Great food is probably not the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Newark Liberty International Airport. But travel needs fuel, and travelers need to eat! If we’re being honest, Newark Airport’s food choices have improved greatly in recent years. But you may still want to eat something more than shrink-wrapped sandwiches and wilted salads. So if you’re looking to grab a bite somewhere around EWR, here’s our list of the 10 best restaurants near Newark Airport.
Hot Tip: Don’t take a risk with parking hassles at Newark Airport. Make sure you book your EWR parking spot ahead.Â
Casa Vasca
141 Elm St.
Locals have been flocking to Casa Vasca, a Spanish restaurant serving authentic Basque and Spanish cuisine, for years. It is only a 7-minute drive to this restaurant from Newark Airport. This restaurant is in a quiet section of Newark, New Jersey.
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There isn’t a lot of seating, but the tables are far enough apart to make it comfortable. But the ambiance isn’t why you’re going there. If you’re going to Casa Vasca, it’s for the food. Basque, Spanish cuisine with American and French influences is what’s available at Casa Vasca.
The fresh seafood served at Casa Vasca is second to none, and the menu changes nightly to reflect what was purchased at the market that morning. Try the Solomillo A La Parill, Lenguado Al Menie, and Bacalao A La Flamenca. A bowl of soup and a loaf of crusty bread from a nearby bakery are included with the meal at no extra cost. You can also order the tipple of your choice from their completely stocked bar with a fair range of affordable wines.
Don Pepe’s
844 McCarter Hwy.
Don Pepe, an Ironbound Newark restaurant only 8 minutes from Newark Airport, never ceases to delight. The restaurant has three separate eating areas and a lively bar, which is especially crowded on match days. The décor is simple but classier than other Ironbound eateries in the area. Chandeliers hang from the ceilings, paintings cover the walls, and white tablecloths cover the tables.
Spanish and Portuguese dishes are made with care and delivered in generous servings. This eatery serves up some of the best steak and lobster in town. The complementary fresh-baked bread is outstanding and sets a high standard for the rest of the meal. Try the Paella a la Valencia, which has shellfish, chicken, and Spanish sausage. Another must-have is the Solomillo a la Sevillana, which includes filet mignon with a unique house sauce. The highlight is the Mariscada Don Pepe, which includes shellfish in a tomato brandy and wine sauce with saffron rice.
Marcus B & P
56 Halsey St.
Marcus B&P is Chef Marcus Samuelsson’s informal, trendy restaurant. Many different kinds of people come here to socialize over drinks and appetizers at the bar or sit down for a full meal. The setting is chill and trendy, with a cool, industrial feel. The decor is quaint and eclectic. The bar’s interior features a variety of sitting options, including booths and tables.
There’s also appealing neon-lit shelving with an oxidized copper top, an open kitchen, and an exposed brick wall. Recommended meals include the Newark Hanger Steak with Radicchio, Horseradish, and Soubise, and the Spaghetti Picadilly with Lump Crab. You should also try the Calabrian Chili, Thai Basil, and the Classic Pie with Crushed Tomato, Mozzarella, Basil, and Olive Oil.
Forno’s of Spain
47 Ferry St.
Fornos of Spain has long been a local favorite among foodies searching for authentic Spanish fare at a fair price. The outside is reminiscent of a Spanish hacienda. The interior is tasteful with chandeliers, murals, and white tablecloths. There are several seats to accommodate the restaurant’s capacity of 250 diners.
As soon as you take your seats, you’ll get a basket of garlic bread and a basket of warm, crusty bread. There’s also a salad of mixed greens, tomatoes, onions, radishes, heart of palms, cucumbers, and a plate of fresh olives doused in virgin olive oil. We recommend the grilled fillet mignon (The Solo mil lo a La Parrilla) and the lobster tails (Colas de Langosta Fornos) in a sherry and almond sauce. Another must-try is the Paella (Paella Marinera) with fresh lobster.
