I love the plantains. The staff are friendly and always wears a smile! Excellent spot to have lunch.

Went to Newark for the half way to st Patrick's day block party hosted by McGovern's. We were able to enjoy a delicious meal from la Cocina. We had chicken and beef empanadas, Cuban sandwiches, and tres Leche. The empanadas were delicious, the chicken was the best. The Cuban sandwich was wonderful, the pork they put on it made it so incredibley tender, this was a great Cuban, rivals ones I've had down in ybor city. The tres leche was okay, could have been fresher. The restaurant itself was nice and clean and the employees were all super friendly. read more

We were on Jury Duty and Josh wanted Empanadas for Lunch!! He brought some back for the Group.. I didn't eat any at the time but I took them home!!! OMG!! I wanted some more! I shared with my Mom!! LOL I wanted to take hers back just to eat all of them for myself!! read more

I love going there, it is always so nice to see a little at work family. Everyone gets along and the service is always wonderful. Warm smiles and warm greetings. Ana and Manny make the best coffee EVER!!! The empanadas couldn't get any better, and the food will have you coming back for more. When I go out I am always concerned with the cleanliness of the facilities also...but here they get 10 stars clean and need, and not to mention they have added some extra amenities. read more

A hidden gem in University Heights. Clean restaraunt with a ton of options to choose from.

La Cocina is an excellent lunch choice in Newark. Cafeteria-style Cuban, not a top Cuban restaurant. A protein and two sides for around $8, and actual healthy options! I'm partial to the pernil or chicken - baked or rotisserie - with maduros and broccoli/carrots. Really quite delicious. and the people are crazy nice. Fast delivery too! Check them out! read more

As a Cubana myself, and a student at Rutgers Newark, this has been one of my go to spots with friends for the last two years. There are so many options to choose from, and there isn't a time when you go in where the workers don't have a smile on their faces. You get so much food at such a reasonable price. read more

Go to lunch spot for my friends and I since we study at Rutgers right across the street. You can get a superb Latin meal that will surely fill you up for under $10. The workers are friendly and work fast to get your order ready. I always go for the rice, beans, rotisserie chicken, veggies and platanos! read more

Good stuff. I normally try to grab lunch at the thai place next door. I like the food there, but it's just a dreary place to eat, plus they don't take credit cards. I didn't have cash today, and I saw that this new place had opened and it accepted credit cards, so I ventured in. The place is colorful and feels alive. The food is mostly pre-prepared, with a variety of options, including roasted chicken, pork chops, pork and onions, and a ground beef preparation with onions and olives - all of it looked fresh. There are many other items, such as a steak and onion sandwich, which they can make. I opted for the ground beef, with rice and peas and a side of plantains. The food came piping hot and was packed with flavor. The ground beef was excellent. Although I can't state what region the food hails from, it obviously has south american/spanish flavoring. The people are friendly too, definitely check it out. The only neg i can think of is that the food was served in a take out tray even though I ate in. It would be nice if they had actual plates for people who decide to stay and eat, like the thai place does. read more

Lord I wish this was open more often and later. The food is fantastic. Very good and larger portions of food. Simple foods but delicious. Options are an assortment of Spanish, Puerto Rican, and Cuban Foods. All of them done well. read more

I love this place! Manny and his staff are very friendly and pleasant. The food is out of this world! I especially love their ropa vieja! Keep up the great work guys! read more

If an order can't be fulfilled correctly via UberEats, it should be cancelled or notify the customer to give permission to modify. I received an item I can't eat, and the arroz com guandules had like ten guandules. What a joke. read more

Once the Thai place next door went to hell in a hand basket, I tried this place out. Glad I did! Eat lunch here twice a week now. It's a buffet, but they'll improvise a bit, and there's tons of options anyway. Owner is great; staff differ in how generous they are with portions. They just raised the prices a bit and so I'm breaking my $10 lunch cap rule now, so may cut back a bit. read more

A nice addition to the area! We stopped by for an hot lunch - fast and friendly service with reasonable prices. The daily special, which looked similar to a white lasagna, was not familiar so we were offered a generous amount in a little cup to taste. It was so good we both went for it: yucca-and-cheese layered with ham, wonderful flavors, accompanied by fresh steamed vegetables. Recommended. read more

