Lita

Restaurant · Strathmore

Lita

Restaurant · Strathmore

5

1055 NJ-34, Aberdeen Township, NJ 07747

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Highlights

Lita in Aberdeen elevates Portuguese-Iberian cuisine with wood-fired dishes, creative cocktails, and a lively NYC-vibe in a chic, open-kitchen setting.  

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1055 NJ-34, Aberdeen Township, NJ 07747 Get directions

thelovelylita.com

$100+ · Menu

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1055 NJ-34, Aberdeen Township, NJ 07747 Get directions

+1 732 696 8517
thelovelylita.com

$100+ · Menu

Reserve

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Last updated

Jul 30, 2025

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@eater

Every Single ‘Top Chef’ Restaurant Around New York City

"Top Chef season 16 contestant David Viana heads up this Portuguese-leaning prix fixe menu spot with his partner Neilly Robinson. Go for the crispy rice paellas, sourdough pão, rissóis de camarão, Spanish meatballs, and fideo with many items cooked in an open hearth. Don’t miss the cocktails, or plan on hitting the next-door cocktail bar, La Otra, Thursday through Saturday. And if you’d rather graze than feast, sit at the bar for a la carte." - Nadia Chaudhury

https://ny.eater.com/maps/top-chef-restaurants-nyc-chefs-cooking-television-show-kwame-onwuachi-printemps-pig-and-khao-huso
View Postcard for Lita
@eater

A ‘Top Chef’ Alum and James Beard Nominee Opens an Asbury Park Restaurant - Eater NY

"Lita is a Portuguese-leaning restaurant in Aberdeen, New Jersey. It features a prix-fixe menu with dishes like crispy rice paellas and sourdough pão. The restaurant emphasizes a unique operational model where employees rotate roles and earn a substantial salary." - Melissa McCart

https://ny.eater.com/2025/3/10/24382256/st-laurent-hotel-asbury-park-judys-restaurant-harrys-restaurant-david-viana-nj
View Postcard for Lita
@eater

Top Destination Restaurants Near Philly That Are Worth the Drive

"This critically-acclaimed restaurant in Aberdeen, New Jersey, is led by Chef David Viana (Top Chef alum, James Beard nominated) and his lover Neilly Robinson, alongside beverage director Ricardo Rodriguez (who also oversees their incredible drinks at their cocktail bar, La Otra, next door). Here, Iberian cuisine shines with plates of Bolo de Mandiocayucca (cod, date-fresno salad, and grape gastrique), Pica Pau (steak, mushroom, chorizo, cipollini, fried olives, and potato puree), and Húmus de Feijãogreat (northern beans, seasonal veg, and pine nuts)." - Ernest Owens

https://philly.eater.com/maps/top-destination-restaurants-near-philly
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@eater

The Best Dishes Eater Editors Ate This Week, September 2023 - Eater NY

"Lita offers a strong seafood menu, good bread, and vegetables, with most dishes cooked in the open hearth. The dining room is vast, with a big midcentury-looking bar, where ordering is a la carte, while tables have a $78, three-course prix fixe menu. The chaotic clam and pork paella, with perfectly crunchy socarrat, was a highlight." - Eater Staff

https://ny.eater.com/2023/9/5/23848864/nyc-best-dishes-eater-september-2023
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@eater

The Best New Restaurant Openings in NYC, April 2023 - Eater NY

"Heirloom Kitchen owner and Top Chef season 16 chef David Viana is opening a restaurant true to his Portuguese roots: Lita, named for his mother, features a menu of updates on traditional Iberian dishes, many of which are cooked via open hearth that anchors the dining room. Look for dishes like piri piri chicken, bitoque, and paellas along with drinks from Ricardo Rodriguez, formerly of Broken Shaker in Miami." - Emma Orlow

https://ny.eater.com/2023/4/6/23663865/nyc-restaurant-openings-april-2023
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Nick Babinsky

Google
Absolutely blown away by the experience we had at Lita. My wife and I went here for our anniversary, did the 5-course chef’s table. Food = Unbelievable. Staff = Friendliest people in the world. Made the experience an 11 out of 10. Literally everyone from hostesses, chefs/servers, and the owners spent time with us. Vibes = Unmatched. Go here. Do the chef’s table. Have the best time. We’re still smiling 24 hours later. Thank you for the perfect meal.

Idania D

Google
7-17-25 I wanted to add an update to our most recent visit from early July shown below. I received a very gracious call from Danny, one of the owners of Lita. He expressed his desire to clarify the bill and wanted to go over my experience in an effort to make it right for us. As it turned out, the extra charge in the bill was not for the mint. Their system charges for cocktails in a different manner and hence the $4 charge. I really appreciated his imitative to reach out, Kudos to Lita and their owners for taking the time to care about their diner's experience. 7-12-25. I must say that I'm not happy giving 3 stars to Lita but when you want to charge X amount, I expect premium food/ flavour at each prix fixe course and no nit picking on a small request. We had soup to nuts including bottled water, 4 cocktails, bread service and dessert. These are all extras not included on the prix fixe menu. Now you want to charge $4 extra because we requested extra mint in our Mojito. Really! Obviously we are not cheap diners and eating here or any where for that matter is a choice. But a good restauranteur doesn't nit pick at the "extra mint". That's a new level. It's the principle of the matter and resulted in a true turn off for us at the end of our meal. Appetizers Rissóis de Camarão Rabbit- ok not great Mid course Octopus- very good and well presented Crab- description said lump crab yet it was shredded- Entrees Branzino Flank steak Dessert Natas- very good We were very impressed with Lita on our first visit when they had just opened. Unfortunately, this will be our last visit. Food had its hits and some misses. Service was very good and attentive. But the pettiness of charging for extra mint on patrons who spent very well that evening was the defining moment. Perhaps their computer system is on auto pilot for the word "extra". If so, then maybe they should have a human touch that knows how to delete pettiness.

