One of the state’s hottest food towns just suffered another restaurant loss. This time, it’s one of New Jersey’s top chefs shutting down an eatery.
The Kitchen Step, a Jersey City restaurant from acclaimed chef Ryan DePersio, announced in an Instagram post Tuesday that it was closing its doors.
In the post, DePersio along with co-owners Cory Checket and Joe Calafiore said the closure is due to lease issues.
“Unfortunately, despite our best efforts, we were unable to secure new lease terms that work for the business,” the post said.
But the post suggested the closure may not be permanent.
“That said, this isn’t a goodbye forever, just a pause. We are actively exploring a new location and have other exciting news on the horizon that we can’t wait to share with you soon,” the post added.
Emails to ownership from NJ Advance Media for further comment were not returned at publishing time.
Checket, Calafiore DePersio opened the modern American bistro in Jersey City’s Van Vorst Park neighborhood back in 2016. The restaurant offered a menu of sandwiches, pastas, small plates and entrees that ranged from Norwegian salmon and blackened pork chops to General Tso’s glazed cauliflower steak.
Back in 2018, NJ.com named The Kitchen Step the 11th best restaurant in Jersey City. In 2025, it joins spots like Hudson Hound, Miso Ramen and Barcade on the list of recent restaurant closures in Jersey City.
In 2023, DePersio also closed the beloved Italian restaurant Fascino in Montclair. He still owns Battello in Jersey City, as well as both Ember & Eagle and Tillinghouse in Eatontown.