Newark Delaware restaurants

Restaurant Review: Eggspectation in Newark, DE

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Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️☆☆ (3 out of 5)

A little over a month ago, I had one of those simple but sweet mornings, brunch with my boys at Eggspectation.

If you know me, you know I’m always on the lookout for good gluten-free options. Eating out gluten-free can be hit or miss, so when a restaurant offers multiple options, I go in hopeful (and maybe just a little extra excited).

The Atmosphere & Service

First, the vibe. Eggspectation has a fun, upbeat atmosphere. It’s lively without being overwhelming — the kind of place where you can relax, talk, and actually enjoy your time together. The service was genuinely great. Friendly, attentive, and welcoming — which always makes a difference.

What We Loved

The gluten-free French toast was a standout. Soft on the inside, perfectly cooked, and full of flavor without feeling heavy.

The Avocado Toast Eggs Benedict was another win. Rich, flavorful, and clearly made with care. It’s always encouraging when gluten-free options feel intentional and not like an afterthought.

The Honest Moment

Now for the real talk.

The gluten-free pancakes were not good.

I really wanted them to be. Gluten-free pancakes are tricky, and I always try to give them grace — but the texture and flavor just didn’t hit the mark. That’s definitely something we’ll skip next time.

And that one dish is what brings my overall rating to 3.5 out of 5 stars.

Would We Go Back?

Yes, we would.

When a restaurant gets the atmosphere right, delivers strong service, and offers several solid gluten-free options, it’s worth another visit. We’ll just be ordering differently next time.

Because in the end, brunch isn’t just about perfect pancakes.

It’s about sitting across from my boys, sharing food, laughing at the table, and enjoying a slow morning together.

And that part? That was still five stars.

Review: Ninethai Kitchen 2 – Pennsville, NJ

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Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️☆

For over a year, my kids and I have been on a mission to find authentic gluten-free Pad Thai on the East Coast. We tried multiple restaurants in Newark, Delaware, and while some were good, none captured the flavors we remembered from living in Lake Tahoe, California. Gluten-free options often compromise taste, and we weren’t willing to settle for “just good enough.”

In June, we officially moved to Maryland, but we had already spent time at our new house in October and February before getting everything settled in June. We discovered Ninethai Kitchen 2 in Pennsville, NJ, just last week, and happy we stumbled across it. From the moment we walked in, it was clear this was a small, family-run operation. At the time of our visit, the restaurant was being run entirely by one person—hosting, serving, and cooking all at once. While this meant that getting attention could be a little slow, it also made the experience feel personal and authentic. You could see how much care and effort went into every dish.

We ordered the Pad Thai and the Tom Kha soup, both gluten-free. We requested spice level 3 out of 5 for the Pad Thai, and it was perfectly balanced with just the right amount of heat without overwhelming the flavors. The Pad Thai itself was rich, fresh, and perfectly balanced, with the sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy flavors we had been longing for. The Tom Kha soup was equally delicious, creamy with just the right touch of lemongrass, coconut, and lime, which is a comforting and flavorful start to the meal.

Although service was limited due to the solo operation, the quality of the food more than made up for it. The cozy atmosphere and the dedication of the chef made the experience feel unique and authentic, and it was clear that every dish was prepared with love and expertise. Sharing this meal with my kids was a joy, and we all savored each bite and appreciated the flavors that reminded us of our Lake Tahoe days.

Overall, I would give Ninethai Kitchen 2 four stars. The food is outstanding, and the flavors are truly authentic, especially for gluten-free options. The only reason I didn’t give a full five stars is that service can be limited when one person is running the entire operation. However, the Pad Thai, with its perfect heat, and the Tom Kha soup were so delicious that they more than made up for any wait.

If you’re in Pennsville, NJ, craving authentic Thai food with gluten-free options, this restaurant is definitely worth a visit. It’s a small, cozy spot with incredible flavors, and we are already planning our next trip. Whether you’re a family, a Thai food lover, or gluten-free, Ninethai Kitchen 2 delivers an authentic experience you won’t want to miss.

📍 Location:
Ninethai Kitchen 2 (previously sang tong thai – Located in: Cranberry Plaza)
233 S Broadway • Pennsville, NJ 08070
📞 (856) 726-2803

You can also order online at: orderninethaikitchen.com

Review: SNAP Pizza – Newark, DE

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My daughter and I stopped into SNAP Pizza in Newark, Delaware for lunch today to give their restaurant a try. SNAP is a local mini-chain known for its customizable pizzas, with a wide selection of sauces, proteins, and veggies. Their setup feels a lot like a sandwich shop assembly line—you move down the counter choosing exactly what you want, and before you’ve even had a chance to sit, your pizza is baked and ready. The quick turnaround was impressive.

Positives: Fast service, fresh/local ingredients, flavorful sauce, good gluten-free crust option, fully customizable.

Since my family and I avoid gluten, I asked about their crust options. I was told the cauliflower crust contained cornstarch, so I opted for their regular gluten-free crust, which is also vegan. It turned out to be a great choice.

I built my own pizza, starting with a Crème Fraîche base, then added shredded mozzarella, feta cheese, sweet Italian sausage, chopped red onions, and fresh local mushrooms. Once baked, they topped it with fresh basil. The crust was thin and crisp, holding up nicely under the toppings, and the flavors came together perfectly. The Crème Fraîche sauce was light and mild, balancing everything without being overpowering.

My only minor complaint was that the pizza wasn’t sliced all the way through, so I struggled a bit cutting it with the plastic knife provided. That aside, the meal was delicious and very enjoyable.

Final Take:
SNAP Custom Pizza is a great spot if you’re looking for fresh, fast, and fully customizable pizza in Newark. Their gluten-free crust is a tasty option for those with dietary restrictions, and the variety of toppings makes it easy to create exactly what you want. Quick service, quality ingredients, and bold flavor combinations make this little pizza shop worth a visit.

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars. ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆

Here’s why:

Negatives: Pizza not sliced properly (which impacted the eating experience), plastic knife not strong enough to compensate.

Snap Custom Pizza & Salads
44 E Main St
Newark, DE 19711
(302) 737-6766
https://www.snapcustompizza.com