Konoz Restaurant

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ My new favorite restaurant!! After eating here, my family doesn’t even want me to cook anymore 🥹 That’s how GOOD it is! Hands down the most authentic Spanish food we’ve had in a long time. Alex treated us like family from the moment we walked in. The food came out hot, fresh, and full of flavor. The appetizers tasted just like my grandma’s—especially the alcapurrias! They were so good I ordered extra to go. The fish fritters were perfectly crispy and delicious. The portions were HUGE! We loved the roast pork and the shrimp mofongo. My steak and onions were served in the cutest little caldero, and the maduros were sweet and cooked to perfection. And the flan… out of this world! Do yourself a favor and get a happy passion fruit or mango drink—you’ll be smiling the whole time. And the coquito? The BEST I’ve ever had! My new go-to spot. Highly, highly recommend! ✨

The food was amazing!! My family and I ate here for my mom’s birthday and loved every minute. With great salsa music playing, and the both the owner and workers being very nice! If you’re looking for authentic Puerto Rican food I would come here! We will definitely love to come back.

The food was amazing evrything was delicious service was beutiful and the athmosphere great lovely place lovely people if am ever again in the area thise will be the spot to go sadly am 3 hours away but thise won't be the last time thank you for great food and awsome service La comida estaba absolutamente rica todo sabor sabroso lo recommiendo total no se van a repentir

I used to really enjoy this restaurant. The food was consistently good, the atmosphere was welcoming, and I was a frequent customer for quite some time. It was a place I genuinely liked and recommended to others. Unfortunately, I no longer feel comfortable returning. During one of my visits, the owner, Alex, made an inappropriate sexual pass toward me without my consent. That experience completely changed how I felt about the space and made it impossible for me to continue supporting the business. It’s disappointing, because the quality of the food and my past experiences as a customer were positive. However, feeling safe and respected matters more, and after that incident, I chose not to return. I’m sharing this so others can make informed decisions based on the full picture, not just the food.

We stumbled upon this hidden gem!! Food was just like we were walking the strip in PR! Flavorful Fresh and they were not stingy with the portions. We ate and still had food left over which is great because the night still young. We chatted with the owners who were very humble! Place was clean and very welcoming..Music was a whole vibe….I’m happy we don’t need to drive to NY for some authentic PR FOOD… PS ASK FOR A HAPPY PACHA…. Can’t wait to visit the new PLACE same city different area!!! #ironbound GET READY

As soon as we walked in, we were greeted with a friendly "Hello" with a smile! I'm not sure if it was the Owner of the Restaurant that interacted with us throughout our visit there, but if it was, he was the best! Joking, smiling, made us laugh and feel very comfortable in this establishment! The food was very delicious as the dishes here are authentic Puertorican cuisine but with a twist! This place is a "must go to spot" in our fabulous Downtown area of Newark! Public transportation is nearby but if you prefer to drive there, be prepared to pay for parking. But don't let that discourage you at all from going, because this place is well worth it's weight in gold!

Excellent food. Everything tasted home cooked with care. Real Puerto Rican food - pernil, pasteles, bacalaitos, rellenos, arroz con gandules, mofongo, trifongo - the whole 9. The two owners were very friendly and accommodating, and great salsa music was playing at a good volume that wasn't too loud to talk over. Will definitely be returning!

Awesome service! The owner was amazing with our children. The young lady service us was super helpful and service minded. The food was really good. Dont expect gourmet. Everything tastes really home made. In a good way :) The meat and shrimp we ate were cooked to perfection (both times we ate there)

I absolutely love going to Konoz! Their food is just like in PR - the pernil is so juicy and the tostones are always so good and crispy, plus their parcha is on point. They have a small place but just the perfect size for a quick lunch stop. The service is always great, they're not very quick but that's what it takes for the food to be fresh and good!

Cute little place. Trifongo with Pernil Never had trifongo (plantain, sweet plantain, and yucca) it was good. The pernil was tasty. Cubano This was ok. The pickle wedge ruined the sandwich. It should be slices... Parcha Very good, not too sweet Will definitely stop in for something else on the menu.

