I don't know people give this place a bad review. I have been coming here since 1986 and I have not found a place to compare to it yet! The stuffed lobster, shrimp in green sauce, paella and sangria here are beyond compare. The service is always excellent and have never since I was a child (and I'm about to be 35) had a bad experience here. It is a must visit! Hell, I may have my wedding reception here! read more

They wont seat you until your entire party is present. We made reservations and still had to wait until everyone got to the restaurant. They sat us downstairs on a Sunday night and they had an event going on (i.e. a wedding, a birthday). The music was pumping next door but eventually we tuned it out. It would've been nice if they told us that before making the reservation! We are a young bunch but if I came here for a date, I would've been annoyed. We ordered the shrimp in garlic sauce entree and the paella marinera. My husband and I agreed that we liked the shrimp better. (Segovia's is tough competition when it comes to paella). The paella here was good but comes in second place. Also, lesson learned, we ordered way too much food!! We could've just shared the paella and paid the $5 plate sharing fee! Why hasnt any reviewer wrote that yet!? Or why didnt the waiter tell us we OD'd!? We also got to try the chorizo tapa from a friend and that was phenomenal. Overall, a good restaurant in Newark, close to the Prudential Center. I just wish it was better managed. read more

Beware of rude and sarcastic busboy/desert person. His nasty attitude almost ruined our Mother's Day brunch. Chaos reigned supreme at this establishment, although I do realize that Mothers Day is a tough day jn the restaraunt industry. We had a party of 8,and they jammed us into a closet if a space right off a main thorofare. A waiter bumped my mother's chair and actually yelled at HER! Food is pretty good..not great, a bit under seasoned, and they will add an 18% tip to the bill which is standard. I'm assuming that is why they don't care at all about customer service. Iberia Peninsula is better. read more

DonPepe - failure! Picked up my cousins from the airport and i decided to take them to don Pepe. Some of us were wearing a nice tank not like a gym tank top that you would wear. The weather was very humid 95* out! We were so hungry and couldn't wait to eat. It was a party of 4 and the host guy with the glasses told us we couldn't eat in cause two of my cousins had a tank top on. Really! It's Monday lunch time! Cmon! My cousins from Texas was complaining about the location which it's not even a fancy place to begin with. After that we decided to go to Adega Grill our bill was $300+ and no complaints what we had on!! thanks don Pe Pe! Go to Adega Grill!! read more

Nice that they have a parking lot. I skipped over a lot of eateries in the Ironbound because of the parking issue. I ordered a sirloin which came out as 2" thick slab. Wow! It came with lots of sides as well. read more

Prices are too high for the quality level of the food. My wife and one of our friends ordered the same dish and they served both combined in one dish without warning. The lobster was over cooked and tough. My paella was pretty good but the rest of the food served at the table was very average. I don't recommend this restaurant. read more

Seated after a short wait even though we had called in earlier. Having recently returned from Madrid and having all those savory authentic Spanish food, I was expecting some good Portugese. A tad disappointed. Good selection of classics, good table side service, large serving portions (see other Yelper comments) and decent Sangria (we got the red). Notables were Mushrooms and Garlic Shrimp as appetizers, and an average seafood Paella. read more

Bad waiter, kick us out from diner area when nobody in the restaurant since its just opened up just because we only order couple appitizer not the whole meal. What the principle is that? read more

Just went here so writing this while it's fresh in my mind, although I don't think I'll be forgetting it any time soon. So I spent $$$ on this very disappointing dinner. I ordered the "Mariscada Don Pepe" supposedly shellfish casserole with brandy and wine which I could not taste. It came with saffron rice. None of this had any flavor at all. The lobster was rubbery and the shrimp and sauce tasted like nothing. My daughter ordered the "Solomillo a la Sevillana" she asked for the fillet mignon well done, yet it was almost raw in the inside and a bit burned on the outside. It was not flavorful at all. It came with vegetables that appeared to be steamed and tasted bland to say the least. There was no seasoning whatsoever. Upon sitting we were given bread. Plain bread with no butter or anything and it was cold not even warm. I ordered a glass of white sangria which was one of the worst I've ever had. Service was not that great either. We only saw our waiter when we ordered and then he left to serve other tables and literally NEVER came back. On the tables there was a bottle of olive oil which I used to give my bread some sort of purpose and another server came out of the blue and took it from our table. Every other table had a bottle yet he came directly to my table and took the bottle without a word. I thought he would bring it back but never did! I was confused about why he chose only our table to remove the bottle from. All in all it was almost $100. For 2 people with only 2 entrées and 1 glass of sangria. What really made it bad was that neither of us were able to enjoy or finish our food, because it was so bad. And the service was no better. We will never return here. Save your money go elsewhere! read more

