Tapas Restaurants near Oradell, NJ

“Second time within a week returning this evening for a birthday celebration. Not disappointed and highly recommend. First time our server Sydney was stellar.“

“I’m visiting my mom from Los Angeles, and as we planned a night out together, I wanted to support a local spot. There’s always something new whenever I return home, and this time it was Chez Messy, just around the corner from the 157th Street train station. Perched up upon a small staircase, this two-floor restaurant is intimate, cozy, and deeply sultry.

Nestled in the heart of Uptown New York City, a neighborhood known for its Dominican roots and growing diversity, Chez Messy shines as a Spanish Caribbean infused gem that took my breath away. The space feels both refined and familiar, elegant yet soulful. As I sat waiting for my mother, I opened the menu, and immediately everything called my name.

Our server Joshua was an absolute delight, attentive, kind, and confident in every recommendation. Antonio, the owner and floor manager, greeted us with charm and poise. Dressed in a sharp suit, he exuded pride and grace, the embodiment of someone who deeply loves what he has created. What touched me most was realizing that this Spanish Caribbean dream of a restaurant is owned and operated by Dominicans. As someone who has traveled the world and eaten in countless hidden gems tucked along cobblestone streets, I can say this place holds its own among the best.

We started with a crisp glass of Albariño and dove into the pulpo and mofonguitos filled with ropa vieja. Let me start by saying I’m not typically a red meat superfan, but that evening I was completely transformed. The ropa vieja was tender, savory, juicy, and full of flavor. The plantain cups that held it were subtly sweet, creating a beautiful harmony between bold and delicate notes.

The pulpo was perfection, tender octopus paired with a light touch of vinegar and oil, thinly sliced onions, capers, and cherry tomatoes that burst like little jewels of freshness. It was bright, balanced, and refreshing, a perfect prelude to what would become an unforgettable meal.

Then came a surprise from Antonio, the avocado salad and batatas bravas, further inviting us into the full Chez Messy experience. I’ve had batatas bravas in Spain and beyond, but these were divine. Perfectly crisp on the outside, soft and creamy on the inside, with seasoning that danced on the palate. The avocado salad was heaven itself, silky avocado paired with slivers of almonds and a hint of citrus, perhaps grapefruit, creating a beautifully layered bite that was both rich and refreshing.

By the time our entrée arrived, filet mignon and shrimp in cream sauce, medium rare, we were already swept away. The filet was tender and bursting with flavor, the shrimp perfectly cooked, and the cream sauce was so delicious that I found myself tempted to lick the plate.

Everything about our experience at Chez Messy was divine, from the impeccable service to the romantic, dark, and dreamy ambiance, the vibrant music that moved through the air, and the drinks that sparkled as much as the conversation.

Chez Messy is where you go when you want great food in a wonderful location, when you want to feel inspired, seen, and transported. It is a love letter to Spanish Caribbean flavor and Dominican pride, wrapped in elegance and joy.

This place deserves to be full every night, though a part of me secretly wants to keep it all to myself.“

“If you appreciate fusion sushi, I highly recommend giving this establishment a try. Their all-you-can-eat sushi on Mondays is an excellent option for a refined dining experience. The ambiance was truly wonderful. I visited on a Monday evening with my family, including children, and everything was impeccable. Our server, Patria, provided exceptional service. I requested the Knicks game to be displayed on the television, and she promptly accommodated my request. My personal favorites among the sushi selections were the Volcano roll and the Mar Y Tierra.“

“Every bite was outstanding! Tapas dishes were flavorful and varied.“

“We came on Saturday night. We got here about 7:30 PM. We were quickly seated and greeted by a friendly staff. We enjoyed margaritas, which were outstanding. Clean not too sweet, just right. We ordered three items. Straight tacos, shrimp, tacos, and ceviche de La Casa. Everything was outstanding. Our favorite was the State tacos. They are playing beautiful Reggaeton music along with a mix of other Latin styles. It has a great vibe. No doubt when we’re back in town we will visit this place again. Great night out!“

“delicious food and drinks menu. service was attentive too.“

“Enjoyed the many different Tapas we tried out 😋“

“We dined in. Three people. Ordered two main items, soda, and a cocktail. $100+tip. Food took one hour to arrive.Food was OK. There was only one server, very friendly but it was very hard to get their attention before or after food arrived.
I love neighborhood places and would support them fully but I am not sure how pricey they should be and how much service should I expect, with or without this pricetag.“

“Excellent Thanksgiving Dinner! Excellent Serice by Issac. Terrific Food. Highly Recommend“

“Super nice. We have fun! Good food“

“I have been to Bistro Taino several times including for a special birthday dinner and it never disappoints. Tonight I went with some coworkers and as always everything was so good. We shared the crabmeat empanadas and each had the bifongo as entrees with chicken, steak, and seafood. We also shared the coconut tembleque for dessert. Special shout out to our server, Arianni, she was amazing! Friendly, attentive, and personable. Great service, food and ambiance, can’t ask for more. Thank you Bistro Taino for always making it a great experience.“

“Authentic, good food . This was our first visit and won’t be the last!“

“Excelente. Comida rica y bebidas 🍷 buenas.“

“This place is authentic Brazilian rodizio with great meat selection insane salad bar with seafood and salad and Fejoada .we loved it excellent staff and the owners are hands on we dined on Friday and it was very busy but drinks came right away tasty caipirinia .We loved espresso martinis and my friend ordered chocolate martini yummm .Highly recommending .we took our time and we werent chased away from table .Very accommodating staff .Thank You and good luck“

