Erin Elizabeth
With plenty of parks and green spaces, Newark warmly welcomes all its visitors. This small to mid-size city has a vibrant history, and I enjoyed learning about it on my visit to this New Jersey location.
If you’re a fan of the fine arts, check out Newark Museum’s art collection, which focuses on American artists and sculptors.
Those interested in architecture and church history visit the Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart. This building dates all the way back to 1898.
In addition, Newark is the home to the New Jersey Performing Arts Center (also known as the NJPAC). Find out which shows will take place there during your stay. You just might find your favorite performance artists with a booking.
Best Restaurants in Newark
- Forno’s of Spain Restaurant
- Krug’s Tavern
- Spanish Tavern
- Fernandes Steak House
- Sol-Mar Restaurant
- Adega Grill
- Mompou Tapas Bar & Restaurant
- Tops Diner
- Seabra’s Marisqueira
- Bello’s Pub & Grill
- Iberia Peninsula
On my trip to Newark, I was also impressed by the variety of restaurants and eateries on offer. Check out my list of the best Newark restaurants below!
Forno’s of Spain Restaurant
47 Ferry St, Newark, NJ 07105
Phone: 973-589-4767
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If you’re staying at the Greater Newark Hotel, check out the shuttle service that will bring you to Fornos of Spain Restaurant.
This well-known Newark restaurant offers a full menu with fish and seafood, meat, appetizers, chicken and poultry, desserts, and more. To my great joy, they also have an extensive wine list.
As implied by its name, Forno’s of Spain focuses on Spanish cuisine. On my visit, I tried the Filet Mignon Oporto, which includes filet mignon, honey, walnuts, and Oporto wine sauce. I highly recommend it!
Krug’s Tavern
118 Wilson Ave, Newark, NJ 07105
Phone: 973-465-9795
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For a casual yet delicious lunch or dinner in a tavern setting, head over to Krug’s Tavern. Locals told me about the tasty dishes on offer here, so I made time to go there for dinner.
I ordered the Bacon Cheeseburger, which is exactly what it sounds like and more. Other popular options are the Buffalo Shrimp, Buffalo Wings, and Buffalo Blue Burger.
Located near Ann Street, Krug’s Tavern is a tavern with a bar that serves various drinks. If you head there for dinner, sit at the bar and relax for a while afterward. Krug’s Tavern has a long history stretching back to 1932.
Spanish Tavern
103 McWhorter St A, Newark, NJ 07105
Phone: 973-589-4959
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You should enjoy at least one dinner with fine cuisine during your time in Newark. I made a reservation at the Spanish Tavern, and I certainly recommend this local restaurant. With fine cuisine and fine wines on offer, Spanish Tavern provides an excellent dining experience.
Ask locals about Spanish Tavern, and they’re bound to tell you their favorite dishes. In my opinion, the Seafood Paella is a dish you have to try.
I also enjoyed the Garlic Shrimp. Other popular dishes are the Bacon Wrapped Filet and Paella Valencian.
If you wish to immerse yourself in Spanish cuisine, don’t miss out on the fine dining experience Newark’s Spanish Tavern provides.
Fernandes Steak House
158 Fleming Ave, Newark, NJ 07105
Phone: 973-589-4344
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Fernandes Steak House is a Portuguese steakhouse offering a variety of dishes. This restaurant features many popular dishes, such as Flank Steak, Garlic Shrimp, Filet Mignon, and Lobster Tail.
The dishes at Fernandes Steak House are beautifully presented, and there is a range of menus available.
Enjoy an appetizer or two before you get started on your chosen main course. The desserts here are just as impressive as the entrees.
Fernandes Steak House’s many admirers appreciate the friendly and attentive waitstaff. With a welcoming atmosphere, Fernandes Steak House has earned its place among the best restaurants in Newark. Give it a try while you’re in the area!
Sol-Mar Restaurant
267 Ferry St, Newark, NJ 07105
Phone: 973-344-3041
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You’ll find Sol-Mar situated in the heart of the Ironbound area of Newark. This restaurant specializes in Portuguese and Mediterranean cuisine, so if you love that type of food or want to try it, this is the perfect place for you.
Sol-Mar has a wide range of tempting dishes, as well as an impressive wine list. Pair your meal with the perfect glass when you visit this well-known Newark restaurant. There are also cocktails available, so give one of those a try.
Sol-Mar is open for both lunch and dinner. When it comes to the cuisine, I recommend this establishment’s seafood dishes.
Adega Grill
130 Ferry St, Newark, NJ 07105
Phone: 973-589-8830
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Yet another Portuguese cuisine-focused restaurant in Newark is Adega Grill. With an Old World atmosphere, you just might feel you’ve stepped back in time or been transported to Portugal when you eat at Adega Grill.
