Don Pepe Restaurant — Restaurant in Newark

This is a Spanish restaurant that’s a bit on the pricey side, so be forewarned. It’s one of those nice linen tablecloth and napkin places and is very classy.

According to the menu, it appears that everything comes a la carte, but we were served a bowl of rice, two bowls of brussel sprouts and carrots, and a couple of plates of homemade sliced potato chips for no extra charge. There were nine of us, and the sides were plenty to share.

I had the Norwegian salmon for $26.50. It included a small boiled potato on the side, but as I mentioned, somehow, we got a couple of additional sides to share.

The slab of salmon I was served was HUGE! I could barely eat all of it. Three others at our table ordered it also, and the serving size was the same for them. It was cooked perfectly (not dried out at all), and had a wonderful flavor to it.

The server wasn’t the friendliest person in the world, but he did ok. No orders were screwed up, and there were two runners keeping an eye on our table and even bringing more drinks as we ordered them.

The paella was also ordered by one person - it was enough for two or three people to fill up on.

The other dish I remember from that night was the American Red Snapper pastelera style ($29.95). It sounded good, and I almost ordered it, but the server warned us it was served “whole fish” style. Translated roughly, this means, it still has the head, tail, etc. I just can’t eat fish that way. However, the person in our party who ordered it was very pleased with it.

After dinner, Pepe (the owner) stopped by to chit chat with our eclectic group of nine. He even posed for a group photo with us. Shortly thereafter, the waiter stopped by to tell us that Pepe wanted to buy us a round of drinks. What??? Where else does this happen? Viva la Pepe!!!

In summary, I would definitely stop by for a good Spanish style meal - be it...

Service was HORRIBLE. I went with my husband and granddaughter today. We were seated and immediately our waiter gave us the specials very quickly and we didn't understand, since he was speaking so quickly, and right away asked "what are you going to order?" We were confused as we didn't understand what he said and we didn't even open our menus yet. When we did order, we were told the paella was not a dish to be shared but only served individually. My husband and I each ordered a paella and my granddaughter chicken fingers with a pitcher of soda for the table. The food time was so long. The paella was enormous. We did not finish the first pot and never touched the second. It was a complete waste of food. The soda was majority ice.

Babies crying hysterically and our waiter constantly asking if we "wanted our check yet?" It was uncomfortable, especially since we weren't even there an hour and the majority of the wait time was for our food to be prepared.

Once the check arrived, the soda was $25, which was majority ice and there was an $18.99 additional charge. When we asked our waiter what the $18.99 charge was he was rude and advised us it was his tip. We were shocked seeing as how his service was terrible and he imposed his $18.99 tip on our bill without any indication that it was for his tip.

I wonder how many people overlooked the additional charge and included a tip on top of their total.

We will never come here again and never recommend anyone come...

I am really disappointed ☹️ The last time I was at that restaurant I had such a wonderful time with friends. This time my husband and I came for lunch his first time the waiter was not friendly or welcoming took our order And food came out I had the salmon and my husband had the veal it had no flavor and the veggies were just boiled. also gave bread and a big bottle of oil what the hell is that so unprofessional service not even mixed 🤦‍♀️ Nothing had flavor very bland coffee was so small and had no quality! The waiter never came back to ask if we needed anything or even how the meal was just bad service. After that had the check come my husband had put his wallet on top of the check the waiter came over move the wallet and took the check and proceeded to raise his voice for more tip saying it’s. State law to give more and that not true my husband gave more not to make a seen , what disrespectful act! But was such a bad experience will never revisit, it look like the waiter dose not like color people if I could give 0star i would I did not make a big deal but I own 2 business and would never treat anyone like that or let my employees treat customers in that manner will never revisit . Go to mole’s by the water or haven or Trova any other place we’re they like your money an give high class service.

Run Run Run from this place never get...