Taverna Newark — Restaurant in Newark

Our party of four visited the Main Street location on Friday, June 5th just as restricted dine-in service was reinstated in Delaware. Because of this, I’ll skip my opinion on the ambiance due to the plastic sheeting, masks, and lack of paper menus (SUPER inconvenient) – though I suspect under regular circumstances it’s quite beautiful.

We ordered cocktails, wine, and beer to enjoy while we decided on appetizers. Ultimately we went with the Veal Meatballs and the Pan Fried Peppers with Rustic Bread. It’s clear why the meatballs are their claim-to-fame! I cannot say the same for the peppers. When one reads “pan fried” there is some expectation that that’s how they would be served. Not the case here. Technically the peppers were sautéed, and were served cold – as in refrigerated cold. The bread accompaniment was fairly flavorless with the notable exception of the burned bits. I supposed that the “rustic” part.

For mains there was one Chicken Parmigiana, and three orders of the Rigatoni and Sausage at our table. I had the latter, and it was delicious. I would not say that there’s anything particularly special about it, but they have a limited menu so I would definitely order it again.

The most impressive part of our experience was our server, Tyler. He was sensational throughout the entire evening. I ask a lot of questions and have the occasional special request, and he took it all in stride and with a huge smile behind his mask! His timing was impeccable, and though he had several other tables, he stopped by often to check on us, and patiently got dragged into our conversations. It was incredibly clear that he was delighted we were there. We felt welcomed and cared for at every turn. He’s the...

Debated between 4 and 5 stars but decided on 5 due to service and overall experience. We came to look at the University of Delaware and Taverna had great reviews so we booked a dinner there. Reservations are HIGHLY recommended because this place gets very busy and appears to be a popular spot on Main St. The atmosphere is great, kind of industrial barn with some modern touches. Our server, Sean, was very attentive and never forgot about us. He checked in and knew the menu very well. Between three of us we had a pepperoni pizza, the gnocchi genovese and the cacio e pepi. Our daughter said the pizza was good, just a bit greasier than she expected. The caci e pepe had great flavor but was a smaller portion then expected. My husband had some of her pizza as he finished the pasta and was still hungry. The gnocchi had a yummy sauce but was overcooked and sadly, mushy. We also had the ricotta and balsamic appetizer, which was delicious and the warm bread brought to our table was fantastic. We would absolutely return and try some different items. I would say you could try any of the things we got and be happy as I'm thinking the gnocchi was a fluke that it just wasn't cooked right that night. Maybe get a salad or another side if you get a pasta dish. The salmon looked really good so maybe I'd try that next time. Also happy to say that the bathrooms were VERY clean. It's worth a stop if you are...

Taverna Newark is a Mediterranean gem tucked into downtown Newark, offering rustic-chic ambiance and beautifully plated modern Greek fare. The exposed brick walls and warm lighting set the tone for a comfortable yet sophisticated meal. The service is impeccable—attentive without rushing you, willing to describe dishes thoughtfully and suggest pairings. I started with spanakopita: crisp, golden phyllo enveloping spinach, feta, herbs, flaky and flavorful. Next, the grilled branzino arrived: tender, flaky fish drizzled with lemon-infused olive oil and herbs, served with seasonal vegetables. The fish was cooked to perfection—moist and delicately flavored. A highlight was the baby lamb chops: expertly grilled, juicy and rich, with tender meat resting atop a light and bright tzatziki sauce. The Greek wine list is extensive and authentic—perfect with seafood or lamb. For dessert, loukoumades—honey- and cinnamon-soaked mini doughnuts—arrived warm and addictive. Each bite was a blend of crisp exterior and pillowy interior drenched in golden sweetness. Whether you’re after authentic Greek flavors or refined Mediterranean fusion, Taverna delivers. It’s immersive dining that transports you while keeping you connected to Newark’s community and...