Magela's Restaurant | Haitian & Caribbean Food | Fritay Griyo, Tasso, Poisson, Turkey, Fish, Plantains, Cornmeal Introduce
For New Jersey residents seeking a true taste of the Caribbean, particularly the rich and savory flavors of Haiti, **Magela's Restaurant** in Irvington is a highly accessible and dedicated option. This establishment is recognized as a premier spot for authentic Haitian and Caribbean cuisine, distinguishing itself from typical fast-food or casual dining options by offering traditional dishes that satisfy a yearning for genuine island flavor. Magela's is more than just a quick stop; it's a full-service experience offering everything from hearty breakfast staples to satisfying dinners, catering to a wide range of dining needs throughout the day. The restaurant proudly identifies as a **Black-owned business**, further enriching the diverse culinary landscape of the Irvington and greater Newark area.
The core of Magela's menu is built around Haitian specialties like the famed **Fritay**, a mix of fried delights, including **Griyo** (fried pork shoulder) and **Tasso** (fried goat). Beyond these mainstays, the menu offers a comprehensive array of meats such as fried turkey, and fresh seafood like whole fried fish (**Poisson**), complemented by traditional sides like plantains and cornmeal. The tone is set for a comforting and flavorful experience, fitting the description of a **Comfort food** and **Lunch restaurant** that also excels in providing convenient **Delivery Restaurant** services to the New Jersey community.
Magela's Restaurant is centrally located at **1023 Clinton Ave, Irvington, NJ 07111**. This address is easily found within the Irvington commercial district, making it a familiar and convenient hub for both local foot traffic and drivers. Its position on Clinton Ave, a key road in the area, simplifies the process of in-person visits for dine-in or quick takeout, as well as providing a straightforward base of operations for their extensive meal delivery services across the region.
The establishment offers robust parking solutions, which is a significant amenity for a New Jersey urban setting. Customers have options including **Free street parking**, **On-site parking**, and available **Paid street parking**, ensuring visitors can find a spot regardless of the time of day. This flexibility supports all their service models, whether customers are stopping by for a quick counter service order or settling in for a dine-in meal. While specific data on physical accessibility is not fully detailed, the overall approach to customer service suggests a commitment to welcoming the community.
The operational model at Magela's is designed for maximum customer flexibility, supporting every form of modern dining from a full-service sit-down meal to the convenience of at-home delivery. This versatility ensures they are a go-to choice for almost any occasion, making them a true all-day restaurant from breakfast through dinner.
- **Dine-in:** Traditional seating is available for patrons who wish to enjoy their authentic Caribbean meal in the casual, family-friendly atmosphere.
- **Delivery:** A core service, allowing customers across the New Jersey area to receive their Haitian and Caribbean favorites delivered directly to their home or office.
- **No-Contact Delivery:** A secure and modern option that promotes health and safety by ensuring zero direct interaction during the delivery process.
- **Curbside Pickup & Takeout:** Perfect for busy commuters or those living nearby, allowing quick order retrieval either inside or brought right to the car.
- **Catering:** Offering their authentic menu for larger events, parties, and family gatherings, showcasing their generous portion sizes to a wider audience.
- **Counter Service:** A quick, efficient option for lunch and quick bites, ideal for solo dining patrons and those on a tight schedule.
- **Breakfast, Brunch, Lunch, Dinner, & Dessert:** Providing full dining options throughout the entire day, establishing themselves as a primary food source for the local community.
Magela's Restaurant distinguishes itself with a strong commitment to authentic Haitian cuisine, a dedication to community, and highly practical features that cater to the diverse New Jersey populace.
- **Authentic Haitian Fritay and Main Dishes:** The menu prominently features traditional, large-format entrees like Large and Medium **Griyo** (Fried Pork), **Tasso** (Fried Goat, available in large portions), **Poisson** (Fried Fish, $30.00), and Fried Turkey. These are the classic, comforting meals of the Caribbean.
- **Vegan and Health-Conscious Options:** Catering to a variety of dietary needs, the restaurant offers **Vegan options**, **Vegetarian options**, and **Organic dishes**, ensuring that plant-based and health-conscious eaters can enjoy the cuisine. They also offer **Small plates** for lighter appetites.
