21 Best Restaurants in Passaic, NJ
This article was written by local contributor Meghan Wheeler & edited by the Travel Lens team.
As someone who has spent years living in Passaic, New Jersey, I've had the pleasure of experiencing the diverse culinary scene this city has to offer.
From casual eateries to more upscale dining, Passaic truly has something for everyone's taste buds.
There's nothing quite like exploring the local flavors and supporting our neighborhood gems.
Join me as we discover some of the best restaurants in Passaic, New Jersey, where you can savor mouth-watering dishes and create unforgettable memories.
TAQUERIA LOS AMIGOS V.M.
As someone who lives in the area, I am always on the lookout for amazing Mexican food.
One day, I stumbled upon TAQUERIA LOS AMIGOS V.M. at 822 Main Ave Passaic, New Jersey, and I am so glad I did.
This taco restaurant has quickly become my go-to spot for delicious and authentic tacos.
The freshness of their ingredients is evident as you can see the tacos being made, and there are different stations for various items.
The place itself is clean, and the service is fast.
They also offer parking and seating, making it a convenient spot for a quick meal.
What I really appreciate about this place is the consistency in the quality of their tacos.
I have tried many taco joints around Montclair, New Jersey, but none of them have matched the excellence of TAQUERIA LOS AMIGOS.
It's worth mentioning that their prices are quite reasonable as well.
Although they recently increased the price of their taco combo from 4 tacos for 8 dollars to 4 tacos for 10 dollars, I still find the value for money to be great compared to other places with lesser quality tacos.
So Good Cuisine LLC
Just today, I decided to be adventurous and try out a new restaurant in town.
I found myself at So Good Cuisine LLC, a Dominican restaurant, and let me tell you, it was an incredible choice!
The moment I stepped in, I was greeted by a clean, well-decorated space that felt both intimate and welcoming.
Though the size of the place is relatively small, it is quite cozy and comfortable, which I appreciated.
As for the food, it was nothing short of divine. I had fried fish and Yuca, and it tasted amazing.
The prices were reasonable, and the service was outstanding.
Since I was working nearby, I walked to the restaurant, but if you're driving, you might need to look for parking.
Q-BA Restaurant & Lounge
I recently had the pleasure of trying out a new restaurant in town called Q-BA Restaurant & Lounge.
It offers delicious Cuban cuisine in a lively and welcoming atmosphere.
The service was fantastic, and everyone there was incredibly hospitable.
My friends and I ordered a variety of dishes, including an avocado salad, French fries, fried sweet plantains, and the most scrumptious Cuban sandwich!
We also tried two other mouthwatering dishes, one was a lightly breaded pork cutlet, while the other was shredded pork in a flavorful broth with peppers and onions.
Both of these dishes came with rice and black beans, and the portions were just right.
To complement our meal, we enjoyed some refreshing cocktails, like the Coconut Passion Fruit Mojito, which was absolutely divine.
The restaurant has plenty of seating, and the tables are well-spaced so that you can dine comfortably.
Plus, the bathrooms were spotless, and there was on-site parking available, which is always a huge bonus.
New Hop Shing Kitchen
Whenever I'm in the mood for some delicious Chinese food, I know I can count on New Hop Shing Kitchen.
It's been my go-to spot for years, and I've never been disappointed.
Their menu is extensive, and the quality of the food is top-notch.
You can check out their website here.
I've tried many dishes from their menu, and I've enjoyed every single one.
Some of my favorites include General Tso's Chicken, Lo Mein, and their delicious dumplings.
The portions are generous, and the prices are very reasonable.
Passaic Fried Chicken
When it comes to fried chicken, there's no place like Passaic Fried Chicken.
I remember the first time I tried their food, I was completely blown away by how delicious and juicy the chicken was.
It's not just me who thinks this way - many of my friends and neighbors share the same opinion.
One thing I love about Passaic Fried Chicken is the fact that their chicken doesn't need any kind of condiments or dressing to make it taste good. It's perfect, just the way it is.
I've been to other fried chicken places around the area, but none of them can come close to the taste and quality of Passaic Fried Chicken.
Whenever I go there, they always greet me with a warm smile, which makes the entire dining experience even better.
Chen's Kitchen
Chen's Kitchen has been a staple in our community.
This Chinese restaurant has been consistently providing us with amazing and delicious food for the past 15 years.
The super clean environment and the super nice family that runs the place add to the overall charm of the restaurant.
I remember the first time I ordered from Chen's; I was impressed by the quality of the food, and that quality has never wavered.
Las Tres Islas 2
I've been a regular at Las Tres Islas 2 for as long as I can remember.
This Cuban restaurant has always been my go-to spot whenever I crave a taste of authentic Cuban cuisine.
