Best Family Style Restaurants in Newark

Great service overall, except the gentleman on water duty was constantly refilling glasses even when you had only taken one sip. It was a little too much. Also, there was a screw up using a gift card that some how got added to my cc slip, but was corrected. The lighting is far too low. Looks pretty, but not functional for diners. When you move the table lap to make room for the food, you cannot see the food, especially when you have the duck on a three tier stand. I saw many patrons using their flashlights to read the menu. Bathroom sink was not working, so had to use another to wash hands. Our server and sommelier were great at their jobs and she really knew her menu and explained things well and made excellent recommendations. Food was presented wonderfully and tasted great.

I'd heard good things about Hawksmoor, and it didn't disappoint. Although the server got off to a rocky start with a rattled-off, rushed list of offerings, the food was stellar and arrived in a timely fashion. We tried raw oysters, which were pristinely shucked, scallops on the half shell, caesar salad, and sourdough bread before digging into the mains. A rib chop that was succulent and tender alongside a porterhouse, seared to perfection, was devoured alongside lobster mac 'n cheese, spinach, mashed potatoes and Brussels sprouts. Everything was delicious, and the elegant room makes a grand backdrop for feasting.

BONDST was one of the most incredible meals I've ever had. I had two of the Shishito Pepper Margaritas which had the perfect spice level. They were so good. I split with my daughter the Wagyu Carpaccio, Toro Tartare with Caviar, Seared Salmon sushi roll, Spicy Tuna sushi roll, Tuna Tarts, Spicy Shrimp, and the Hot Scallop dish. Seriously incredible. Found out the next day that Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce were eating there at the same time too!!! Such a cool spot. The vibes were immaculate and the food was absolutely incredible.

We were so pleased with our first visit to Carmine's. My husband and I usually travel to NYC alone, and have never gone before because we heard how large the portions are - and they are NOT kidding. There were 7 of us for dinner, and we shared a Caesar Salad, Cheesy Garlic Bread, Rigatoni Bolognese, Eggplant Parm, Veal Scallopini, and Tiramisu and it was perfect portions. Only thing we took home was the Garlic Bread (which the 19-year-old scarfed down likely before it made it to the hotel fridge.) Paul our server was fantastic - happy to see our family reunion the day after Christmas with family from Myrtle Beach. The restaurant is crowded and loud, so expect that - but it's a fun environment and you can tell it's mostly families just having a great time. This dinner capped off a perfect day celebrating the 19-year-old's first Broadway Show.

Dinner was so delicious! Service was great—really appreciate them making Christmas Eve so special! Very family friendly. We ordered an appetizer and then had one dish of the chicken Alfredo. It was literally the best I’ve ever had. It fed two adults and two children. The kids loved it and cleared their plates. Then we had the Italian cheesecake and hot fudge brownie. Both were great, definitely recommend the brownie.