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FOOD AROUND THE WARDS
bySonjaMack andTheEditors
Nowhere is Newark’s cultural diversity more evident than in its food. The 300+ restaurants in the city— be they delis, take-out spots, or sit-down establishments—reflect the ethnic mix of its more than 280,000 residents.
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When Newark was being established and throughout its growth, different sections of the city were characterized by the ethnic group that settled there. According to riseupnewark.com, from the late 1800s to the early 1900s, the Jewish population began to grow in the Central Ward, while Portuguese and Spanish immigrants began to arrive in the Ironbound section. The West Ward was primarily occupied by Polish, Italian, Irish, and German immigrants, and later transitioned into an area comprised of Caribbean Americans. As such, the eateries in the Ironbound/East Ward were mainly Portuguese and Spanish, while Jewish delis proliferated throughout the Central and South Wards. Italian restaurants sprang up in the North Ward and Caribbean establishments became popular in the West Ward.
But in recent years, Newark has undergone massive economic, social and residential development, and the ethnic and cultural lines throughout the wards are becoming a bit more blurred. This, too, has been reflected in the city’s eating establishments.
While certain parts of Newark have become traditionally associated with certain foods, non-traditional eateries and establishments have moved into many neighborhoods, only enhances the city’s culinary diversity.
Here are our Traditional and Non-traditional picks:
Traditional Pick East Ward
Fornos of Spain
47 Ferry Street
(973) 589-4767 | fornosrestaurant.com
An award-winning restaurant specializing in Spanish cuisine and seafood, Fornos is always packed whether you are looking for lunch or dinner. If you’ve got a taste for some authentic paella or mariscada, you won’t be disappointed here.
NON - TRADITIONAL PICK
Krug’s Tavern
118 Wilson Ave
(973) 465-9795 | facebook.com/Krugs-Tavern-107305454744/
Newarkers rave about the burgers at Krug’s Tavern—and they’re not the only ones. In 2015, Krug’s Tavern won “New Jersey’s Best Burger” contest over nine other contenders, and their reputation is holding strong. Krug’s has an extensive list of heavy appetizers and a selection of oversized hot and cold sandwiches that, of course, pair deliciously with your favorite brew.
TRADITIONAL PICK EDITORS’ CHOICE
People’s Choice Lounge
105 Hartford St
(973) 622-9441