I've been here a bunch of times this summer and have tried most of the things they offer. As you can probably tell, I love this place since I keep coming back. All 3 rices are great. Usually when I get white rice, I ask for some sauce (from the meat stews) or beans on top so there's some flavor. You can get sauce on the other rices too but I find that it can get a little salty sometimes. For sides, I either get the bean salad (near the end of the setup), plantains or beans. All of them are delicious. My favorite meats of all are the pernil (pork), pastelon (kind of like a Cuban lasagna), and the ropa vieja (shredded beef that is unfortunately only offered on Wednesdays). The beef stew can be a little dry sometimes but is still flavorful. The pepper steak is pretty good, however. The empanadas are also amazing. The staff here are really nice and they keep the line moving. I recommend getting here before 12 if you can or else the line gets pretty long. Don't be afraid to try something that looks unfamiliar! At this place, it will definitely work out in your favor. read more

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I've been coming to this place for about a year now and it's beyond fantastic. All the dishes are fresh everyday and home cooked with love! It's a cozy little place to come in and hang out, especially for lunch, or even for a quality cup of café con leche or espresso. I can tell you I've had nearly all the dishes, such as the beef stew, pernil, tilapia, baked chicken; they're all amazing. My favorites are among the baked chicken and pernil! I've yet to try the ox-tail (served only on Thursdays), which I've heard people rave about. Believe me it's on my list! All the employees are super friendly and welcoming and the owner, Manny always puts a smile on my face and makes me feel right at home. In today's fast paced culture it's hard to find truly great customer service, but this place delivers with delicious food and genuine customer service! read more

Great food for great price !! Clean small restaurant with very nice people working there. I had the steak with onions as well as the Cuban sandwich... read more

Where do I start? Working in Newark, I am always looking for new places to eat. I was growing sick of Mi Gente Café food and lucky I found La Cocina, or so I thought. When I called a guy a with thick accent answered and I would just like to note that he was extremely helpful explaining the menu, and I felt that I might of found my new spot. I was told 30 minutes but it took 45 minutes, I work three blocks away and the delivery was 15 minutes late. I called back the restaurant and a different person answered; they sounded confused as to why my food taking so long but assured me that it would be their shortly. When the delivery guy finally did arrive he literally threw the food at me and barked the total. As if I was bothering him. Then after I paid him, he looked surprise that I didn't tip him, and then mumbled something in Spanish. To add insult to injury my food was cold! I've talked to other coworkers about this place and they all sing the same tune. I was surprised to find out that Robert's also owns this place. I guess the delivery guys aren't cut from the same cloth. I can't say thing about the food, because the container opened and spilled in the bag. I am not sure if I would ever try this place again. read more

Get the roast pork!!! So juicy and tender! (and don't forget to ask for the garlic sauce) This place is authentic and very affordable - definitely a don't miss if you're in the area read more

The food is okay, coming from a very Cuban background I was excited to see a Cuban restaurant right by my campus. For the most part it was Cuban, but there was many Puerto Rican dishes which can confuse someone who is not knowledgeable in either cultures. The worst part..... they have every soda, American, Colombian and Brazilian..... but no Cuban soda? No jupina? Materva??????? They need to get it together here!!! Seasonings are okay, empanadas are okay too. Coffee sucks though. You can pass on the flan too. OH AND THEIR MOJITO IS HORRIBLE---- definitely not true to the real Cuban mojito. You're better off going to Rumba Cubana in Gutenberg!! #highhopes #letdown read more

Delicious - perfect empanadas within walking distance to my office?? I am in serious trouble...

Probably THE BEST pork I have ever eaten in my life. The portions are huge so prepare to roll out the door. A tiny gem with friendly staff and a nice seating area. I would definitely recommend! read more

The service was friendly, personable, and fast. The food was fresh and flavorful. It felt like I was at a family members place for dinner, homey and welcoming. Strongly recommended!! read more

I've been eating here several times a week for lunch for the past year and a half. Amazing food and great staff. The line moves quick and the meal is reasonably priced. Also if you are in the mood for a coffee after your meal, I recommend the Cortadito. read more

Fantastic Latin American food from an unassuming basement eatery. The food here is really amazing and very well priced. I love the Pernil pork shoulder, but even the baked chicken and rice and beans are great here. The new location is also much nicer. Be ready for a bit of a line though as people have discovered the great food here. Grab the $7 lunch special and be full all day. read more

Found this place by accident and I LOVED IT!!! It was absolutely amazing, from the service to the food. My friend and I were greeted at the door by warm smiling faces eager to help. Place felt very homey, like I was in somebodies home. LOVED the atmosphere! Had the roasted pork shoulder and it was to die for!! Cant wait to go back!! Looked like there were a few regulars there as well because the good conversations were going all over the place! read more