The inside looks clean and nice. The prices are amazing and the food is delicious! The only sucky thing was that there was no parking. There's a few street spots right at the front but it gets taken fast. The best option is to do take out. We ordered the: Half chicken, plantains, rice and beans (chicken was dry) 8/10 Mexican omelets 9/10 Beef empanadas 10/10 Overall, I would come back. Big portions, good prices, yummy food. The staff were friendly. There's seating inside.

Excellent, well-seasoned food that came out in a timely manner. Highly recommend the potato balls! Mainly a take out place, but the dine in service was also good and all of the staff were very friendly.

I had such an amazing time visiting Konoz Restaurant in Newark, NJ (my hometown)! My husband googled something along the lines of "best restaurants near me" and this gem popped up. I am Puerto Rican myself, so I was elated at the idea and let me tell you - the experience did not disappoint! The restaurant itself is situated on a side street in downtown Newark. The place had decor embellished with the Puerto Rican flags as well as mirrors on the ceiling which was cool & modern and something I haven't seen before. As soon as we entered, we were greeted warmly by a worker who spoke to me in Spanish & saw I was looking for a mango Snapple, which he did not have, but he let me know they had parcha & other delicious drinks. The parcha was delicious! We ordered apps - an order of the bacalaito & an order of the papa rellena. So glad we did not order two because the servings were huge but it was THE BEST bacalaito I've ever had! And I've had a lot in my child and adult life (lol) Afterwards, my husband ordered the chicken pinchos (shish kabob) combo which came with tostones, fried plantains, which were perfectly crisp! I ordered the pernil mofongo which came with a garlic mojo and delicious stew/soup which was such a smart culinary combo! We didn't stop there - to go we'd got a beef empanada, Buffalo chicken & cheesesteak empanada which were all TO DIE FOR! The cheesesteak one made me wanting more! So good. We also got two pasteles which also did not disappoint which we enjoyed for our dinner the next day. While we waited for our to go order we enjoyed each others company as well as a cafecito con leche. I cannot speak more highly of this place - the workers, the food & the entire experience made me leave feeling valued and seen not as a customer but as familia, un amiga, & I will absolutely be back!

Very glad we were nearby and found this place. All of the staff seemed very nice and joyful, it's always great to see. We got 2 specialty sandwiches. The Tritoneta sandwich is so delicious, that first bite was everything. The Cubano is a good classic, loved it. If you also like coleslaw, then definitely give it a try here because it's so light and flavorful. Really enjoyed eating it with our sandwiches to balance it out.

The food is simply amazing. My wife and I wanted to experience Dominican food in Newark and Konoz did not disappoint.

Cubano was unrelentingly salty and meaty, really needed some more pickle or sauce. The empanadas were kind of lukewarm, and the fillings only fine... The chicken was the most flavorful of the three. The price was good though and the service very nice! I could see stopping by again if I was near Prudential Center, but it's not worth an out of the way trip.

Amazing! I had the Cuban sandwich with tostones and a beef empanada. The food was amazing and everyone there was very friendly. My food was ready quick and it was amazing. I will definitely be coming back for this sandwich! One of the best I've ever had!!

Downtown Newark is really coming up! Konoz is no exception to the game. Delicious, savory and lively Puerto Rican food that speaks to my soul. Service is good even when busy. Inside is clean lively. I love their trifongo (yuca, green banana, batata (?) ) option. I love mofongo (mashed green plaintain) so the trifongo was fun to try and I loved it. Not surprisingly, I love yuca and almost anything with yuca. Their pernil is always done right. Well seasoned and Crispy skin. The Konoz cones are really good and have quite a lot in that cone. It's a bit pricier then other places but it's downtown so I was prepared. Definitely worth the money. Steak and onions is delicious and tender.