Don Pepe - Spanish Near Me - Newark, New Jersey

This place was a total flop!!!!Their rice wasn't any better than Uncle Ben's. Overall, the quality of the food was poor! There was absolutely no flavor. The flan was like jello, and it made me want to gag. I went with a party of 16, and we all paid over $150 each for garbage. (family of 3) I couldn't believe how much they charged for a pitcher, and they filled it with ice, and didn't offer free refills. What a horrible experience!! Stay far away from this place. read more

I brought my elderly parents here on my fathers birthday for lunch. My father has prosthetic leg and gets around with a walker. It was a Saturday afternoon and during an off time (maybe around 2:30 or so), I did this purposely so they can get around easier. It took my Dad a while to get into the restaurant because he walks slowly. Well, the maitre d has to be the least empathetic human being I have ever encountered. Once my father got into the restaurant he stopped to catch his breath and I asked if we could have a seat near the entrance. He said "no" that there were pending reservations. Mind you, I am not exaggerating---there was only one table seated, not even a person in the bar area. He literally made my father walk to the other side of the restaurant. Tired again, my Dad sat down and was trying to sip some water and he came over to us and asked my Dad to take off his baseball cap. Humiliating him. 2:30 in the afternoon...on a Saturday...in Newark NJ. Fine we are there...we ordered a paella. The driest yellow rice I have ever had in my life. We are Cuban, I know from paella. If the food was a decent it may have buffered at least some of the horrific customer service, but it was so bad. In the meanwhile, no one else came into the restaurant except a family with small kids and he sat them right next to us. Throughout our lunch the kids were on their tablets, full blast and not once did the staff ask them to turn down their device. Never...ever....again. read more

I've been to Don Pepe's dozens of times over the years, most recently this past week -- it hasn't changed One Iota. While I think there are better Portugese Restaurants in Newark, Don Pepe is really easy to find ( on the main drag), and has plenty of self and valet parking. The portions are huge and priced reasonably. Service is fine, and they will never rush or kick you out, so it's a good choice for a business meal, or in my case catching up with an old friend. The other night, my friend had the lamb chops, and at $30, it was quite the bargain, since it was easily 2 meals. Usually you get 4-6 chops, this was the whole rack. My 2 pound lobster had a decent amount of tail and claw meat and was split in half for me. I don't like the family style vegies they serve; always boring green beans and fried plantains-- neither has any taste. They also did their best to alienate me, when they refused to give me a taste of a wine that's served by the glass -- not sure what's the big deal, not like they have to open the bottle, and they would have up'd the bill quite a bit if we started drinking wine. Instead I had an expensive, mediocre, small martini -- and only One, since I'm a wine drinker. Desert was eh -- a Tiramisu that I wouldn't order again. Not worth the calories. Coffee was very good, however it's impossible to get a refill. All in all, it was A-OK. read more

It was good but not excellent as the last time. Out lobster tails were huge but tasteless . Not 5 stars for sure!

Staff is incredibly rude and inattentive. Food took forever to come out and was over cooked. Also the prices were high for the level of service. For a party of eight they gave us a small plate of the potatoes and when we asked for more they said it would cost extra. I was also disappointed in the paella. There were a ton of broken shells in the rice and the muscles were full of sand. Newark has much better Portuguese options. read more

This place has good food, but I ordered ice tea and it came in a wine glass with ice. I had couple of refills and got charged for $7 !!!!!!!!!! It's a total rip off! read more

Another good restaurant when in the mood for good Spanish food from Spain and Portugal.

