As New Jersey’s largest city, Newark offers diners plenty of excellent restaurant options suiting diverse tastes and budgets. From fine dining establishments to casual eateries and food trucks, Newark’s dining scene has something for everyone.
| Restaurant | Specialty/Cuisine |
|---|---|
| Marcus B&P | New American cuisine, soul food dishes |
| PortuGalo | Authentic Portuguese cuisine |
| Adega Grill | Contemporary Portuguese cuisine |
| Hobby’s Delicatessen | Traditional Jewish deli fare |
| Spanish Tavern | Spanish and Portuguese cuisine |
| MoMPop Shoppe | Gourmet popsicles |
| Taqueria Downtown | Authentic Mexican street tacos |
| Burger Walla | Gourmet burgers |
| Ironside Newark | Diverse food hall |
| Seabra’s Marisqueira | Portuguese seafood |
| Skinner’s Lofts | New American cuisine, craft cocktails |
| Chef’s Table | Exclusive New American tasting menu |
Here is a look at 12 of Newark’s best restaurants that visitors should add to their must-try list when in town.
Marcus B&P
Name and Location: Marcus B&P is a restaurant located at 56 Halsey St, Newark, NJ 07102.
History and Significance: Marcus B&P opened in 2015 and is named after owner and chef Marcus Samuelsson. It serves new American cuisine and has received praise for celebrating Newark’s diversity through its food.
What to Expect: Expect a lively atmosphere with communal tables. The menu features creative dishes like jerk bacon and egg sandwiches, chicken and waffles, and jollof rice. There’s also an oyster bar and specialty cocktails.
Visitor Information: Marcus B&P is open Tuesday-Sunday for brunch, lunch, and dinner. Reservations recommended. Valet parking available.
For an upscale dining experience featuring New American cuisine, Marcus B&P is a top choice. Chef Marcus Samuelsson, known for New York’s acclaimed Red Rooster restaurant, brings his talents to this stylish downtown Newark hot spot. Creative starters like jerk chicken empanadas and crab cake sliders pave the way for mains ranging from seared salmon to bone-in ribeye.
Don’t miss the “chicken and waffles” with Ethiopian spiced chicken, sourdough waffles and honey butter. Desserts like rum cake and celebrity chef cookies deliver the perfect sweet finish. With its modern vibe, creative drinks and inspired soul food dishes, Marcus B&P is a stellar fine dining option.
PortuGalo
Name and Location: PortuGalo is a Portuguese restaurant located at 73 Ferry St, Newark, NJ 07105.
History and Significance: PortuGalo first opened in 2011 and is considered one of the best Portuguese restaurants in Newark. It’s known for its authentic cuisine and wide selection of Portuguese wines.
What to Expect: Expect a cozy, laid-back atmosphere and welcoming service. Menu highlights include fresh seafood, grilled meats, Portuguese classics like caldo verde soup and pasteis de nata. There’s an extensive wine list.
Visitor Information: PortuGalo serves lunch and dinner daily. Reservations recommended, especially on weekends. Street parking available.
For excellent Portuguese cuisine in Newark, PortuGalo is a go-to spot. This Ironbound restaurant specializes in authentic dishes from Portugal with a few Brazilian accents as well. Popular starters include boiled octopus salad, fried codfish cakes, and shrimp mozambique.
Grilled sardines, braised pork dishes, Portuguese steaks and seafood entrees like shark and whole branzino deliver hearty mains. Don’t miss out on classic Portuguese desserts like rice pudding and natas custard tarts. With hearty portions, fair prices and delicious authentic cuisine, PortuGalo offers a wonderful taste of Portuguese flavor in Newark.
Adega Grill
Name and Location: Adega Grill is located at 130 Ferry Street, Newark, NJ 07105.
History and Significance: Adega Grill opened in 1989 and is Newark’s oldest Portuguese restaurant. It’s known for its authentic cuisine and extensive wine selection. The owner is from Portugal’s wine country.
What to Expect: Expect a casual, laid-back setting with checkered tablecloths. The menu features Portuguese classics like grilled sardines, Linguiça sausage, and Bacalhau fish dishes. There’s an award-winning wine list.
Visitor Information: Adega Grill is open Tuesday-Sunday for lunch and dinner. Street parking available. Reservations recommended, especially on weekends.
Another Ironbound gem, Adega Grill brings quality Portuguese cuisine with a contemporary twist to Newark. Starters like sausage-stuffed quail, tuna tartare and duck croquettes start meals off well. Grilled items include juicy steak sandwiches, marinated chicken and enormous mixed seafood platters brimming with shrimp, scallops, clams and more.
Other highlights include Portuguese paella, cataplana seafood stew, and whole branzino. Save room for desserts like molotof, a decadent Portuguese custard. With its creative takes on Portuguese classics, Adega Grill makes for a memorable meal.
Hobby’s Delicatessen & Restaurant
Name and Location: Hobby’s Delicatessen & Restaurant is located at 42 Branford Place, Newark, NJ 07102.
