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Taverna Rustic Italian - Newark, Newark, DE

Taverna Rustic Italian - Newark

4.7
4.7
840 Reviews
$30 and under
Italian

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 35 times today
  • Good for business meals
  • Good for groups
  • Hot spot
With the opening of Taverna, Platinum Dining Group brings to life its highly anticipated version of the “neighborhood gathering place.” Rustic and simple in conception but well crafted and high minded in execution, Taverna brings to Newark a casual sophistication that sees reclaimed wood and exposed brick on the wall. Polished marble rest atop the overstretched bar which boasts eighteen draft beers and the state’s first ever “tapped wine” system. A seemingly humble menu is carefully considered with homemade pastas, coal-fired pizzas, and daily “features” that will bring a smile to the most discerning grandmother’s face.

**A NOTE FROM THE RESTAURANT**
Reservations are not required. We welcome walk-ins.
Please contact us directly at 302-444-4334 , if desired reservation time is unavailable or the party size is larger than 6.

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Price
    $30 and under
  • Cuisines
    Italian, Mediterranean
  • Hours of operation
    Brunch Sun 11:00 am–3:00 pm Lunch Mon–Sat 11:30 am–3:00 pm Dinner Mon–Sat 3:00 pm–10:00 pm Sun 3:00 pm–9:00 pm
  • Phone number
    (302) 444-4334
  • Website
    http://www.tavernapdg.com/
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Executive chef
    Christa Carlton
  • Location
    121 E. Main Street, Newark, DE 19711
  • Neighborhood
    Newark
  • Cross street
    Center Street
  • Parking details
    Guest parking is available on the street with meters. Municipal lots are located within walking distance. Their entrances are accessible from Center Street.
  • Additional
    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Featured in

Menu

Appetizers

  • Veal Meatballs

    crushed tomato sauce, polenta, parmigiano

    • Coal Fired Flatbread

      shaved apple, pancetta, gorgonzola, hot honey

      • Truffle Garlic Bread

        parmesan, truffle butter

        • Whipped Sweet Ricotta

          balsamic drizzle, rustic bread

          • Pan Fried Peppers

            garlic, olive oil, grilled rustic bread

            • Fried Mozzarella

              tomato sauce

              • Steamed Clams

                white wine, lemon, garlic, crostini

                • Grilled Artichokes$13.00

                  grilled lemon, parmigiano, arugula

                  • Fried Calamari

                    pickled chiles, tomato jam, lemon aioli

                    • Taverna Antipasto

                      choice of three or six: prosciutto, salami, house made mozzarella, parmigiano, pan fried peppers, citrus olives

                      Soup / Salad

                      • Chef's Market Soup

                        changes daily

                        • Taverna

                          escarole, radicchio, celery, cucumbers, red onion, tomato, chickpeas, red wine vinaigrette

                          • Bibb

                            shaved onions, toasted walnuts, gorgonzola vinaigrette

                            • Mediterranean

                              romaine, cucumbers, grape tomatoes, olives, red onion, goat cheese, roasted shallot vinaigrette

                              • Caesar

                                eggless caesar dressing, garlic parmesan croutons

                                Coal Fired Pizza

                                Our pizzas are proudly made in a 900o coal oven, as a result, you may find some charring, this is the nature of our oven. Enjoy! Add an egg $1, additional toppings $2.50

                                • Margherita

                                  house made mozzarella, tomato sauce, torn basil

                                  • Four Cheese

                                    roasted garlic ricotta, pecorino, fontina, mozzarella

                                    • Mushroom

                                      portabella, crimini, porcini cream, spinach, fontina

                                      • Neopolitan

                                        hand crushed tomato, oregano, asiago, provolone, mozzarella

                                        • Sausage

                                          straciatella, brocolli rabe, mozzarella

                                          • Chicken

                                            spinach, roasted tomato, mozzarella, goat cheese, chili oil

                                            • Capicola

                                              provolone, mozzarella, basil, hot honey

                                              • Crispy Meatball or Pepperoni

                                                mozzarella, pecorino, tomato sauce

                                                Main Plates

                                                • Crispy Calamari Salad

                                                  fried calamari, mixed greens, green olives, grape tomatoes, pepperoncini, red onion, crispy capers, honey balsamic

