Magela's Haitian Restaurant
A culinary haven in East Orange where authenticity and passion entwine, serving flavorful Haitian staples like Griyo, Lalo, and Diri Djon Djon.
Phone
(862) 252-9589
Hours
Monday – Sunday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Address
977 S Orange Ave, East Orange, NJ 07018
Social Media


A Sensory Journey to the Heart of Haiti
Magela's Haitian Restaurant has been tantalizing taste buds since October 1, 2022, offering a vibrant culinary experience on South Orange Avenue. Dedicated chefs bring the essence of Haiti to every dish, creating a menu that transports diners to the island nation through complex seasoning blends and traditional cooking techniques.
While primarily a favorite for takeout due to its cozy venue, Magela's is widely considered a top destination for authentic Haitian cuisine in New Jersey. Every plate—from the simple, fragrant rice and beans to the elaborate fritay platters—is crafted with a perfume-like layer of herbs, citrus, and aromatics. Whether you're indulging in their crispy fried turkey or the deep, earthy flavors of black rice, you’ll find the comfort and complexity that seasoned food lovers crave.
Iconic Menu Highlights
Griyo Ak Diri Kole
A Haitian classic featuring tender fried pork shoulder served with rice, kidney beans, sauce, and spicy pikliz.
Lalo with White Rice
A rich, traditional dish containing pork meat and crabs, served with your choice of rice and savory sos poi.
Fritay Platters
Perfect for sharing, these generous platters include fried goat (Tasso Cabrit), turkey, or red snapper, accompanied by akra, marinade, fried plantains, and spicy sausage.
Diri Djon Djon (Black Rice)
Highly recommended by regulars, this aromatic rice is seasoned with earthy mushrooms and a unique blend of spices.
Pate Kòde (Haitian Patties)
A popular breakfast and snack choice, these savory patties are made fresh daily.
Haitian Spaghetti
A flavorful all-day breakfast staple tossed with bell peppers, onions, sausage, and a boiled egg.
Customer reviews
Patrons praise Magela's for its deep, fragrant flavors and generous portion sizes that capture the true spirit of Haitian home cooking.
"Absolutely delicious! Warmed our bellies on a cold night... The fried Turkey was nice well seasoned to the bone! The Black Rice with beans was so good you can eat it alone by itself."
— Natasha S. Alford / Tosha K Accessories
"FRESH FOOD seasoning blend is crafted like a perfume, layered with herbs, citrus, peppers, and aromatics. Even a simple plate of rice and beans becomes something deep, fragrant, and complex..."
— jean jarda
★★★★★
★★★★★
Map & Direction
Located at 977 S Orange Ave, East Orange, NJ, Magela's is a convenient and essential stop for anyone seeking authentic Caribbean flavors in the heart of the city.