Elza's Restaurant Café & Grill — Restaurant in East Orange

My wife and I went to Elza's most recently and were so surprised as to how we were treated that we did not bother placing an order.

While reviewing the menu, my wife had a question as to what came with one of the entrees we were considering.

The person/ attendant at the restaurant started explaining the dish then stopped and said " You wouldn't understand it, your not Haitian." We were not sure what role ones place of origin played in explaining a dish we were considering, especially if we were the ones paying for it.

My wife is African American and I am Haitian so whatever was not understood by my wife, I would have further explained or if we both didn't get it then we would have asked of the attendant of the restaurant to explain.

Considering what the world is going through with the COVID-19 pandemic, the last thing we would want is to experience a place that made us feel unwelcomed.

Both my wife and I felt like we shouldn't be there based on the attendant's response and demeanor, so we left.

My advisement is, even if you are Haitian, make sure to not go to this restaurant unless you have full comprehension of Haitian cuisine so you can just go into ELZA's, make an order and not question what it is or how...

Some days costumer service is better than other!!! If you get one of the men on the phone you’re good, if you get of if the ladies it all depends on the type of day they’re having! I’ve to go off on them a few time due to the attitude!!! The food is fine compared to the other haitian restaurants in the county of Essex and yes I’ve tried them all! One of the things that annoys me is the fact that they have a full menu online, but only offers 5 dishes which means you must call and ask what do they have on that day while placing before placing the orders. As some others have mentioned you must call in advance, but in my experience they are good with having the orders ready by the time you get there. Some feedback for the owner, hire a great cook, and pay them what they are worth cause the service and the city the restaurant is in aren’t the best, but if the food is always great many of us will continue to take the drive from the other side of the state for...

I've tried this place out a few times before deciding to write a review. Whether you order online with pre-payment or over the phone, they don't start making the food until you get there to pick it up. Mind you, they will tell you come in 20min just so you can sit there and wait despite having paid for your food at the time of order. The owner called me 15min after placing a phone order yelling at me ranting about how this is why he does not accomodate people 15min after I placed an order (the 1 and only time) my food was prepared in advance. As he was yelling on the phone my husband walked in to pick up the food and I didnt even get an apology. Lastly, several times they've given me the wrong order, did not include items I've ordered in the bag, and all together did not have items listed on the menu. I told a few people at work about this place when I first discovered it and was even playing on taking a few coworkers there but I think I'm...