Samantha Byrne

Google
Very excited to try the sister restaurant of Heirloom Kitchen! Lita is definitely a different concept. The kitchen itself and ambiance was amazing. The food was delicious however portions were extremely small considering the price. My husband and I shared the pork and octopus paella as our main meal. Octopus was cooked well and flavor was good but rice was borderline inedible and hard and pretty greasy. I would recommend choosing a regular single dish off the entree section. Cocktails were mixed very well.

Elena Burden

Google
Omg everyone must try this place!!! Started off with a shrimp turnover then scallops then flank steak. It's Mediterranean /Portuguese influence. It may be in my top 5 around here so far. The service is up with the best I've ever had and they are packed The drinks… must try!!! And don’t forget about dessert ❤️ Marcus was on amazing server !!!

Albert K

Google
Great vibes here. Clean, professional, and classy. Staff are very attentive. 3 course meal for $89 felt like decent value. Bread was a bit steep for $10 since it’s similar to bread they give you free at most restaurants, but the olives and butter felt luxurious. First appetizer had a wide selection. For the first main dish, I got the spaghetti chicken and it was very delicious and not overly sauced or sweet. There was barely any chicken though, which I expected a bit more. Underwhelmed, I got the Branzino after. The branzino was massive and exceeded my expectations. Perfectly cooked and crispy and was extremely filling. Others really enjoyed the large size of the paella but I thoroughly enjoyed my fish. The dessert for 2 for $25 was a great value and delicious. The snowman made it a very nice touch and ice cream with the banana and crisp was excellent. The passion fruit and banana overpower the chocolate a bit, but satisfied. Overall, great fancy dinner with excellent service and left happy.

Renee Lam-Whiteman

Google
What a delicious meal! We sat at the bar and was able to eat a la carte off of the menu. Otherwise if you sat in the dining room, you are required to eat off of the price fixe menu. The special paella was to die for!! Yum

Paul H

Google
2024: Another spin-off chef from one of our all time restaurants, Heirloom Kitchen. Everything was amazing. So much so, we invite some of our foodie friends to make the hike (close to and hour away) to dine with us. They were not disappointed.

B C

Google
It was our wedding anniversary, and we celebrated at Lita. Since it was our first time, we didn't know exactly what to expect, aside from hearing that it's a modern Iberian restaurant and a 2023 James Beard Semi-finalist. The menu is mostly prepared in an open kitchen, featuring a fire hearth oven at the sides, so you can watch the chefs in action. All the servers are also chefs, which means they know the menu inside and out and are great sources of information about how everything is made. It's also worth mentioning that they offer a prix fixe menu with three courses. For the first course, we chose Rissóis de Camarão (garlic shrimp) and Spanish Duck Confit Croquettes. Both were crispy and delicious, and the duck confit croquettes came with a perfectly paired aioli sauce that didn't overpower the crunch. The centers were warm, and we were encouraged to eat them with our hands, which added a fun touch to the experience. For the second course, we had Albondigas (Spanish meatballs) and Caldeirada de Vieiras (Portuguese fish stew). My husband raved about the meatballs, calling them exceptionally tender and full of flavor. My fish stew also had great flavors but was a bit too salty for my personal taste. That said, it was still an excellent dish, and the saltiness was just a matter of preference. The main courses were the highlight of the evening. We had Carne Guisada (short ribs) and Robalinho na Brasa (branzino) with a side salad. My husband couldn't stop praising the short ribs for being incredibly tender and succulent. As for me, I tend to eat salads with chopsticks, so I asked Rob, our server, if they had any. He wasn't able to find a pair at first, but a few minutes later, the managing director himself brought me a set! That level of attentiveness really stood out. The branzino was cooked perfectly, with charred skin and expertly filleted with no bones. The warm spices they used complemented the delicate fish without overpowering it. Both were truly outstanding. For dessert, our wonderful server Rob asked if we wanted anything sweet. We ordered the Baked Madeira for Two, and I was blown away when it was served flambéed. It was a dramatic and delightful touch, especially since I'd never had Baked Alaska before. The combination of ice creams, sorbets, cookies, and a bit of chocolate cake inside was flawlessly executed. It was definitely a showstopper. Overall, our experience at Lita was exceptional. From the impeccable service to the amazing food and the modern, open atmosphere, everything was top-notch. Not once did I see any table piled with dirty dishes. It was clear they take pride in keeping things pristine. It was truly a memorable celebration.
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Leandra R.

Yelp
Amazing experience, amazing food, amazing service. We had no idea what we were getting into, only that everyone raves about the food and vibes here. Rightfully so! The food was amazing, everything we had was delicious. The wait staff was kind and assuring. They did not treat us any different than any other patrons, which I was nervous about because it is a fancy place and I am quite obviously NOT a fancy human. Our waitress Sam, was kind and answered all my questions and made some great recommendations! Everyone should go here at least once! We will be going back!
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Rebekah M.

Yelp
Back again and this time with some of my closest Brazilian friends. Definitely had some reservations on their end on the food that they hold dear to their heart being displayed on a finer level. My girlfriend said specifically that "this was at home food so let's see how I like a fancy take." They left not only impressed, but also want to return! We all did the tasting menu and tried a little of everything together. This time around we finally tried the rabbit and woooow it was phenomenal. A new thing to think about when I'm craving Litas food. As always service is phenomenal I want to say Marco at the bar helped us primarily, but everyone was wonderful. I highly recommend making a visit especially with good friends.
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Alina M.