Great great food so far I had the steak sandwich and Trust me it is not your average sandwich And I had the Konoz breakfast sandwich it's a amazing , I recommend this place 100%

Great food ! ! Great baked chicken Spanish style i recommend for any one in Newark area and they deliver to the halfway house

I rarely write reviews while still eating but this was that good that I couldn't wait to share it with everyone. I usually don't go to Puerto Rican restaurants because I'm Puerto rican and well I cook this food and I'm pretty damn good at it. This is the truth, I'm eating pernil with arroz con gandules and tostones. I knew from the first bite of that toston that this was going to be a legit meal. Crunchy on the outside creamy on the inside like a French fry. The arroz con gandules tastes like my grandmother is back there in the kitchen with yall. Stop messing with my grandma let her go! I was in Guavate 2 weeks ago and stopped by 3 restaurants and this food might be better than most of them. Real talk this is delicious and I'll be coming back often. Buen provecho.

Nothing really stood out. It was a safe option for dinner, but the lack of bold flavors and creativity left me wanting more.

Tried Konoz on resent trip to Newark/NYC. Alex and Mackenzie were fantastic. The roasted pork/ tostones and shrimp/ plantains were delicious. Appetizers of beef empanadas were nice as well. Great service, we went back the next morning for breakfast and it was delicious too. Highly recommend!

The food at Konoz is wonderful. At great find for awesome service and super Puerto Rican food. Friendly staff and owner, Alex, understands the value of customer service. Also went next day for breakfast and did not disappoint.

incredible cole slaw + the Tritoneta sandwich I got. It was amazing from the first bite and I highly recommend it!! 1 star off because I ordered ahead on their site and after I put my card info in, the page froze and I was so scared lol. we had to call to confirm my order was in; and all was well. The interior was small and cute and very homey/welcoming! I would come again just to get a bucket of cole slaw to go haha

Everything was excellent! Can't wait to come back and try their Mofongo! They make delicious mango and passion fruit juices. We also had a chicken empanada, but it was so good that there was no time for a picture. The chicken was super flavorful.

Total MUST!!! We are from AZ and we have never tried Puerto Rican food. It was nice to find this place. Super authentic and the food was delicious. We got to meet Alex the owner and he was super sweet and friendly guy. He told us a little bit about the growth of his restaurant and it made us feel even more lucky to have found this GEM! Alex was nice enough to suggest our meals because we had no idea what to order. He went above and beyond to help us pick and he didn't disappoint.

Absolutely delicious Puerto Rican food! This is the most authentic Puerto Rican restaurant I've been to in the states! Where can you find bacalaito and alcapuria?! Here at Konoz! I had the trifongo with shrimp and my husband had the chicken Mofongo. Both mofongos came with a side and we chose tostones. Definitely an overload of plantains but it was amazing! I'm surprised it was so empty being that it's right by Prudential and there was a concert. It was decorated for Christmas which was nice and the bathroom was clean. I was pleasantly surprised to see a picture of Crash Boat Beach, a place I've been to numerous times, in the bathroom! I wish this restaurant were closer! My husband ordered medallas, the Puerto Rican beer and felt like we were back on the island. We were surprised when we got the check that said each beer was $7! In Puerto Rico they're about $3 each but we didn't see the price on the menu. Also, there is a credit card fee but we weren't aware of it until after we paid. All in all, if you want authentic Puerto Rican cuisine, come to Konoz!

Wonderful food and ambiance. The manager/owner is very atentative. I was visiting while out of town with a friend and look forward to stopping in next time.

Delicious! I was a bit skeptical since it was empty. A guy came in and said everything is delicious and he lives nearby and always comes by. It was my first time ever having trifongo. It was soft and the cassava gave it a bit more texture. The garlic sauce was the icing on top. It wasn't too heavy but they did give a lot of it with the skirt steak. The steak was easy to chew and the chimichurri sauce was flavorful. I love garlic and there was plenty of that in the sauce as well. My friend had the chicken monfongo. It smelled so good! He devoured that dish. He has had more Dominican food than I have so he knows what is good. Both our dishes came with a salad. The mango sauce was tart but in a good way. The whole staff were so attentive and friendly.

Excellent food and service. Good place to go before/after an event at the Pru. Very short walk, good kids menu.

This is the best PR food you will have. Chef Alex and his family put their heart and soul into every dish. You won't be disappointed!