If you’re a vegan, you will appreciate the vegan-friendly choices available here. These include the Pasta Primavera with Broculos, Cogumelos, Tomate, and Asparagus, as well as two other dishes.
Whatever entree you choose here, make sure to also try the tasty appetizers on offer. I went with the Camaroao a Guilho, which is shrimp sauteed with garlic in oil. Take a look at the wine list and choose the best glass to accompany your meal.
Mompou Tapas Bar & Restaurant
77 Ferry St, Newark, NJ 07105
Phone: 973-578-8114
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Mompou Tapas Bar & Restaurant focuses on Spanish cuisine, bringing you all the best features of the traditional approach while adding a modern twist. The cocktails are amazing here, too, as are the wine options.
This popular local restaurant is conveniently situated on Newark’s Ferry Street. This is part of the Ironbound District, which has historical significance.
Mompou Tapas Bar & Restaurant offers legendary tapas, so visit to try this Spanish food. Paella is also on offer, and I enjoyed trying this while at Mompou Tapas Bar & Restaurant.
This restaurant has several inviting rooms, including the Flamenco Room, the Lounge, and the Wine Room. Mompou Tapas Bar & Restaurant also boasts a patio.
Tops Diner
500 Passaic Ave, East Newark, NJ 07029
Phone: 973-481-0490
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If traditional Italian cuisine is what you crave, make dinner plans at Tops Diner. All dishes are cooked to order, and you can pair your meal with your choice of wine.
As well as lunch and dinner, Tops Diner offers breakfast. I visited Tops Diner for breakfast on one of my days in Newark, and I ordered the French Toast.
If you have a sweet tooth, this is the perfect dish for you. The French Toast features thick brioche bread that is adorned with custard batter, including house vanilla bourbon.
They also offer powdered sugar and cinnamon. There are several egg dishes here as well if eggs are more down your alley.
Seabra’s Marisqueira
87 Madison St, Newark, NJ 07105
Phone: 973-465-1250
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Seabra’s Marisqueira is among the most highly respected restaurants in Newark. It’s been a local institution since 1989. This Portuguese restaurant is especially renowned for its fresh seafood dishes.
You’ll find Seabra’s Marisqueira nestled in Newark’s famous Ironbound area. Enjoy the cuisine created by Joaquim Fernandes, the Head Chef, as well as Chefs Manuel Cerqueira and Antonio Sousa.
If you’re a big seafood fan, head over to Seabra’s Marisqueira for at least one meal during your Newark adventures. When I enjoyed dinner at this restaurant,
I accompanied my meal with a delicious California wine. This restaurant even has champagnes available, so if you’re out for a celebration, think about indulging in that menu.
Bello’s Pub & Grill
376 Market St, Newark, NJ 07105
Phone: 973-465-0052
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If you have your heart set on visiting a gastropub during your Newark stay, check out Bello’s Pub & Grill.
This Newark restaurant describes itself as Newark’s first gastropub, and if you love gastropubs, you will be thrilled with this restaurant.
Bello’s Pub & Grill is a family-owned and operated establishment, and it’s been open since all the way back in 1974.
Like several other restaurants on this list, Bello’s Pub & Grill is found in the Ironbound district. Stop by Bello’s Pub & Grill as you explore that historic area.
All the Bello’s Pub & Grill menus are exciting, so I recommend taking your time before placing your order. I was particularly impressed by the selection of Starters which included my favorite dish, Fried Shrimp.
Iberia Tavern & Restaurant
80-84 Ferry St, Newark, NJ 07105
Phone: 973-344-7603
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Iberia Tavern & Restaurant combines the casual atmosphere of a tavern with delicious traditional Portuguese dishes.
The menu items are impressive, with Filet Mignon and Fried Calamari included. Other well-known dishes are the Garlic Shrimp, the BBQ Beef Short Ribs.
During my stay in Newark, I enjoyed lunch at Iberia Tavern & Restaurant on one occasion. There were several locals there, and I felt like I was one of them as I devoured the impressive Portuguese food.
Enjoy a drink or two while you’re at the Iberia Tavern & Restaurant. After all, this is a tavern as well as an eating establishment. Enjoy your meal!
Final Thoughts
As you’re sightseeing and enjoying the fresh air in Newark’s parks and green spaces, don’t forget to also explore the exciting dishes the Newark food scene has to offer.
Treat yourself with a visit to at least a few of the restaurants in Newark I’ve listed above. Did I leave a great restaurant out? Make sure you leave a comment, and I’ll check it out!