Yelp
I recently visited Lita for a long-awaited double date on a Friday evening, secured after making reservations weeks in advance. The service at Lita is top-notch, with attentive staff who go the extra mile to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable dining experience. Despite the bustling atmosphere, the spaced-out tables provide a sense of privacy, although the noise level can still be a bit challenging for conversation especially if you have a quiet voice like I do. If you opt for a table, you're limited to the 3-course prix fixe menu, which offers a decent variety and caters to most dietary restrictions. However, I suspect more options may be available at the bar. Each dish presented at Lita is a work of art, with meticulous attention to detail evident in every plate. From the Aguaturmas Bravas to the Polvo com Choriço and the Shrimp and Mussels Paella, the presentation was truly impressive. While the presentation was stellar, I found some of the flavors fell a bit short of expectations. The repeated use of a variation of the Bravas Sauce, kind of like a spicy mayo, became overwhelming in some dishes (such as the Filete a la Tártara - steak tartare). Additionally, while the mussels in the paella were exceptional, the rice was disappointingly overcooked and too crispy. Despite some flavor inconsistencies, Lita offers a delightful dining experience with its attentive service, artful presentation, and comfortable ambiance. It's an ideal spot for special occasions or intimate gatherings, though improvements in noise control could further enhance the overall experience. I rate Lita 4 out of 5 stars for its dedication to detail and commitment to customer satisfaction.

Alexis R.

Yelp
Delicious take on modern Iberian cuisine! We sat at the bar, which allowed us to order a la carte as opposed to the prix-fixe menu. Everything was very tasty, I'd absolutely get the rissois (shrimp turnovers) again - those were my favorite! We did not leave hungry after all these yummy tapas + our entrees. The menu was pretty simple though, and I do wish they offered some veggie sides etc. Restaurant is open concept, so you get insight into the kitchen/ bar/ etc. The energy from the servers was really welcoming, too!
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Sarah S.

Yelp
Who would have thought a restaurant in an Aberdeen strip mall would be such a hit?! Everything about lita is amazing. The vibe, the service, the food, the cocktails. Must visit!
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Ashley C.

Yelp
Made a reservation for two on a weeknight. This was actually the second attempt as I tried walking in on a weeknight but there were no available tables. My husband and I enjoyed the ambiance - the back of the restaurant is an open kitchen so you can see how much effort is put into each dish. The menu is pre fixe/tapas style. Very very good food but also very very pricey. I would call this Portuguese/spanish INSPIRED, not necessarily authentic (still delicious). Just be aware that you will spend a lot here! Lastly, since it's pre fixe if you have a large appetite (like my Husband) you may leave still hungry unless you purchase more plates
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Kimberly G.

Yelp
As a big fan of David + Neilly's explorative, creative and representative restaurant establishments + pop-ups (including their last delicious endeavor in Philly in collaboration with Ricky the Bar Master), we knew that our days were numbered before we made it out from Philly to try Lita in Aberdeen Township. I thought what better way to celebrate my mother's birthday then by bringing her to a restaurant derived by the very same sentiment - "an homage to Mom and the traditions + cuisine we were raised upon". I had initially made reservations at the bar due to the restaurant already being fully booked on the desired date but ended up emailing the staff and was delighted to receive a quick response from David McGill who was kind enough to move our reservation to the dining room for a much more intimate experience. A big thank you to his hospitality. From the moment we walked in to the moment we bid our farewells, service was impeccably attentive. The Lita team were all very knowledgeable of the dishes being served, the ingredients and details that made each dish unique as well as the story behind why certain dishes were included on the menu and how significant they were to either David's upbringing, his mother Rosa Lita or even his very own son. The sense of community here was front and center and is definitely a result of Lita's unique operating structure, where front + back of houses blend to create a seamless cross-trained team centered on the one component that truly matters in a fine dining experience, hospitality. Here are our recommendations. For Cocktails: - Before or after stopping in for dinner at Lita, grab a Tzatziki at 'La Otra' next door and experience a bit of Ricky's genius concoctions. This is still one of the best cocktails we have ever had to date. - Other recommendations: The Fresca, and you can't go wrong with a glass of sangria to pair beautifully with the menus Iberian dishes. Aperitivo: - Croquetas de Pato: Stood out as one of the best things we tasted this evening, WOW. - Rissois de Camarão: Another show stopper. - Batatas Bravas: Creamy, spicy + dangerously good. Essenciais: - Amêijoas 'À Bulhão Pato': Simple but delicious. - Polvo com Choriço - Galinha da Avó con Masa: Flavorful + comforting. Especialidades: - Paella do Dia for Two: David has perfected this dish. It's crunchy, flavorful and a marriage of ingredients depending on the pairing of the day. We enjoyed a Pork Belly and Clams Paella. - Carne de Porco 'Alentejana' - Bitoque: My husbands favorite, this dish was unavailable the day we went but looked absolutely delicious in posts, we would love to give this a try next time! Sobremesas: - Rosa's Flan: Decadent + Creamy - Serradura: My all-time favorite Portuguese dessert - Pudim de Caqui: Warm cake, cool buttermilk and mandarin semifredo, rich and mouth watering. If you haven't already tried Lita, don't hesitate to hit the RSVP button. If you're like us and have already dined at Lita, I'm sure your itching to return and explore more of her menu. All in all, you are in for a treat.
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Christina L.

