Elia Mediterranean Restaurant

240 Hackensack St, East Rutherford
(201) 939-9292

Recent Reviews

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Sean Kreyling

Posting because my reservation was just canceled due to the following experience: I have faithfully frequented Elia since the restaurant opened—despite the fluctuating quality; the sometimes inappropriate treatment (even to the degree of sexual harassment and child solicitation - server no longer employed); and the owners who are more interested in being socialites than serious restauranteurs. Two burlesque nights ago, my colleagues and I were kicked out, threatened with the police, and forced to pay the bill for an incomplete dining experience. What caused such an explosive evening? A side order of polenta... When the steak was being served, I asked about our polenta, which the entire table remembers ordering. The server, whom I had never met, quickly appeared and started to fight with me about whether or not I ordered polenta. Why wouldn't he simply just apologize for any misunderstanding and offer to bring the polenta? We will never know. Instead, he continued to argue and claimed that we were mistreating him all night (even though we were laughing and making jokes with him from the moment that we were seated). Per my request, the manager came to the table. (It is important to note that the owner, who was fluttering about the restaurant, refused to speak with us.) We began to amicably discuss what happened with the manager, but he refused to acknowledge any wrongdoing on behalf of the restaurant. Emotions heightened and patience depleted, the conversation became contentious and the language used—by both parties—became unkind. At this point, the manager started to scream uncontrollably, told us to pay and leave, and threatened to call the police. Oh, and he stated that we were not welcome back to the restaurant. Strangely, the server returned to the table more than once and even put his hand in my face as he yelled at me. Loyal patronage and kindness will get you nowhere at Elia. If you choose to eat at this restaurant, beware of the waiter (with the French mustache), the manager (with a real thirst for power), and the menus (with incorrect prices listed). Spend your money elsewhere. Sean

Evangelina Papageorgiu

Hoy celebramos el bride de mi hija Melina !! Estoy muy agradecida!! Todo excelente!! 10 es pocos puntos Gracias a Cristian que estuvo a cargo de todo y fue muy amable. No solo con nosotros, también con todos los invitados. La comida espectacular GRACIAS!! Lo recomiendo

Ahmed Ashour

I had the pleasure of dining at this charming Greek restaurant on the river, and it was an unforgettable experience. From the moment I walked in, I was captivated by the ambiance. The picturesque setting by the water, combined with the cozy yet elegant décor, created the perfect atmosphere for a relaxing meal. The staff were warm, welcoming, and knowledgeable, making the dining experience even more enjoyable. The food was nothing short of exceptional. The flavors were authentic and vibrant, each dish prepared to perfection. The tzatziki was the creamiest I’ve ever had, and the grilled lamb chops were cooked to perfection, bursting with flavor. Every bite felt like a celebration of Greek cuisine.

Jefferson Zambrano

Food was so good. My server was so helpful with picking the apps for me. Place looks like Santorini

Teddy Psarianos

Great dinner at Elia !! Thursday night was so much fun at Burlesque night. The food was delicious and very thoughtfully prepared. The drinks were fantastic and paired perfectly with our meals. The service was incredible and truly made us feel welcomed, as well as the great show that was performed. Thanks for a great night and can’t wait to be back !!

Jennifer Fekete Foley

It was our first time going. There was lipstick on my husband's glass. (which I understand can happen but still not great 1st impression of cleanliness.) Our salads were BIG chunks of tomato, cukes, feta, watermelon. We literally had to cut our salad to eat it. I got the snapper. It said market price. It was $95. (my mistake for thinking snapper wouldn't be almost $100). It was FULL OF BONES. For that price it should have been clean of bones. My husband had the skirt steak. cooked perfect with ZERO seasoning. Let's just say our anniversary dinner was disappointing and underwhelming.

Crismarlyn Jimenez

Such a beautiful restaurant!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Greek Spreads & Pita, Greek Salad, Fried Calamari

farah ahmad

If iI can give a zero, I would. Horrible service from the second I entered, valet, to the service at the restaurant. It ruined my night. They gave excuses for their service and kept saying they were busy but many tables were open. Will never return, or recommend. will go out of my way to tell friends and family to avoid this place.

Rachell Ikegami

This place was super amazing!!! Food was great! Ambiance was aesthetically pleasing. Servers were friendly and accommodating.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

elAngel despertar

The food is horrible, they boast of making marine food and with natural products and blah blah those noodles seemed to be made by my daughter with canned tomato with no taste, just horrible, the drinks were very good and the incredible show was beautiful, that's what I liked most about it. place

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 1

Service: 3

Mikayla Dragonetti

Elia has been a go to for us for years for Greek restaurants. Lately it has gone down hill big time. We decided to sit in the tent outside since they gave us the option. The service was horrendous actually embarrassing for how much money you are paying for dinner. When we addressed it with our waiter his excuse was, “on weekends it is best to sit inside since outside is put on the back burner as far as getting drinks out and food out to customers. That way inside you are closer to the bar and kitchen” his exact words. Excuse me? We were given the option to sit inside or outside and in that case we would have sat inside but what a very poor excuse for such terrible service by the waiter himself as well. We had a heavy bill since there were 4 of us and we were ordering drinks on top of it all and it so was NOT worth it. There was actually another big table complaining about the same thing next to us. We will not be back unless we hear things have gotten back to normal. Don’t waste your time or money here they do not care about their customers.

Atmosphere: 2

Food: 3

Service: 1

Anthony I

This place is the worst! Rude bad service management was not nice when i told him the issues I will make sure i speak to owner and the board of health

Atmosphere: 1

Food: 1

Service: 1

Nadine Lindsay

Elia's is absolutely delicious! I have dined here several times and every time they never disappoint. The smoked pork belly and moussaka appetizers, and the braised short rib cavatelli are a must try! The decor they have inside and outside is beautiful enhancing the dining experience.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Andrea Saldarini

Not accommodating at all

Joe Wessely

A memorable place!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Grilled Octopus

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