Foodie Hotspot In Newark Makes List Of 'Best Neighborhoods To Eat Well On A Budget'

NEWARK, NJ — Looking for a good meal that won’t empty your wallet? You may want to check out a neighborhood in New Jersey’s largest city, a new report says.

Loan provider Advance America surveyed 3,024 self-proclaimed foodies to identify the top U.S. cities and neighborhoods where “eating well and eating affordably go hand in hand.”

Newark’s Ironbound district ranked 79th on a list of the “110 Best Neighborhoods to Eat Well on a Budget in America.” See the full list here.

Here’s what surveyors had to say about the Ironbound:

“The Ironbound neighborhood in Newark is steeped in cultural heritage, shaped especially by Portuguese and Brazilian influences. Its seasonal farmers market is popular for fresh, locally sourced produce and artisanal goods, while the dining scene spans churrascarias, seafood restaurants, cafes and bakeries. Meals here are authentic, nutritious and affordable, all within a walkable neighborhood that feels both lively and welcoming.”

The cities that ranked atop the list included Athens, Georgia (1st), Riverside, Jacksonville, Florida (2nd) and Downtown Greenville in South Carolina (3rd).

“Eating well isn’t just about what’s on the plate: it’s about access, affordability, and real-life schedules,” said Laura McCutcheon, vice president of marketing at Advance America.

“These spots show that dining well doesn’t need to be complicated or costly – it just needs to be part of the community fabric,” McCutcheon said.

The Ironbound has also caught the eye of other foodies over the years.

A report in Bon Appétit praised the clusters of Portuguese, Spanish and Brazilian restaurants and bakeries that can be found in the Newark neighborhood, many of them located on or around Ferry Street. In particular, it highlights one of the specialties the neighborhood has become well-known for: barbecue.

• See Related: Newark Deserves Its Spot On 'Best BBQ In US' List, NJ Foodies Say

What are some of the must-see places to eat and drink? According to Bon Appétit, visitors should check out staples such as Teixeira’s Bakery, Sihana Café, Hamburgao, Seabra’s Marisqueira, Nasto’s Old World Desserts, Fornos of Spain, Adega Grill and Mompou Tapas Bar & Lounge.

• See Related: Newark’s Ironbound Restaurants Are ‘Culinary Gem,’ Report Says

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