History and Significance: Hobby’s first opened in 1962 and is a beloved Newark institution. It’s known for its huge sandwiches, wide selection of cured meats, and old-school deli charm.
What to Expect: Expect a no-frills deli setting with counter service. Menu highlights include overstuffed sandwiches, matzo ball soup, potato pancakes, and other Jewish delicacies. Cash only.
Visitor Information: Hobby’s is open Monday-Saturday for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Limited street parking. Cash only payments.
For old-school Jewish deli fare, Hobby’s Delicatessen & Restaurant is a longtime favorite. Family-owned since 1962, this traditional deli serves all the classics you’d expect like matzo ball soup, overstuffed sandwiches, and potato pancakes.
Hot and cold sandwiches include piled-high pastrami, corned beef, roast beef and other deli meats. Daily specials, knishes, blintzes and deli desserts round out the menu. With its casual vibe and large portions of comforting food, Hobby’s offers a quintessential Jewish deli experience.
Spanish Tavern
Name and Location: Spanish Tavern is located at 103 McWhorter St, Newark, NJ 07105.
History and Significance: Spanish Tavern first opened in the 1930s and is Newark’s oldest Spanish restaurant. It’s known for its flamenco shows and authentic Spanish cuisine.
What to Expect: Expect a festive, charming setting reminiscent of Old World Spain. The menu features paella, tapas, sangria and other Spanish staples. Nightly flamenco dance performances.
Visitor Information: Spanish Tavern is open Tuesday-Sunday for dinner, with live flamenco shows starting around 8PM. Reservations recommended for show nights.
Serving excellent Spanish and Portuguese cuisine since 1923, Spanish Tavern is Newark’s oldest restaurant. Seafood is the star here, with favorites like paella, seafood skewers, whole lobster and crab legs. You’ll also find Extremadura favorites like grilled octopus and shrimp, as well as various steak options.
Don’t miss the signature garlic shrimp appetizer, bursting with flavor. With crisp white tablecloths, warm lighting and classic décor, the atmosphere transports diners to Spain as much as the food. For a memorable Iberian-inspired meal, Spanish Tavern hits the mark.
MoMPop Shoppe
Name and Location: MoMPop Shoppe is located at 58 Park Place, Newark, NJ 07102.
History and Significance: MoMPop Shoppe opened in 2017 and is Newark’s first alcohol-free bottle shop. It offers a wide selection of non-alcoholic beverages.
What to Expect: Expect a bright, cheery bottle shop with hundreds of non-alcoholic drinks to peruse. Offerings include craft sodas, mocktails, non-alcoholic spirits, coffees and more. Extremely knowledgeable staff.
Visitor Information: MoMPop Shoppe is open Tuesday-Sunday. Street parking available. Cashless payments accepted.
For creative gourmet popsicles in exciting flavors, MoMPop Shoppe can’t be beat. This artisanal popsicle maker offers unique frozen treats with fresh, high quality ingredients. Fresh fruit pops feature options like mango chili, blackberry hibiscus and watermelon basil.
Cream pops include flavors like chai tea latte, cookies & cream and mint chocolate chip. Vegan options are available too. The serving style – with pops inserted into thick sliced brioche buns – adds a fun twist. Cool off with these innovative pops on a hot day or anytime.
Taqueria Downtown
Name and Location: Taqueria Downtown is located at 166 Market Street, Newark, NJ 07102.
History and Significance: Taqueria Downtown first opened in 1995 and is considered Newark’s best Mexican restaurant. It’s known for authentic tacos and burritos.
What to Expect: Expect a casual take-out joint with great food but limited seating. Favorites include al pastor tacos, burritos, quesadillas and affordable lunch specials. Cash only.
Visitor Information: Taqueria Downtown is open daily for lunch and dinner. Limited street parking. Cash only payments.
This lively taco joint in downtown Newark dishes up delicious authentic Mexican street tacos and more. Fillings like carne asada, al pastor, chorizo and carnitas are stuffed into warm double corn tortillas. Burritos, tortas, quesadillas and nachos round out the menu.
Customize your tacos at the salsa bar and wash it all down with a Mexican soda, horchata or margarita. With its inexpensive prices and fast casual vibe, Taqueria Downtown is perfect for a quick, satisfying meal on the go. The quality and authenticity of the food keep customers coming back again and again.
Burger Walla
Name and Location: Burger Walla is located at 47 Halsey St, Newark, NJ 07102.
History and Significance: Burger Walla opened in 2014 and quickly became popular for its gourmet burger creations and lively atmosphere. It uses locally sourced ingredients.
What to Expect: Expect a modern, energetic vibe with rock music. Burgers are the specialty, topped with creative sauces and ingredients. Great craft beer and cocktail selection too.
Visitor Information: Burger Walla is open daily for lunch and dinner. Street parking available. Reservations recommended on weekends.
