La Cocina — Restaurant in Newark

thoroughly enjoyed this late lunch at La Cocina. Newark has so many hidden culinary gems that I often feel like I am on a treasure hunt for an exotic eating locale. The surrounding Rutgers Campus is rivalling Ferry Street as "la capital de comida Latina" en Newark. The lunch specials range from $8.95 to $11.95. Everything from grilled chicken, strip steak, baked salmon, to roasted pork was on the serving line (see the menu in my pics). The server was helpful in explaining the different dishes. I had the spicy beef over white rice and plantains. I added broccoli. I think they kind of skimped on the extra side considering I was charged an additional $1.50 for two small spears of brocolli. The plantains (tostones) were crazy good and sweet like a dessert. I'm envisioning them warm under a scoop of melting vanilla bean ice cream. The beef was cooked nice and was spicy enough and quite tender. The dining area was lively and the workers kept the tables clean. There is a front and a hidden back eating area. Colorful Latin themed artwork adorns the walls. The bathroom was incredibly clean and everything in there was in working order. This place is off the beaten path so you really need to be paying attention when walking or driving. From Broad Street walking towards Market, you make a right onto New Street at the Whole Foods. Go two more blocks and look for the inconspicuous red awning on the right. It's very subtle. This will most definitely be a regular stop on my...

A friend of mine suggested this place and boy was she right. The service is impeccable and the ban Chan plates were plenty. Prices of their BBQ were similar to the neighborhood so no surprise there. Not cheap but you're paying for quality meats and excellent service.

The thick sliced pork belly was cooked to perfection. Just the right amount of fat and a pretty char. I was very pleased with the taste.

The Galbi was also a stand out. These beef ribs were juicy, cooked medium (next time I'll ask for more rare) and flavorful. You can taste the beef and the tenderness of it made it easy to chew and keep on chowing down.

I also ordered the bulgolgi but mainly for the kids. It was not as good as the Galbi flavor wise but still better than other places I've tried.

Appetizers we ordered as well were the seafood pancake and fried dumplings. Both were fresh and nicely crisp without the char flavor and you didn't even need the dumpling soy sauce. It was available nonetheless.

This place was clean and had a very neat decor. Two grills cooking at once kept us entertained and busy eating. They don't skimp on food or service. I would totally come back again.

Tip: doesn't hurt that they were featured on The Food Network and that it's Michelin rated. Also doesn't hurt it was named top 50 restaurants to try. Ranked 33.

Must try. BTW only street parking available or use the valet...

A company that is not caring of college students but doesn't mind taking money from college students. After ordering lunch at this location in Newark New Jersey I ordered a plate and Walked outside the door immediately after and dropped my plate after being swarmed by bees after I told the manager minutes later that I had dropped it and asked if I could have another plate he insisted that there was no way of him knowing that I actually dropped my plate and that I did not try to just drop my food on purpose to get another plate. Therefore, they did not give me a second plate of food but told me I would have to purchase another plate of food if I wanted to eat as if their lunch prices were already not affordable. Disappointed. Wanted to do business with them based on location but now I will not be going back ever and I am recommending the same to others. Not good service. Not kind workers.I own 2 business with my uncle. I know what customer service is if ANY one wanted to replace their food we would kindly give it to them so as a person in 2 large businesses I say no excuse. Thank you. For your comment. But I will not be returning and I will oblige others to...