Casa D’Paco
73 Warwick St
Every week at Casa D’Paco, they make a fresh menu with new foods to try and fall in love with. In his own inimitable style, Chef Paco infuses each of his recipes with innovation. Traditional Galician fare like Pulpo a Feira and Chipirones are on the menu. But you’ll also find modern takes on tapas from various cuisines. Don’t miss the Paella Casa d’Paco – fragrant saffron rice swimming in a sea of delicious seafood broth. Lobster, clams, squid, mussels, tiger shrimp, chicken, and Galician chorizo are all thrown in.
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This popular Spanish eatery also has a great reputation as a watering hole because of its extensive drink menu. You can order from a wide variety of imported red and white wines, sangria, cask-aged cocktails, and bottled beers from the United States and Spain. One of their signature drinks is the Cask Aged Cocktail, aged for at least a month in oak barrels. Homemade Spanish wines are also available.
Tony da Caneca
72 Elm Rd
One of the original three Newark restaurants, you’ll find Tony Da Caneca in a peaceful residential area. It’s well away from the bustle of Ironbound’s Ferry Street Portuguese restaurant strip. Many of the other Spanish and Portuguese eateries in Ironbound have declined in quality over the years. But this one has maintained its high standards for well over four decades.
The Portuguese fare at Tony Da Caneca is delicious and generously portioned. Seafood is the establishment’s forte. The waiter may bring samples of the restaurant’s specialties and desserts to the tables going to place their orders. A separate bar area, favored by locals, is decorated with trimmed dark timbers and soothing lighting. The Grilled Large Prawns in Garlic Sauce, Filet Mignon “Tony da Caneca” Style, and Charcoal Broiled Rack of Spring Lamb are all must-tries.
Krug’s Tavern
118 Wilson Ave.
Founded by Frank Krug in 1938, the pub is now managed by Krug family members Ellen LaMotta, Frank LaMotta, and Susan LaMotta. Besides their world-renowned burgers, they also provide a wide selection of filled sandwiches, seafood meals, appetizers, Â pizzas, fries, and onion rings.
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Their 3/4 pound burgers, made to order with five distinct options, are grilled for around twenty minutes on the grill in the bar area right in front of you. The finished products are hearty and delicious. Also, try the Shrimp Scampi and The Rib Eye Cheese Steak, a steak sandwich with peppers, onions, and cheese on a long Italian bun.
Adega Grill
130 Ferry St
The restaurant’s rustic, traditional decor and seasonal menu, which features organic, locally sourced products, are reminiscent of the Old World. However, compared to the other restaurants near Newark Airport, this one is far more posh, intimate, and appealing to couples. The decor has yellow tones, stone fireplaces, and wrought iron wine cellar gates. Candles and plush couches are tucked into nooks throughout.
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The back eating space is larger and more aesthetically pleasing than the front, which is a long, narrow dining area. So if you’re looking for a peaceful, romantic dinner, you might want to try the restaurant’s bigger, quieter dining room in the back.
Swahili Village
2 Center St
Swahili Village is a Kenyan eatery near the theater district on Center Street. Chef, entrepreneur, and businessman Kevin Onyona is the owner and chief executive officer. Swahili Village is a lively eatery serving a variety of African dishes and a wide range of wines from around the world. The restaurant’s interior is also unique.
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It features carefully curated staple art pieces, large wall decals of safari animals, and some lighting. This creates an intimate atmosphere perfect for lingering over dinner with someone special or a bottle of wine. Swahili Village offers both private rooms for celebrations and more intimate booths. There’s also a full bar and seating for 80+. Everyone is welcome here.
Nasto’s Ice Cream
236 Jefferson St
We’ll end our list of best restaurants near Newark Airport with some dessert. Nasto’s Ice Cream has been a Newark institution for almost eight decades! They’ve been serving authentic handcrafted Italian treats since they opened their doors.
Nasto’s desserts include Tartufo Gelato, Reginetta, the espresso Tiramisu, and Fresh Fruit Sorbet. The famous traditional Cannoli, Spumoni, and Bisque Tortoni are big draws for families. This family-owned business, New Jersey’s largest ice cream factory, turns out more than 3,000 gallons each week. About seven hundred and fifty New Jersey restaurants make up most of the wholesale clientele.
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