5 Places To Find Perfect Paella In Bergen County
This traditional Spanish rice dish is best shared with someone special—but there’s plenty to feed all your friends and family.
The jury is still out on what makes a great paella, but one thing for certain is that the traditional Spanish rice and fresh veggie dish makes for a perfect meal in the early days of spring. Perhaps that’s why National Spanish Paella Day falls on March 27.
Bergenites who weren’t lucky enough to grow up in a paella-eating household are lucky to live in an area where chefs cook close-to-perfect versions of the dish. They’re all full of saffron-colored rice and green and lima beans, and many iterations are made with even more vegetables as well as shellfish, chicken and exotic meats like rabbit. Below are five tried-and-true restaurants where hungry diners can feast on a serving or two of paella.
Meson Madrid, Palisades Park. The menu here boasts modern Spanish cuisine and tapas like shrimp croquetas and Spanish elote, but paella is the way to go. Order the Valenciana for a meat-filled dish or choose the paella primavera for one loaded with seasonal vegetables.
*343 Bergen Blvd., Palisades Park, 201.947.1038
Pintxo y Tapas, Englewood. A shared order of paella matches the “romantic dinner for two” vibe in this longtime restaurant. Of course, larger groups of family and friends can also enjoy the many versions of the meal, such as the arroz pescador, which comes with salt-cured cod.
*47 N. Dean St., Englewood, 201.569.9999
Sangria, Mahwah. Though known for its tapas menu, this restaurant also excels in entrées such as paella. Three menu versions (though be on the lookout for specials) cater to all those who love meat, seafood or fresh veggies.
*1033 MacArthur Blvd., Mahwah, 201.962.3310
Sayola, Tenafly. Spanish food and culture are celebrated at this eatery, which specializes in family-style plates. And nothing says “shared plate” more than paella! Try the squid ink paella with shrimp, mussels, clams and calamari for a seafood experience.
*50 Prospect Ter., Tenafly, 201.871.2182
Segovia Meson, Carlstadt. You can’t go wrong at any of Segovia Restaurant Group’s locations, but the paella at this southern Bergen restaurant is top-notch. The vegetarian paella, with its medley of spring greens, is a terrific option to usher in the new season.
*645 Washington Ave., Carlstadt, 201.896.3260
Where do you go for great-tasting paella? Email us your suggestions or send us a DM on Instagram @bergenmagnj.
