Most meals are just meals.
You want something memorable. You want connection, meaning, and a table where people talk, laugh, and share food together.
We know how much it means to feel welcome at the table.
Heritage & Community Matter
Food Brings People Together.
Chef Maricel Gentile grew up cooking in her Lola’s kitchen in Manila.
Today she shares authentic Filipino and Asian dishes through brunch, supper clubs, and hands-on cooking classes in New Jersey.
Seen on Food Network, PBS, and Hulu.
Choose Your Experience. Pick A Date. Join Us at the Table.
Cooking Classes
Supper Clubs,
Dinners,
Brunch & More
Catering,
Private Events,
Corporate Events
Loved By Our Guests
rina patel
02:22 04 Feb 26
Hosted a pasta making class & dinner here - and from start to finish, the staff at Maricel's was absolutely amazing. Every call or email was pleasant, whomever we spoke with was energetic and simply pleasant- they truly wanted us to have an amazing and memorable evening. As hosts we had a couple of stressful moments but the team at Maricel's put us right at ease.
The food was amazing and everyone had an unforgettable evening. We were very happy with our choice in venues. We will definitely be back!
The food was amazing and everyone had an unforgettable evening. We were very happy with our choice in venues. We will definitely be back!
B C
23:22 27 Jan 26
I had a eureka moment when I discovered Maricel’s Kitchen. I immediately declared, “This is where we’re celebrating our anniversary!” Cozy and unpretentious, it’s a small business and a true hidden gem.
The moment we stepped through the door, we were warmly greeted by Paul, the extraordinary host and husband of the chef, Maricel. When he noticed on OpenTable that we were celebrating our wedding anniversary, he graciously seated us at the most romantic table in the house. Shortly after, Megan came by to take our order. As we were deciding, she mentioned they had Benguet coffee. With the freezing weather outside, it felt like the perfect way to begin our meal as we browsed the menu.
The Benguet coffee arrived in a French press. This single-origin coffee, grown in the northern region of the Philippines, offered intoxicating notes of chocolate, berries, and nuts. Alongside it came pandesal, classic Filipino bread served with butter. Truly melt-in-your-mouth, the crispy outer layer gives way to a soft, fluffy center when broken open. Heavenly.
We decided on the Kamayan Tower, a four-tiered celebration of Filipino cuisine that brings a tasting banquet directly to your table. The top tier featured appetizers, including crispy lumpia and siomai (the Filipino version of shumai). The second tier showcased pork sisig, chicken inasal, and pancit bihon. The pork sisig was my absolute favorite. It’s a symphony of rich, savory flavors. My husband especially loved the chicken inasal, with its smoky, tangy, and savory-sweet profile.
The next tier offered several delights, but what stood out were the chicken adobo, perfectly balanced with soy and vinegar, and the whole fried tilapia, boasting a crisp skin and moist, flaky interior. Finally, the last tier delivered more stars, particularly the beef kaldereta and inihaw na liempo. The former is a hearty stew of tender beef, vegetables, and potatoes slow-braised in a tomato-based sauce that felt wonderfully comforting. The latter, grilled pork belly, brought together smoky and sweet flavors beautifully.
Just as we finished our feast, Megan surprised us with a plate of desserts, and Paul presented us with two flutes of champagne to help us celebrate.
Every dish was phenomenal, and the service was equally outstanding. Chef Maricel herself came out to greet us, and we spoke about how the dishes were prepared. She shared that her team works diligently to replicate the flavors of her grandmother’s cooking from Manila. Paul and Maricel met in culinary school, and we laughed together while swapping stories about how we each met our spouses.
Maricel’s Kitchen truly is a hidden gem. Chef Maricel wisely chose bold black lettering on a bright white, illuminated sign, making the restaurant easy to spot for passing cars. There is plenty of parking, as it’s located in a strip mall. If you’re looking for exceptional Filipino cuisine served with warmth that makes you feel like family, this is the place.
The restaurant is intimate, so I highly recommend making reservations through OpenTable. Chef Maricel also mentioned they offer cooking classes during the week days (except Friday evenings) and serve classic Filipino brunch towers on weekends. Sign. Me. Up!!