Over the years, the food has been consistently delicious, and the prices have remained reasonable for the generous portions they serve.
It's hard not to love the home-cooked meals they serve, which remind me of my childhood.
El Alebrije Mexican Restaurant
I recently decided to try out El Alebrije Mexican Restaurant.
I visited their website here to check out their menu and was excited to give it a shot.
I decided to go there with my family for a casual dinner, and it turned out to be a great choice!
From the moment we walked in, we felt welcomed, and the atmosphere was lively.
The Birria Tacos and the Queso Fundido were absolutely delicious, and my family enjoyed their meals as well.
We couldn't help but notice the wide selection of drinks, and I couldn't resist trying the Cantarito – it was fantastic!
What made our evening even more enjoyable was the live music and karaoke happening there.
It created a fun and entertaining ambiance that was perfect for a family night out.
My son loved it so much that he finished his meal before I could even finish mine!
Castillo Restaurant
I have been visiting Castillo Restaurant for a few months now.
In the beginning, my experience was great - the food was delicious, and the service was friendly.
I even recommended it to some of my friends and family, who also enjoyed their meals there.
The Dominican cuisine tasted homemade, and I especially loved their marinero turkeys and rice with gandules.
In addition to my in-person experiences, I tried ordering through Uber Eats, and the food was consistent on both occasions.
New China House
As a regular customer of New China House, I can confidently say that their food is always fresh and delicious.
One of my favorite dishes is Pepper Chicken, which is simply outstanding.
The Bebon Chicken is also a must-try for anyone looking for tasty Chinese cuisine.
The Orange Chicken dinner combo is also pretty good, and I have no complaints about it.
Just a heads up for those who prefer using cards for payment, there's a $1 charge for cards, but at least they accept them, unlike some other places in the area.
Tony's Pizzeria
I've been a regular at Tony's Pizzeria for years, and it's the go-to spot for my family and me to grab a delicious pizza after a long day.
I remember ordering a medium pie with half cheese and half pepperoni, along with a grilled chicken Caesar salad for delivery.
Not only was the service fantastic, but the pizza also improved.
I've also tried their Jamaican patty and cheese bread, which were equally tasty.
Tacos Y Cemitas Mary
As someone who's always on the lookout for authentic Mexican cuisine, I've tried several places in my area, but it wasn't until I came across Tacos Y Cemitas Mary that I truly experienced the flavors of my hometown in Mexico.
Their mushroom quesadillas are simply delicious and remind me of the food I grew up with.
For instance, some people also praised the customer service and the quality of certain dishes.
Their Torta de milanesa de pollo with Chipotle was as impressive as I'd hoped, given the price.
Fafda Jalebi House / Egg Dhaba
I have always been on the lookout for good Indian restaurants. On one of my recent visits, I stumbled upon Fafda Jalebi House / Egg Dhaba, a small Gujarati restaurant located in Bergen County.
The place is quite small with limited seating, but don't let the size fool you - the food here is delicious and worth a try!
As soon as I walked in, I was greeted with the appetizing aroma of traditional Gujarati snacks.
I decided to order some Jalebi and Fafda, which are two of my favorites.
Although I was a bit disappointed that they didn't offer the papaya chutney I'm used to, the other chutneys available were quite tasty, even if they were a bit on the watery side. I also tried the dhokla, which was fresh and delicious.
While I was there, I noticed that the place also offers egg dishes, which is a bit unusual for a Gujarati restaurant, but I've heard great things about their egg biryani.
Atardecer de Mexico
One of my favorite spots to dine in and spend time with my family is Atardecer de Mexico.
This Mexican restaurant not only serves authentic and delicious dishes but also has a warm ambiance.
Whenever I get a craving for some tasty Mexican cuisine, I don't mind driving an hour just to get to Atardecer de Mexico.
I've tried various dishes from their menu, and they never disappoint.
The fact that they make their own tortillas adds even more to their authenticity and flavors.
What I love even more about this spot is their karaoke nights! It's always a fun time when you can gather with your loved ones, enjoy great food, and sing your heart out.
The decor inside the restaurant is also something worth mentioning, as it's really beautifully done and adds to the overall atmosphere.
Adjuntas Restaurant
One of my go-to places for a delicious Mexican meal is Adjuntas Restaurant.
Their menu offers a great variety of traditional Mexican dishes, and I've discovered many new vegetables and flavors through their cuisine.
The restaurant tends to get quite busy in the mornings, as it seems to be a favorite breakfast spot for many locals.
Another thing that impressed me was when I ordered a tray of empanadas for our office's Holiday Christmas party last December.
Not only were they delicious, but they also managed to keep them warm and fresh throughout the event.
Adjuntas Restaurant has definitely earned its spot as one of my favorite local dining options.
