El Merenguito Restaurant

Sad day in the Montclair culinary world. Paris's Cocina…read moreDominicans has closed their doors. Stopped by and like many other days I couldn't tell if they were open. Most the time he would be up the street or closed but this time it was completely empty. All the kitchen stuff is already moved out. Luckily we had a big catered event by him a few months ago so I got my fix but this is going to hurt. I will remember my many delicious meals I had here.

This lunch restaurant is absolutely delicious, truly one of the hidden gems of Montclair. Johan,…read morethe owner, is also such a doll. I went there once with my father, who due to his Parkinson's had trouble swallowing certain kinds of food, and Johan made sure he chose exactly the right food for him. The amount of love he puts into his food shines through.

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Mi Tierra Restaurant

4.2(131 reviews)

0.5 mi

We ordered take out through uber eats. The food was delicious and very well priced. I'll definitely…read moreorder again

The food was pretty good and the staff was pretty friendly, but the portion was not fulfilling for…read morea charge of $21. I ate the food, but still felt hungry since the portion was too small.

Pollo Guisado

Mofongo

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Pernil

Sabor De Mi Pais

4.2(33 reviews)

3.1 mi

As a fellow Dominican I am very judgmental when it comes to Dominican restaurants and the way their…read morefood is cooked, but have to say the food here was pretty good. I had the stew goat, white rice and red beans with a papaya milkshake and 4 leche cake. The food was really welled seasoned and cooked perfectly. Even the rice was good, which is usually too soft, or grainy at other restaurants. The milkshake was really good. Would go back just for that honestly. The cake was okay, nothing to repurchase though. Staff was super nice. They do offer some tables to eat in, but I took my food to go.

Pros 1. Chicken Stew (Pollo Guisado) is very Flavorful…read more2. Mangu was made Well and Not Dry! 3. White Rice was Cooked Well and it was Good Quality not Closed Grains like Corporate/Portuguese/Brazilian/Asian CLOSED Grain Rice. 4. Oxtails was Flavorful. 5. Staff is Friendly. 6. Black Bean Rice was cooked well. 7. Goat Stew was Delicious. So far best in NJ

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Libélula Bakery and Kitchen

4.7(112 reviews)

3.8 mi

Another great spot for breakfast/Brunch!…read more Great location too at Montclair with street parking and walking distance to Crescent Deck Garage. Place is welcoming and had nice natural lighting. We got their Huevos Rancheros, roasted chicken, tuna chaufa and lomo saltado. everything was great - good portions and beautiful flavors! Especially loved their Earl Grey latte too. the flavors of tea and espresso were very well balanced I would love to get that drink again. Also got their smores cookie for a nice sweet ending. We ended up chatting away even after we dined. Staff was very polite reminding us they needed the spot and was also kind enough to give us a some time even before the reminder. Would definitely recommend this place!

One of my favorite places in Montclair! Walk through the doors and feel the bright and warm, open…read moreand inviting vibes and space! Came alone this time, but had breakfast items with my folks a few months ago. They loved it also. Pass by the case of gorgeous pastries, croissants and coffee bar, and order takeout, or treat yourself and sit and savor a meal or treat in peace! Ordered the ceviche with crisp tostones was so colorful and beautifully plated, it was a work of art As beautiful as the art on the walls. My cafe latte on this cold, cold day was perfectly hot and balanced. The staff are attentive and helpful in helping you select menu choices. Highly recommended!

Inside

Tres leches pancakes IG: @thephotographerfoodie

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Coquito (coffee special with espresso, coconut cream, condensed milk, and spices)

El Pilon Dominicano

4.2(5 reviews)

2.4 mi

Food was ok. The services were good and friendly. Not the greatest decorated restaurant. More of a…read moreluncheonette.

This food is delicious and true to Dominican food! It is incredibly hard to find authentic DR/PR…read morefood in Newark area. Customers service is cool, you are greeted properly. They're usually very busy near weekends. I had the pork mofongo, the chicharron with rice and beans. Everything is flavorful and seasoned well. The portions are well rounded and filling. Price point is great. I'll definitely be back to try Empanadas, chicken etc. It's nice to finally get some real Dominican food around here! I ate it so fast I didn't take a flick, maybe next time.

Cheese empanadas

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Don Alex Restaurant

4.4(10 reviews)

3.6 mi

I stopped into this restaurant for lunch. When I arrived I parked on the street. When I walked in,…read moreit was a cozy, small restaurant! I ordered with a nice man Jose. I ordered: Mixed Ceviche Jarra De Chicha Motada 1/4 Roasted Chicken with Salad and Fries Fried Rice with Shrimp Peruvian Style Tallarin Saltado with Beef Tres Leches and Rice Pudding My favorite dishes were the tallarin saltado and the Tres Leches! It was a really good experience all in all!