Konoz takes me back to PR with every bite. I was looking for a restaurant that makes trifongo like PR and once I found Konoz, I have taken several family and friends. Their food is authentic and delicious, but their service is impeccable. Alex, the owner, genuinely cares for each of his customers. He ensures that one is comfortable and enjoying themselves. I highly recommend everything but my go to are the Alcapurria, the trifongo, skirt steak, arroz con gandueles, flan and Tembleque.

Best Latin/Hispanic food I've had in years. Very authentic and you can tell they make things as if they're making this for their own family. Service was amazing and very personable. They play great Latin music, throwbacks and new age stuff as well. Interior is small but cozy. I highly recommend coming here before any and all Prudential Center events.

Puertorican n food that tastes like it. The service is great. In a nice little hiding spot in Newark.

Stopped in before a show at NJPAC for yummy Puerto Rican food. Very friendly staff. Highly recommend the chicken wings appetizer and getting some of those fresh pressed juices with your meal -- the mango and passion fruit ones were delicious but I'm sure others would be good too. We got two trifongo entrees (pernil and camarones tainos) that were both good, next time we'll try some of that roasted chicken! Space is smaller, about 8 tables, so getting there earlier before a show or game is better to make sure you get a seat. Only downside was music was on the louder side so it could be a bit challenging to hear conversation.

I saw a couple mouthwatering pics for Konoz on my instagram timeline and decided to give them a try. I got a papa rellena (potato ball stuffed with beef) and a buffalo chicken empanada. Both were great! They came with a spicy chipotle dip as well. I came close to closing and they obviously didn't have too many finger foods left and the woman at the front even offered to make and fry fresh empanadas for me which I thought was great service. I'll be back to try their dinner and lunch options.

The food was great. My husband had the pork dish and the meat was tender. We didnt know how to order and the server was very kind explained the menu. There was a draf when opening the door so the server sat us elsewhere so our baby wouldn't get cold Really nice place and incredible food.

After my husband and I moved to the Newark area, we had Konoz on our radar. The very day we moved to Newark, we stopped in to try some of their food and were astounded by the taste and the portions! When the restaurant owner and his wife knew we just moved into the area, they made us immediately feel like family!! Konoz offers an authentic taste of Puerto Rico, right in the heart of Newark. With all of the Puerto Rican food that Newark has to offer, Konoz will outdo every other Puerto Rican restaurant in taste, quality of food, portions of food, and, most importantly the highest quality of authentic Puerto Rican Food here in the Newark area. They will make you feel like family and have you craving their authentic plantains and empanadas!!!

A beautiful, friendly, family run business. The chicken and tostones were delicious and made to order. I will go back again and again.

The food was absolutely delicious and the owner was personable and friendly. He went above and beyond to make sure we had a great meal. We got there an hour before they closed but a party of 10 showed up shortly before they closed, and were welcomed in. The owner even explained the significance of their name. It's Cones spelled differently because they offer paper cones as an option if you want to eat while you walk. So clever. We highly recommend this restaurant and will return when we're back in the area.

The food is delicious, fresh and affordable. The portions are a good size too! I had the Chicken Trifongo with Salad and it was very good! The owner is also friendly.

We're on a layover and decided to try this place. The best Puerto Rican food in NJ! LOL. The atmosphere is great, like you're on the Island. The service is great, Alex makes you feel right at home here.

Very friendly crew! Delicious food! Loved our dining experience and would certainly come again!

If you find yourself in downtown Newark make this your stop for lunch. Outstanding food and the owner is kind and friendly. Great food with outstanding service!!! Worth the trip!

Stopped in here for a bit to eat 15 minutes before closing very near Prudential Center (1.5 blocks away). Immediately greeted by the friendliest family. Food was amazing. Place was extremely clean. The family treated us as one of their own. Never rushed us to leave even though they were about to close. Owners wanted us to stay and relax, and to enjoy our food in their restaurant. Skirt steak was made exactly the way we liked it. Pernil was great with just the right amount of fat, melting in your mouth. Potatoe salad, rice, and beans were delicious. Lots of personal touch when cooking and serving our food. We are looking forward to coming back again, concert or no concert.

