Adega Grill — Restaurant in Newark

We had our 40th Reunion for high school i.e. Saint Benedict's Preparatory School in Newark, New Jersey. Adega Grill was selected by the alumni advisory and event planning board. Adega Grill is a good local and non-chain restaurant located in the extremely busy Iron Bound section of Newark. Adega Grill is an upscale, casual and cozy authentic Portuguese and Spanish Restaurant with great food and drinks. They have a menu that boast fresh meats and seafood dishes with something for everyone. You can have a delicious and fresh meal coupled with warm, friendly, and very attentive customer service. The establishment is a really popular place with the locals and it is definitely a "Refreshing Change from the Chains!" It can get very busy in there so arrive early and you won't be disappointed.

Upon entering, I was immediately greeted by two hosts whom directed me upstairs where the private affair was occurring. Both of the event hosts were very friendly, pleasant, professional, and had a genuine smile. It was a Friday around 06:00 PM and I was immediately offered White or Red Sangria which was included with our dinner buffet. There was an open cash bar were you could order whatever you desired. The tables and seating was comfortable and very organized. The facility has a fireplace, unique restroom accommodations, and a unique rooftop setting.

All of the team members at Adega Grill smiled and were very welcoming. Everything was absolutely delicious, kept hot, and the various buffet items were prepared and cooked to perfection. All of the meat and others items were very tasty and not salty as many Portuguese operated business products can be. For dessert, we had our choice of flan or cheesecake and I selected cheesecake with coffee. All of the servers very attentive, friendly, efficient, and happy to help! In short, the great food and awesome customer service made for an awesome group dinning experience! I will definitely be returning to bring my wife for dinner when we are in the Newark, New Jersey area to try some of their other appetizers, entrees, specials,...

Adega is a great steakhouse in the Ironbound district. I normally would eat at Fornos, but I was pleasantly surprised when someone took me here. The space is great and from the street looks very sleek. Inside it is nice though there is a lot of grape imagery and decor... a lot.

The menu is rather large and clearly Portuguese influenced. We had the garlic shrimp appetizer, which was simply amazing, and an empanada special appetizer which was just okay. The emp was good, but I wouldn't get it again.

Other people got steaks and paella. Portions are huge making the place a great value, and everyone enjoyed their food. The main menu items with Portuguese influence were the biggest hits.

I got the prime rib special. I should have expected this, but it was not what an American would describe as prime rib e.g. slow roasted carved with a large medium rare section.

This was a 1" thick ribeye grilled to medium rare. I was mostly disappointed with this change in expectation and wished they had warned me. Despite that change, it was tasty. Especially the grilled sausages on top (also an appetizer). Nothing spectacular about the steak, but still better than Outback.

The mashed potatoes were truly the villain of this story. The were not identifiable as potatoes since they were shaped like a small cylinder with skin on which was a surprise at this level of restaurant. The potatoes were also ice cold making them gummy, and they were completely under-seasoned. It was like someone simply forgot the salt... and heat... and to make them look delicious. It was awful.

I had to skip dessert to grab a train, but tables around us were enjoying theirs. I should also mention the wine list was extensive with lots of great options so I would plan on getting a nice rioja.

Overall, I plan to go again and focus on some of the regular menu Portuguese dishes since they...

I have been going to Adega grill for years and I always ordered the same thing.. now the prices have changed... which I understand due to covid ...whatever...things may happen. But today I walked into this place I sat down and had the arugula salad that is an appetizer that in itself costs about $18... I added tuna ... This is always been an option to add a preference of meat to your salad..of which I have always ordered.... When I got my check I was unfortunately surprised with a charge for the tuna of $38...just the tuna ...alone .. When I spoke to the staff ,(who were incredibly understanding) they told me that the chef had made the decision on that price... Where on Earth would you charge somebody $38.95 for a piece of tuna steak sliced on an arugula salad.

so basically my tuna steak salad cost me $53.95... Of which intially was a small salad . The waiter was kind enough to bring me an extra aruglas salad. You cannot be serious!! When speaking with the waiter and bartender . .they were kind...they to let me know that I could speak to the mgr another day, but what will that help to be honest... I have already been charged . this should not have even happened initially... there's no way on this planet that someone should be charged this amount of money for a salad with tuna steak added when that was never the cost of this salad in the past I was aware there would be an extra cost, but I got charged for a full tuna steak meal. That is ridiculous The chef who made that decision needs to understand pricing !! I worked in the hospitality for years. This price increase is ridiculous I have always recommended this restaurant, the service , the food portions ..worth every penny Yet as you see in the recent reviews...things have gone downhill while prices have increased.. Never again...