When this place first opened, I wasn't terribly impressed. But as time passed things changed. The name changed. The people who worked there changed. The food also changed. It changed for the better. What was once bland now has flavor. Even the chicken, which is not fresh off the rotisserie and slightly mushy. But the flavors are intense and spot on. But chicken aside, the food generally much better. So since this place got better, I'm adding one star. read more

I love the tilapia, yumm! My usual meal consists of the rotisserie chicken, yellow rice, black beans, and I like some of the chicken stew on top. I'm obsessed. The staff is welcoming and polite. Although they get really busy and the line gets long, each person is able to place their order rather quickly and there isn't much of a wait. I've been here a few times and it never disappoints. Can't wait for my next visit!! read more

Wow! Delicious and super affordable! Customer service was top notch. Empanadas were so tasty! Check it out! read more

Authentic flavors from home (Puerto Rico). Can't wait to visit again! The staff was super friendly and courteous and the atmosphere was very relaxing. The food was delicious and cooked to perfection. read more

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

Before I tell you about the awesome food (the real reason you're here) and the excellent service, let me tell you how La Cocina is one of Newark's hidden gems! It actually closed for a brief period of time but they came back NEW and definitely IMPROVED! Ok now for the yummy stuff -- The restaurant itself is small but satisfies your BIGGEST cravings! Their pernil (pulled pork) is juicy and tender with the type of crispy/crunchy skin that makes you want to forget your diet. And if you top it with their homemade mojito, it taste like a little piece of heaven on earth. Their rice, beans, pastelon, chicken, fish - everything is top notch. As for the portions, imagine your grandmother trying to feed you. Yup, it's that much food. Bottom line is -- If you want delicious, home-cooked style Cuban/Spanish food, look no further. You have it all at La Cocina. As for the service, who doesn't like getting spoiled!? The first time I walked in, I was greeted like family. Manny, Josh and the staff are all extremely friendly. Manny even let us have a piece of their famous flan on the house! And guess what? We went back a few days later to get more! Whether you are in a rush to go back to class or work or simply want to sit down and enjoy your warm meal, I highly recommend this place. But don't take my word for it! Go try it out yourself! read more

I love there empanadas soooo much! Plua there food is super cheap 8 bucks for lunch plus the place is always super cosy! Love the music too really brings the whole place together!!! 100% the place to bring the family and eat on the new deck outside! read more

A MUST TRY! I have been going to school at NJIT for 3 years now and I totally regret not going here sooner! I think that it may have a bad name from previous years, but I don't have a bad thing to day about this place! The man behind the counter was extremely friendly and helpful to my friend and I. I got the cuban rice with beans with steak and peppers. It was GREAT also the amount of food you get for the price is wonderful. You could probably make two meals out of one lunch! Unlike some of the other places in the area this place definitely uses quality ingredients. Thank god I'm doing my graduate work at NJIT so ill be going here for the years to come! Also very nice outdoor seating...you would never guess you are in newark! read more

This is my second time visiting and the food is awesome. They have a decent lunch special that is a nice sized portion for about 7$ The food never looks old or stale, everything always looks fresh and hott (which is rare amongst Latino restaurants since the food generally sits out all day) I've tried the pernil as well as the pollo asado. The staff is very friendly and interactive. The music is great, the espresso is excellent. The atmosphere is very authentic and cozy. I wish they would stay open later for dinner, but it's Newark, so every decent place closes before 6pm. Love this place! read more

I thoroughly enjoyed this late lunch at La Cocina. Newark has so many hidden culinary gems that I often feel like I am on a treasure hunt for an exotic eating locale. The surrounding Rutgers Campus is rivalling Ferry Street as "la capital de comida Latina" en Newark. The lunch specials range from $8.95 to $11.95. Everything from grilled chicken, strip steak, baked salmon, to roasted pork was on the serving line (see the menu in my pics). The server was helpful in explaining the different dishes. I had the spicy beef over white rice and plantains. I added broccoli. I think they kind of skimped on the extra side considering I was charged an additional $1.50 for two small spears of brocolli. The plantains (tostones) were crazy good and sweet like a dessert. I'm envisioning them warm under a scoop of melting vanilla bean ice cream. The beef was cooked nice and was spicy enough and quite tender. The dining area was lively and the workers kept the tables clean. There is a front and a hidden back eating area. Colorful Latin themed artwork adorns the walls. The bathroom was incredibly clean and everything in there was in working order. This place is off the beaten path so you really need to be paying attention when walking or driving. From Broad Street walking towards Market, you make a right onto New Street at the Whole Foods. Go two more blocks and look for the inconspicuous red awning on the right. It's very subtle. This will most definitely be a regular stop on my visits to Newark. read more

