Salsa Latin Bistro & Lounge - Newark, New Jersey

Arianna L.

My experience started with a warm greeting from the amazing bartender Silvio ! I’m a tequila lover but Silvio insisted I try their signature cocktail the Salsa 76 made with brandy & it was the smoothest drink I’ve ever had ! For appetizers I ordered the chicken empanadas & they were by far the best chicken empanadas I’ve ever had in my life ! For dinner my friend and I split the surf & turf & arroz con pollo! After devouring both I finished my experience with a drink that I requested from Silvio. My signature drink as a bartender is a spicy cucumber margarita. I put Silvio up to the test and not only did he make the cocktail better than me he personally cut the cucumber to make it happen for me! The level of service & love that is put into the food, drinks & atmosphere make this a go to spot in my book! 10/10 recommend

Raj J.

Service was good. I was the only customer in the restaurant so it was quiet. The fajitas were decent with an overdose of green/red pepper. The flavor was okay and prices were on the high side. For one person with soda it was $40. A tip of 20% was added automatically and credit card receipt requested tip on top of that. I do again appreciate the prompt service from lady at the restaurant.

David M.

It was annoying that they didn't begin cooking my GrubHub order until after I got there and inquired about it, despite the place being empty.
But the real issue was when I felt how light my takeout bag was. Looking inside I was flabbergasted at how little food was there for $14. I've gotten flautas from 3 other restaurants in Downtown Newark, all with similar pricing, but none were half as skimpy on the volume of food.

Alexis K.

Since visiting Salsa Latin Bistro on Saturday, my boyfriend and I have yet to stop thinking about the meals we had. We were guests over at the Mariott just next door, and were en route to another restaurant when Salsa caught my boyfriend's eye. We decided to give it a shot and we definitely did not regret the decision.

We were greeted by the kindest waiter named Fabian, who immediately provided us with cucumber-lemon water and lime water, as well as chips and salsa! We ordered margaritas and shrimp cocktail, which were both absolutely delicious. My dish was the Salma de Coco (pan seared salmon in a malibu sauce with rice and spinach) and my boyfriend's dish was the Arroz con Pollo (chorizo, green and red peppers, chunks of chicken over rice with sweet plantains). Absolutely mouth-watering.

If you're in the area for an NJ Devils game, a concert or another event at Prudential Center, or simply just passing through town, I could not recommend Salsa Latin Bistro any more. Conveniently located in the heart of the city, it's surely a staple location to visit. Bravo, for the incredible experience!

Gregory M.

I was really excited to try this place since it recently opened. I went today and it seems like the place is still trying to get it’s footing as it was completely empty when I arrived. But it didn’t take me long to realize why this place is empty. The short version is that the menu seems a bit overpriced and they don’t sell alcohol. And the place doesn’t know what it wants to be. Maybe it’s just because it’s Sunday but I doubt that. I ordered the pernil ($28) and settled for a non alcoholic piña colada. It’s funny because I was charged $13 for it, I was thinking maybe they snuck some rum in it without my knowledge but no it was just the worst version of a $13 piña colada. The pernil was excellent though. And on top of that the bill added 20% gratuity for 1 person. I could understand adding gratuity if I had a group or better yet if it was advertised. I paid it but I will not be returning to this establishment no time soon.

Daniel D.

This place is absolutely amazing!!! I’m staying at the hotel right next to the restaurant, which is called “Marriott Courtyard Newark Downtown”, and not only is this restaurant very convenient while staying at this hotel, but everything from the gorgeous atmosphere, to the amazing food, to the very friendly staff, and even the prices are just simply a 10 out of 10 experience. This restaurant doesn’t officially do room delivery for Mobile orders at the hotel but the staff member that I spoke with over the phone went way above and beyond and he actually DID make an exception and delivered the food at the hotel lobby for me!! This is hands-down one of the best restaurants in the local downtown Newark area and I would absolutely come here again and again every time I visit Newark from now on! Thank you to everyone involved at this restaurant from the line cook, to the front end, back end, and especially the restaurant manager! Thank you so much for providing me with an amazing experience 🙂

Rose E. M.

On the positive side, the atmosphere was nice. But I should have known this was going to be a problem when the place was empty. However, I wanted to give a small business a chance. My mistake.
Well, the water was ok and the drinks ok. The wait staff wasn't able to explain the menu to us, so when we asked about it we got no real answers. Now I know why. The food was horrible.
We had the flank steak, which was shredded meat that tasted like it was from a can or cooked three days ago. It looked like mashed meat parts that were dumbed on a plate - and tasted like it too. The salmon was cooked ok, but the sauce (which I asked to be put on the side, but was ignored) was awful.
It was so bad, we both had horrible stomach issues immediately after eating the food.
Was hoping to find a good eatery in Newark, but this was NOT it.

ShesA S.

Love love love! Must try the calamari but ask for the green sauce!!!! Great combination, drinks didn’t disappoint. Will be back soon!