                                                  • Milanese Cobb

                                                    chicken cutlet, romaine, hard boiled egg, crispy pancetta, grape tomato, gorgonzola, shaved red onion, creamy herb dressing

                                                    • Sicilian Chopped Salad

                                                      romaine, pepperoni, olives, red onion, provolone, grape tomatoes, artichoke, chickpeas, cucumber, pepperoncini, red wine basil vinaigrette

                                                      • Grilled Salmon Salad

                                                        spinach, potato, grilled onion, radicchio, creamy herbed dressing

                                                        • Grilled Spicy Shrimp

                                                          zucchini, yellow squash, tomato, lemon vinaigrette, orzo, chili oil

                                                          • Baked Salmon

                                                            herbed breadcrumbs, roasted potatoes & onions, spinach, lemon, white wine, butter

                                                            • Spaghetti & Tomatoes

                                                              hand crushed tomatoes, fresh basil

                                                              • Mac & Cheese

                                                                house made creste di gallo, fontina, parmesan, sweet onions, prosciutto, toasted breadcrumbs

                                                                • Rigatoni & Sausage

                                                                  hand crushed tomato sauce, crumbled sausage, pecorino romano

                                                                  • Chicken Taverna

                                                                    capers, lemon, white wine cappellini

                                                                    • Carbonara

                                                                      crispy bacon, peas, parmigiano, spaghetti

                                                                      • Potato Gnocchi

                                                                        gorgonzola fonduta, parmigiano

                                                                        • Calamarata

                                                                          organic chicken tossed with spinach in Taverna tomato-cream sauce, shell pasta

                                                                          Sandwiches

                                                                          + parmesan garlic fries

                                                                          • Porchetta

                                                                            braised pork, spinach, sharp provolone, rosemary-garlic aioli, sesame roll

                                                                            • Grilled Chicken

                                                                              spinach, fontina, mushroom duxelle, garlic aioli, brioche roll

                                                                              • South Philly

                                                                                proscuitto, salami, provolone, lettuce, tomato, red onion, red pepper spread, sesame roll

                                                                                • Spicy Chicken Cutlet

                                                                                  romaine, tomato, pickled chili, fontina, calabrian chili aioli, brioche roll

                                                                                  • Italian Hot Beef

                                                                                    slow braised beef, long hots, slow cooked onion, cooper sharp, garlic aioli, sesame roll

                                                                                    • Taverna Burger

                                                                                      fontina, mushrooms, slow cooked onions, arugula, truffle aioli, brioche roll

                                                                                      • Meatball

                                                                                        red sauce, provolone, parmigiano reggiano, sesame roll

                                                                                        Sides

                                                                                        • Roasted Garlic & Parmigiano Risotto

                                                                                          • Parmesan Garlic Fries

                                                                                            garlic oil, parmesan

                                                                                            • Broccoli Rabe & Pecorino

                                                                                              Last updated: September 27, 2024

                                                                                              What 840 people are saying

                                                                                              Overall ratings and reviews

                                                                                              Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

                                                                                              4.7
                                                                                              4.7 based on recent ratings
                                                                                              • 4.6Food
                                                                                              • 4.7Service
                                                                                              • 4.7Ambience
                                                                                              • 4.5Value

                                                                                              Noise • Moderate

                                                                                              Loved For

                                                                                              • Philadelphia County

                                                                                                Hot spot

                                                                                              • Delaware

                                                                                                Best Ambiance

                                                                                              • Delaware

                                                                                                Kid-friendly

                                                                                              • Delaware

                                                                                                Innovative

                                                                                              • Delaware

                                                                                                Good for groups

                                                                                              • Delaware

                                                                                                Hot spot

                                                                                              • Delaware

                                                                                                Italian

                                                                                              • Delaware

                                                                                                Most Booked

                                                                                              Review summary

                                                                                              AI-generated from verified diner reviews
                                                                                              Taverna Rustic Italian in Newark delights with "great food and service" in a welcoming atmosphere. Known for its "spectacular" potato soup and consistently flavorful dishes, it's a favorite for anniversaries and special dinners. Guests appreciate the attentive staff, with standout servers like Abby enhancing the dining experience.

