The New York Giants took former Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh out to eat at Elia Mediterranean Restaurant on Jan. 14 as part of their push to secure the Super Bowl-winning coach as the next leader of the team.
Though the Giants had a lot of things going for them (young talent, a rich history, a rabid fan base, the New York/New Jersey market) that likely appealed to Harbaugh, what better way to seal the deal than by giving Harbaugh a taste of North Jersey food culture?
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Shortly after the meeting, Elia posted on Instagram a congratulatory message to Harbaugh:
“Congratulations to John Harbaugh on becoming the new Head Coach of the New York Giants. Wishing you nothing but success in this next chapter. Thank you to the entire New York Giants organization for always including us as part of the process — it truly means a lot.”
Add the Harbaugh meeting to the list of notable things about Elia, one of our favorite North Jersey spots. Here are five things to know about the East Rutherford Mediterranean restaurant.
Elia is no stranger to celebrity sightings
The upscale spot makes it known when big names are in the building. The restaurant welcomed the Real Housewives of New Jersey several years ago, TV personality Melissa Gorga, and others. It’s also a favorite spot for Giants players like Daniel Bellinger, Micah McFadden and former player Leonard Marshall.
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It’s a good time
Elia regularly hosts events (check out the upcoming Valentine’s Day and Mardi Gras shindigs), including dance parties, special dinners and burlesque nights (which are done for the season, but check back next year). Weekend nights are often bumping with music and plenty to see, do and eat.
There’s another spot in New York from the same team
Trata on the River in Piermont offers a view of the bridge. Photographed Oct. 2024
Elia owner Annamaria Adinolfi opened Trata on the River in 2024 in Piermont, New York. She wanted to create an “islandly, brunchy, flowery” space similar to what you’d find in Greece. She and her partner Efthimios Salouros, who’s been in the restaurant business since he was 12 (and spent part of his childhood in Athens), had the place gutted for a complete redo and reimagining. And celebs have been spotted there, too, including Ice T.
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It’s a fan favorite
Not only is Elia one of NorthJersey.com’s former food writer Esther Davidowitz‘s favorite spots, it’s one of yours too. You routinely vote it one of the best in (201) Magazine’s Best of Bergen poll, most recently as a finalist for best Greek/Mediterannean spot and best al fresco dining local.
You’ll want to get seafood here
Elia does a lot of things well, but its seafood offerings are second to none. It’s got a robust raw bar with varieties of clams, oysters and more and plenty of fresh fish cooked whole over charcoal. We’re talking snapper, sea bass, dorado and whatever else comes in with the catch. Order them whole or in a dish like seafood pasta, pan-seared scallops or shrimp cavatelli.
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Matt Cortina is a food reporter for NorthJersey.com/The Record. Reach him at mcortina@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Elia in East Rutherford plays host to NY Giants, John Harbaugh