Food was great, service was great but there was an issue that made our visit here uncomfortable. We looked at the menu and the appetizers looked so good that we decided to order several as our meal. When we finished ordering the waiter looked a bit distressed and said if we only want appetizers we needed to eat at the bar. He said we looked like nice people and he'd clear it with the manager. Two things: WHY does it matter what we order and WHERE do we find documentation of such a ridiculous rule? After four appetizers, a pitcher of sangria, two after dinner specialty coffees and dessert, our bill was $118 so we weren't ordering a house salad and water. It was uncomfortable and frankly bad "policy". Don Pepe has always been a go-to spot for us but maybe not again. It sucks to be embarrassed when you are excited to try a variety offered on the menu. And, damn skippy we're nice people. read more

Went here for lunch and it was amazing. You start with hot soft bread - go good. Their portions are huge. Two people can easily share. But I recommend d bringing leftover home - I enjoyed them the next day! I had the seafood paella. The rice was so tender and seafood so fresh. Hubby had garlic shrimp and it was great. We also enjoyed the red sangria. I highly recommend checking his place out. It's close to Newark penn station - walking distance. read more

Overpriced and underwhelming food. Wait staff isn't that attentive and the service is slow

This place is great-- the portions are humongous, the food is really good, and the prices are phenomenal. There is really not much I can say bad about this restaurant, and I have enjoyed coming here and the other branches around New Jersey. Definitely get the paella, the steak, and the shrimp. All are amazing. read more

3.5 lb lobster cooked to perfection. Doesn't get any better. Calamari was huge and crispy, not rubbery. Shrimp with garlic is always a go to app. And they had an escargot special - done just right. You can't go wrong here! read more

I just have to say the customer service is top notch. I came on a Saturday with 5 other girlfriends before the Kevin Hart show at the Prudential. Right away we were given bread which is always nice. We ordered a pitcher of the white sangria to share which was good but not anything extraordinary. The second batch was a little better. For the entree I got the penne with scallops and shrimp in a tomato sauce. The wait for the food actually was not long in retrospect to what everyone ordered. Two if us got salmon, two got the scallops and shrimp penne, one got lamb chops, with the other getting pork chops. The plays are HUGE, so I knew right away I wasn't finishing my plate. My food was just okay to me. It wasn't really spiced with anything. I did get parmesan cheese added which food add some additional flavor, but that was admit it. The shrimp was pretty bland, but the scallops I really enjoyed. Everyone else seemed to enjoy their plays which is always a good thing when you are in a group setting. Overall it was a good experience. Honestly, I'm not sure if I would go back though. read more

Don Pepe - Penne with scallops and shrimp - Spanish Near Me - Newark, New Jersey

See all

Large portions and good seafood. The paella really took in the flavor of the seafood it was served although the rice was slightly wet. I haven't had much paella to compare with but I thought it was good! Seafood with green sauce was also a great dish with the usual seafood guests. The veal cutlets with sherry and brandy sauce was ok. It reminded me of a chicken marsala and I would rather ordered something else. Garlic shrimp appetizer is definitely a good starter for the meal although it didn't blow me away. Last for dessert I had the tartufo which was what I expect from any Spanish restaurant that serves tartufo. Chocolatey and ice creamy. O and the sangria was also alright. I've had better. Expect leftovers and a huge stomach! read more

Yummy! Shrimp in garlic sauce is awesome!!!!! Service is great as well.

Had a fantastic family lunch here. Service was impeccable, the cuisine tasty & perfectly cooked, the portions were huge & the pricing was reasonable. Try the fish stew in red sauce, served in a large metal cauldron. It's a Manhattan clam, shrimp, mussels & lobster, chowder on steroids! read more

I forgot to take a picture of sirloin steak, but you should expect a double of Manhattan. Holy cow!

Was there recently and it was a very busy night because of an event at the Rock. Food is OK, but nothing great. The big issue I had is with the bill. First of all they use hand written bills which should have been a red flag. Bill comes and it is $347. Give them 3 credit cards and when it comes back we are each charged $132 for a total of approx $397. I look at bill and say they took the 4 to look like a 9. Explain to waiter, he apologizes and voids it out and comes back with another bill. This time it is $162 each which is $486. Now I am not thinking honest mistake. Finally on the 3rd pass bill is right. Took 20 minutes to get it corrected. Check your hand written bills here because I would think I am not the only one that this has happened to. read more

We called and made reservations for 7 and still had to wait an additional 20 mins. We sat down at the table and it took another 15mims to have a waiter. This was an authentic Spaniard restaurant.mWe finally placed our orders; paella marinera, paella Valencia, shrimps and lobster stuffed with crabs. The food was amazing, made up for all the waiting around. We had red sangria which was delicious! Will recommend and would definitely return again. read more

Consistently good food. Large protons, tasty meals (on 4 occasions so far). Recommend it and will be back.