                                                                                              840 Reviews

                                                                                              1. Shana

                                                                                                Philadelphia

                                                                                                12 reviews

                                                                                                5.0

                                                                                                12 reviews

                                                                                                Dined today

                                                                                                1. Overall 5
                                                                                                2. Food 5
                                                                                                3. Service 5
                                                                                                4. Ambience 5
                                                                                                Great food and great service. I especially loved the Eggplant Parmesan (Sunday special). The manager checked on us twice during our visit to make sure everything was enjoyable.

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                                                                                              2. John

                                                                                                VIP

                                                                                                Philadelphia

                                                                                                31 reviews

                                                                                                3.0

                                                                                                31 reviews

                                                                                                Dined 1 day ago

                                                                                                1. Overall 3
                                                                                                2. Food 3
                                                                                                3. Service 5
                                                                                                4. Ambience 5
                                                                                                I had the beef brasato and my spouse had the salmon. The beef was very tender, but the dish had way too much salt. The manager advised the broth used has a high sodium content. I had an Old Fashion drink with Makers Mark bourbon. The drink was small, had way too much ice, was muddled with mostly maraschino cherries. For a drink that is $16, it should have been twice the size, and muddled with higher quality fruit. Service was excellent. Overall,we were disappointed.

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                                                                                              3. Sharon

                                                                                                Philadelphia

                                                                                                5 reviews

                                                                                                5.0

                                                                                                5 reviews

                                                                                                Dined 3 days ago

                                                                                                1. Overall 5
                                                                                                2. Food 5
                                                                                                3. Service 5
                                                                                                4. Ambience 5
                                                                                                Great menu choices and a warm, cozy atmosphere. The service was fast and the portions were a good size. I definitely recommend.

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                                                                                              4. John

                                                                                                Philadelphia

                                                                                                4 reviews

                                                                                                5.0

                                                                                                4 reviews

                                                                                                Dined on December 22, 2024

                                                                                                1. Overall 5
                                                                                                2. Food 5
                                                                                                3. Service 5
                                                                                                4. Ambience 5
                                                                                                We had an excellent meal as usual. Jordan did a fantastic job serving us. She also made an outstanding espresso for dessert. A top flight evening.

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                                                                                              5. Richard

                                                                                                San Francisco

                                                                                                1 review

                                                                                                5.0

                                                                                                1 review

                                                                                                Dined on December 20, 2024

                                                                                                1. Overall 5
                                                                                                2. Food 5
                                                                                                3. Service 4
                                                                                                4. Ambience 5
                                                                                                Good food, service and atmosphere. We will go back again

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                                                                                              6. Jaclynn

                                                                                                VIP

                                                                                                Philadelphia

                                                                                                18 reviews

                                                                                                5.0

                                                                                                18 reviews

                                                                                                Dined on December 18, 2024

                                                                                                1. Overall 5
                                                                                                2. Food 5
                                                                                                3. Service 5
                                                                                                4. Ambience 4
                                                                                                I was here with a business client and this was a great place to eat a business lunch. Two of the three of us had the special, which was rigatoni and chicken in a marsala sauce. It was very tasty.

