The food is consistently praised for its flavor, freshness, and generous portions, with standout dishes like mac and cheese, oxtails, and jerk chicken.
Customer Service
Customers frequently highlight the exceptional service, noting the friendliness and attentiveness of the staff, including the owner.
Atmosphere
The restaurant is described as clean and welcoming, with a pleasant vibe that enhances the dining experience.
Sampling Options
Many reviews mention the ability to sample dishes before ordering, which is appreciated by first-time visitors.
Value for Money
While the quality of food is praised, some customers feel that the prices are on the higher side compared to portion sizes.
FM
Faneshia Moore
Nov 15, 2025
5.0
We came from Texas to visit it was our first time in the city. Really good food when we got there it was just 1 lady in the back holding it down. The food came out soo good. My whole group loved everything we had. They didn’t skimp on the ox tails which is really hard to come by. Then another man came in to help her and his customer service was nice, which I’m all about! Overall great experience the best thing we’ve had out here!
MG
Moni Good
Nov 11, 2025
5.0
The oxtail plate was rich, flavorful, and served in generous portions. Mac & cheese? Cheesy perfection—a soul food must. The crispy fried wings were another highlight, seasoned just right and fried to perfection. But the star was the blueberry cornbread, sweet enough to double as dessert.
Service was top-notch thanks to Mr. Fancy Yancy, himself, who made sure I could try and customize dishes to my liking. Exotic Eats NJ is a soul food stop that always delivers!
GL
Genesis Lardizabal
Nov 7, 2025
5.0
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Exotic Eats NJ
Excellent customer service. Everyone was welcoming, smiling, and very accommodating. The cook even came out to say hello, which made it feel extra personal and friendly. The restaurant was clean, and ordering through the touch kiosk was quick and easy.
I ordered the oxtail, baked macaroni, and garlic broccoli. Everything was absolutely delicious. The oxtail had a nice little kick of spice and was super tender.
Highly recommended if you’re looking for great food and great vibes.
SA
Stacey Anderson
Nov 4, 2025
5.0
I typically don’t write reviews, but I recently visited a soul food restaurant called Exotic Eats in Union City, NJ, and I just had to share my experience. I’ve heard so many great things about this place, so I decided to check it out. First off, it’s located in a great area, and the food is absolutely fantastic! My cousin joined me, and we both enjoyed everything on the menu. We're still talking about it!
If I lived nearby, I would definitely go there more than once a week—it's that good! We also told other family members who live in the area about it, and they stopped by as well. They loved it too and have shared it with their friends. So, if you're looking for a neighborhood gem, make sure to check out Exotic Eats—you won't be disappointed. It’s DELICIOUS!
LI
Lunden Olin II
Nov 3, 2025
5.0
Let me just say Exotic Eats in Jersey had me questioning every other soul food spot
I've ever been to. From the crispy jerk
chicken egg rolls to the buttery blueberry cornbread, every bite was giving flavor, texture, and attitude! The salmon bites over rice? Crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside - straight perfection. Don't even get me started on the oxtails... tender, seasoned, and falling off the bone like they knew me personally. The drinks were just as fire that watermelon jolly rancher flavor had me sipping like it was happy hour. The vibes were chill, the food was elite, and the service made me feel right at home. Big shoutout to Chef Rosalie! you really did what needed to be done in that kitchen!