Different specials every day, really authentic Colombian and some other Latin influences. I have travelled thorugh Central and South America and La Cocina brought me back there. I might be a little biased because I love latin cuisine, but I was shocked to find it in Newark. Highly recommend. read more

The food here is great! the customer service is excellent! I usually order pernil with pigeon peas and yellow rice. It's always on point! nicely seasoned and hot once I receive my order. Delivery here is a breeze, I have to say that because most restaurants in Newark are notorious for bad delivery and horrible customer service. I think a part of running a good business is being polite :) read more

Amazing food and service. The prices are right too. Don't let the little "hole in the wall" structure fool you. It is well worth a visit! The rice, plantains, chicken, beef, pork - everything is great. read more

I ordered the chicken platter for $6.95. Dark meat chicken, plantains, and black beans. Quality wise - the food was good stuff. The chicken was well-seasoned and moist. The plantains were properly cooked. The black beans were immersed in a tasty soupy liquid. But the serving size was poor. Think Boston Market portions, but much smaller. It would take 2 platters to fill me. Considering the price, it's not worth it. However, the food tastes really good and I will be tempted to go here again, despite the terrible portion sizes. read more

My favorite restaurant! I left Newark months ago and still routinely crave it. The food is wonderful--it's savory, filling, and portions are always plentiful. The staff are sweet, patient, and funny (and their hats are fantastic). The music and decor are warm and tasteful. A very welcoming atmosphere overall. They deliver too! Even during the lunch rush, my coworkers and I would get pastelon, tostones, picadillo, rice and beans, etc. delivered in-office in a very reasonable amount of time. Once, the delivery man walked all the way back to the restaurant to get us dipping sauce for our tostones because it wasn't in the bag (I told him I loved him, but I don't think he heard me...). It was a great reminder of how committed they are to their customers. I absolutely love this place. Can't wait to go back! read more

I just found this place a few weeks ago and have been back multiple times. The pollo a la plancha is excellent and they make a good cortadito. Will continue to come back and try some more things on the menu since everything looks delicious. read more

I've been attending the owner's other restaurant since I was in law school. Now, I am an attorney and my fellow former classmates and I always come back when we are in the area. So happy that he has another location. The food and service are always on point! Ask for some of their hot sauce at the counter too! Highly recommend the bistec and pernil. All the food is great though - try it all! Love their empanadas. Happy to see the owner prospering - true local establishment! read more

Great food! They prepare one round of food for the lunch rush and close when the food is done. Meaning its freshly cooked! Cuban classics with coffee and drinks that american and Hispanic in style. The lunch rush line will be out the door! I love eating there all the time. Very friendly staff. read more

I really want to like this place...a little Cuban place by Rutgers is great, especially since there aren't other places like it. I got the cuban sandwich and rice and beans. My mouth is BURNING from eating less than half of the sandwich. TOO MUCH SALT on the pernil. I had to stop eating it, it's almost making me sick. It would be an OK sandwich if there was less salt on the cuban. I understand they've only been open for a month or so, but I can't believe the chef is not tasting that pernil and thinking there is way too much salt on it! I also got a side of rice and beans, it was fairly good but the beans tasted like they came straight from the GOYA can. I'm going to give this place another try, but I hope I don't have a heart attack from all that salt before I get there. :/ read more

Amazing! I have been coming here for years since they opened. The place is a cozy spot with a nice outdoor patio. Manny and his staff are always friendly and courteous. The food is amazing, never had a bad meal yet. Best Cuban I have had! read more

Can't go wrong with their lunch special! Their pernil is amaziiiiing, and the picadillo y delicious as well. Favorite place to order from when I'm at work (Audible). read more

Service was on point and didn't have to wait long for the cuban and steak sandwiches my friend and I got. The cuban was pretty good and the sweet plantains was good as well. My steak sandwich which i traded half with my friend was just onions and steak. It was ok, but needed something more(menu said w/ lettuce and onions..but was not on the sandwich)fixings or sauces. They have maybe 3-4 round tables in the front area and a few tables in the back. The menu is good and the prices are not bad. Decor is not great, but it's not dirty and right next to Roberts pizza spot so it's great walking distance if you work in the area. read more

Cheap, very quick place to eat in Newark. The food seems pretty authentic. Empanadas were tasty!

Had a craving for some rice and beans and ended up here. Ordered the pernil with rice and kidney beans. Pork was juicy and flavorful as well as the beans. The rice was good but could have been a little less dry. The best was their hot sauce! Out of this world. Place and food stations was super clean and everything looked awesome, only flaw is the parking here sucks... Def will be back and soon great find read more