduced an outdoor seating area, which Porto Leggero leveraged to accommodate diners who preferred eating al fresco.

Even simple things like plan reviews with Jersey City Building Department and final inspections were delayed, says Lam. But despite the challenges, the team was able to shift gears and make the best of the situation.

Diners are now greeted by a large, open dining room with high ceilings and a rustic, modern feel. Meanwhile, the bar area has been redesigned and expanded by as much as 25%.

We wanted to keep the spirit of the old restaurant, while introducing a new design to attract new guests, says Lam. “The collaboration on everyone’s part to get the restaurant open was a success and the end result is one we are very proud of.”

Porto Leggero | 185 Hudson | www.portoleggero.net