Gotta start by saying that I'm a born and raised Peruvian from Lima and WOW this is the best pollo…read morea la brasa I've had in the States by farrrr!!! The chicken is so juicy and the fries are crispy, but the ají verde just completes it. The service is great too, so friendly and when they picked up the phone in spanish I knew I was gonna have a good experience haha! The place itself is nice, small but pretty good. They have great combos ($24 for 1 chicken, fries, and salad) that are affordable and awesome for the value you get.

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El Patio

4.5(2 reviews)

8.5 mi

Hole in a wall alert!!! What a great find. We were in search for some sancocho and found a great…read moreDominican version of the famous soup. Great flavor... filling... fresh! Yum! The people working there are super nice (but be prepared to speak Spanish or be patient). Totally worth the visit, just don't expect a five star dining experience. You'll get a huge bang for your buck. Enjoy/disfruten!

So my wife and I stopped by Ridgefield Park to see a house decked in Halloween decorations at 335…read moreMain Street, it was fun. After taking pictures we google places to eat nearby, and this is how we found this Dominican restaurant. As soon as we stepped in we got a whiff of tasty Dominican cuisine. We were greeted by Beatriz, a charming & friendly young lady. It so happens that the chef and owner are two gentlemen that we knew from another Dominican restaurant in Teaneck years ago. The owner Dario & chef Ismael. We recognized each other, what a small world. We ordered Chicken soup, Sancocho (a hearty Dominican soup) & Fried Chicken Crackling with Red bean Moro (mixed red beans and rice) to go. The Chicken is crispy but yet tender inside, full of flavor, the Moro is soft and tasty. We placed both soups in the fridge to eat tomorrow. Ismael did a superb job cooking and the owner Dario is very amiable! They do deliveries.

Empanada de carne

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Grilled Chicken and Arroz moro

Kriollo Restaurante

5.0(1 review)

5.8 mi

I happened to pass by this cute little, non pretentious, super clean, friendly, restaurant while I…read morewas walking by. I decided to stop by for breakfast. Got the mashed malanga with baccalau. I wish I would have taken a picture to post here but I ate it, enjoying and savoring every bite. The food was so fresh and clean, not greasy, not overly seasoned but just perfect. You could tell it was cooked with love. The cafe con leche was also on point. I would give this 100 stars. I'm coming back here with my family and friends. Highly recommend! Honestly made my morning. Update - week later I just had to come back for the food. This time I took a photo before I devoured it.

From the owner: Tadicional comida Dominicana 100% Sazon Criollo, come como…read moresi estuvieras en RD, recetas autenticas criollas.

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Yautia con chuleta

Caribbean Station

3.9(7 reviews)

1.5 mi

Amazing food and amazing service The lady Escarlin at the…read morecounter was soooooo welcoming My Spanish sucks and she was helping me They were out of morir sonando but I know it will be amazing because the food here is bomb Drove all the way over here (over an hour) and it's worth it !! Doing it again and again !!

Amazing food and service! The roasted chicken, white rice, red beans, and plantains were all so…read moredelicious! Out of this world! Loved the interior as well of this place! Highly recommend this place to others!

Roasted chicken Pigeon peas rice Sweet plantains

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5 reviews that are not currently recommended

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Kevin S.

0

6

0

8 years ago

Always come here on weekends to have late lunch. Food always fresh and have the spanish flavor. Service its good and quick. They have food outside ready to go but also have other items to other per order. Great food at decent price. Not so many spanish restaurant on the area. read more

Eduardo V.

2

5

0

8 years ago

The Spanish food that they serve its delicious. Great variety of food and friendly staff.. parking on the side its a plus. And open 7 days a week. read more

Alex A.

0

1

0

7 years ago

Saw 2 roaches near the food...will never go again....first and last.

Mi2ZeProductions O.

0

1

0

8 years ago

The staff here are uptight! The food is not the greatest either.

Jaren G.

0

1

0

3 years ago

great

El Merenguito Restaurant - dominican - Updated October 2026

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Empanadas were good. Omelet was ok too. I think for someone like me who has to be careful with…read morepork, it was tough finding something without. Thank goodness they do substitutions. Overall nice people both customers and workers. Very latin and I wish I was fluent in spanish. Come here if you're in the area especially since they have long hours too. Morning, day and night come get some food.

