Roots Natural Kitchen — Restaurant in Newark

Roots is one of the best places for a quick lunch or dinner; kids eat free, you get plenty of food for your money, and the variety is excellent.

I most cases you're going to get a salad, or a rice bowl. Ordering is "Chipotle" style in that you pick your base, you pick your toppings, protein, sauces, etc, and someone prepares it for you. I typically go for the curated seasonal bowls rather than building my own and it has never let me down. There's nothing wrong with building your own, but of course then you have no one to blame but yourself if you don't like it. Unlike other chains, not every topping is perfectly compatible with every other topping meaning you can get some very creative flavors but there is a certain amount of thought you should put into it.

For 15 dollars or so, the quantity of food you get is more than fair. I would say they make up for refinement with value. It's good food, don't get me wrong, but I go there because I always walk away with at least two full portions. I've never been left hungry.

If you ask and direct the staff, they are happy to accommodate allergies. We have had no issues with allergies, but our specific allergies are not as serious or life-threatening as some. In my opinion, making sure to ask staff to change gloves and utensils would be sufficient for minor allergies.

The downside to this place is that it's loud. It has a very young and vibrant crowd being in a college town, but the music, the conversation, and the open style grill make for a borderline disorienting indoor dining experience. Go in good weather for an excellent and relatively quiet outdoor experience.

Best results are usually achieved parking around the corner behind Starbucks and across from Little Goat Coffee Roasters (and grab a locally roasted coffee there on your way). The Passport parking app charges...

Roots Natural Kitchen is a refreshing and health-focused option that doesn't sacrifice flavor for nutrition. The atmosphere is bright and clean, with minimalist decor and a focus on quick service. Their menu is centered around customizable grain bowls, featuring wholesome ingredients like quinoa, brown rice, roasted sweet potatoes, red cabbage slaw, chicken, tofu, and a variety of sauces. I ordered the Southern bowl and added roasted chicken and extra avocado. The textures were incredible—warm grains contrasted with crisp slaw and crunchy chickpeas, all brought together by a zesty cilantro-lime dressing. It was both filling and energizing. What sets Roots apart is the transparency of ingredients and the ability to build your own bowl without feeling overwhelmed. Everything feels fresh, seasonal, and thoughtfully sourced. They also offer vegan and gluten-free options, making it inclusive for various dietary needs. Service is fast, and staff are helpful when you have questions or want to substitute ingredients. Though the space is more functional than cozy, it suits the grab-and-go crowd, especially students from the nearby university. Prices are reasonable considering the portion sizes and quality. Overall, Roots is a go-to for anyone who wants a healthy, customizable, and satisfying meal on a busy day without falling into the...

I had a very disappointing experience with Roots Natural Kitchen regarding a recent order. I placed an order on Saturday (August 31) through their website, and everything seemed fine until my dasher canceled at the last minute due to "car problems." I received a text saying I should call Roots about the order, but when I did, they told me it wasn't their issue since they partner with DoorDash for delivery and directed me to call DoorDash instead.

When I called DoorDash, they said they couldn't issue a refund because they don't have access to my payment information and told me to call Roots again. After calling Roots back, I was put on hold for an extended period and then asked for the last four digits of my payment information twice. To make matters worse, the representative I spoke with was rude and dismissive.

Despite all this back-and-forth, I still haven't received a refund for my order. The lack of coordination between Roots and DoorDash and the poor customer service have left me extremely frustrated. I hope Roots can improve their customer service and better manage their delivery partnerships, as this experience has really put me off from ordering from them...