The moment we stepped through the door, we were warmly greeted by Paul, the extraordinary host and husband of the chef, Maricel. When he noticed on OpenTable that we were celebrating our wedding anniversary, he graciously seated us at the most romantic table in the house. Shortly after, Megan came by to take our order. As we were deciding, she mentioned they had Benguet coffee. With the freezing weather outside, it felt like the perfect way to begin our meal as we browsed the menu.
The Benguet coffee arrived in a French press. This single-origin coffee, grown in the northern region of the Philippines, offered intoxicating notes of chocolate, berries, and nuts. Alongside it came pandesal, classic Filipino bread served with butter. Truly melt-in-your-mouth, the crispy outer layer gives way to a soft, fluffy center when broken open. Heavenly.
We decided on the Kamayan Tower, a four-tiered celebration of Filipino cuisine that brings a tasting banquet directly to your table. The top tier featured appetizers, including crispy lumpia and siomai (the Filipino version of shumai). The second tier showcased pork sisig, chicken inasal, and pancit bihon. The pork sisig was my absolute favorite. It’s a symphony of rich, savory flavors. My husband especially loved the chicken inasal, with its smoky, tangy, and savory-sweet profile.
The next tier offered several delights, but what stood out were the chicken adobo, perfectly balanced with soy and vinegar, and the whole fried tilapia, boasting a crisp skin and moist, flaky interior. Finally, the last tier delivered more stars, particularly the beef kaldereta and inihaw na liempo. The former is a hearty stew of tender beef, vegetables, and potatoes slow-braised in a tomato-based sauce that felt wonderfully comforting. The latter, grilled pork belly, brought together smoky and sweet flavors beautifully.
Just as we finished our feast, Megan surprised us with a plate of desserts, and Paul presented us with two flutes of champagne to help us celebrate.
Every dish was phenomenal, and the service was equally outstanding. Chef Maricel herself came out to greet us, and we spoke about how the dishes were prepared. She shared that her team works diligently to replicate the flavors of her grandmother’s cooking from Manila. Paul and Maricel met in culinary school, and we laughed together while swapping stories about how we each met our spouses.
Maricel’s Kitchen truly is a hidden gem. Chef Maricel wisely chose bold black lettering on a bright white, illuminated sign, making the restaurant easy to spot for passing cars. There is plenty of parking, as it’s located in a strip mall. If you’re looking for exceptional Filipino cuisine served with warmth that makes you feel like family, this is the place.
The restaurant is intimate, so I highly recommend making reservations through OpenTable. Chef Maricel also mentioned they offer cooking classes during the week days (except Friday evenings) and serve classic Filipino brunch towers on weekends. Sign. Me. Up!!
W Reid
21:46 23 Jan 26
I took the Knife Skills class and it was great!
What a unique and interesting night out! Chef Jean was great, very patient and knowledgable. We produced and a full vegetarian meal that was delicous while practicing knife skills. Highly recommend. Great for a night out with friends or a date night or if you want go solo and learn something new.
What a unique and interesting night out! Chef Jean was great, very patient and knowledgable. We produced and a full vegetarian meal that was delicous while practicing knife skills. Highly recommend. Great for a night out with friends or a date night or if you want go solo and learn something new.
Suzette Sequeira
12:45 22 Jan 26
Oh what a night!!!
Cooking, bonding and eating delicious authentic Philippine cuisine at Maricels Kitchen with the Central Jersey Elite Squad!
Thank you Katarina for the invite!
Honored to meet owners Chef Maricel and Paul along with the amazing team-Chefs Annabel, Carla and Audrey!!
I absolutely had the best time!
Interactive cooking with the Chefs and Elites!
The aroma was AMAZING! And the cuisine towers of deliciousness was so impressive!!
Loved every bite!
Chef Maricel and Paul made you feel like you were over at their house for dinner! So hospitable, great conversations! Awesome vibes!
And got to meet some amazing
Yelp Elites!
Kicked off the event with a champagne toast and ended with a cheerful Yelp
Elite Squad!! Photo!
