Lydia Maguire 
It all started with pikliz.
A coworker brought a full Haitian fritay spread into the office one day, which, for anyone unfamiliar, is basically an assortment of Haitian street food. On the table were fried plantains, fritters, chicken, yams, and one very important introduction: pikliz. This fiery, crunchy slaw made with pickled cabbage, carrots, and Scotch bonnet peppers is technically meant to be used as a condiment, but it has the kind of heat and flavor that makes restraint a little difficult. It is spicy, bright, acidic, addictive, and exactly the sort of thing that makes someone immediately wonder where it has been all their life.
That office lunch turned into a small Haitian culinary education, led by Haitian friends who were kind enough to share their favorite local spots, what to order, and why pikliz belongs on basically everything. In honor of Haitian Heritage Month, and this newly discovered favorite way to eat cabbage, we rounded up some of the best places to find Haitian food in Essex County and nearby. Read on to discover the best Haitian restaurants in Essex County and beyond.
Essex County
Caribbrew Cafe | 73-87 Clay Street, Retail #2, Newark
Caribbrew is a Haitian coffee brand dedicated to bringing the history and flavors of Haiti to the United States. Its cafe location, located in Newark, has a diverse menu of hot + iced coffees, chocolate drinks (including frozen chocolate), and teas. There are also pastries, including pâté (Haitian meat patties), rum raisin cake, sandwiches, and more.
Read More: A Guide to Montclair’s Best Coffee Shops
Lakay | 470 Valley Road, West Orange
Lakay was the restaurant behind the office fritay spread that started it all. The chicken fritay comes loaded with fried plantains (also known as banan peze), marinad, which are savory Haitian fritters that taste almost like a spiced donut, and akra, crispy malanga fritters with a creamy, earthy center. Add fried chicken, yams, and a generous serving of pikliz, and you have a very convincing case for ordering extra.
L’Hirondelle | 661 Scotland Road, City of Orange
This Orange spot has a dining room that immediately feels like a good sign: Haitian customers, Creole being spoken, and a no-nonsense hospitality that makes the whole meal more fun. The griot is a must-order. Haiti’s national dish is made with pork that is marinated in citrus and spices, boiled, then fried until crispy on the outside and tender inside. (To be fair, a lot of the foods we tried were texture-rich in addition to flavors) The red snapper is another favorite, served whole, so watch for the tiny bones. Pair everything with diri ak djon djon, a traditional Haitian black rice made with djon djon mushrooms, and add a glass of passion fruit juice while you’re at it.
Saveur Créole | 131 Grove Street, Montclair
This longtime Montclair BYOB has been serving Haitian food for decades, and for good reason. Start with the Haitian caviar served with tostones and goat cheese, or the Lambi Bouki, a conch ceviche-style dish served with Timalice hot sauce on toasted bread. The Mambo Gumbo, made with okra, collard greens, and bell peppers, is also worth a spot on the table. For mains, the tassot de chèvre is the move for anyone who likes goat tender, crispy, and served with plenty of spicy pikliz. The Trini chicken, made with chicken breast in a spiced coconut curry, is another flavorful option.
Hudson County
Aerelus Caribbean Restaurant | 6A Rose Avenue, Jersey City
Aerelus opened in Jersey City in October 2025, bringing another option for Haitian + Caribbean cuisine to Chilltown. Aerelus is great for its meals, which come with a meat entrée, rice, salad, and makawoni gratine (Haitian-style mac + cheese). MG recommends the legume (vegetable stew), which can be ordered as a standalone side or as a meal.
Bettie’s Restaurant | 579 West Side Avenue, Jersey City
This photo is courtesy of Bettie’s Restaurant.
Though Bettie’s is technically outside Essex County, this Jersey City spot is worth keeping on the radar for anyone willing to make the trip. The restaurant is known for its intimate atmosphere, friendly staff, and flavorful Haitian dishes. Diners can go the classic route with griot, lalo, or one of the heartier stews, or switch things up with freshly grilled seafood. It has a reputation as a great date-night spot, which is not always the first thing that comes to mind when talking about a plate of fried pork and pikliz, but somehow, here we are.
Griot Cafe | 398 Central Avenue, Jersey City
Griot Cafe is a unique twist on Afro-Caribbean dining, mixing authentic eats with the coziness of your favorite cafe. It features Haitian and African spins on popular brunch dishes, including the griot sandwich (fried pork), samosas, and Creole chicken + waffles. It also hosts events occasionally, including meet-ups and art showcases, so be sure to keep an eye on its Instagram.
Magdou Delicious Restaurant | 114 Mallory Avenue, Jersey City
This spot on Jersey City’s West Side has a diverse menu with breakfast, lunch, and dinner options, plus classic Haitian-style desserts (the rum cake is a must-have). Some popular dishes at Magdou include the pwason gro sel (stew fish in a citrus-y sauce), jerk turkey, and tassot cabrit (fried goat). MG pro tip: Make a visit on Sundays for one of Magdou’s specials, including bouyon (a hearty meat stew dish) and its fried plantain platters.
Bonus
Elvita’s Kitchen | 210 Commerce Place, Elizabeth
Opened in April 2026, Elvita’s Kitchen is a newer addition to the list of northern New Jersey Haitian eateries. It is located in the heart of Elizabeth’s downtown and features a menu blending Haitian + Latin cuisine. Diners can build a plate with a protein option, rice, and beans + vegetables. Elvita’s is also BYOB.
See More: A Guide to the Best Sushi Restaurants at the Jersey Shore
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