Best Neighborhood Gem Restaurants in Newark

One of our favorite restaurants. Garlic shrimp is superb. Delicious salad, abundance of food. Great sangria. Fresh seafood and paella.

Our party has a combination of steaks and fish, all prepared superbly. Service was excellent and the ambiance was a pleasant surprise.

Casa di Paco Taberna brings a delightful blend of Spanish and Mediterranean cuisine to Newark's bustling Ironbound district. Tucked away at 73 Market Street, this family-owned establishment has become a notable destination for locals and visitors seeking authentic tapas and a warm dining atmosphere. The restaurant strikes an impressive balance between casual comfort and refined dining. The exposed brick walls and wooden beams create a rustic yet sophisticated environment, while the intimate lighting sets a perfect mood for date nights and family gatherings. The cozy space never feels cramped, and the bar area adds lively energy to the overall setting. The Casa di Paco menu showcases the best Spanish cuisine while incorporating modern touches. Standout dishes include their paella valenciana, which arrives at the table in a traditional pan, loaded with perfectly cooked seafood and saffron-infused rice. The tapas selection deserves special mention – from classic patatas bravas to innovative octopus preparations, each small plate demonstrates careful attention to tradition and presentation. House specialties worth trying: - The gambas al ajillo feature plump shrimp swimming in garlicky olive oil that begs to be soaked up with crusty bread. - Their croquetas de jamón achieve the perfect balance of crispy exterior and creamy interior - The grilled pulpo (octopus) is remarkably tender and well-seasoned. The restaurant also offers an impressive selection of Spanish wines, including several excellent Riojas and Albariños. Their sangria is particularly noteworthy – not too sweet and generously filled with fresh fruit. Casa di Paco Taberna earns 4.5 out of 5 stars. It successfully delivers an authentic Spanish dining experience while maintaining its own unique character. The combination of well-executed classics, innovative specials, and warm hospitality makes it a standout choice in Newark's competitive dining scene.

The last time I ate at this location (pre-Nico), it was noisy, and overpriced, with mediocre food and poor service. What a delight to be at Nico’s - lovely soft music, tables placed a comfortable distance from each other to minimize the noise, excellent and pleasant service, and good food at reasonable (by today’s standards) prices. Sorry I avoided coming here before an NJPAC performance for so long!

Delicious grilled sardines our favorite! We also enjoyed the seafood soup. Great place, wonderful service.