- **Hearty Breakfast Menu:** They serve traditional Haitian breakfast, including Eggs with Plantains and Cornmeal, available in both small and large sizes, such as Large Eggs with Plantains ($20.00) or Small Cornmeal ($12.00). The availability of breakfast all day is a significant perk.
- **Outstanding Portion Sizes:** Customer feedback frequently highlights the **very good portion sizes**, with one review explicitly giving a "10/10 for portion," indicating excellent value for money. They also accommodate special requests, such as for "more fatty cuts of meat."
- **Community Focus:** The establishment is designated as **Family-friendly, LGBTQ+ friendly,** and a **Transgender safespace**, creating an inclusive and welcoming atmosphere for all residents of New Jersey.
- **Payment Versatility:** To make transactions seamless, the restaurant accepts **Credit cards, Debit cards,** and **NFC mobile payments**, catering to modern preferences.
For ordering the delicious Caribbean and Haitian food, inquiring about catering, or for any general questions, New Jersey customers can use the following details:
Address: 1023 Clinton Ave, Irvington, NJ 07111
Phone: (973) 954-4473
Mobile Phone: +1 973-954-4473
Magela's Restaurant is an excellent choice for New Jersey diners for several compelling reasons, primarily its dedication to authentic, flavorful, and generously portioned Haitian cuisine. It is a one-stop-shop for a full day of eating, from breakfast to dinner, a feature few dedicated ethnic restaurants offer. The highlight is undoubtedly the **Griyo and Tasso**, which are must-try traditional dishes that anchor the menu and deliver true Caribbean comfort. The large portion sizes ensure that customers feel they are receiving exceptional value, a critical factor for families and budget-conscious patrons.
Moreover, choosing Magela's supports a **Black-owned, inclusive local business** that actively creates a welcoming environment for a diverse clientele. The combination of comprehensive service options—ranging from a casual dine-in space to curbside pickup and extensive delivery—makes getting their high-quality food exceptionally convenient. While one customer review noted an issue with food taste and wait times, the high rating on portion size and the ability to accommodate specific meat requests suggest a business that strives to meet individual customer needs. For the best experience, customers are advised to follow the local tip: "Don’t just call 15 mins before, call 30 mins before," to manage expectations for the preparation time of their freshly cooked, authentic meals.
Magela's Restaurant | Haitian & Caribbean Food | Fritay Griyo, Tasso, Poisson, Turkey, Fish, Plantains, Cornmeal Menu
Fritay
- Large Tasso $22.00
What it is: Fried, marinated beef or goat. How it’s made: Similar to griot, but made with red meat instead of pork, and typically served with fried plantains.
- Medium Tasso $18.00
What it is: Fried, marinated beef or goat. How it’s made: Similar to griot, but made with red meat instead of pork, and typically served with fried plantains.
- Large Griyo $20.00
What it is: Fried marinated pork, often considered Haiti’s national dish. How it’s made: Pork shoulder is marinated in a citrus-based sauce with epis (a Haitian seasoning blend), then slow-cooked until tender and finally deep-fried for a crispy finish. Served with: Pikliz (spicy pickled slaw) and fried plantains.
- Medium Griyo $15.00
What it is: Fried marinated pork, often considered Haiti’s national dish. How it’s made: Pork shoulder is marinated in a citrus-based sauce with epis (a Haitian seasoning blend), then slow-cooked until tender and finally deep-fried for a crispy finish. Served with: Pikliz (spicy pickled slaw) and fried plantains.
- Poisson $30.00
Fritay Poisson is a traditional Haitian fried fish dish that’s bursting with flavor and cultural pride. Part of the beloved “fritay” family — a variety of popular fried street foods — this dish features crispy, golden fish, marinated with bold Haitian spices and herbs. It's typically served with classic sides like pikliz (a spicy pickled slaw), banan peze (fried plantains), and sometimes fried sweet potatoes or cassava. Whether eaten on the go or enjoyed with family, Fritay Poisson is a staple of Haitian cuisine and a must-try for lovers of Caribbean flavors.
- Medium Turkey $15.00
Fritay Turkey is a street food favorite in Haiti — flavorful, festive, and full of tradition. It’s a go-to dish for gatherings, parties, or any time you want a taste of Caribbean comfort food. The turkey is seasoned with traditional Haitian spices and herbs, then fried until golden and served with classic sides like pikliz (spicy slaw) and banan peze (fried plantains).