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My kids and I came in for Empanadas and finished eating lunch. It was my daughters birthday and the guys came out with a Tres Leches with a candle.... They played the song Happy Birthday in Spanish on the radio and made noise with the pots... OMG it was great!!!! Thank you guys for an awesome Birthday lunch. read more

This is a buffet so the line moves very quickly. Can get food to go or to eat in, and while there aren't many tables they turn over pretty quickly. Staff was friendly and food was great. Had the pepper steak and it was melt in your mouth tender with great flavor. Would absolutely go back. read more

Atmosphere: Small, busy during lunch Food: I haven't ventured much on the menu here, but I usually get the 1/4 chicken plate. The chicken is moist so that's a plus. I usually get vegetables and rice, although the vegetables resemble microwaveable type of veggies. Price is about $6 for this plate. Service: Usually friendly. Overall, average. read more

Authentic! Tucked away right outside of downtown. Friendly staff, great ambiance. We came right before the lunch rush, the line was out the door, now you know that's the best sign for amazing food! Found this gem on our way back to Chicago. We'll definitely be back next time we're in town! I had arroz con gandules with fried chicken and a side of yuca. The server asked if I wanted the broth from another meat which I accepted and highly recommend! It had a chipotle kick. DELISH! My wife had arroz con gandules with pastelon. Now the only person in this world that makes the best pastelon is my mom and let's just say this one was just as good! read more

They changed the head chef. Thank goodness! Food is now edible and actually tastes like home cook meal. Meal w/drink is about $10.

The rice was hard and the food had no flavor. Will not order from there again. I hate writing negative reviews

I ordered delivery from here and the food was amazing. I got the stewed chicken with rice and peas and steamed broccoli and carrots. The chicken had good flavor and was tender. The rice was nice and fluffy and had a good taste as well. I enjoyed my meal and would definitely order from here again, if in the area! read more

Pernil is so juicy! And the Arroz Con Gandules has a very 'homemade' quality.

This place is so homey. Aside from the good food the staff is Soooo nice and have great manners. The person that seems to be the owner was very friendly as well.I sat and ate my food and as I did I watched the staff speak and interact with clients. Ot was very nice to see !! read more

Love La Cocina! Great spot to eat close to the business district. Food is always fresh, had the Pollo La Plancha today, amazing! The staff is friendly and helpful. Daily lunch specials and a varied menu for some deliciously authentic Cuban/Latin cuisine. read more

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

Hmmmmm. The pulled pork and the chickpea salad! The crew is super nice as well. Also they serve so much food that no matter how hard I'm working on it, I'll always have some leftover packed for dinner. read more

Came here a couple of times, great food, great staff...food is delicious and definitely affordable...they are doing construction in the area right now so it's a little of a headache but the food is worth it read more

DELICIOUS! I had the roasted chicken stew, yellow rice, and maduros (sweet plantains).They offer WiFi, which is also a plus. Great amount of seating indoor/outdoor. Highly recommend! read more

The food was tasteless. Sadly. Also, the place is owned by the next door pizzeria Rob's Pizzeria so...throw the authentic out the window as they're Italian and not "Cuban" It is like many have already stated, a college eatery. Overpriced. Loud. Mediocre. My pernil sandwich took 20 min to make. It was tasteless and soggy and it was about $7 with a can of coke. I will not return. There are way better options father down. read more

The staff is colorful and friendly. The food is fresh, tasty, plentiful and inexpensive. This is definitely a place to visit for lunch and enjoy some excellent Cuban cuisine. read more

La Cocina - Bistec Encebollado. - Latin American Near Me - Newark, New Jersey

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Stumbled into this restaurant a few months before I graduated and I was so pissed that I never went in sooner. The place is a bit small when you walk in with enough seating for 30-40 and decor is very simple but it's a just a place to grab lunch. They generally have most of the food setup before 11 and it's all laid out on a steam table. They usually don't make more of the dishes so once it's out they're done for the day with it also earlier means the food hasn't been sitting on the steam table all day. After 3 you're rolling the dice with what food is left. The pernil is pretty damn awesome, the garlic roasted chicken is also good. They have a few special entrees that they switch everyday the only one I've had was the oxtail prepared in a stew with veggies but there's a small extra charge for it. The staff here are super nice too. read more

first of all the staff is amaze ! the food is so delicious - my coworkers and i come here every wednesday for the beef stew the rice and chicken . keep it up guys ! read more

