Had the worst time trying to get this to this place no parking Just to go around like an idiot and see that they're closed If you're closed, update your yelp page so people don't waste their time It says you're open till seven. We arrived at 5:15. read more

A favorite restaurant of mine during undergrad. My personal favorite items are the pastelon, arroz con gandules, and platanos. I'm a creature of habit, so I haven't tried many other items on the menu, however the empanadas are top tier. They are fresh, and the beef empanada, on top of being large enough to be a meal in itself, is very juicy and delicious. The line moves quickly. If you aren't familiar with Cuban food, it can be overwhelming ordering, however if you don't have allergies, you have nothing to lose if you choose a food that looks good but you have no idea what it is. You'll find that anything you try at La Cocina is delicious. read more

La Cocina is the classic Newark spot for Cuban eats! For lunch, you pick your choice of rice, vegetables, and protein -- and on a recent visit, I had arroz con gandules, steamed broccoli, and beef stew. All delicious, albeit a little salty to my taste. La Cocina is a popular catering spot for Rutgers events, so I have been fortunate to try a wide variety of offerings such as pastelon, pernil, and chicken stew -- and you can't really go wrong with any of them. The empanadas are also a must (make sure to ask for hot sauce), and while difficult, try to save room for dessert! Flan and tres leches are soooo good. Lunch time gets really busy, so you can avoid the rush by coming a little later. However, the staff is good about moving everyone along, so you won't be waiting forever. Definitely give La Cocina a try! read more

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Ordered a wonderful Cuban sandwich from here for lunch. I must admit it was packed with all the goodness of pork, spicy mustard, great pickles and that garlic took it over the top. Perfectly toasted and was satisfied with half for lunch, the other half for dinner. Just AWESOMENESS!!!!! read more

La Cocina - Packed Sandwich Cubano - Latin American Near Me - Newark, New Jersey

BEST FOOD IN NEW JERSEY! PERIOD. If you like Cuban food, then this is the last restaurant you will ever drive to. 10 Stars ! First, they have dozens of very fresh and tasty things to choose from. Second, the owner is almost always there making sure you have a great time. He is constantly sending over free coffee. He is generous not cheap. You get a BIG full plate of food that you can barely carry. All of it is seasoned properly not over seasoned. The prices are very fair maybe a little low, for all you get, to be honest. The staff is always smiling and happy to serve you. You can run into celebrities, politico's, and college students all eating steaming hot food. Great food, great people, great place. Nothing else to say. read more

I am Cuban and just ordered Lunch from La Cocina, it was very tasty. The Pastelón is delicious. Sides are nice portions. I will be ordering from the catering menu. read more

Tried this food at a stand at SHI stadium and it was the best choice. The stew on a cold day was just what I needed. The stew sauce soaked into the rice perfectly. The rice was a nice texture, flavorful and not too soft. The meat fell apart and was not too chewy. I wish I had gotten more carrots and potatoes. The empanadas were stamped with the name of the restaurant which was a nice touch. They pressed each as they were ordered to keep them hot. My friend got the chicken and liked those as well. Service was quick. read more

La Cocina - Beef Empanada - Latin American Near Me - Newark, New Jersey

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Delicious and authentic Cuban eats and a seamless catering order. La Cocina, I am a fan! I ordered a few catered trays for a work event and La Cocina was a big hit. Leading up to the event communication was seamless. Josh was very helpful and provided me with suggestions on what and how much to order. On the day of the event delivery was prompt and I was set up with everything that I needed - utensils, plates, napkins, etc. The food was delicious and everyone was really pleased. Cuban sandwiches were definitely a highlight - stuffed with lots of tasty meat and served on fresh crispy bread. Empanadas were HUGE and filled to the brim with tasty meat. I also ordered a tray of maduros and chickpea salad, both delicious. This was a great option for catering and I'd definitely consider again for future large events. read more

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We stopped by La Cocina for Monday lunch. It's a small store in the busy downtown area of Newark, parking is really really hard to get. There 5-6 tables inside the store too dine-in, it's self served, not so fancy esthetic wise. The line starts right at the door, luckily no one was in front of us. They served it chipotle style, you get to pick the items for your plate. The have white, brown, bean rice, vegetables, chicken/beef stew, baked chicken, salmon and few other items. The have ready made empanadas too. The price so reasonable, between $9-$12 for a decently large portion. We tried the chicken stew, baked chicken and salmon. Everything tasted like freshly homemade. Both brown and white rice were excellent quality. The stew chicken almost melted before even I bite it. Salmon was cooked to perfection, and baked chicken has this lovely brown skin with beautiful cooked inside. This is a hidden in Newark, and for sure will be a regular spot for our lunch. read more

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Absolutely amazing from start to finish! The food was full of flavor, and the service was impeccable. Will definitely be coming back soon.