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                                                                                              7. Kerry

                                                                                                VIP

                                                                                                Baltimore

                                                                                                78 reviews

                                                                                                5.0

                                                                                                78 reviews

                                                                                                Dined on December 14, 2024

                                                                                                1. Overall 5
                                                                                                2. Food 5
                                                                                                3. Service 5
                                                                                                4. Ambience 5
                                                                                                Always consistent with food and service. Crowded on a Sat night

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                                                                                              8. Robin

                                                                                                New York City

                                                                                                11 reviews

                                                                                                5.0

                                                                                                11 reviews

                                                                                                Dined on December 13, 2024

                                                                                                1. Overall 5
                                                                                                2. Food 5
                                                                                                3. Service 5
                                                                                                4. Ambience 5
                                                                                                We had a yummy lunch for our anniversary today! The meatball sub and the pepperoni pizza was delicious. The service was excellent!!! We Will come back and order something else next time just to see what else is good. Stephanie was a great waitress!!!

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                                                                                              9. Jill

                                                                                                Atlantic City

                                                                                                6 reviews

                                                                                                3.0

                                                                                                6 reviews

                                                                                                Dined on December 8, 2024

                                                                                                1. Overall 3
                                                                                                2. Food 2
                                                                                                3. Service 5
                                                                                                4. Ambience 4
                                                                                                I ordered chicken Parmesan. I was hesitant to order it because at the Wilmington location the chicken Parmesan is not good. However, the food at the Newark location is consistently better so I decided to try it. Tiny complaint is that the chicken was way too thick, like inches thick. Main complaint is that it was so over done that the breading was like particle board and I couldn’t cut through the chicken. Then the chicken inside was so dry and so over done, it shredded as you were trying to saw through it. The chicken shreds were like glued to the breading. While waitress was busy with another table, the manager came over and was super nice. Acknowledged the chicken was way over done and asked if he could get me a new one. I said yes. The second order was done well, but the chicken was still so thick, not as tasty as I would like it and there wasn’t enough sauce for the side of pasta. I would stay away from the chicken parm and the chicken Taverna. I have found Taverna not to do thicker chicken breast dishes well. But the service was great-Jordan was our server-and the manager was very nice.

                                                                                                1 person found this helpful

                                                                                              10. Greg

                                                                                                Philadelphia

                                                                                                7 reviews

                                                                                                5.0

                                                                                                7 reviews

                                                                                                Dined on December 4, 2024

                                                                                                1. Overall 5
                                                                                                2. Food 5
                                                                                                3. Service 5
                                                                                                4. Ambience 5
                                                                                                Excellent food, excellent service and cozy vibes.

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                                                                                              FAQs

                                                                                              Taverna Rustic Italian - Newark offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (302) 444-4334.

                                                                                              Taverna Rustic Italian - Newark is rated 4.7 stars by 840 OpenTable diners.

                                                                                              Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

                                                                                              Make a reservation

                                                                                              2 people
                                                                                              7:00 PM
                                                                                              Booked 35 times today

                                                                                              Order delivery or takeout

                                                                                              Google Map for Taverna Rustic Italian - Newark

                                                                                              121 E. Main Street, Newark, DE 19711

                                                                                              Additional information

                                                                                              • Cross street
                                                                                                Center Street
                                                                                              • Neighborhood
                                                                                                Newark
                                                                                              • Hours of operation
                                                                                                Brunch Sun 11:00 am–3:00 pm Lunch Mon–Sat 11:30 am–3:00 pm Dinner Mon–Sat 3:00 pm–10:00 pm Sun 3:00 pm–9:00 pm
                                                                                              • Price
                                                                                                $30 and under
                                                                                              • Cuisines
                                                                                                Italian, Mediterranean
                                                                                              • Dining style
                                                                                                Casual Dining
                                                                                              • Dress code
                                                                                                Casual Dress
                                                                                              • Parking details
                                                                                                Guest parking is available on the street with meters. Municipal lots are located within walking distance. Their entrances are accessible from Center Street.
                                                                                              • Payment options
                                                                                                AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
                                                                                              • Executive chef
                                                                                                Christa Carlton
                                                                                              • Additional
                                                                                                Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

                                                                                              Featured in

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