We all have our go-to spots for dinner, take-out, and everything in between — but sometimes it’s good to shake things up and try something new and delicious. Venturing away from the familiar can be a good idea because it could very well end up being a new fave. And today we’re talking zesty, comforting, warm, and absolutely delicious Cuban food from Rebecca’s in historic Edgewater, New Jersey. This intimate, elegant restaurant located at 236 Old River Road is open for lunch and dinner or for hosting events. Keep reading for a deeper look into Rebecca’s in Edgewater, NJ, and get a peek at what you can expect to find on the menu.
About the Restaurant
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Initially established in 1998, Rebecca’s menu serves up amazing Cuban food in a warm, comforting ambiance. Since its opening 20+ years ago, the restaurant has improved its aesthetics while keeping a consistent menu and preserving the cozy, welcoming atmosphere. The owners intend to preserve the restaurant as a local landmark — in a way that the character of the restaurant has remained exactly the same as the initial founder intended. Although the restaurant accepts walk-ins, we highly recommend making reservations ahead of time, especially on Friday and Saturday nights. The food is also conveniently available for delivery directly through the website or on DoorDash, Uber Eats, and Grub Hub.
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About the Space
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With its impressive layout, Rebecca’s is a venue that can accommodate group celebrations, semi-private or private parties, events, and private dining. Inside, guests find dramatic long velvet curtains with decor that is super romantic. From the main dining room to charmingly-lit rooms, to the cliffside patio, the space is modern, yet charming and feels intimate and tucked away. Whether you’re hosting a formal evening affair, luncheon, or casual gathering, the restaurant can provide customized menus for parties with as few as 12 to as large as 55. Hosts of private events will connect with an event and venue specialist who will work alongside you to ensure every detail is exactly as you imagined.
About the Menu
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Cuban cuisine has been influenced by Spanish, French, African, Arabic, Chinese, and Portuguese cultures. A majority of the dishes are sautéed or slow-cooked over a low flame. Most Cuban cooking relies on a few basic spices, such as garlic, cumin, oregano, and bay laurel leaves. Many dishes use a sofrito as their base. Meats and poultry are usually marinated in citrus juices, such as lime or sour orange juices, and then roasted over low heat until the meat is tender and literally falling off the bone.
Root vegetables such as yuca, malanga, and boniato are common staples in the Cuban diet as well. These vegetables are typically flavored with a marinade, called mojo, which includes hot olive oil, lemon juice, sliced raw onions, garlic, cumin, and a little water. Shared spices and cooking techniques from these different countries result in an incredible blend of ingredients, unique flavors, and cultural influences.
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With hundreds of five-star ratings online, the menu here will not disappoint. Customers (the BCG team included) rave about the food, atmosphere + vibe, location, excellent service, friendly staff, and wonderful portions. On the menu, diners will find an array of Cuban staples and specialties such as Mama Rosa’s Traditional Black Beans Soup, ropa vieja (slow-cooked shredded black Angus flank steak in red wine tomato sauce), Havana shrimp, beef empanadas, lechon asado (slow-roasted pork in homemade mojo sauce), Cuban croquettes, chorizo, yucca con mojo, coconut shrimp, Jamaican jerk chicken, guacamole, flan, café con leche, tres leches cake, and much more. The chef and staff draw from ingredients from the Caribbean, Central, and South America — and to keep things fresh the restaurant has nightly specials.
Follow Rebecca’s on Instagram at @rebeccasedgewater and call 201-943-8808 to make a reservation.
