SPANISH / PORTUGUESE / SOUTH AMERICAN
ENGLEWOOD
Pintxo y Tapas: Spanish; Englewood; 47 N Dean St @ Palisade; 23/20/$38; 201-569-9999; Some of the best Tapas anywhere; Large selection of mouthwatering, authentic delicacies; All meals come with complimentary soup; Paellas are excellent; Plenty of hot a la carte items to pick; Best of all- the Sangria. Maybe the best I’ve ever had. Name recently changed from Tapas de Espana. Facelife has caused slight decline in quality.
HOBOKEN
Cucharamama: South American; Hoboken; 233 Clinton @ 3rd St; 25/23/$44; 201-420-1700; Epic good quality from celeb chef Maricel Presilla; Dishes are works of art; There is also gorgeous artwork on walls; Outstanding bar and sexy scene; Huge menu featuring ethnic dishes from all over South America; Beautiful ambience. Unique dining experience.
Lola's: Spanish; Hoboken; 153 14th St @ Bloomfield; 21/20/$42; 201-420-6062; Tapas restaurant; More than 80 Tapas to choose from (pretty much just tapas); 100+ wines; Great sangria; Pricy for the area and truly authentic and tasty. Multi-level; Stylish décor. Hoboken-cool with a lounge feel. Different from others in the genre.
MOONACHIE
Segovia Restaurant: Portuguese; Moonachie; 150 Moonachie Rd @ Joseph; 24/18/$38; 201-641-4266; Extremely personable service; Wonderful seafood combinations; Lobster tails to die for; You will be treated like family; Energetic setting where you will leave full & satisfied; One of the best of its genre outside of Newark. Try the shrimp in garlic sauce. Chilean Sea Bass; Even the steak is well prepared. Red & White sangria available. Fairly loud and often a wait.
NEWARK
Adega Grill: Portuguese/ Spanish; Newark; 130 Ferry St @ Madison; 20/21/$39; 973-589-8830; One of the fancier of the genre; Gigantic portions of incredible fish dishes; Large wine list; Epic quality sangria; Friendly staff in lively yet elegant-ish setting. Romantic option in the area. Hip adjacent lounge.
Brasilia Restaurant: Brazilian; Newark; 132 Ferry St @ Madison; 22/16/$34; 973-465-1227; All the meat you can eat – servers come around with endless selections; Huge salad bar as well; Lively atmosphere; Also, it is BYO to help with the bill; One of the better restaurants in Newark. Ah, did I say all you can eat?
Casa Vasca: Spanish; Newark; 141 Elm St @ Prospect; 23/16/$36; 973-465-1350; Huge menu of amazing seafood selections; Steak selections as well; Massive portions of food all served with soup and rice; Shellfish central; Can dine at the bar. Stands out among the many Newark options.
Fernandes Steakhouse: Portuguese; Newark; 152-158 Fleming Av @ Chapel; 23/19/$40; 973-589-4099; Rodizio at its best; Servers come by with endless meat offering on skewers; Huge portions if ordering off menu- seafood is outstanding; Large salad bar/ buffet; Festive atmosphere; Great bang for the buck. Perfect for a boys night out; Your stomach will be stuffed.
Fornos of Spain: Spanish; Newark; 47 Ferry St @ Union; 23/18/$41; 973-589-4767; Huge portions of delectable steak, seafood and paella; Great for large groups or
sharing; One of the more famous Ironbound Spaniards; Sangria to die for; Fun, festive atmosphere. Surf and Turf is worth trying. Paella is excellent. Lobsters calling
your name.
Mompou: Spanish; Newark; 77 Ferry St @ Congress; 21/21/$37; 973-578-8114; Tapas house; Serious Martini menu as well- all for $9.50; About 20 different Tapas to choose from which can be served in larger portions as well. Sophisticated with a beautiful courtyard; Entertainment on weekends. Lounge feel; Happy Hour weekdays from 4-7pm; Not your typical Ironbound restaurant. Outdoor courtyard.
Pic-Nic: Portuguese; Newark; 224 Grant Av @ Central; 24/14/$30; 973-481-3646; Super friendly service; Focus is on the seafood dishes here; Spanish fare as well; Rustic setting; Something on their large menu for everyone; Full bar with delicious specialty cocktails; While not the most stylish place, it has yummy, yummy seafood and other dishes.
Spanish Tavern: Spanish; Newark; 103 McWhorter St @ Green; 22/17/$45; 973-589-4959; Gigantic portions; Seafood heaven; The lobster and paella stand out; The usual lively setting ideal for a group or celebration; Bit more expensive than competition but the quality is there. Just a huge menu and you will leave with a full stomach. Well reviewed Sangria as well. Solid wine list.
Tony Da Caneca: Portuguese; Newark; 72 Elm Rd @ Houston; 23/17/$41; 973-589-6882; Around since 1965, serving its loyal cliental; Charming, attentive staff; Comfortable, well spaced tables; Highest quality seafood and grilled steaks; Wonderful combo paella; Superb Clam and Crab appetizers. Large bar area- fun crowd. Rabbit stew and suckling pig available on weekends
Vila Nova do Sol Mar: Portuguese; Newark; 267 Ferry @ Niagara; 22/22/$37; 973-344-8540; Fresh fish, seafood and steaks; Connected to a bar; More laid back for the area; Fabulous value and spot on service; Get taken back to Lisbon; Smaller menu than most of this genre as they focus on quality. Just a gorgeous interior; Website has a great written description of the culture of the place.
NORTH BERGEN
Tapas de Espana: Spanish; North Bergen; 7909 Bergenline Av @ 79th St; 23/20/$38; 201-453-1690; Some of the best Tapas anywhere; Large selection of mouthwatering, authentic delicacies; All meals come with complimentary soup; Paellas are excellent; Plenty of hot a la carte items to pick; Best of all- the Sangria. Maybe the best I’ve ever had.
PARAMUS
EL Cid: Spanish; Paramus; 205 Paramus Rd @ Century – Rt 4; 21/15/$43; 201-843-0123; Lobster central. All time huge portions of seafood, Paella, ribs, and Prime Rib; Try the Twin Lobsters = ‘3’ one-pounders; Tasty sangria; Overall- fun, family style dining for not too much! Mixed bag on service.