Yelp
This was one of the best dining experiences I have had in a long time, especially in Monmouth County! The vibe is perfect, other reviews have noted that it feels like nyc and that is spot on. The open kitchen is great and really pulls you into the whole experience - it makes your meal a journey, not just food. I was there for the prix fixe menu which I love. You're given the opportunity to enjoy each part of your meal. You aren't rushed out but encouraged to enjoy the dining experience. We started with the sourdough bread which is, naturally, a must. I had the shrimp turnovers, then the muscles in white wine sauce, and for dinner I had duck with white beans and chorizo. Everything was delicious, especially the shrimp turnovers - I've never had anything like it. For dessert we ended with the Basque cheesecake which was probably the best cheesecake I have ever had. And I have tried many cheesecakes. Everything was phenomenal and packed with flavor. I loved everything here. The food, the business model, the vibes, the drinks. Lita is what food is supposed to be about. I truly appreciated everything that was put into this experience. I cannot wait to go back.
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Roselle W.

Yelp
We went with a party of 9 and they were amazing taking care of our entire party. The service was great, the atmosphere was wonderful, and the food was amazing. Since there were so many of us we were able to sample everything and you can't go wrong with anything you order. My favorites were the octopus appetizer and the paella for two....and the meatball appetizer was pretty amazing also. It's in a strip mall, but once you're inside you don't even know you're in a strip mall. I was visiting from California and this was one of the places I really wanted to try and it did not disappoint. The bar area had a cool vibe...next time I'm in town I will check that out. Dress is casual.
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Kathy M.

Yelp
We went to Lita with a reservation for our anniversary. The fixed multi course menu did its thing! Each course we had was perfect to not leave us full for the next one, but still had a good amount to satisfy our palate. For the day we arrived they had the duck confit paella ( the paella is enough for 2, and "takes up" the 2 main entrees for each fixed menu). The paella was good but I should've stuck to the traditional garlic shrimp paella since it is a classic dish. Beautiful presentation. Because other Yelpers raved about their roasted pork- we added it to our order for an additional price-- DEFINITELY WILL GET THIS AGAIN and 100% will recommend if this is on their Menu All the apps were beautifully plated and yummy/ loved the oysters! For drinks we had the Lita and an IPA that my husband enjoyed. We had the basque cheesecake with the blueberry compote to end our evening. Service is topnotch- front and back take turns, which I think is a great touch- your server is also a chef, and can tell you more details about your dishes. Ambience is lively and dressy casual. A gem in central jersey :)

M.B. W.

Yelp
I treated my two daughters to dinner at Lita. The experience was amazing. We were warmly greeted by the hostess & promptly seated at a table that gave us a great view of the open concept kitchen. Our server was kind & attentive. Each person who brought a course to our table told us about it (ingredients, how it was prepared). We had a great time & our food was fabulous. I'll definitely come back.
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Hannah H.

Yelp
About a 1-1.5: Lita is described as a modern Iberian restaurant, which its original location in NJ. We tried their 3-course prix-fixe menu for dinner, which included: +an add-on of Pao, a sourdough bread +Patatas Bravas - spicy potatoes with smoked trout roe +Rissois de Camaro - shrimp turnovers +Atun Cru - tuna tartare, shallots, jalapeno, pistachio butter, and jamon +Camaro Alhinho - Portuguese garlic shrimp +and, the Paella do Dia for Two - a vegan option is available Unfortunately, we just weren't fans of the food - we felt that it was flavorless, and everything was super bland. Service was fine. The decor is open space, and it kind of seems like you're in a warehouse or an airport hangar of some sort. +bland items
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Roxanne O.

Yelp
We were able to get reservations for Christmas Eve here. I liked that there wasn't an extra charge, because their new years reservations are almost double the price of a normal night. Their service is a cumulative effort, which I think is nice. We ordered right away and our first course came out promptly. Our second course came out much later, and they supplemented with some complimentary bread, which usually they charge $10 for. Our third course was even later, probably due to the paella, but it was almost a half hour between finishing our second and starting our third course. Food was perfect. Paella was a little sweet, due to the added mayo like sauce. But the rest of the dishes, like the octopus, were cooked perfectly.
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Jill G.

Yelp
Oh Lita! An awesome night out celebrating my birthday with family. From start to finish i must say it was a memorable night. The food was something special. We did the pre fix 3 course dinner. The appetizer shrimp turnover looked like a fried ravioli, taking a bite made my night! We cheesy cooked to perfect shrimp, with a sauce to pair, it was to die for! Second course i had ordered was the octopus.. it was grilled to perfect with a roasted pepper, tomato purée, again something different and amazing. For dinner i had the steak with fried egg, fries and green beans. Steak was cooked PERFECTLY! A dinner really to remember. The staff was fun, attentive and on point. From drinks to describing meals, to suggestions, they did not miss a beat. Now the restaurant itself was picture perfect. Airy, light, bright, a bar that caught your attention. It was designed with significance and class. We will definitely be returning.
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Jasmin L.

Yelp
OKAY OKAY OKAY everyone must read this review: to begin, I chose this restaurant to have my birthday dinner with my boyfriend. seeing Chef David's success at his other location on IG (which I have not had the privilege of visiting), I wanted to come to this location as it was inspired by his immigrant mom and it spoke to me. I wanted to support a new restaurant with equitable practices and good food. ambiance: 10/10. you can see the cooks in the kitchen and you can see the bar and hear all the people enjoying themselves. this is not a super quiet place like your typical steakhouse or something. it was classy and casual. server: Christian. immediately said happy birthday to me and learned our names. he explained the menu and gave us suggestions. he was taking care of multiple tables but I never felt ignored. he needs a raise! one thing however is that we ordered bread and it never arrived so maybe he forgot. drinks: delicious! we got two glasses of Sangria, the Leña, and the Rosita. all so good. my favorite was the Rosita. food: it's a prix fixe menu that you can look up online but everything we got was delicious. (See photos). I don't eat seafood and the non-sea options were SO good. dessert: flan! so good. reminds me of the flan my mom makes. nostalgic and yummy. the house also gave me a Pastel de Nata (their signature dessert). I've had plenty of pastel de nata when I spent time in Portugal and this was EVEN BETTER. you must try. you won't regret it! I'm so happy with this experience. Birthdays are a big deal to me so I am so thankful for the level of attention they provided my table. I will absolutely be back. Be prepared to spend a lil money though. Will be worth it though! Thank you Lita! *tear*
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Felix E.

