Cleo's kitchen Introduce
Cleo's Kitchen is a vibrant and essential culinary fixture in the Newark, New Jersey dining scene, proudly serving authentic Caribbean cuisine. More than just a restaurant, it has cultivated a reputation among local patrons for providing what reviewers describe as "real back home vibes," making it a comforting and welcoming place for both lunch and dinner. The focus is squarely on freshly cooked, flavorful Caribbean comfort food, executed with quality and care.
The establishment is distinguished by its commitment to community and inclusivity, proudly identifying as a Black-owned business. This sense of rooted identity contributes to the warm, authentic atmosphere that customers appreciate. The quality of the food is consistently highlighted in customer feedback, with one patron noting the food is "freshly cooked" and so delicious that plates were "licking their plates asking for more" after the restaurant catered a large party. This blend of excellent taste, generous portions (implied by the catering success), and a uniquely friendly atmosphere makes Cleo's Kitchen a sought-after dining destination in the New Jersey region.
Cleo's Kitchen is conveniently located at 42 Telford St, Newark, NJ 07106. This address places it within a local Newark neighborhood, making it a true community gem. While it may not be on a high-traffic commercial artery, its reputation for quality food ensures it is worth the short detour for anyone in the New Jersey area seeking genuine Caribbean flavors.
The restaurant has thoughtfully ensured multiple avenues for customer convenience and accessibility. The facility is fully equipped with an "Outdoor seating" area, allowing New Jersey diners the option of enjoying their meal al fresco when weather permits. The general atmosphere is described as "Casual," appealing to a broad range of customers from families to solo diners. Accessibility measures, while not explicitly detailed for physical access, typically ensure a smooth experience in this type of local venue. The availability of multiple service options, including robust delivery and takeout, significantly enhances its convenience for the surrounding Newark community and beyond.
Cleo's Kitchen provides a comprehensive range of dining services and preparation options, covering all the bases required by a modern, active New Jersey clientele:
- Dine-in and Outdoor Seating: Customers can enjoy their meal in the restaurant’s casual dining room or utilize the comfortable "Outdoor seating" area for a relaxed experience.
- Takeout and Delivery: Offering standard "Takeout" service, along with traditional "Delivery" and a commitment to "No-contact delivery" for enhanced safety and convenience.
- Full Meal Service: Providing authentic Caribbean meals for both "Lunch" and "Dinner."
- Catering: Specializing in high-volume orders for events, parties, and corporate needs, demonstrated by successful catering experiences noted in customer reviews.
- Reservation Options: The restaurant "Accepts reservations" and notes that "Reservations required" for certain dining periods, allowing customers to easily plan their visit.
- Menu Offerings: Serving "Comfort food," alongside options for a "Quick bite" and "Small plates."
- Payment Methods: Facilitating easy transactions by accepting "Debit cards."
The appeal of Cleo's Kitchen stems from several key features and highlights that resonate deeply with its New Jersey customer base:
- Authentic Caribbean Experience: The restaurant is celebrated for its authenticity, with the food described as having "real back home vibes" and the dishes praised for being "freshly cooked."
- Commitment to Quality: The consistent quality of the food, even for large-scale events like birthday parties, is a significant highlight, with customers noting the delicious and "tasty dishes."
- Inclusivity and Community Focus: Cleo's Kitchen is a welcoming place for everyone, designated as both "Family-friendly" and consciously supporting the LGBTQ+ community, identifying as "LGBTQ+ friendly" and a "Transgender safespace."
- Black-Owned Business: The proud identification as a "Black-owned" business adds another layer of community pride and support for patrons in the Newark area.
- Flexible Dining Arrangements: The availability of both comfortable indoor seating and "comfortable outdoor dining" provides flexibility, particularly for those who prefer dining in the open air.
- Comfort Food Specialization: The core menu is built around satisfying, soulful Caribbean comfort food, ensuring hearty and filling meals for solo dining or for a whole family.
- Catering Prowess: The ability to successfully cater a birthday party with food that leaves people "asking for more" highlights its capability for handling substantial orders while maintaining food quality.
New Jersey customers wishing to visit or contact this distinguished Caribbean restaurant can use the following details:
Address: 42 Telford St, Newark, NJ 07106
Phone Number: (973) 900-2926 or +1 973-900-2926. This contact information is available for placing orders, inquiring about catering, or making reservations, which are generally required.
