Casa Vasca, Newark, NJ:
A Restaurant Review
141 Elm St.
Newark, NJ
973-465-1350
Restaurant Highlights
Fare: American/French influenced Basque, Spanish
Price: Moderate
Food Quality: 2 Stars
Service: 2 Stars
Decor: 1 Star
Overall Rating: 2 Stars
Note: Four star Rating System from 1/2 Star = Poor to Four stars = Best in Class
Serves huge portions of well prepared Basque, Spanish food
Value: Excellent
Noise Level: Moderate
Dress: Casual
Recommended For: Budget conscious diners who enjoy well prepared Spanish food served in huge portions.
Not Recommended For: Diners who prefer more traditional Spanish food in a trendy, upscale setting
Recommended dishes: When available, Solomillo A La Parilla ( broiled filet mignon); The Lenguado Al Menie (dover sole in lemon and garlic sauce; and The Bacalao A La Flamenca (grilled salt cod with garlic)
Liquor: Full Service Bar with a decent selection of wines at a reasonable price.
Restaurant Review
Casa Vasca is a longtime favorite Iron bound Spanish restaurant, popular with locals who come for it's well prepared and tasty Basque, Spanish food.
Situated away from the other Iron bound restaurants, it is one of the least touristy restaurants in Newark. The restaurant is in a safe neighborhood, 5 blocks away from the Prudential Center and a 12-to-15-minute walk from the PATH at Newark Penn Station.
Their decor is dated, and not very attractive. The dining area, is small with tables spaced comfortably apart.
The food is the resaon you come to Casa Vasca! The style of food served at Casa Vasca is American/French influenced Basque, Spanish.
The Basque region lies in the North of Spain near the Bay of Biscay and in South Western France.
The Basque style of food differs from other traditional Spanish dishes found in the U.S. in that it emphasizes the use fresh, home-grown ingredients and simple preparation. Salt-cod ( bacalao ) and beans are staple ingredients of Basque cooking and olive oil, garlic, tomatoes, and peppers are often used.
Casa Vasca serves up a menu of outstanding fresh fish, and depending on the early morning's market purchase, the evening's dishes are prepared and the selections are presented on a chalkboard. Be forewarned, the portions are huge!
The dinner starts off with a complimentary cup of soup accompanied by a basket of fresh baked crusty bread from a local bakery.
The staff is friendly and attentive.
Free parking is available in an attended lot on the side street behind the restaurant.
Despite having a reservation, expect to wait for a table on busy weekends.
(updated: November, 2016)
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