The restaurant scene in Belleville, New Jersey, is as varied as its population, boasting Portuguese, Italian, Mexican and Brazilian cuisines. No matter your palate's desire, there are a number of standout establishments convenient to local golf courses for players who want to relax and have a meal and a refreshing drink after a round or two.
Solar do Minho
Solar do Minho in Belleville is known as one of the best Portuguese restaurants in the area, outside of Newark's heavily Portuguese Ironbound section. Enjoy a casual meal prepared in the open kitchen or place an order for take-out. The restaurant features the Portuguese/Brazilian service of rodizio, where an assortment of freshly grilled meats is brought to the table and served throughout the meal. Other specialties include seafood paella and Portuguese-style sausage. Red or white sangria can be ordered by the pitcher.
Solar do Minho
15 Cleveland St.
Belleville, NJ 07109
(973) 844-0500
solardominhobelleville.com
The Stone Horse Taverne & Grille
Just a steps away from the Hendricks Field Golf Course, The Stone Horse Taverne & Grille serves up a variety of food in a comfortable atmosphere punctuated by the crackling of the fireplace in cooler months. A self-professed "gastropub," the restaurant prides itself on being a pub that offers quality cuisine. The menu includes standard fare such as hamburgers and sandwiches, along with steaks, pasta, chicken and seafood dishes. Alcoholic beverages are available.
The Stone Horse Taverne & Grille
382 Belleville Ave.
Belleville, NJ 07109
(973) 844-0440
thestonehorse.net
Belmont Tavern
With a pub atmosphere and a menu filled with Italian favorites, Belmont Tavern has been a staple in Belleville for decades. It's most well-known dish is Chicken Savoy, a half-chicken broiled with balsamic vinegar and herbs. Many entrees are preceded by a pasta course. Classic appetizers include clams oreganata, shrimp "beeps" (in a tomato sauce) and stuffed hot cherry peppers. Credit cards aren't accepted, so bring cash to pay the bill.
Belmont Tavern
12 Bloomfield Ave.
Belleville, NJ 07109
(973) 759-9609
belmonttavern.tel
About The Author
Nicole Canfora is a freelance writer and copy editor located in Northern New Jersey with 14 years of journalism experience. Her work has been published in In Touch Weekly, Quilts, Quick Quilts, Vicinity and The Star-Ledger. She is the author of Images of America: Belleville, published in 2002.