This place is quick fix if you're not in the mood to cook . The food is cooked and set out for the…read moreday . The total order was 2 lentil soups , 2 empanadas, 2 pasteles and 2 juice drinks which cost $48 . I think it's way overpriced . The meat was very dry in my dishes and lacked Sabor ( flavor ) Different latino cultures share similar dishes with different flavors or lack there of . I ate in , there is seating outside during warm weather .

Havana Sandwich Cafe

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I was specifically in the mood for Chicharrones and decided to try a restaurant I've driven by…read morecountless times, Havana Cafe. I ordered the Chicharrones (of course) and the Pollo Guisado with white rice, black beans and it came along with the sweet plantains as well. All of the food was really good and the Chicharrones ... literally the BEST I've had despite them being served in larger chunks which I at first was skeptical about lol but would literally come back just for them. The portion was also enough for two people to share so I'll be having the leftovers for lunch. I'm glad I decided to finally try them.

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Mi Tierra Restaurant

4.2

(131 reviews)

We ordered take out through uber eats. The food was delicious and very well priced. I'll definitely…read moreorder again

The food was pretty good and the staff was pretty friendly, but the portion was not fulfilling for…read morea charge of $21. I ate the food, but still felt hungry since the portion was too small.

Mr Exquisito Restaurant

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Mr. Exquisito was just that -- exquisite…read more I started with the guacamole and calamari. The guac was heavenly, especially with the perfectly baked plantain chips...literally mouthwatering. The calamari was decent, but next time I'd ask for it extra crispy. The sauce on the side was delicious: sweet, savory, and had a little kick without being spicy. & now the ribeye? Absolutely marvelous. The Latin fried rice was chef's kiss, with veggies, shrimp, and a fried egg on top! so good. The tostones and maduros were cooked to perfection. The steak honestly didn't even need the chimichurri sauce, but I did dunk a tostone in it, and that sauce was full of flavor too. My waiter, William, was amazing from start to finish welcoming, attentive, polite, knowledgeable, & prompt. I finished with a cafecito for dessert, and it was flavorful and delicious. Next time I may add a little whipped cream. Thank you for a great visit. I'll definitely be back.

My husband and I came to Mr. Esquisito for a Friday night date around 7:00 p.m. We didn't need a…read morereservation, which was nice. The restaurant is small, seating only about 25-30 people, creating an intimate atmosphere. However, the lighting is so dim that I had to take a second look just to read the menu. I'll start with the positive: our waiter was wonderful--friendly, attentive, and genuinely kind. My only criticism was that he couldn't really recommend a standout dish when we asked what the restaurant was known for. For appetizers, I ordered the octopus. Unfortunately, it was inconsistent. Half was perfectly tender, while the other half was so tough it was difficult to chew. It was served over an ajillo sauce that was good, but not enough to save the dish. My husband ordered empanadas. The steak filling was much better than the chicken. He asked if he could order one steak, one shrimp, and one chicken, but was told they don't allow mixing flavors. For my entrée, I ordered the ribeye with white rice and beans and added a lobster tail with butter sauce. The ribeye itself was cooked well, but the sides were disappointing. The beans had a strange flavor, and the rice was mushy and completely lacked seasoning. The lobster tail was fine, but nothing special. The ribeye was $58, and adding the lobster tail brought the plate to $72. At that price point, I expected an exceptional meal, not one where the sides were the weakest part of the plate. My husband ordered the skirt steak with peppers, French fries, and maduros. His steak was good, but we both agreed the side options felt like an odd combination. The menu could definitely use some more thoughtful pairings. We boxed up our leftovers, but unfortunately the food didn't even reheat well the next day. Our bill came to $233 for two people. On top of that, gratuity was automatically added, and there was a $10 fee for paying with a debit card. That was an unpleasant surprise and made an already expensive meal feel even more overpriced. For over $200, I expect to leave saying, "I can't wait to come back." Instead, I left feeling like I had paid Manhattan prices for a very average meal. Unfortunately, this wasn't the experience we were hoping for, and I don't think we'll be back. FYI: everything says M/P on it for Market Price. Which means they can charge you what they see fit which gives me an inconsistent vibe.

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The food was excellent, beautifully plated and full of flavor. No complaints there…read more What I do have an issue with is the automatic gratuity being added without verbally mentioning it. An $11.50 tip was already included on my $93 bill, yet the itemized receipt showing that charge was wrapped around my credit card, while the signature copy with only the total was placed on top. That presentation feels intentional and misleading. Most people would sign without double-checking the tucked receipt and could easily tip twice. If gratuity is being added, even for a party of one, say it clearly. Transparency matters. Great food doesn't excuse shady billing practices.

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