Garden City Restaurant

- 16 Washington Ave, Irvington, NJ 07111

For New Jersey diners seeking rich, authentic flavors and a culinary journey to West Africa, **Garden City Restaurant** in Irvington offers a distinct and rewarding experience. This local establishment is not just a general "Restaurant," but a dedicated purveyor of **African cuisine**, primarily featuring dishes popular in countries like Ghana and Nigeria. It specializes in hearty, flavorful, and traditional meals that resonate strongly with both the local African diaspora community and adventurous food lovers across the state.

The focus of Garden City Restaurant is on providing satisfying and deeply rooted culinary traditions. The menu showcases classic staples such as Jollof Rice (often a best-seller), various soups like **Egusi Soup** and **Peanut Butter Soup**, and essential starches like **Attieke**, **Fried Yam**, and plantains. These dishes are the definition of **comfort food**, intended to be both nourishing and flavorful, making them perfect for a fulfilling lunch or a hearty dinner. The restaurant offers a **casual atmosphere** that is **good for kids** and welcoming to **groups**, making it a great destination for family and friends in the Essex County area.

The popularity of the restaurant for both **Lunch** and **Dinner**, as well as for **Solo dining**, speaks to its reliability and broad appeal. It successfully bridges the gap between a quick, satisfying meal and a sit-down experience. For New Jersey patrons who appreciate small plates or are looking for a **quick bite**, the appetizers like **Suya or Kebab** provide excellent options to start a meal or enjoy a light snack. The overall aim is to provide a genuine taste of West African home-cooking right here in the Garden State.

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## Location and Accessibility

Garden City Restaurant is centrally located in **Irvington, New Jersey**, positioning it as an accessible dining option for many in the North Jersey region. You can find the restaurant at **16 Washington Ave, Irvington, NJ 07111, USA**. This address places it conveniently near major local roads, simplifying the journey for patrons coming from neighboring communities.

A notable amenity that enhances accessibility for customers is the availability of a **Free parking lot**. In a busy urban environment like Irvington, the convenience of on-site, complimentary parking is a significant benefit for diners, reducing the stress of finding a spot before a meal. This makes it particularly attractive for groups and families traveling by car.

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## Services Offered

The restaurant provides a comprehensive suite of service options to ensure maximum convenience for its New Jersey customer base, regardless of how they prefer to enjoy their meal. These options cater to various dining scenarios, from a formal sit-down meal to a quick, convenient pickup.

Available service options include:

• **Dine-in:** Guests can enjoy the food and the casual atmosphere in the seating area.
• **Takeout:** Place an order to pick up and enjoy at home or on the go.
• **Delivery:** Conveniently have authentic West African dishes brought directly to your location.
• **Table service:** Full service is provided for dine-in guests during both lunch and dinner.
• **Accepts reservations:** Planning ahead for a group meal or a specific time? Reservations are accepted to secure your table.
• **Catering:** The restaurant offers catering services, allowing customers to bring the popular flavors of West Africa to their events and gatherings.
• **Payment flexibility:** The restaurant accepts a variety of payment methods, including **Credit cards**, **Debit cards**, and modern **NFC mobile payments**.

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## Features / Highlights

Garden City Restaurant's appeal is rooted in the authenticity and variety of its West African menu, offering distinct dishes that are a welcome addition to the New Jersey culinary scene. The food focuses on traditional methods and staple ingredients, providing genuine comfort food.

Key highlights that define the dining experience include:

• **Authentic West African Cuisine:** The menu features traditional dishes like **Attieke** (cassava couscous), various yam and plantain preparations, and specialized soups such as **Egusi** and **Peanut Butter Soup**.
• **Hearty Entrées:** Main dishes are typically based on staple starches paired with stewed or fried protein options like **Goat**, which is available as an extra side to customize many meals.
• **Diverse Soup Selection:** A range of traditional soups are available, often served with a choice of swallow (like Fufu or Pounded Yam), providing a complete and filling meal, all priced consistently at **$27.00**.
• **Comfort Food and Small Plates:** The menu offers the deeply satisfying quality of comfort food alongside lighter options like **Suya or Kebab** appetizers for a quick bite or starter.
• **Family-Friendly Appeal:** With a **casual atmosphere** and being deemed **good for kids**, the restaurant is suitable for family outings.
• **Versatility in Dining:** Popular for **Lunch** and **Dinner**, the ability to cater also expands its service capacity for local New Jersey events.
• **Free Parking:** The availability of a **Free parking lot** is a significant convenience for all patrons.

The menu provides clarity on pricing for major components, such as all listed soups being a fixed price, and entrées like **Attieke** and **Fried Yam** generally priced at **$21.00**. The most affordable items are the appetizers and side portions, like **Suya or Kebab ($3.50)** and the **Egg Plant Stew ($15.00)**.

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## Contact Information

For New Jersey customers wishing to make a reservation, inquire about catering, or place a takeout order, the following contact details for the Irvington location are provided:

Address: 16 Washington Ave, Irvington, NJ 07111, USA

Phone: (973) 302-4641 or +1 973-302-4641

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## What is Worth Choosing

Garden City Restaurant is a choice destination for New Jersey residents specifically seeking an authentic and robust **West African culinary experience**. What is truly worth choosing here is the **authenticity and specialized menu** that offers traditional soups and stews often described as tasting like home-cooked meals—a significant compliment, especially from patrons familiar with the cuisine. The customer review that noted how a typically "extremely picky" mother was excited and wanted to return for more highlights the genuinely satisfying nature of the food.

The restaurant’s strength is in its commitment to its cultural roots, offering dishes like **Attieke** and **Egusi Soup** that are difficult to find made traditionally elsewhere in the region. This makes it an essential local resource for those of West African heritage and a valuable cultural learning opportunity for all other New Jersey food enthusiasts. Furthermore, the ability to cater to **groups** and the overall **family-friendly** atmosphere means it’s a reliable spot for social gatherings.

The convenience factors, particularly the rare bonus of a **Free parking lot** in the Irvington area, along with the provision of **Dine-in, Takeout, and Delivery** options, make the logistics of enjoying the food effortless. While one piece of customer feedback mentioned a negative experience regarding service transparency and tone, the overwhelming focus of the restaurant remains on delivering the highest quality, authentic food and providing excellent value through its hearty portions and specialized menu items. For a taste of genuine West African comfort food in New Jersey, Garden City Restaurant is a compelling and unique option.

Garden City Restaurant

16 Washington Ave, Irvington, NJ 07111, USA