- Large Turkey $20.00
Fritay Turkey is a street food favorite in Haiti — flavorful, festive, and full of tradition. It’s a go-to dish for gatherings, parties, or any time you want a taste of Caribbean comfort food. The turkey is seasoned with traditional Haitian spices and herbs, then fried until golden and served with classic sides like pikliz (spicy slaw) and banan peze (fried plantains).
Breakfast
- Small Eggs with plaintains $13.00
Eggs with Plantains is a popular and simple Haitian dish, often enjoyed as a hearty breakfast or quick lunch. It features scrambled or fried eggs seasoned with Haitian spices and paired with banan peze.
- Large Eggs with plaintains $20.00
Eggs with Plantains is a popular and simple Haitian dish, often enjoyed as a hearty breakfast or quick lunch. It features scrambled or fried eggs seasoned with Haitian spices and paired with banan peze.
- Small cornmeal $12.00
Haitian Creole, is a traditional Haitian dish made from finely ground cornmeal, slowly cooked until soft and creamy. It’s similar in texture to polenta or grits but carries its own unique flavor due to the use of Haitian seasonings, herbs, and aromatics.
- Large cornmeal $20.00
Haitian Creole, is a traditional Haitian dish made from finely ground cornmeal, slowly cooked until soft and creamy. It’s similar in texture to polenta or grits but carries its own unique flavor due to the use of Haitian seasonings, herbs, and aromatics.
Soup
- Bouyon $15.00
Bouyon (also spelled Bouillon) is a traditional Haitian stew made with meat, root vegetables, dumplings, and spices, simmered together in a rich, flavorful broth. It’s one of Haiti’s most beloved comfort foods — warm, nourishing, and deeply satisfying. Bouyon is typically made with beef, goat, or chicken, and packed with starchy vegetables like yam, green plantains, malanga, and potatoes. The stew is seasoned with fresh herbs, garlic, onions, and epis (Haitian seasoning base), creating a complex, bold taste. It’s often enjoyed on weekends, during holidays, or whenever a hearty meal is needed.
Magela's Restaurant | Haitian & Caribbean Food | Fritay Griyo, Tasso, Poisson, Turkey, Fish, Plantains, Cornmeal Details
From the business
- Identifies as Black-owned
Service options
- Curbside pickup
- No-contact delivery
- Delivery
- Takeout
- Dine-in
Popular for
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Accessibility
- Assistive hearing loop
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
- Wheelchair accessible seating
Offerings
- Comfort food
- Organic dishes
- Quick bite
- Small plates
- Vegan options
- Vegetarian options
Dining options
- Breakfast
- Brunch
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Catering
- Counter service
- Dessert
- Seating
Amenities
- Restroom
Atmosphere
- Casual
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Transgender safespace
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
- Credit cards
Children
- Good for kids
Parking
- Free street parking
- On-site parking
- Paid street parking
Magela's Restaurant | Haitian & Caribbean Food | Fritay Griyo, Tasso, Poisson, Turkey, Fish, Plantains, Cornmeal Photos










Magela's Restaurant | Haitian & Caribbean Food | Fritay Griyo, Tasso, Poisson, Turkey, Fish, Plantains, Cornmeal Location
Magela's Restaurant | Haitian & Caribbean Food | Fritay Griyo, Tasso, Poisson, Turkey, Fish, Plantains, Cornmeal
1023 Clinton Ave, Irvington, NJ 07111, USA
Magela's Restaurant | Haitian & Caribbean Food | Fritay Griyo, Tasso, Poisson, Turkey, Fish, Plantains, Cornmeal Reviews
Very good portion sizes. A lot of food for the price. Well worth. 10/10 for portion. 8/10 for taste. I love that they accommodated me for special requests (more fatty cuts of meat). Avg customer service. Avg food presentation. Wait time can be annoying. Don’t just call 15 mins before, call 30 mins before.
September 10 · Cliffbabymac 4lifeAbsolutely the worst Haitian food I have ever had. THE END!
August 02 · Gardy KermizanI ordered a pate kode from this place and there was a massive chicken bone in it
December 27 · hadassa jean-noelFood is full of flavor I was visiting from Indiana best fried fish in town. Only thing is the wait time
March 01 · Nakesha JacquesLoved it, thank you for cuisine
June 16 · Bongokuhle Nkosi
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