Maricel's Kitchen is most definitely
"Seasoned with Love"
Cooking, bonding and eating delicious authentic Philippine cuisine at Maricels Kitchen with the Central Jersey Elite Squad!
Thank you Katarina for the invite!
Honored to meet owners Chef Maricel and Paul along with the amazing team-Chefs Annabel, Carla and Audrey!!
I absolutely had the best time!
Interactive cooking with the Chefs and Elites!
The aroma was AMAZING! And the cuisine towers of deliciousness was so impressive!!
Loved every bite!
Chef Maricel and Paul made you feel like you were over at their house for dinner! So hospitable, great conversations! Awesome vibes!
And got to meet some amazing
Yelp Elites!
Kicked off the event with a champagne toast and ended with a cheerful Yelp
Elite Squad!! Photo!
Maricel's Kitchen is most definitely
"Seasoned with Love"
tish palumbo
01:12 20 Jan 26
Gave the gift of a cooking class at Maricels for Christmas and we took the Thai cooking class. It was fantastic! Fun to learn how to prepare the food and even better to eat it! Delish! Highly recommend a class at Maricels Kitchen. We will gladly do it again!
Babenskie C
05:49 06 Jan 26
Discovered Maricel through a cooking class and ended up coming back for brunch. It was absolutely worth it.
Maricel is kind, funny, and makes you feel instantly welcome. The cooking class was a blast, and we made chicken ramen... easily the best damn chicken ramen I’ve ever had.
Brunch was just as good. We were warmly greeted, ordered mango calamansi juice and a Filipino mocha, and had the classic Filipino brunch. Everything was flavorful, filling, and delicious.
Great food, great service, and such a welcoming atmosphere. Highly recommend both the cooking class and brunch!
Maricel is kind, funny, and makes you feel instantly welcome. The cooking class was a blast, and we made chicken ramen... easily the best damn chicken ramen I’ve ever had.
Brunch was just as good. We were warmly greeted, ordered mango calamansi juice and a Filipino mocha, and had the classic Filipino brunch. Everything was flavorful, filling, and delicious.
Great food, great service, and such a welcoming atmosphere. Highly recommend both the cooking class and brunch!
Edwin Vazquez
17:14 07 Dec 25
I would give this restaurant 6 stars if it were possible!
Every aspect of our visit here today was amazing!
The food was prepared and plated with pride and love. We got the Classic Brunch Tower, which allowed us to sample so many of their delicious dishes.
The coffee and dessert was the perfect finish to a wonderful meal.
And the best part was meeting Chef Maricel as she came to our table to greet us. It's an honor to meet someone with such passion and pride in her culture and heritage.
Thank you Chef Maricel, and your staff, for the warm hospitality and amazing meal.
Can't wait to come back!
Every aspect of our visit here today was amazing!
The food was prepared and plated with pride and love. We got the Classic Brunch Tower, which allowed us to sample so many of their delicious dishes.
The coffee and dessert was the perfect finish to a wonderful meal.
And the best part was meeting Chef Maricel as she came to our table to greet us. It's an honor to meet someone with such passion and pride in her culture and heritage.
Thank you Chef Maricel, and your staff, for the warm hospitality and amazing meal.
Can't wait to come back!
Steven Banom III
13:09 13 Nov 25
We came for their Friday night reservation dinner. Would highly recommend. The food was very authentic and tasted excellent. We got the tower, which was more than enough food for my wife and I. I'd like to say which I loved the most from the tower, but I always forget the names (I'll maybe edit this later to be specific).
The service was top notch. Super nice, friendly, willing to have conversation with you. The place was a very relaxing environment as well. I'm sure we will be back in the near future.
The service was top notch. Super nice, friendly, willing to have conversation with you. The place was a very relaxing environment as well. I'm sure we will be back in the near future.
Ashley Rankin
19:21 14 Mar 25
My partner and I had an amazing time with Maricel and other guests during our session. We had the opportunity to be hands on during the cooking process, hear fun stories about Maricela’s cooking journey and receive helpful tips along the way to help when making the recipes at home. Would 100% recommend!
ashley makas
15:31 13 Mar 25
I attended a work event here yesterday, and I am already looking forward to my next visit! Chef Maricel was an absolute delight, ensuring that everyone in the class received personalized attention. She and her team created a warm, welcoming atmosphere that made the experience truly enjoyable. I highly recommend this place to anyone, and I can't wait to sign up for more classes in the future!