Oasis Diner Passaic NJ
Every now and then, I find myself craving a hearty breakfast from the Oasis Diner Passaic NJ.
This 34-year-old establishment has truly become a staple in our community, and its longevity speaks volumes about the quality of the food and service.
One of my favorite things to order here is their breakfast sandwich, complete with avocado slices.
While I've heard some people complain about the price, I think it's well worth it for the generous portions and delicious taste.
My partner and I often enjoy stopping by the diner on our way to the airport, as it's a perfect spot to fuel up before a long day of travel.
I've been coming here for over 20 years and have never been disappointed.
Fancy Fish
Fancy Fish has always been my go-to spot for fresh and delicious seafood.
It's quite rare to find a place where two people can enjoy a seafood meal for under $20, but this cozy little seafood restaurant never disappoints.
My personal favorites are the flounder and red snapper, which I usually have with either fry cassava or rice.
Fancy Fish may be small, with just about 25-30 seats, but the turnover is pretty quick, so you can almost always find a seat within 30 minutes.
Keep in mind that it's a fast fry food joint, so it's perfect for those days when you're craving a quick and tasty fried fish meal.
Parking can be a bit limited, and you'll need to feed the meters but trust me, it's worth it for the amazing seafood experience that awaits you.
Doña Maria Restaurant
Whenever I crave authentic Mexican food, Doña Maria Restaurant is my go-to spot. The food is always delicious, and the atmosphere is inviting.
I've been visiting this place for years and can easily say their guacamole is some of the freshest around.
And don't even get me started on their birria tacos - they are truly outstanding!
But what really sets Doña Maria apart from other Mexican restaurants is their affordable prices.
With $1-$1.50 tacos, it's hard to resist indulging in all their tasty offerings.
One of my favorite things about Doña Maria is their refreshing Jamaica and horchata beverages.
They strike the perfect balance between sweet and not too watery.
Philtrade Food Center & Restaurant
I have to admit I came across Philtrade Food Center & Restaurant only a couple of months ago, and it has quickly become one of my favorite Filipino go-to spots.
My partner and I often go there to buy meals and indulge in authentic Filipino food and drinks.
This place is truly a hidden gem in our area, offering a wide variety of typical Filipino dishes, pastries, and products.
You just have to check it out for yourself!
I remember my first time visiting Philtrade, I bought pancit, palabok, chicken and pork bbq, and ube cluster.
To say that everything was delicious would be an understatement!
It's a great spot for anyone who's been craving Filipino food.
Mexico Restaurant
Mexico Restaurant is one of my favorite spots to grab a bite.
Their authentic and fresh Mexican food never disappoints!
Although they don't have a lot of vegetarian options, their vegetarian tacos are simply amazing.
As a non-vegetarian, the $2 tacos are an absolute steal, and I always end up ordering more than I can eat.
The bright, artful decor creates a lively atmosphere that's perfect for dining with friends or family.
One of the most memorable experiences I had at Mexico Restaurant was when they generously offered me a taste of their Hibiscus drink, which I had never tried before.
I was blown away by the refreshing flavor, and it quickly became one of my favorite beverages to order alongside my meal.
El Primito Restaurante
One of my favorite spots to grab some delicious, authentic food in Passaic is El Primito Restaurante.
I absolutely love their home-cooked taste, and their mondongo on Sundays is a must-try if you've ever had it elsewhere.
It's a soup made from diced tripe, slow-cooked with other ingredients - simply delectable.
The atmosphere is cozy and inviting, making it a great place to enjoy a meal with friends or family.
While there's only street parking available, and it can be limited, it's definitely worth the effort to find a spot.
Final Thoughts
I must say that Passaic truly offers a diverse and mouthwatering selection of dining options.
From the authentic Mexican flavors of TAQUERIA LOS AMIGOS V.M. and El Alebrije to the all-time favorite dishes from New Hop Shing Kitchen and Chen's Kitchen, there's something to satisfy every craving.
With such a variety of restaurants to choose from, it's no wonder that Passaic remains a food lover's paradise. Happy eating!
Recent posts
30 Ridiculously Beautiful Places In Arizona You've Gotta See To Believe
16 Incredible Restaurants in Fort Myers Beach, FL You Need to Try
17 Incredible Things to Do in Westchester County, NY
25 Incredible Things to Do in Rancho Cucamonga, CA
Stop Scrolling! This Week's 10 Must-Enter Travel Giveaways Are Here, US Readers
12 Incredible Restaurants in Alexandria, VA You Need to Try
30 Best Things to Do in Omaha, NE
25 Best Things to Do in Anne Arundel County, MD
12 Incredible Restaurants in Santa Fe, NM You Need to Try
12 Incredible Restuarants in Rancho Cucamonga You Need to Try