The 10 Best Restaurants In East Ward Newark New Jersey

East Ward Newark is home to some of the best Mediterranean food on the East Coast. Originally a predominantly Jewish neighborhood in the twentieth century, the area has become increasingly Hispanic and Iberian, and the cuisine of the area reflects the changing demographic. If you’re looking for the best chorizo and seafood, look no further than East Ward. Here are 10 of the best restaurants in the area.

Tony Da Caneca Restaurant

Tony Da Caneca takes fine dining to another level. It is one of the original restaurants of Ironbound and one of the first in all of Newark. Here you’ll find classic Iberian delicacies served within a familiar ambiance. Run by the Vieira family for nearly four decades, their Lisbon-trained chefs offer authentic Portuguese tastes with a large selection of wines and vintage ports. Although it is difficult to pick a favorite you can’t go wrong ordering the filetes de linguado recheado, which is a stuffed Sole fillet with Snow Crab Meat in a casserole.

Tony Da Caneca Restaurant, 72 Elm Rd Newark, New Jersey, United States +1 973-589-6882

Located in the heart of historical Ironbound, Krug’s Tavern is a Newark staple. This pub is run by the LaMotta family, and has been a family owned and operated business since 1932. They’ve won a number of awards and are famous for their burgers. Its bacon cheeseburger was named “New Jersey’s Best Burger” by NJ.com. If you’re looking for generous portions at reasonable prices you can’t go wrong with their oversized sandwiches made with freshly baked bread and choice meats. In addition to sandwiches and burgers, they have a number of seafood dishes that are made with Krug Tavern’s secret family recipe sauce.

Krug’s Tavern, 118 Wilson Ave. Newark, New Jersey United States +1 (973) 465-9795

Campino Restaurant

If you’re looking for a sophisticated old-school dining service, then Campino is the perfect place to eat. Campino offers traditional Portuguese and Spanish dishes with fairly generous portions. Along Jabez Road in Ironbound, it is in the hub of the fine dining scene in Newark, but still offers a more casual atmosphere. Serving delectable fare since 1982, you can’t go wrong with the marisco paella, which offers liberal helpings of fresh seafood.

Campino Restaurant, 70 Jabez St, Newark, New Jersey, United States (973) 589-4004

Casa Vasca

Casa Vasca takes its Basque heritage seriously. The menu of Spanish and French cuisine is bursting with flavor and all dishes are made using traditional cooking techniques. Immerse yourself in the Bay of Biscay with salmon y camaron al champan, which is salmon and shrimp in a Basque champagne sauce.

Casa Vasca, 141 Elm St Newark, New Jersey, United States +1 973 465 1350

Fernandes Steak House

Fernandes sits along the Ironbound rail track. The area gets its name from the nineteenth century railroad tracks that were forged in the factories along the water. This restaurant brings with it historical charm as it’s a converted bank. The building retains many of its original architectural features, including the massive vault in the foyer, but with an updated Spanish feel – with the Guastavino style-tiled ceiling in the dining area. The menu boasts an impressive selection of seafood as well as Brazilian-style cuisine.

Fernandes Steak House, 158 Fleming Ave, Newark, New Jersey, United States +1 973-465-4533

Otra Casita Bakery and Restaurant

Established in 2009, Otra Casita offers the best selection of Ecuadorian food in Newark. Visit Otra Casita to discover the cultural traditions of Ecuador through a gastronomic experience like no other. Many of the ingredients are either locally produced or come straight from Ecuador, so every visit will feel like a trip to South America. They have a local following, and have become a staple for the Ecuadorian and Latin American community in Newark.

Otra Casita, 533 Ferry St, Newark, New Jersey, United States +1 973 344 0057

Paleio Bistro

Newark’s East Ward is known for its Mediterranean influences, but Paleio makes good on its word as being the best Portuguese Bistro in Newark. Paleio translates to “happy chatter” in English, and that is exactly what you’ll find at this lively and sociable restaurant. Depending on when you go, you can watch sporting events on one of the many televisions or listen to an eclectic mix of Luso and American music performed live every weekend. There is also a lovely open-air courtyard, but you’ll have to request for special seating as it fills up quickly. To top off your visit order the chouriço à bombeiro, which is roasted Portuguese spiced sausage that is flambéed table-side in “firewater.”

Paleio, 376 Ferry Street, Newark, New Jersey, United States +1 973 344 3784

Bello’s Pub and Grill

Bello’s Pub and Grill was Newark’s first gastropub. Across the road from Newark Penn Station and close to both the Red Bull Arena and the Prudential Center, Bello’s has become the pre-game go-to restaurant for Newark. Best enjoyed with a group of friends, the family owned and operated pub offers a relaxed atmosphere. Here you’ll find over 180 beers on tap and delicious food, including the flank steak Caribbean salad with mango salsa and avocado.

Bello’s Pub and Grill, 376 Market St, Newark, New Jersey, United States +1 973 465 0052

O Preguinho Restaurant

A family run restaurant hailing from the outskirts of Tondela, Portugal, O Preguinho is known for two things; Dao wine and Viriato the Lusitan warrior. Although they could not bring the Roman hero with them, they did manage to bring wine and authentic cuisine to their Newark establishment. If you’re looking for a family-style dining experience in a home away from home, O Preguinho’s is worth the trip.

O Preguinho, 98 Elm Road, Newark, New Jersey, United States +1 973 900 5171

Allegro Seafood Grill

Allegro Seafood Grill is one of the highest-rated restaurants in the area. With an open kitchen and courtyard seating, you can relax in an atmosphere that is more typical of the Mediterranean or the Caribbean. This is the perfect venue to bring a small group of friends or a partner.

Allegro Seafood Grill, 58 Kossuth St, Newark, New Jersey, United States +1 973 344 4500

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