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

Great little hole in the wall spot. Staff is super friendly and helpful, and the food is delicious. Great tender meats and the chicken empanada was a favorite. I love the pulled pork and steak options, the portions are big enough for 2 meals- a great bang for your buck! read more

I really love this Cuban spot!! Every time I walk in I'm greeted with smiling employees who are eager to serve me up a hot meal! I like to get the roast chicken leg with rice and plantains when I want a full meal, but sometimes if I'm in a hurry I get 2 empanadas and that's all, which is good for a small lunch in the go, and it's cheap to. I've also tried their flan which was decent. Overall, if you're anywhere near La Cocina, you should totally check it out!! read more

Even when the line is long, you never have to wait too long to order your food. Manny and the rest of the staff are extremely friendly and Manny goes out of his way to make sure you're doing okay when you sit-in, even when it's busy. The food is always great and the coffee/cortaditos, hit the spot. read more

What a great experience! I was definitely not expecting such great food especially at such cheap price. I ordered the moro (rice with black beans) with maduros and pernil. It was sooo good!!! And the staff was super friendly. Definitely a hidden gem! read more

La Cocina - I devoured the food and couldn't take a pic so here a pic of a nice frame. - Latin American Near Me - Newark, New Jersey

This place is delicious ! the owner is super nice and very helpful if you aren't sure what to order . The Lunch specials come with an entree and two sides . My favorites are the steamed broccoli and carrots and the chick pea salad ! On wednesdays they have ropa vieja ( shredded beef ) and on other days i get the grilled garlic chicken and onions , so good ! There is always a line around lunch time. The best part is the food is super satisfying and you feel somewhat healthy ! read more

This place is top notch-great quality! Reminds me of my Mom's home cooking! You can tell they cook their food with care and the customer service is wonderful! Manny, the owner was very genuine and you can tell he's passionate about the quality of this restaurant! I was visiting family and i was craving some good Spanish food and Im so glad we came here! They will take good care of you! Before you leave, make sure you grab a cortadito with some cinnamon on top, it will complete the meal! :) read more

I can't wait for Covid to be over so that this spot could stay open until at least 7pm. They have unbelievably delicious Cuban food but they cater to the lunch crowd. I ran my behind over there an hour before they closed (they close at 4) and saved it for dinner because it that amazing!!!And Manny adds even more of that Cuban authenticity (LOVE HIM!!!!) People this ones a must!! read more

Workers are so nice and helpful. The food is delicious. For $8.95. They also sell empanadas for 2 dollars. read more

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

Ohhhhhh my lord!!! This place is freaking good! Ahhhhhhhhh literally mouth orgasm after mouth orgasm ... when I die please please spread my ashes here!!!!! The tamales are to die for read more

It was lunch time one day when my friend and I stumbled upon this spot in search for food after a morning at the nail salon ... and shockingly they said they were completed sold out of food lol ... it was at the tail end of lunch so I guess that was understandable but the aroma inside smelled so delicious ... the guy behind the counter then noticed they were exactly two empanadas left in the showcase and willingly handed them to us free of charge ( partly why I remembered to give this place a shout out lol) ... we graciously took the empanadas and left a few bucks behind just because we planned on spending money anyway ... so finally as we're eating these delicious, crispy , flavor filled tid bits we only wished we had more they were honestly really good... so I'll be back TRY OT OUt read more

La Cocina's lunch is hella delicious and hella cheap for the amount of food you get. I am partial to the pernil and usually get a side of black beans and plantains. The pernil is such a rich and satisfying dish - I love the little crispy yet fatty pieces of chicharron interspersed among the melt in your mouth pork. The plantains are dope and provide a little sweetness to balance out the richness of the pernil. The line is frequently out the door during lunchtime but it moves very quickly. Plus, the owner and other employees are some of the nicest people. They are always willing to explain the dishes to customers and remember all the repeat customers. read more

Really good Spanish food if you're in walking distance. No parking in the area. I go there in my lunch break and they usually have a steady flow of people coming in for lunch. Mostly all take out and they have an outside sitting area read more

I ordered catered food from La Cocina. The food was delicious and reasonably priced. The dishes were hot when I arrived to pick it up. Two guys were ready to carry the food to my car which was great. Everything was good but the pepper steak was a huge hit with my guests. We also really enjoyed the tres leches. Manny and his staff were very helpful. I will definitely order from here again. read more

The food was just okay. I had lunch here but two friends and I ordered dark meat chicken open up my container and I had a white meat breast the owner was very understanding and replaced the meat but the food was mediocre. read more