For mouthwatering gourmet burgers and more, check out Burger Walla. Chef Khubul Islam sources quality ingredients to create burgers packed with flavor. Options range from the Walla Burger with special sauce to the Spicy Walla Burger with ghost pepper jack cheese.
You can also build your own burger or try variations like the lamb burger, falafel burger or corn and bean patty. Hand-cut fries, onion rings, salads and housemade sodas like ginger ale accompany the burgers nicely. This hip spot with great food is popular with students and faculty from nearby Rutgers University.
Ironside Newark
Name and Location: Ironside Newark is located at 110 Edison Pl, Newark, NJ 07102.
History and Significance: Ironside Newark is a historical warehouse converted into a hub for tech startups and innovation in Newark. It opened in 2016.
What to Expect: Expect open work areas, offices, event spaces, restaurants and more inside a vast renovated warehouse. Great for exploring Newark’s emerging tech scene.
Visitor Information: Ironside Newark houses multiple businesses with varying hours. Some restaurants/cafes are open to the public. Check website for details.
Part food hall, part modern urban market, Ironside Newark houses a constantly evolving lineup of eateries under one roof. Currently, stalls include a ramen bar, Filipino cuisine, tacos, pizza, a burger joint and more.
Many vendors showcase cuisine from Newark’s international communities, like the Korean rice bowl spot. With communal seating, an airy warehouse-style interior and courtyard, Ironside is also a great place to hang out. Stop by for a nosh, do some shopping at the artisanal vendors, or relax with a drink from the central bar.
Seabra’s Marisqueira
Name and Location: Seabra’s Marisqueira is located at 87 Lafayette St, Newark, NJ 07105.
History and Significance: Seabra’s Marisqueira first opened in 1989 and is one of Newark’s most acclaimed Portuguese seafood restaurants. It’s known for exceptional service and quality.
For stellar Portuguese seafood, Seabra’s Marisqueira is a cherished Ironbound institution. This classic restaurant excels at simply prepared, beautifully cooked seafood. Specialties include fried whole fish, shrimp mozambique, seafood rice and boiled octopus salads.
Seabra’s also serves excellent Portuguese steaks like espadeira fish steak and filet mignon with fried egg. With its charming old-world atmosphere and focus on quality, Seabra’s offers one of Newark’s most memorable meals. Just save room for desserts like natas custard tarts.
Skinner’s Lofts
Name and Location: Skinner’s Lofts is located at 874 Broad Street, Newark, NJ 07102.
History and Significance: Skinner’s Lofts consists of two historic buildings from the 1800s that were renovated into luxury loft apartments in 2004. It was part of Newark’s redevelopment efforts.
What to Expect: Expect upscale loft-style apartments with exposed brick, large windows, and modern finishes. Unique opportunity to live in a historic Newark building.
Visitor Information: Skinner’s Lofts is a private residential building. Tours may be arranged for prospective renters. Contact management for details.
This industrial-chic restaurant in a converted railroad factory building impresses with its seasonal New American cuisine and craft cocktails. Starters like duck wings and tuna crudo lead to creative mains like squid ink spaghetti with shrimp or venison osso buco.
Sunday brunch brings egg dishes, French toast and inventive options like shrimp grits and barbecue brisket hash. With its upscale yet laid-back vibe, Skinner’s Lofts works well for both date nights and group dining. The restored historic building provides a unique setting for a distinct dining experience.
Chef’s Table
Name and Location: Chef’s Table is located inside the New Jersey Performing Arts Center at 1 Center St, Newark, NJ 07102.
History and Significance: Chef’s Table opened in 2008 as NJPAC’s signature restaurant. It provides upscale dining combined with great views inside Newark’s premier performing arts venue.
What to Expect: Expect fine American cuisine with global influences in an elegant setting. There’s a seasonal menu, extensive wine list, and jazz music nightly.
Visitor Information: Chef’s Table serves dinner Tuesday-Saturday. Reservations essential. Valet parking available at NJPAC. Closed show nights.
For an intimate, exclusive dining experience, snag a reservation at Chef’s Table. This New American restaurant offers an ever-changing tasting menu served to just one large table of 12 diners per night. Dishes may include tuna tartare, quail with foie gras, strip steak with bone marrow butter, and desserts like apricot clafoutis.
Interacting with the chef and fellow diners enhances the experience. The atmosphere is refined yet lively. With its innovative dishes and memorable format, Chef’s Table provides a truly special dining adventure.
Conclusion
From Ironbound’s Portuguese eateries to mod food halls like Ironside Newark, Newark offers exceptional diversity when it comes to restaurants. Fine dining destinations like Marcus B&P and Chef’s Table face off against old-school spots like Hobby’s Deli, where the servings are huge and the food is classic.
Traditional Portuguese seafood houses share the Ironbound district with contemporary thinkers like Adega Grill. Every ethnicity from Latin American to Korean finds expression in Newark’s vibrant food scene. For fantastic flavors in just about every style imaginable, Newark’s restaurant landscape impresses and satisfies.