Yelp
This place has been on my radar before it was even open. I am a big fan of their parent restaurant, Heirloom Kitchen and I figured this place would bring a similar quality and great experience. I can say I was pleasantly right. The place is beautiful, with tables spaced out and great Hispanic music in the background. The service was top notch, they have a new concept of rotating the staff between FOH and BOH which makes for a more complete staff who understands the complexities and nuances of both worlds. The food was fresh, with great presentation and amazing flavors. I finally found a paella done where the rice is moist and burnt a little in the paella wok. It was just perfect. The caldo Verde was a great starter and paired up nicely with the paella. I was not a big fan of the dessert, it was good but didn't love it. Overall a very pleasant experience. Highly recommend getting a reservation in advance, place tends to fill to quick.
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Nicholas G.

Yelp
First off the cocktails in the lounge connected to the restaurant were spectacular. The tzatziki cocktail was delicious and one of the most unique cocktails I have had. The bad news is the food was overrated. I love the Heirloom kitchen at Saint Laurent but this one wasn't my style. The spanish meatballs were ok. The tuna tartare tasted like any one I had over the years. The best thing was the spanish chicken with spaghetti. Pretty good. The halibut and steak entrees were average. It was a LONG dinner too and expensive. Not my spot but check it out.
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Idania D.

Yelp
Food, ambiance and service continue to be stellar. The special dessert that evening, a corn eclair was off the charts. Lita is worth a visit.
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Nadia C.

Yelp
absolutely delicious! the ambiance in general is very intimate. the level of service is stellar and the food.. where do I begin. the quality of the food makes such a difference. it is pre-fixed dinner menu. I felt the portion sizes were plenty. the bread was delicious. with the paprika butter to start off. will definitely be going back to try the paella. overall great experience and great food.
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Kelly Z.

Yelp
Huge disappointment. Heard good things about the bread service but for $10 it felt like a total rip off. $6, maybe but $10 was exorbitant for 4 slices of bread, 1 pad of butter and a few pickles. Unfortunately I ended up choosing options the each included a fried element (sun chokes, soft shell crab and scallops), and that did not agree with me. I ended up in the bathroom for about 30 minutes during the meal which was embarrassing. The chocolate cake dessert was very dry. Service was attentive but there were 20+ min delays between the 2nd/3rd courses and 3rd course/dessert. Paprika aioli (or a variation) was included in multiple dishes which made the meal feel one note.
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Russell H.

Yelp
Lita lived up to the hype. It's a great dining experience. Fun to watch the staff do their jobs in an organized and professional manner. We experienced back of house working front of house as is part of their training experience for staff. Chef Mike was polite and professional in answering our questions about the food and giving us nice descriptions of the food - I was sure to take advantage of the chefs being at our table to get an understanding of what I was ordering. What a unique and exciting experience knowing this rotating style of restaurant staff management. Tables were spaced well, comfortable and allowed for an intimate setting to enjoy a meal. We sat at the bar and enjoyed watching the bartenders prepare our drinks. My wife's enjoyed a sangria, and I had the "Rosita" NA highball which was interesting - strong bell pepper punch followed by a sweet strawberry lemonade flavor. Moving to our table we were greeted by Chef Mike who explained the menu and gave us some time to decide our choices. My wife's duck croquettes were crunchy and oozing with savory flavors inside. A truly fascinating bite of food. I had the Patatas Bravas (spicy potatoes with paprika aioli and smoked trout roe), very tasty. We also paid for the bread because I love bread and it was crusty and savory with a beautiful horseradish butter. The skewers of olives and pickled hot peppers was fun to have as a person who used to enjoy Martini's. Moving into our next course, we had the Vieiras "A Bulhao Pato" (Bay scallops in white wine and garlic sauce) - which was divine and had little bites of bread that soaked up the sauce and added some texture to your sweet bay scallops. I had the Polvo com Chorico (Octopus) which was wonderfully charred and smokey and cooked perfectly. I had the "Alentejana" pork, and it was described as the wagyu of pork - boy was it. So tender and packed full of that smokey charcoal flavor. Cooked perfectly medium and pared with pickled hot peppers and potatoes that absorbed all the flavors from the plate. It was a spectacular dish that packed flavors and textures very well. My wife's Arroz de "Lulas" had rice that was spicer than she likes (which I loved), and the octopus was not charred from the grill like my second dish was. It wasn't bad but it wasn't what my wife expected, and she probably would have asked more about it if we went back. Honestly, if I heard it was spicy, I would have switched my second plate with my wife, and we would have been perfect - small personal details.
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Courtney F.

Yelp
One of the best meals I've had in awhile. We love to try new places and although many are good there are only a few that blow us away. This restaurant quickly moved up to our top 5 favorite in the area. The ambience is amazing and the open kitchen concept makes it fun to watch the chefs in action. The cocktails are incredible. But the best part is the food, every single thing we had was incredible. Leaving us wanting to go back to try everything else we didn't order. Even the pastry chef out did themselves with unique deserts. Whether you live near of far this place is a must try!
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Marc C.