Cleo's Kitchen is highly worth choosing for Newark and greater New Jersey residents seeking a true taste of the Caribbean for several compelling reasons. First and foremost is the authenticity and quality of the food; the "freshly cooked" Caribbean comfort food provides a satisfying, delicious, and genuine culinary experience that stands apart from mass-produced fare. The praise from customers regarding the taste and the "real back home vibes" underscores the dedication to traditional, flavorful preparation.
Beyond the food, Cleo's Kitchen offers a truly inclusive, family-friendly environment that is conscious of its community role. Its identification as a Black-owned business and a safe space for the LGBTQ+ and Transgender communities adds significant value for patrons prioritizing supporting local businesses with strong social values. The ability to seamlessly transition from a "Quick bite" at lunch to full-service "Catering" for large events, combined with the convenience of outdoor seating and various delivery options, makes Cleo's Kitchen an exceptionally versatile and valuable local resource in New Jersey. For a reliably delicious, comforting meal in a welcoming atmosphere, making a reservation at Cleo's Kitchen is highly recommended.
Cleo's kitchen Details
From the business
- Identifies as Black-owned
Service options
- Outdoor seating
- No-contact delivery
- Delivery
- Takeout
- Dine-in
Popular for
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Offerings
- Comfort food
- Quick bite
- Small plates
Dining options
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Catering
- Dessert
- Seating
Atmosphere
- Casual
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Transgender safespace
Planning
- Reservations required
- Accepts reservations
Payments
- Debit cards
Children
- Good for kids
Cleo's kitchen Photos





Cleo's kitchen Location
Cleo's kitchen
42 Telford St, Newark, NJ 07106, USA
Cleo's kitchen Reviews
Nice freshly cooked food. Real back home vibes. Worth the prices. They catered my husband‘s birthday party and people were licking their plates asking for more
September 17 · Indira AdamsCourteous staff.....comfortable outdoor dining and tasty dishes
October 08 · Denize Sobers Armstrong- December 03 · Sharon Sobers
More restaurants near me
Bibiu2019s Authentic Flavors4.0 (6 reviews)S 17th St, East Orange, NJ 07018, USA
Reggi's Jerk4.0 (16 reviews)98 9th Ave, Newark, NJ 07107, USA
S&S Deli4.0 (12 reviews)98 9th Ave, Newark, NJ 07107, USA
Magic Cones Plant Based Ice Cream Parlor4.0 (13 reviews)550-552 Central Ave, Newark, NJ 07107, USA
Green Genius0.0 (0 reviews)551 Central Ave, Newark, NJ 07107, USA
Aduke Nigerian restaurant3.0 (2 reviews)88 11th Ave W, Newark, NJ 07107, USA
The Zucchini Bar Herbal Teau2019s & Treats4.0 (158 reviews)547 Central Ave, Newark, NJ 07107, USA
Blueberry Cafe Juice Bar And Vegan Grille4.0 (604 reviews)547 Central Ave, Newark, NJ 07107, USA
Tropical Restaurant4.0 (34 reviews)543 Central Ave, Newark, NJ 07107, USA
AMAT AFRICAN FOOD & CATERING LLC3.0 (20 reviews)91 S 9th St, Newark, NJ 07107, USA
Sazon Del Patio4.0 (41 reviews)485 W Market St, Newark, NJ 07107, USA
Domino's5.0 (1 reviews)Newark, NJ 07107, USA
Categories
Top Visited Sites
Bonchon Midland Park4.0 (415 reviews)
The Bird & Bottle Inn4.0 (314 reviews)
Little Collins4.0 (2447 reviews)
Mad for Chicken Sunnyside4.0 (463 reviews)
Teng Dragon3.0 (16 reviews)
Shion 69 Leonard Street4.0 (228 reviews)Top restaurants Searches
Trending Dining Insights Posts
How Asian Restaurants Are Adapting Traditional Recipes for Modern Palates
Discovering Pizza Restaurants That Focus on Quality Craftsmanship and Flavor Combinations
Exploring the Rise of Vegan Cuisine in Major Cities Across the United States
How Brunch Restaurants Are Partnering With Local Farmers to Highlight Seasonal Produce
How Wine Bars Are Organizing Pairing Nights for Enthusiasts
How Brunch Restaurants Are Creating Seasonal Menus That Delight Guests