“Went on a Saturday night and they had a guitarist which created such a great vibe. The drinks were amazing as well as the food. Had the ceviche and steak nachos which was perfect for two people. The staff and bartender were attentive and friendly. Will definitely come back.“

“Completely surprised and intrigued with the menu. This is NOT a Mexican food restaurant as the name might fool you. The shrimp taco wrapped in seaweed paper was so fresh tasting,crunchy and absolutely delish. Fried rice served in your own skillet and you mix the egg in was the best! The smores waffle with homemade custard ice-cream was to die for. Bartender Robbie is a pro mixologist with really new style drinks. This place was a treat and I cant wait to go back. Also the service was perfect!“

“the wines the beer and The FOOD!“

“Came here for the first time last weekend, and was blown away. Definitely one of the best spots to eat in bergen county. The space is so well decorated down to every detail, and it is the best mix of cozy and elegant. The service was also top notch. The food was the highlight as it should be. Oysters, polenta fries, and the unique arancini were all excellent. For entree I had the free bird chicken which was excellent. Couldn't reccomend enough.“

“Very comfy atmosphere and friendly hosting.“

“The fig and prosciutto pizza was so delicious! This is a must try 🤌🏽“

“This past August, I had my daughter’s bridal shower at Sidebar. I made all my arrangements with Danny. It was a pleasure to work with him. Everything turned out great. The food was delicious, the drinks were great, the waiters and waitresses were very accommodating. Everyone had a great time. Don’t hesitate to have an event here!“

“The tapas is so delicious! And so us the sangria.“

“I recently ate here and the experience was nothing short of delightful. The warm ambiance and rustic decor created a welcoming atmosphere. The staff was friendly and attentive, providing excellent service throughout the meal.Now, let’s talk about the star of the show—the Spanish chicken. The menu boasted a variety of flavorful dishes, each showcasing the chef’s expertise in combining traditional Spanish flavors with a modern twist. The chicken was perfectly cooked, tender on the inside with a crispy, golden exterior that left my taste buds dancing.The appetizers were equally impressive, with options ranging from patatas bravas to chorizo croquettes. Each bite was a burst of Spanish authenticity. The chef’s commitment to using high-quality ingredients was evident, enhancing the overall dining experience.The drink menu featured a well-curated selection of Spanish wines and cocktails that complemented the meal superbly. The sangria, in particular, was a refreshing choice that added to the festive atmosphere of the restaurant.What truly stood out was the attention to detail in presentation. Each dish was a work of art on the plate, showcasing the chef’s dedication to not only taste but also aesthetics.As for the dessert, the churros were a delightful way to end the meal. Crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and accompanied by rich chocolate dipping sauce—a sweet ending to a savory journey.In summary, this Spanish chicken restaurant exceeded my expectations. From the inviting ambiance to the delectable dishes, every aspect of the dining experience was carefully crafted. I highly recommend this establishment to anyone seeking an authentic taste of Spain with a modern flair. ¡Delicioso! Highly recommend“

“Awesome atmosphere and music ….and the food is a “10” out of “10”!!! Delicious !!!!! The octopus is a definite must have!!!!!“

“Great place to eat Turkish food. Service is excellent & atmosphere is very nice: casual & friendly. Lots of tapas to choose from. Lamb dish is tender & baklava is superb. There’s live entertainment on the weekends. Sometimes one of the guests will be playing a clarinet or a guitar while eating. Lol. Lots of local Turkish people eat in this place. They started as a tiny restaurant & they have expanded to the one next door.“

“The attention was wonderful. The white sangria was very good. The food was absolutely delicious. Paella marinara, Chilean sea bass and the mariscada were all yummy. Best part. … the flamenco show.“

“Food was amazing and service was on point !! Delicious 🤤“

“First rate service! Very nice wine selection! The food...! I ordered the filet mignon and I could cut it with the wrong side of the knife! Cooked to perfection! Creme Brulee was very good! The atmosphere was cozy! Five out of Five!!“

“Great spot to eat at food amazing workers are so friendly and the owner was awesome definitely will be back for sure“

“muy buena comida y un buen mangu“

“I love a speakeasy with a password & a BYOB. The decor was rich in colors and textures. There was something beautiful to look at on every wall! The menu was wonderful! There were so many good options, but we couldn't eat everything! We will have to come back and finish the menu. Our waiter was wonderful. We will be back!!!!“

“Stone and Rail has become a second home to me and my friends. From date nights to Sunday Football watch parties, it's the ultimate experience no matter the event. Me and my friends from the Northern New Jersey Buffalo Bills Backers are extremely grateful we landed here to watch our weekly games. They have gone out of their way to make every weekend more enjoyable than the last with accommodating the volume of guest we have visiting in, allowing us to play our music and SHOUT song, curating a Special Bills menu and joining us in on the celebration. Their cocktails are creative and their food is delicious, my favorite being the Hot Honey Chicken sandwich, fried pickles and espresso martinis. Their outdoor seating with a beautiful fire pit and TV's to watch outside is the best addition. The owner, manager and staff are so kind and I love how much they enjoy the games as much as we do. I highly recommend this spot not just for the sports aspect, but for a night out with your friends or loved ones. Extremely family/kid friendly and spacious. Thank you Stone and Rail for everything you've done for our community of the NJ Bills Backers. You all are amazing!“

“We were willing for mediocre food just to be on The Hudson River banks. They surprised us with very good food, excellent service, moderate prices - go!“

“Un lugar único con un ambiente elegante y relajado para la gente bien. Muy buena comida y buenas atenciones. Su decoración de flores es única!!“