Where do I begin! Food 10/10! Service 10/10. The place was clean and just made this pregnant momma a happy lady! My husband had the tropical plate and loved it, I had the pinchos de cerdo! Just everything was so good! 100% recommend for anyone looking for real Puerto Rican food! Estaba brutal!

Great customer service and the food was excellent‍‍ His wife makes the best salads. Definitely will be returning back.

Very good quality tasty food. The prices are high though. So, beware of that; not a cheap eats place. I believe a side of white rice is $4.50. The menu is changing and the to-go menu has the prices scratched off while they wait for new prints. Supply chain be damned. BUT, if you want some good Spanish food, it'll be worth the trip. I'm strictly a lunch-er, and I'd like to see some lunch specials, that is, a cheaper price, even if a smaller portion.

I had an incredible dining experience at Konoz by Chef Alex in Newark, near NJPAC and the Rock and I'm looking forward to my next visit. This is the place to go before a Devils game or a performance at the PAC. THe flavors of Puerto Rican cuisine truly came alive in every dish we ordered. Tostones were delish and my pernil asada trifongo was a generous portion and absolutely satisfying. And just the right amount of fat! It was exxxxxceptional. The atmosphere is unassuming but definitely welcoming. And when I say welcoming I mean it: Alex and his team were attentive and friendly and made us feel so comfortable. I highly recommend this restaurant to anyone looking for a taste of PR right in the heart of Newark. It's a hidden gem that should not be missed! Thank you Chef Alex!

Stumbled across this place while trying to find a last minute meal before heading over to the Prudential Center. As soon as I saw the Puerto Rican flags outside we had to stop and I'm glad we did. We ordered 5 different meals as well as frozen parcha and guava drinks. The woman who took our order was super sweet and accommodating. We ordered 2 half chicken meals, carne guisado (which I didn't get to try bc my friend devoured it so I'm assuming it was good lol) and pernil. Each came with 2 sides. I usually get Mofongo with red sauce at PR restaurants but since they only had white I got the trifongo with white sauce and shrimp. I may never look back. I wanted yuca fries but the weren't on the menu so they cut up some yuca cubes and fried them for me. Love them for that! The pernil was way more flavorful than your average take out pernil. Bonus points for that. The arroz con gandules were good as well as the habichuelas. She gave us plenty of garlic sauce, napkinsand cutlery when I mentioned we were staying at a hotel. For 5 meals (large portions), 2 maltas, 4 frozen drinks, the yuca and an avocado we were charged $105. Great price! I don't live in Jersey but this will definitely be my go to spot when I'm in the area. My friends who were visiting from the south also really enjoyed the food

Stopped in again after discovering this place on an App. Seriously cant recommend this place enough. Everything thing about this place is awesome. You gotta try em!!

Had a long layover at the Newark airport so we took a bus to downtown. Decided to try the conviently located Puerto Rican restaurant and absolutely loved it! I got the Fried Fish sandwich was one of the best I have ever had... Staff was great and environment was fun. ask what the most flavorful, authentic meal is and they will help you out!

Very unhappy with my order. $70 waste of money. Couldn't even eat it. Thats being nice.

Awesome find!! It's like home cooking. Food is delicious and nice size portions. Empanadas are yummy!! The mango habanero sauce over the shrimp kabob was a perfect blend of sweet and spicy. The pernil was excellent and I couldn't enough of the yellow rice with pigeon beans. Bonus: staff are very friendly and owner Alex has a great sense of humor. Can't wait to come back with the family.

I had not expected much from the city of Newark, NJ but this place was a shining example of how much better the restaurant scene can be. The Puerto Rican Food was amazingly authentic and delicious. The owners made us feel as if we were family and so we returned two more times in our short 5 day stay for a graduation. I definitely recommend this place, if you are looking for a great, home cooked Puerto Rican meal, this is it! Thanks, Alex:)

Food was delicious. Highly recommend. The portions were generous. Will be coming back