Reviews for Elza's Restaurant Café & Grill in East Orange, NJ
Found a local Haitian restaurant and excited that it's close to me. Ordered their lunch special Griot and diriz kolé (Pork... chunks with rice and beans for $9.99). The lunch specials come with a drink per the menu, they forgot my drink however. Butcheck with the server to confirm. The food smelled so good, I couldn't wait to get it home. At first glance it was nicelypresented with some chopped peppers and onions on the fried pork bites as garnish. The meat bites were a decent size, a littlesmaller than usual, but flavorful. The pork had a nice spice to it, not dry and well cooked. The rice was nicely cooked as well.The tomato based sauce was decent, not as flavored as I'm used to, but not bad either. Overall, for my first time, I am ratingit a solid 4. The restaurant is small, but quaint and the hostess was friendly. Will be visiting again to see if they areconsistent and if other items are just as good. As for now, thumbs up. Read more
I usually rant and rave about this restaurant. Of the Haitian restaurants I've frequented in the State, they have been the most... consistent. Today however was different. I ordered oxtails. My first issue, the sauce was watery. The flavor I've come toexpect when eating Haitian oxtails was lacking in this dish. Did yall forget the epis? I refuse to pour water on my rice. Therice, which is usually flavorful was again, not as appetizing. Not sure if its measuring cups that we're not using as a peoplebut this hit or miss habit we have in our restaurant culture has to end. I'm not sure if you're rotating your chefs, if so,please stop. Let people who know how to cook and cook well consistently take the lead. I'm both embarrassed and skeptical aboutinviting nonhaitians to order Haitian food because of the inconsistencies. Its 2022, please do better. I was disappointed. Ipaid less at the nearby Jamaican restaurant and enjoyed it more. Read more
The food here is amazing. It is a bit pricey, but it?s worth it to me! I rather spend a few extra dollars for well seasoned... clean Haitian food then bland/rushed Haitian food. I?ve never had a problem with customer service so I?m guessing that issue wasfixed from reading previous posts, and the place is nice and clean. I would highly recommend. Read more
Okay, they are pricey and their portions are small. For the amount of food you can get here, you can get twice the amount and... thensome for the same price at another Haitian restaurant. I just think it's unfair that another restaurant's large sizeplatter, is the same price as their small size platter. One good thing about this place is that the restaurant looks clean andthere is always parking. Read more
Absolutely amazing!! I haven?t had griot since I was a kid and sadly it was short lived because they closed shortly after I knew... about the restaurant. The taste was great the temperature once it was delivered to me was still hot and the amount you get forthe price is worth it. I definitely recommend if you like hatian cuisine ???? Read more
Some days costumer service is better than other!!! If you get one of the men on the phone you?re good, if you get of if the... ladies it all depends on the type of day they?re having! I?ve to go off on them a few time due to the attitude!!! The food isfine compared to the other haitian restaurants in the county of Essex and yes I?ve tried them all! One of the things that annoysme is the fact that they have a full menu online, but only offers 5 dishes which means you must call and ask what do they haveon that day while placing before placing the orders. As some others have mentioned you must call in advance, but in myexperience they are good with having the orders ready by the time you get there. Some feedback for the owner, hire a great cook,and pay them what they are worth cause the service and the city the restaurant is in aren?t the best, but if the food is alwaysgreat many of us will continue to take the drive from the other side of the state for some good food. Read more
The food was amazing here. The customer service however was less than superb.
The other day I got Elza?s Restaurant Cafe & Grill for lunch. Talking about some great food!!!! I ordered their Griot lunch... platter w/ White Rice, & Sos Pwa. The pork tips were great. The Sos Pwa (bean sauce) was immaculate. And the total meal wasabsolutely amazing. Haitian food in general is the best. The lady who took my order was very attentive and courteous. This placewas all around great. Atmosphere, tantalizing food, and excellent customer service! Can not wait to try this place again. Wouldhighly recommend Elza?s to anyone look for some great Haitian food in the East Orange area! Read more