Montuno

- 138 Washington Ave, Belleville, NJ 07109

New Jersey diners seeking an authentic taste of the Caribbean countryside need look no further than **Montuno**, a premier Cuban restaurant located in the heart of Belleville, NJ. Montuno brings the rich, flavorful essence of Cuban culinary tradition to North Jersey, offering a warm and inviting atmosphere that makes every meal feel like a family gathering. The name itself, "Montuno," evokes the rustic spirit of the Escambray mountains in Cuba, a commitment to heritage that is reflected in every dish served.

Montuno is far more than just a local eatery; it is a full-service culinary experience specializing in authentic Cuban food. Their menu is extensive, meticulously organized to cater to all times of day and every possible craving. From a hearty, traditional Cuban **Breakfast** to signature **Lunch** and **Dinner** plates, the kitchen and steam table deliver **Comfort food** that is precisely prepared using time-honored recipes. Customers consistently praise the restaurant for its **pure excellence in every dish**, noting the food is **precisely prepared and totally authentic**, solidifying Montuno's reputation as arguably the **best Cuban food in the area**.

The vast menu is a journey through Cuban staples and regional favorites. For those needing a classic start to the day, the breakfast selection includes staples like **Mangu "Tres Golpes"** (mashed plantains with eggs, fried cheese, and salami or other meats), **Eggs Sandwich**, and **Huevos Perico**. During the day, the sandwich menu is anchored by the highly-rated **Cuban Sandwich**, pressed to perfection with roasted pork, ham, Swiss cheese, and pickles. Larger plates from the "Steamed Table" and "Kitchen" showcase slow-cooked meats and expertly seasoned proteins, all offered with **generous portions** and at **reasonable prices**.

Key items that encapsulate the Montuno experience include:

• The national dish, **Ropa Vieja** ($13.50), a traditional Cuban shredded beef stew that comes highly recommended by patrons.
• **Lechón Asado** ($10.00), the iconic Cuban-style slow-cooked marinated roast pork.
• **Bistec De Palomilla Encebollado** ($20.00), a popular thin-cut top sirloin steak topped with grilled onions.
• **Vaca Frita** ($13.00), another beloved shredded beef dish, pan-fried to a savory crisp.
• A variety of seafood options, such as **Camarones Al Ajillo** (Shrimp Sauteed in Butter and Garlic Sauce) and refreshing **Ceviche De Pescado** or **Ceviche De Camarones**.

The culinary authenticity extends to the beverage menu, which features classic Cuban coffee drinks like **Espresso** and **Cortadito**, along with traditional Latin sodas like **Inca Kola** and **Materva**, and fresh fruit shakes like **Mamey Shake** and **Morir Soñando** (a rich milk and orange juice blend).

Montuno is conveniently located in Belleville, a vibrant and accessible community in Essex County, making it a perfect spot for New Jersey residents and visitors alike. The exact address is:

**138 Washington Ave, Belleville, NJ 07109**

The location on Washington Avenue places it centrally for local residents and easy to reach from surrounding towns. For drivers, the restaurant provides practical parking solutions to ensure a smooth dining experience:

• **Free parking lot:** Dedicated parking is available, alleviating the search for spots.
• **Free street parking:** Additional options are available on local streets.
• **Paid street parking:** Metered spots are also available for short-term visits.

The atmosphere inside is designed to be welcoming, described as both **Casual** and **Cozy**, with a hint of **Trendy** appeal. It is explicitly listed as **Good for kids**, and the availability of **High chairs** makes it a practical choice for families in New Jersey.

Montuno's service model is built around maximum convenience and hospitality, catering to a wide range of customer needs, from a quick solo meal to a large celebration:

• **Comprehensive Dining Options:** Available for **Lunch** and **Dinner**, with a special **Breakfast** menu to start the day.
• **Service Modes:** Offers **Delivery**, **Takeout**, and comfortable **Dine-in** service with ample **Seating**.
• **Catering Services:** Provides full **Catering** options for events, including structured packages like **Combo 10 Ppl**, **Combo 15 Ppl**, and **Combo 20 Ppl**.
• **Menu Variety:** The menu is constantly fresh with **Daily Specials** (Monday through Friday), such as **Fricase De Chivo** and **Rabo Encendido**, in addition to the regular items from the Steamed Table.
• **Appetizers and Small Bites:** Features a dedicated **Tapas** section with popular items like **Croquetas**, **Papas Rellenas**, and **Empanadas**, perfect for sharing or a quick **Small plate**.
• **Beverages:** Extensive offerings include specialty **Coffee**, fresh **Natural Juice** (like Orange Juice and Naranja Y Zanahoria), and a variety of Cuban and American **Shakes**.

Montuno distinguishes itself within the New Jersey dining scene by focusing on authenticity and a holistic dining experience, making it a true cultural and culinary hub:

• **Authentic Cuban Identity:** The restaurant is dedicated to representing the traditional flavors and heritage of the Escambray region, using generational recipes to ensure every dish, from the **Ropa Vieja** to the **Tamal Cubano**, is genuinely Cuban.
• **Exceptional Sandwich Program:** Celebrated for its pressed sandwiches, especially the classic **Cuban Sandwich**, which customers describe as **Good Cuban sandwich**. Other popular, inventive options include the **Sandwich Mayrelis** (shredded beef, sweet plantain, ham, and Swiss cheese).
• **Steam Table Excellence:** The daily-changing offerings from the **From our Steamed Table** section, such as **Lechón Asado** and **Picadillo A La Habanera**, ensure quick service of hot, freshly-prepared Cuban staples, ideal for a fast yet fulfilling lunch.
• **Cozy and Trendy Atmosphere:** The ambiance is curated to feel like a warm extension of Cuban hospitality, creating a welcoming spot for locals, and is popular among **Tourists** seeking an authentic cultural experience.
• **Generous Portions and Value:** Reviews consistently highlight the **Quality** and **generous portions** combined with **reasonable prices**, offering great value for the high caliber of food.
• **All-Day Service:** Catering to the local community with a full **Breakfast** menu that includes savory and sweet options, allowing patrons to enjoy Cuban flavors from morning to night.

For New Jersey residents interested in dining in, ordering takeout, or discussing catering options for their next event, Montuno can be reached using the following information:

Address: 138 Washington Ave, Belleville, NJ 07109
Phone: (551) 362-1925

For anyone in the New Jersey area, Montuno is worth choosing because it provides an unparalleled level of **authenticity** and **variety** in Cuban cuisine. It is not just another restaurant; it is a gateway to the rich, soulful flavors of Cuba, offering dishes rarely found with this level of genuine preparation. You should choose Montuno to experience the highly-praised **Ropa Vieja** and **Cuban Sandwich**, dishes that patrons have repeatedly recommended as the best in the area, a testament to the chef's passion and adherence to traditional methods. The option to grab a quick, delicious plate of **Lechón Asado** or **Costillas De Cerdo BBQ** from the steam table for a fast lunch is a major plus for busy professionals and families. The fact that the restaurant offers a comprehensive **Breakfast** menu, **Tapas**, and robust **Catering** packages means Montuno can satisfy virtually any dining requirement, from a solo **Quick bite** to a large family celebration. Furthermore, the combination of a **Cozy** and **Trendy** atmosphere with practical amenities like **High chairs** and various **Free parking** options ensures a welcoming and stress-free experience for everyone in Belleville and beyond. Choosing Montuno is choosing a genuine, high-quality, and warm slice of Cuban heritage right here in New Jersey.

Montuno

138 Washington Ave, Belleville, NJ 07109, USA