Yelp
Ambiance: great vibes for date night or just a cocktail. Service: A+ I forgot our waiters name but he was extremely attentive and the service was amazing from start to Finish. Reservation: took about 2-3 weeks to grab one on open table for a 7pm slot. Hostess seated us right away. Food. The star of the show. You're going to pick one food from each category. So a appetizer or small plate, a medium size plate and then the entree. The paella for two is shared. Anything can be added for a little extra charge and we did add the shrimp as an extra and was well worth it. It's nice to have a restaurant like this in the area that highlights this type of cuisine. I'd definitely go back to try other options and I'm sure they change their menu seasonally. It's an open kitchen and you can see the wood fired oven. I definitely recommend grabbing a reservation.
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Gabi B.

Yelp
My boyfriend and I sat at the bar at Lita last week for a late dinner and had a great time! We went for the prix fixe option and everything was absolutely delicious! The bartenders explained every dish as they were placed before us, and every dish was better than the last. I would be remiss if I didn't mention the cocktails -- they were unbelievable. Loved this place and will be back!
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Catt A.

Yelp
Delicious! We ate here as a date night and really enjoyed every dish. The bread was amazing and worth the money, the meals were perfectly portioned and thought out, and the olive oil cake was excellent. If you like octopus, get it here. The service was good; everyone was kind and knew the menu extensively. We didn't feel rushed and really were able to enjoy ourselves and the courses. The restaurant itself is open and airy, and not at all stuffy or overly sophisticated. The food is the star here.
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Michael D.

Yelp
Food is good, but very pricey. $6 for bread? This is free most other high end places. Difficult to contact them as they have no phone service, as everything is fine online. The service is good. No high-chair so difficult if you have to bring your young kids.
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Stuart B.

Yelp
This new Spanish Portuguese restaurant has been attracting lots of acclaim due to its publicity among foodies. Went there Saturday for dinner and agree in general that it deserves its acclaim with its innovative preparations that make the price fixed tab palatable. On the other hand, an extra charge for bread seems unnecessary; just raise the price for the meal. The decor is industrial and minimalistic, but the large open kitchen is a nice detail. The plating is in line with the minimalist decor but works with the food. Of note, the minimalist decor leads to a very noisy room in this apparently always filled restaurant which also features a bar with creative spins on the classics and a wine list featuring Spanish and Portuguese wines. There are however no sodas if one wants to control their alcohol intake but there are several mock-tails which were also good. Finally, this restaurant is offset from the street and there is inadequate signage to denote where it is and the parking out front is not adequate for the crowds forcing many customers to hike from an adjacent shopping center uphill. Again, this is not a restaurant for everyday dinners, but for those who wish to be adventurous and seek something more upscale than standard Jersey Shore fare, this is a great place for special occasions.
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William R.

Yelp
Was here before the grand opening. Now we just went on a whim on rough day where they had a pre fixe menu. We went with patatas bravas, duck croquettes, oyster rockerfeller, shrimp in garlic, and the paella for 2. Now, I asked for the duck paella...they didn't have to make it for us cause they were offering the pork and clams or the vegan, but they did it. The server convinced the chef to make it. The chef made it. And it made my lady happy. She was dancing. Frowns were turned upside down. We are coming back for more! We might pop in just to chill at the bar one night because this dining experience has solified us as regulars. Kevin K. was phenomenal.

Jennifer F.

Yelp
Just wow. For a while I wasn't sure if Lita was overrated or if the hype was real. Last night was the confirmation I needed. From the overall vibe of the aesthetic, to the warm and professional service, to the explosion of flavors that come with each dish, I was left truly stunned. I can't stop thinking about my experience there and I'm so excited to return. Thank you Lita!
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Tyler G.

Yelp
My girlfriend & I live about 35 minutes from Lita. However, a few weeks ago we discovered Lita & fell in love with their Instagram page & the story behind this restaurant. Knowing the chef was a top chef contestant only furthered our confidence in their ability to deliver a top quality dining experience. After 35 long minutes of anticipation, I pulled us into the parking lot. We saw what seemed to be a modest building that shared space with a couple of other restaurants/shops. Immediately upon entry the vibe changed. What seemed modest from the outside was actually a dimly lit, but vibrant interior that reminded us all too much of Portugal. After we were seated, our waiter, Christian, came over & introduced himself. He was extremely personable & seemed intent on making sure our dining experience was nothing short of exceptional. We ordered our cocktails, Leña & Rosita. They were amazing. Afterwards, we followed our first round up with the OG Sangria. Even better than the first round of drinks. It was the first time I had sangria with club soda, so the drink had an element I wasn't expecting. Also s/o to our friend Kelsey for calling ahead to put our drinks on her tab for the night. It was so thoughtful, & I appreciated the restaurant for playing along. It just added on to the celebratory experience. Next, Christian walked us through the menu. 3 courses for $68 each with many different options for each course. Both of our meals are included below in the pictures, in the order that they came, with description. Dessert was extra but was also delicious. The pastel da nata was sooo gooey. I've never had it with cinnamon on the sides either & it was a nice touch. The Lovely Lita lived up to its name! My girlfriend had a memorable time celebrating her birthday. We raved about the restaurant all the way home. Make sure to scroll to the last picture & read about Lita's staff structure. Just one of so many ways this restaurant came across as such a unique dining experience. We wish much success to this restaurant and its owner Chef David. Can't wait for our next celebration here .
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Emme N.

Yelp
The accolades are well deserved, Neilly and David have done it again! Our special occasion became memorable with their attention to detail in every way. Favorites included the tuna tartare, octopus, paella and steak w/fried egg; and topped off with persimmon pudding and vermouth after dinner drink.

Jerry G.