I've been coming to Don's since the 80s when I worked close by. I don't live so close anymore, but still make it a point to go at least once a year. The cuisine is Spanish/Portuguese and it's the best I've ever had. The paella is my favorite, but everything on the menu is delicious. We order the sangria by the pitcher, the white and red are ridiculously good, I don't even know which I like best. The servers are all great and have been there forever. I've even been to a wedding here which is downstairs - great venue! There's lots of parking, whether you choose to valet or park yourself. Very conveniently located, too. read more

Save your money unless you like a giant bowl of rice no vegetables and some shellfish with a dried up lobster tail rude waiter who wouldn't help us when we asked a question about how the fish is cooked or sides that come with it he gave us a 1 word answers then walked away let the busboys do all the work while he stood in corner never again not wort the 100.00 $ and 5% tip to the useless waiter read more

This landmark in downtown Newark is top notch. If you want good Iberian food this is the place to go. I've gone many times over the years for dinner (and even a wedding). Don Pepe's does everything well. The food is outstanding, the wait staff is top notch even though they are almost always very busy. The decor is pleasant and the sangria is excellent. It can get quite crowded and they do not take reservations. You might be sampling the sangria before the meal if you hit one of their busy times. read more

Don Pepe's has been around forever, probably one of the most well known Spanish restaurants on the edge of the Ironbound in Newark. The food is consistently good, its conveniently located walking distance form Penn, and plenty of parking right off 21. Reservations are a must as the place can get packed, especially on weekends. I'd give a higher score except for the fact that the wait staff can sometimes have an attitude. My pet peeve is restaurants that don't train waiters to remember which patron ordered what (instead of asking when the food is served). Last week I was here and the waiter asked who had ordered the veal - no of us, wrong table. He rudely tossed the dish on an empty table and was obviously pissed about the mix-up which he took on when serving us our correct dishes. There's plenty of places you can get Spanish fare without a pissy waiter. read more

Everything was over cooked. All steaks (party of 10 - Queen cut, t-bone, rib eye and cowboy) were over cooked. Salmon was dry.

This is the best. Lobster 4lb was on point, cooked just right. Seafood Paella was the best I ever had on the east coast. You just have to try. read more

Very upscale. The smallest steak will be the largest you have ever eaten. Very good food. Service is the #1 priority.

I came here for a private party and I just want to go back just to eat. That's how delicious the food is.

Started off with walking into the place and nobody acknowledging us. It was empty (4:45 pm). We finally were seated in a corner which was very dark but we thought ok no big deal. We ordered stuffed mushrooms as an appetizer and they tasted like they were warmed up and had fake crab meat. My husband ordered salmon and I ordered surf and turf medium rare. My filet was raw, I had to send it back. My husbands salmon was literally black on the bottom. He ate half of it and left the bottom. We ordered chocolate pecan pie for dessert. It came out with no ice cream. So we asked for vanilla ice cream and were charged for it. The pie was cold but tasted better than dinner. The help was not friendly at all except for the young man that was "helping" with our table. We felt very rushed. It was like here's your food now get out! We will never return. I would not recommend this restaurant to anyone. The dinosaur grill is better and that's not saying much. read more

It's my parents favorite place to eat. The food and drinks are great. This place sure gets crowded so I advise you make reservation either before 7pm or around 9pm on the weekends during the holidays. read more

I originally wrote a review for this establishment in May and wanted to provide an update. I went back for lunch expecting the same deliciousness as the last times. So much so that I ordered the same dishes . Stuffed Scallops and Lunch plate of Garlic Shrimp with yellow rice. I dont know if the chef had an off day but it didnt taste the first time I had it. The worst part was when I looked closely at the tiny shrimp, most of them were not cleaned prior to cooking. Gross. Service was great and so was the pitcher of Sangria. Definitely not going back for a while. read more