In search of a little something delicious to eat on a gorgeous Friday afternoon and La Cocina did not disappoint. There were many options - three types of rice, stews, veggies, grilled chicken, etc. They prepared a generous and affordable plate of ribs and tostones (made to order!) in about five minutes. You can't tell from the sidewalk, but there's a cute patio out back. I sat on the second floor of the outdoor dining area, which seats about 20 people. I picked a table without an umbrella so that I could enjoy the sunshine and soft, soulful music playing on the speakers. read more

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So good! I ordered a pernil lunch special with beans and rice, the serving was HUGE. My food was ready for pickup five minutes after I placed the order. All the employees I interacted with were friendly and I received great customer service. The food totally hit the spot. I ate some of the pork by itself, then started dribbling sauce on top. Combo bites also proved to be rewarding. Try as I might, the rice and beans were too much for me, and will be a lovely snack later on. Location is on New Street at Washington, right by Rutgers - Newark and just a short walk from Military Park. Prices are very fair. read more

La Cocina - Pernil lunch special with rice and beans - Latin American Near Me - Newark, New Jersey

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I was in the mood for some Spanish food and tried this spot. When I arrived I found parking on the street nearby. I walked in and was greeted. The service was great. I ordered several meals and for myself I got the salmon with the rice and beans. When I ate the food was soo good. The salmon was seasoned to perfection and the rice and beans were soo good. I really enjoyed the food and service. read more

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I've been coming to La Cocina for the last two years now and I really enjoy the spot. The staff is always friendly and helpful and the food is always very tasty. The lunch crowds outside of this covid times can get crazy but when I went this week there weren't many people there. I appreciate the meals here as they remind me of home and hit the spot on days I just want comfort food that I grew up with. They have some outdoor seating which is great wish they would spruce it up a bit, especially since this is the only option to dine there. Don't forget about the coffee selection too, they make a mean café con leche. I'll continue to frequent this place now that they have reopened. Salud y buen provecho! read more

La Cocina - Beef stew with morro and broccoli - Latin American Near Me - Newark, New Jersey

Went there today for the first time to pick up lunch and i was very pleased. You ask for what you want and you get to have a choice of meat and side. I do wish there were more side choices. Food was very tasty. Would go there again. read more

La Cocina - Take out box - Latin American Near Me - Newark, New Jersey

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My go to for authentic Cuban food in Newark. The food is absolutely delicious! I always recommend their pernil, pollo a la plancha, pastelon, ropa vieja, and oxtails. I always get the arroz moro with a side of plantains. Their chicken and beef empanadas are just as delicious as the entrees. You won't be disappointed with their food. read more

I ordered arroz con gandules and garden salad. I liked it! The service was good and hygienic. read more

La Cocina - Arroz con Gandules Garden Salad - Latin American Near Me - Newark, New Jersey

OMG!!!! The food, quality, and service was just amazing!!!! Must try! The food service was efficient and the staff were very friendly!

Yes very good clean and fast I got the Cuban sandwich omg loved it just like Miami Florida's and there are llenar lol My daughter always comes here to take home also the salmon is delish read more

La Cocina - Cuban sandwich - Latin American Near Me - Newark, New Jersey

Beef stew had a weird smell. I ordered about 2 hours after opening, so it may have been leftovers. It smelled like it had gone bad. The arroz cons gandules had so few gandules that I thought they gave me the wrong side. Salmon is SUPER salty, and dry. The chicken empanada was ok. These pictures are just before we threw it out because it was just too bad to keep forcing ourselves to eat. I honestly wouldn't have forced it if I wasn't starving. Absolutely do NOT recommend read more

La Cocina - Carne con Papas (Beef Stew) - Latin American Near Me - Newark, New Jersey

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Best hidden gem in Newark. Pulled pork and Cuban sandwich is the best I've had. Owner comes around and socializes with customers to ensure 100% customer satisfaction. read more

Walked in during lunch trying to find a new place I could rely on to get lunch. Inside was pretty busy so I assumed this was a good place to go. They even call themselves "the best restaurant in Newark". I got a "lunch special" which was 2 sides and an entree option. I got white rice, broccoli, and the pepper steak. Including a bottle soda it came to just about 20 bucks. Pretty crazy price but I guess they make up for it with the portions. Once I started eating though I was pretty disappointed. The staff was nice and inside was pretty cozy. Maybe I got the wrong thing but definitely won't be trying those buffet entrees again. read more

I discovered this gem from a coworker, and what a find!! Imm new to working in Newark and still learning all the good spots. You are immediately greeted by the friendly staff and orders are taken along the bar of food options - rice, vegetables and their daily protein options (and empanadas at the end). I highly recommend the rice and black beans, and the plantains are a perfect sweet bite to keep your tastebuds wanting more savory. The star of my trips (IMO) are the pork ribs!!! I just had lunch there but am already craving them. I top my meal off with a Cuban coffee to go (to fight my afternoon post-food coma). Make sure to check out the terrace seating behind the building, it's a sweet little hideaway. read more

Pros 1. Well cooked White Rice and Yellow rice. 2. Well cooked sweet plantains! 3. Good Baked Chicken. 4. Good Chicken Stew. 5. Deliciously Soft Yuca! 6. Good customer service. 7. Spicy Chicken Stew is DELICIOUS. 8. Good Oxtail stew. 9. The BEST Chicken Empanada in NJ so far. Very Juicy, Tender and Flavorful. Cons 1. Chicken Noodle Soup could be better. 2. The Mojo Sauce could be better. 3. The Black Bean Rice could be better. 4. The Garlic Chicken Breast wasn't Tender and Flavorful. read more