Yelp
Definitely a sensory experience. Love the idea of weekly rotation of FOH and BOH. It allows for better explanation of the menu and the layering of flavors. Everything we had was presents exquisitely and the accompanied flavor was unquestionably. Will be coming back.
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Nicole G.

Yelp
Hands down, one of the best meals we've ever had. Moving to the suburbs was tough coming from the incredible food choices in Jersey City- but having Lita arrive we were so excited to try this growingly popular restaurant. We were NOT disappointed. With their unique business model, our waiter Christian was also one of their chefs and he was amazing at helping us choose our menu perfectly with some Portuguese wine pairings. We started with the shrimp coquettes, tuna tartar, and grilled octopus. We couldn't resist their Father's day special of a tomahawk steak with shrimp and potatoes. Every bite was better than the last. Lastly, I was so impressed by the decor and vibe in this place. Perfect for a special occasion (we went for our anniversary) but also great to bring your family to try some phenomenal food (just make a res!!!). Run, don't walk to Lita. We can't wait to come back!

Sabrina K.

Yelp
Amazingly delicious food! The restaurant is so pretty and cute. You would think you were in Brooklyn instead of NJ. Beautifully set up and amazing staff. Can't wait to go back
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Vinnie R.

Yelp
Having eaten quite a few times at Heirloom and big fans of David Viana, we knew a trip to Lita's would be nothing less than extraordinary. We went 3 Course Prix Fix and started off with crispy Octopus/Cherizo, excellent as were the Duck croquettes! Also, Grilled Romaine Caesar which we loved, smokey, quite different, this is beyond Caesar Salad. And clams in white wine/garlic just because we wanted them. Good, but this can be found elsewhere. Sunchokes are a must try. For dinner we shared Mussell/Shrimp Paella, which we loved, excellent, especially the crispy rice at the bottom. Desserts were Rosa's Flan and Smoked (Ice) Cream, Cappuccino and Espresso. All in all an absolutely great meal. I wish I could rememember the bottle of wine that we got, Spanish white? Ok, Lita's is is pricey however you'll be treating yourself to an exceptional meal. As for service, David (the 'other' David!) was our server, outstanding service, explained everything and had the best of suggestions. Bottom line, we absolutely loved the place. Next time we'd pass on the clams in white, it's a common dish. My only thing in all honesty, Pao really should come with the meal but this is minor. Will definitely be back!!

M. R.

Yelp
Pros: nice ambiance, tables are spaced out to avoid overcrowding, attentive staff, open kitchen to view the preparation process, good presentation Cons: overpriced, odd food items, food just ok, $10 for bread, zero beverage options for non drinkers- only water. Cool experience to try once, but definitely one and done for us. If you're expecting traditional Portuguese or Spanish food, this is definitely not it.
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Justin M.

Yelp
If your charging $300 for a couple to have price fixe three dishes ( with $10 for bread and two drinks each) the food better be amazing and this was far far from that. The strip mall ambiance was well overcome with the modern interior deco and very attentive servers. The food though prepared well we're rather odd and lacked flavor. Examples- "tuna tartare" was three sashimi tuna chunks on a lettuce wrap loaded with so much almond you couldn't taste the fish at all. Terrible flavor and menu naming. likewise the grilled Octopus was well prepared but then the sour eggplant purée and red peppers completely took over any chance of enjoying the octopus. The main Perri Perri chicken dish was the only highlight but it's a $10 ingredient so hardly worthy of the bill at the end. For half the price I'd have given it 4 stars at best. Didn't enjoy having to sit next to the guy in the MAGA hat staring at my the entire meal either. Can't understand how this place is always hard to get into.

Mike O.

Yelp
Great food/service/ambience. Delicious crafted cocktails. Pre-fixed menu with choices at the tables, and a-la-carte at the bar.

E J.

Yelp
Wonderful experience though a couple of the dishes didn't hit to quite on the mark for some of us. Overall the dinner selections were wonderfully prepared for the most part. Creative without being too try-hard. A couple of the mains were a bit ordinary though so lacked a wow factor. The space and service were excellent, and we will find our way back to try new dishes.

Glenn E.

Yelp
The food this evening was outstanding. This is my second visit to Lita. Sitting at the bar is a must. The rabbit lasagna special was the best thing I've eaten in years. The pork, clams and pickles dish was delicious. Service was good. Ambiance was lively.

K M.

Yelp
Really great atmosphere. Knowledgeable and friendly staff. Fun drinks. Food was creative and so yummy. Would definitely recommend!

Jan B.

Yelp
It def did not live up to the hype, the scallops were over cooked and not hot and the portions very small - we were still hungry when we left . we won't be going back - not worth the money imo
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Hector S.

Yelp
Lita's has so much potential. However, there is some refinement that needs to be done. It is a fairly new restaurant so they have still have some time to see what works and what doesn't work. Nonetheless, right now the overall flavor profiles have been established but not perfected as some dishes are over seasoned with salt. Their hearth that 80% of the menu is cooked on is a fantastic concept that can go far. The entire staff also switches between roles in the kitchen and in the dinning room so the chef today could be the server next week. The 3 course prix fixe menu with options another concept that is a great idea but every dish needs to be excellent. The patatas bravas and croquetas jamon were good that were accompanied by the 10 dollar sourdough bread (the sweet corn butter with the bread was good but the bread wasn't 10 dollar worthy). The garlic shrimp was overcooked but the flavor was okay. The Spanish meatballs were my favorite dish as it was a nice combo of sweet and salty. The bitoque was delicious and it had the smoked flavor. The piri piri chicken was a large portion of chicken that was also cooked on the hearth but the fries with it were too salty. In the end, I enjoyed the restaurant as I found the concept to be inspiring with potential but I ended up questioning the balance of my meal. The service was excellent and I will come back in a couple of months to try cocktails and other dishes.
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John Z.

