Whether you are finishing up a morning full of classes or taking a break from an internship, everyone gets hungry around lunch time. Luckily Seton Hall Law is surrounded by a variety of restaurants to choose from, but deciding where to go can be difficult. Seton Hall Law student Zanib Razzaq ’26 has explored Newark’s restaurants since her time as an undergraduate student at Rutgers University-Newark. She shares her favorite spots in Newark and around NJ/NYC on her Instagram @hungryhijabiadventures. Below are some of my favorite picks from her suggestions.
1. Pita square
Pita Square opened its doors in Newark in the summer of 2019 and has been serving flavorful mediterranean food. Here the options feel endless on how to customize your own rice or salad bowl. You can choose between Falafel, Chicken Shawarma, Lamb Gyro, Chicken Kabob, and Kafta Kabob and a variety of toppings like avocado hummus and Arabic Salad. Or you can choose one of their sandwiches such as their Chicken Shawarma Sandwich.
Address: 95 Halsey Street, Newark, NJ 07102
Website: https://www.pitasquare.com/
2. Fresh&Co
Sometimes late night studying in the library leads to vending machines snacks and the next day you’re craving something lighter. Fresh&co provides fresh, creative and healthy meals. You can either create your own salad or grain bowl or choose from their signature bowls (my favorite is the Shrimp Taco Salad).
Address: 1 Gateway Center, Newark, New Jersey 07102
Website: https://order.thanx.com/freshandco
3. dario's
If you are craving Tex-Mex food, Dario’s is the place to go. If you are an indecisive person and need a simple menu, then this is your fit. You can choose either a burrito, taco bowl, quesadillas, or a big soft taco (there are also hard shells for those fanatics). Their chicken served is halal and their plates provide a vegetarian option which includes broccoli, corn, and beans.
Address: 20 Academy St, Newark, NJ 07102
Website: https://dariosrestaurant.netwaiter.com/newark/about/#google_vignette
4. market city
Going out with fellow classmates for lunch can be fun, but what is not fun is choosing a place to go when everyone is craving something different. Luckily, Market City has a wide-range menu to meet many needs. They offer fresh salads, burgers, hot and cold subs, paninis, and Mexican food. As well as breakfast platters if you are craving pancakes or a breakfast sandwich before class.
Address: 13 Commerce St, Newark, NJ 07102, USA
Website: https://marketcitynwk.com/
5. ellie's bistro
If you’re looking for Italian food, you can check out Ellie’s Bistro. This place is perfect for when you want a proper sit-down lunch (instead of a vending machine snack at the library) or if you are looking for a place to take a family member visiting you for the weekend. If the weather is nice, take advantage of their outdoor seating. Their honey balsamic calamari and Giambotta wood oven pizza are my favorite and can’t wait to further explore their menu.
Address: 20 Green Street, Newark, NJ 07102
Website: https://www.elliesbistro.com/
