Newark, New Jersey Soul Food Spots Locals Can’t Stop Recommending

Newark has some of the best soul food you’ll ever taste, and locals know exactly where to find it. From crispy fried chicken to creamy mac and cheese, these restaurants serve up comfort food that warms your heart and fills your belly.

I’m here to share the spots that people in Newark keep coming back to again and again.

Kilowatt

Walking into this place feels like stepping into your grandmother’s kitchen. The aroma of slow-cooked collard greens and cornbread hits you right away, making your mouth water instantly.

You’ll find generous portions that actually fill you up without emptying your wallet. The staff treats everyone like family, remembering your name and your favorite dishes after just a couple visits.

Hobby’s Delicatessen

This neighborhood gem has been serving authentic soul food for decades, earning trust one plate at a time. Their fried chicken recipe remains a closely guarded secret that keeps customers guessing and coming back for more.

Every side dish tastes homemade because it actually is. The candied yams are sweet enough to be dessert, and the mac and cheese has that perfect golden crust on top.

M&M Soul Food

Locals rave about the oxtails here, claiming they’re the most tender you’ll find anywhere in the city. The meat falls right off the bone, swimming in rich, savory gravy that begs for extra rice.

You can watch your food being prepared fresh, which adds to the experience and trust factor. Lines form during lunch hours because word spreads fast about quality this good.

Simply Southern Cafe

Southern hospitality meets Newark charm at this cozy spot where the portions are huge and the prices are fair. Their catfish is fried to perfection with a crispy coating that stays crunchy even after you get it home.

The black-eyed peas taste like they’ve been simmering all day long. You’ll want to try their sweet potato pie, which locals say rivals any dessert in the entire state.

Nana’s Kitchen

Family recipes passed down through generations make this restaurant special in ways you can taste with every bite. The owner actually cooks most of the food herself, ensuring consistency and that homemade touch everyone craves.

Their smothered pork chops are legendary among regulars who won’t eat them anywhere else. You’ll feel the love in every dish, from the buttery biscuits to the perfectly seasoned string beans.

Taste of the Islands

Caribbean flavors blend beautifully with traditional soul food at this unique spot that offers something different. You can taste the jerk seasoning mixed with classic Southern cooking techniques, creating bold new flavors that surprise your taste buds.

Their plantains and rice and peas complement the soul food entrees perfectly. This fusion approach gives you the best of both worlds without sacrificing authenticity or taste.

Down South Cuisine

Buffet-style service lets you sample multiple dishes without committing to just one, which is perfect for indecisive eaters. Everything stays fresh and hot because the turnover is constant, with hungry customers lining up throughout the day.

Their meatloaf and mashed potatoes bring back childhood memories for many diners. You pay by weight, so you control exactly how much you spend and eat.

Mamie’s Kitchen

Barbecue ribs smothered in tangy sauce make this spot a must-visit for meat lovers who appreciate quality cooking. The ribs are slow-cooked until they’re fall-apart tender, with smoke flavor that penetrates deep into the meat.

Their coleslaw is creamy and fresh, cutting through the richness of the ribs perfectly. You’ll want extra napkins because eating here gets wonderfully messy in the best possible way.

Esther’s Kitchen

Turkey wings cooked low and slow are the specialty here, drawing fans from all over the city and beyond. The meat is so tender it slides right off the bone, and the seasoning is spot-on without being too salty or spicy.

Their cornbread dressing tastes exactly like Thanksgiving dinner, comforting and familiar. You’ll appreciate the no-frills atmosphere that puts all the focus on the food where it belongs.

Akwaaba Restaurant

African and African-American culinary traditions come together here, creating a menu that honors both heritages beautifully. You’ll discover new flavors while still enjoying familiar soul food favorites, making every visit an adventure for your palate.

The jollof rice pairs wonderfully with fried chicken, bridging continents on one plate. Their hospitality makes you feel welcomed and valued, not just another customer passing through.