Yelp
This was our second time here and it was even better than the first time! We tried out the new speakeasy bar La Otra and we were very impressed by the vibe and inventive cocktails. Ricardo is a real talent and all around great person. We sat at the bar for dinner. This is the best spot in the house in my opinion. Rich and Steven were so inviting and great to chat with. The drinks and food were outstanding. My standouts were the duck paella and croquettes. The Wabi Sabi cocktail is also a must try. It was also great to meet the owner Neilly and talk with the amazing chef David again. Speaking with them, you can understand why this place is so magical and the staff is so on point. Thanks again for another amazing experience!
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Maria M.

Yelp
Open modern vibe, a wonderful alternative to the usual restaurant feel. The food was incredible. We had the Tomahawk a birthday special for my husband's birthday. Pricey but worth it!!!From the bread to the app and main course the flavors were nuanced and one better than the next. DELICIOUS!!!Staff were attentive, professional and focused on providing a quality dining experience! Watching the staff was like a ballet, incredible, we cannot wait to go back!
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Cassidy D.

Yelp
Not only was the food delicious but the service was amazing. The wait staff was very friendly and was constantly making sure everything was clean and taken care of which is rare these days. 5/5 would eat here again and will recommend to everyone.

Patricia P.

Yelp
Another amazing experience at Lita last night!!!! From the moment we walked into the restaurant we felt comfortable and couldn't wait to see what new items would be on the menu. So many options to choose from. Each dish is plated so beautifully, and tastes even better. Chefs David, Neilly and Danny, have really created something special here. The staff really pays attention to details and are so engaging. Special thanks to Dee, Jorge and Jake for the excellent service. And I can't forget to mention Chef Jillian....crushing it!!! We had the perfect dining experience and definitely will be back. I am attaching photos of some of the delicious options. You eat with your eyes first! Truer words never spoken!
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Corey Z.

Yelp
We loved everything about Lita. The food, the drinks, the vibe - everything! My wife & I were fortunate to get a reservation at the bar Friday night and had the chance to speak at length with the owners brother Steven. He was a wealth of knowledge and added another layer to the overall experience. Well most definitely be back!
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Priscilla M.

Yelp
My Bf & I just wanted a quick bite & heard this place opened near us so we said why not? I'd like to start off saying that the service was impeccable. They have a method where everyone shuffles from being a waiter to chef to bartender. Very cool concept & the waiters are very knowledgeable. 3 stars are for the prices & the portions that don't quite add up. Only pre-fix menus were offered. Steak & eggs were the best. Pricey cocktails had way too much ice in them. Thought paying for bread was a little odd. They have a cool lamp that dims on every table. It was a 1 & done for me. Good luck!
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Jessica T.

Yelp
Where to begin! I think I can say this is the best restaurant in NJ. If not, it is definitely the best restaurant in central NJ. Nothing really compares to the experience you get here. I also love how this restaurant features very traditional Portuguese food. It is not easy to take traditional Portuguese cuisine and turn it into a gourmet experience. This challenging task was accomplished and far exceeded my expectations! Food: As I mentioned earlier it is not easy to take traditional Portuguese food and turn it into a modern gourmet affair. There are very few restaurants in the tri state area that do this! So this is really a one of a kind spot for Portuguese food. I am Portuguese myself (and my mother was an immigrant and grew up in Newark NJ) and I have been to Portugal many times, so I feel I can say this. And yes I have dined at gourmet restaurants in Portugal, so when I say this place is just as good I mean it! Every dish we tried was delicious. I wanted more and more after every bite. Both our entrees (bacalhau and bitoque) were booming with flavor and elegance. Some might not like that the dishes are on the smaller side. I felt they were perfect for that gourmet/modern restaurant feel they were clearly going for. I also felt this gives you the opportunity to try more things off the menu...which I loved. Quality over quantity in my opinion. For dessert we enjoyed the serradura the most, this is one of my favorite Portuguese desserts! The pasteis de nata were also good. I asked if they were homemade and the waiter said they were! I was surprised since you can easily get some of the best ones around in Newark, NJ. The best I ever had though were in Belém Portugal. Compared to these, they were not as good, however for making them homemade they were very tasty and I would order them again! Service: The service was really great. We were late for our reservation and the front desk still allowed us to dine. They were also very transparent and let us know when their next reservation was so we knew when we would have to give up the table. We texted them that we were running behind and they responded very quickly! I appreciated their kindness as I had just given birth a month prior and this was me and my husbands first night out but our babysitter was late. They didn't rush us as we still had enough time to eat dessert and they were very nice to us despite us being late. However I would recommend getting there on time and giving yourself the full two hours as the restaurant itself is an experience! They will most likely continue to be booked with reservations on the weekends so you don't want to miss it if you get one! Lastly, I love how they have their staff rotate roles in the restaurant. The chefs were working in an open kitchen where you could see everything and our server knew a lot on the menu and even tried pronouncing many of the Portuguese dishes which I appreciated. Ambiance: The ambiance was something I appreciated from before they opened as I followed them on instagram and loved the aesthetic. The decor pieces are somewhat unique, interesting to look at, and high quality. You can tell they spent top dollar on the restaurant decor. I appreciated that as a lot of places cut corners to keep things affordable. The owner really put his all into this restaurant and it shows. That is why you will also most likely see higher prices on the menu than other restaurants. You are paying for the experience and aesthetic along with the delicious food and drinks. If you want to feel like you are at a trendy NYC restaurant or a trendy restaurant in downtown Brooklyn without the travel... this is your spot!!!