La Cocina - Good Oxtails but the Chicken Empanada was SUPER Flavorful and Juicy. The BEST Chicken Empanada in Newark. - Latin American Near Me - Newark, New Jersey

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Wow I've been here like a million times and realized I never left them a review...shame on me!! So the one thing I love about this place is FOOD IS READY TO ORDER!! Literally think of a buffet line. Tips: - Weekdays during lunch, the line can be out the door - Feening for an empanada, CHECK IN WITH YELP and get it for $1.50 - Seating is available....so come early to grab a seat - Friendly Service - No waitress service - They cater!! My fave: - Pernil (I request for crispy :-) ) - Moro Rice - Sweet Plantains - Side of their garlic sauce Give it a try....they quick too so don't be scared of the line!! Maybe I will see you there one day! read more

La Cocina - In a to-go container....Pernil, Moro Rice and Sweet Plantains....my fave - Latin American Near Me - Newark, New Jersey

We stumbled upon this place due to the volume of reviews compared to others in the area but the alarming thing was seeing a number of bad yelp reviews, stating their food isn't good and all were delivery related. I crossed my fingers and took a chance to eat here and thankfully didn't experience anything that went bad. we had a pernil rice platter with plantains. Both were good and the pernil at times was dry but at times was salty. eaten with rice it was just the right balance. we also tried the chicken / beef / cuban empanadas. Chicken was by far my favorite one followed by beef, then lastly cuban. I would recommend adding some apple or orange juice to the beverage offerings if possible for families with children who dine here. read more

The best Cuban sandwich I have had outside of Miami! Owner is amazing & service is great! If you are in the area do not hesitate to try this place. read more

Food is always delicious. My favorite thing to get is the empanadas! Also has good lunch specials. Highly recommend.

This place is awesome! I wanted the Pastelón tray for Fathers a day weekend. They had it ready for me Friday and it was so freaking good. We got the large tray. Def recommend. Don't tell my family, but it tastes better than my husbands Puerto Rican aunts pastelón read more

First time trying them. Food was flavorful and the portions were good. I ordered for delivery via uber eats and food came quickly. Would definitely like to try other menu items. Prices were also good for the quality of food. read more

La Cocina - Pepper Steak, White Rice and Maduros - Latin American Near Me - Newark, New Jersey

It is now my favorite lunch spot. I work in Ridgewood but come here for lunch. Tell me that this is not dedication! What is there not to love about the food here. My favorite is the pernil with arroz con gandules, the meat pastelon and today I had their Salmon with arroz moro with maduros. I'm in 7thheaven. You will not be disappointed when you come here. Thanks Manny read more

La Cocina - Latin American Near Me - Newark, New Jersey

Everyone in my group enjoyed what they ordered! Great prices, delicious food, and very friendly staff!!! Will definitely return

Amazing fresh food. A new favorite for myself. The pricing is economical yet the food is delicious. The portions size were impressive. Highly recommend! read more

This place was so great I bought a T shirt! Excellent food, welcoming staff, and incredible ropa vieja! I'll definitely be back. read more

This is sort of like a "hole in the wall" type of place.. even though everyone knows about it haha. The food is usually really good. I don't know if I would recommend catering from here though. The food needs to be fresh to really taste good. When you cater it's not as fresh and does not taste as good. Namely the chicken and pasta/lasagna stuff. Would recommend trying this place out!! Food cost around $10-15 and it def worth the sheer quantity of food you get. You will be stuffed! read more

We stopped at la Cocina on our way to airport and we where not disappointed. We got Cuban sandwiches, empanadas , ropa vieja , arroz and maduros. Needless to say we loved it. The Cuban sandwiches where nice and tasty and of course hot ! The service was excellent too , the guy that served our food was fast and very helpful. read more

Delicious food and generous servings. Right next to to Rutgers makes it especially convenient. Make sure to ask for the hot sauce, too.

La cocina is one of the best Cuban restaurants in Newark. I work for Rutgers so after finding this gem, it was only right to share it with my coworkers. Cuban sandwich uff nicely prepared. Their empanadas are delicious like everything else. Highly recommend worth every cent ! read more

Omg literally the most flavorful arroz negro ever!! And the chicken stew was cooked perfectly, the chicken was so tender it fell right off the bone!!! The Cuban empanada I will definitely be back again, next time with a car full of friends!!! read more

I LOVE La Cocina! I usually only ate it when the housing department at Rutgers got it catered for our training; however when I went for the first time, it only won my heart more. Although it is very busy and is usually packed (so I don't recommend you eating there because the space is really crowded and limited), they have amazing service and an even better lunch deal where you can get rice, side and meat for only $8.50. I highly recommend anyone near the prudential center or the college campuses to come here! It's definitely a little hole in the wall that can get overlooked with Rob's and the Thai place right next door. read more