Don Pepe Restaurant

Don Pepe Restaurant

844 McCarter Hwy, Newark, NJ 07102, United States

+1 973-623-4662

Spanish restaurant, Portuguese restaurant, Restaurant
(2524)
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About This Place

Nestled on McCarter Highway in Newark, Don Pepe Restaurant offers an authentic and vibrant culinary journey through the rich flavors of Spanish and Portuguese cuisine. This charming establishment is a must-visit for anyone craving a taste of Iberian delights, skillfully crafted with fresh, quality ingredients and traditional recipes.

From the moment you step inside, the warm and spacious interior welcomes you with an inviting atmosphere that effortlessly balances casual comfort and a touch of old-world elegance. Whether you're planning an intimate dinner or a lively gathering, Don Pepe’s setting adapts beautifully to accommodate your occasion.

The menu here is a treasure trove of delectable favorites, each dish bursting with distinctive flavors and aromas that linger in the air and excite the palate. A standout is undoubtedly the Paella Marinera, boasting an abundant medley of shellfish and lobster that creates a rich, savory depth complemented by saffron-infused yellow rice. The generous portion makes it perfect for sharing, as noted by diners who rave about its sumptuousness and authenticity.

Meat lovers will find the Porterhouse Steak and the tender, perfectly seasoned Fillet Mignon irresistible, while seafood aficionados can indulge in the delicately grilled Chilean Sea Bass or savor the garlicky goodness of Camarones en Salsa de Ajo. For a truly decadent finish, the classic Flan and the luscious Tiramisu Cake offer the perfect balance of sweetness and creaminess.

Beverage choices like the house-special Red Sangria and select red wines elevate each meal, offering refreshing and robust complements to the dishes. Guests frequently praise the sangria for its vibrant, fruity notes and perfectly chilled serving.

Don Pepe isn't just about extraordinary food; it’s about creating memorable dining experiences. Many visitors highlight the attentive and personable staff, especially the impeccable service provided by maître d’ Tony, whose genuine care adds a personal touch that makes every guest feel valued and welcome. The convenience of free parking only adds to the stress-free experience.

One regular guest described their meal as “the best meal I ever had,” emphasizing the perfect harmony of flavors in every dish, paired with “totally awesome” service. Another echoed the sentiment, driven to travel from Brooklyn simply to relive the spectacular tastes of Don Pepe’s specialties.

Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion, such as a bridal shower, or simply craving a flavorful escape into Spanish and Portuguese gastronomy, Don Pepe Restaurant delivers an exceptional combination of tradition, taste, and hospitality. It’s a heartfelt invitation to experience a slice of Iberian culinary artistry right in the heart of Newark.

Service options
Takeaway Dine-in
Highlights
Fast service Great beer selection Great cocktails Great coffee Great dessert Great wine list Serves local specialty
Popular for
Lunch Dinner Solo dining
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible car park Wheelchair-accessible entrance Wheelchair-accessible seating Wheelchair-accessible toilet
Offerings
Alcohol Beer Cocktails Coffee Comfort food Happy-hour drinks Healthy options Late-night food Private dining room Small plates Spirits Wine
Dining options
Lunch Dinner Catering Dessert Seating Table service
Amenities
Bar on site Toilet
Atmosphere
Casual Cosy Romantic Trendy Upmarket
Crowd
Family friendly Groups Tourists
Planning
Lunch reservations recommended Dinner reservations recommended Accepts reservations
Payments
Credit cards Debit cards NFC mobile payments Credit cards
Children
Good for kids High chairs
Parking
Free of charge street parking Free parking lot Parking Valet parking

Opening Hours

  • Monday
    11:30 AM - 09:30 PM
  • Tuesday
    11:30 AM - 09:30 PM
  • Wednesday
    11:30 AM - 09:30 PM
  • Thursday
    11:30 AM - 09:30 PM
  • Friday
    11:30 AM - 10:30 PM
  • Saturday
    12:00 PM - 10:30 PM
  • Sunday
    12:00 PM - 09:00 PM

Map & Directions

Visitor Reviews

  • Rose Nixon
    4 week ago

    I went to Don Pepe for a team lunch. They have a lunch menu with paella for $20-$30 depending on seafood/meat plus multiple other options. The seafood paella with lobster was delicious and large enough for 2 servings. The interior of the restaurant is quite large and there is a free parking lot.

  • DJ Lou Productions (DJ Lou)
    1 month ago

    I can truly say it was the best meal I ever had. I had the steak and my wife had the halibut and I love the garlic shrimp and the sangria was out of this world. Definitely a real good experience of service was totally awesome. I would say it’s worth a trip, check out the photos.

  • Kim Clark
    1 month ago

    Wow! Delicious. We shared the clams casino, I had garlic shrimp. My friend had the grilled branzino. Everything was SPECTACULAR. I meant to take many more pics, but we dived right in! Worth the trip from Brooklyn for SURE.

  • Elsa Amaral
    2 month ago

    Hosted my daughter’s bridal shower here, and it couldn’t have been more perfect. Tony, our maître d’, was absolutely incredible—attentive, supportive, and ready to help with anything I needed. The atmosphere was warm and inviting, and the food and service were outstanding. I highly recommend hosting your next event here!

  • Paul Rosetti
    3 month ago

    An old school restaurant with great atmosphere and outstanding food . Everything you order from the menu seems to be perfectly cooked . The paella is filled with a variety of seafood delights. incredible side dishes

  • Ron M
    4 month ago

    We had not been to Don Pepe in over 20 years. The atmosphere was the same as we remembered, but the food had lessened in quality. The Paella was not as good with regard to the seafood to rice ratio. The garlic shrimp was still quite tasty as we remembered. The Sangria also did not disappoint.

  • Robert Lai
    4 month ago

    Excellent menu. A little pricey. Good parking. Service was very fast, especially when we told them we had an event to get to in 1.5 hrs. Paella Valenciana was great! Atmosphere can be a bit loud, but tolerable. Lots of seating.

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