Fred Hoover
19:39 06 Mar 25
Had a great time. Learned a lot about other cuisines and ate like a king. You really need to do this, I'm going to go again!
Kathy Endler
18:44 04 Mar 25
Did a private class with Maricel. My family did the empanada class. We all had a wonderful time. Very relaxed atmosphere everyone was very personable. Thank you!
Krishna Suvarnakar
14:12 03 Mar 25
The best place ! Can’t thank enough chef Maricel and her team for an extraordinary experience we had for my Daughter’s 8th Birthday . We had a pasta making class and kids enjoyed making their own pasta from scratch . Food for adults was mind blowing as well . I would highly recommend this place . Very clean and beautiful Kitchen ! Kids can’t stop talking about the great experience they had . Once gain , Thank you for all the work you guys did with 8/9 years old to make their entry to cooking world !!
Millie Sims
18:09 17 Feb 25
Marcel's Kitchen gets an A+ from me! The Korean BBQ cooking class was well-organized, and the atmosphere was fun, relaxed, friendly, and welcoming. The dishes we cooked were delicious, and you receive both the shopping list and recipes within days of your class. An added bonus is that Marcel's warmth and charisma make you feel as if you've known her forever. I highly recommend this class for a fun date, a celebration with family and friends, a team-building event, or simply to expand your cooking skills and explore new cuisines.
Millie
Millie
Fatima DeLuccia
13:51 09 Nov 24
Gifted my daughter a mother
/daughter evening at Maricel's Kitchen. We learned the basics of Tai Cuisine and it was a great experience.
/daughter evening at Maricel's Kitchen. We learned the basics of Tai Cuisine and it was a great experience.
Christopher Victors
23:27 28 Oct 24
I recently took the empanada cooking class and had a great time learning different ways to make them. Soo much fun and the empanadas were delicious! Definitely give this place a try.
Kirsten Faurot
14:14 28 Oct 24
Chef Maricel gave a GREAT cooking class to our team over zoom. The team found it really easy to follow and everyone really enjoyed the class. It was a great team building activity and a lot of fun! Chef Maricel had different camera angles so everyone could easily follow and see what to do. Highly recommend her programs!!
Peggy Forma
12:25 03 Oct 24
the nicest people - kind, smiling, professional and always a fun time
Mark Kuchen
19:34 21 Sep 24
Nice place Friendly hosts The meal tasted great I will be going to a lot more classes here
Joanne Tempera
22:04 12 Sep 24
It was so much fun and all the tarts were delicious! They very kindly made me gluten free dough!!! It was so appreciated!
Eric S
17:52 23 Aug 24
Their classes are awesome 👌!!!!
Lauren Kolanovic
15:40 26 Jul 24
This class was intimate and fun. Maricel and her staff made me feel comfortable in the kitchen and excited to make and eat something new. The food was delicious. All the recipes we used were shared; we were walked through each step by step with love and care. It was the best cooking class experience. And the location was clean, convenient and beautifully decorated.
Francis Cole
23:11 11 Jul 24
Chef Maricel and her staff were fantastic! The food was great and the class was really fun. We will be going again and bringing friends.
D TaylorG
21:06 20 Jun 24
So much fun and informative! Maricel , Paul & staff are absolutely delightful. The food is beyond delicious! We attended the Filipino class and considering my Filipino heritage, I can't wait to make the recipes for my family. Thank you Maricel! We are looking forward to attending another class!
Kevin Connors
02:56 03 Apr 24
Had the best experience with Maricel in her kitchen learning Japanese soul food AND Korean hotpot! She is charismatic, engaging and incredibly knowledgeable, but more than that she makes the night fun and enjoyable. I highly recommend and look forward to my next class!
Catherine Saperstein
11:13 14 Mar 24
I am so grateful for the evening I spent cooking and laughing with Maricel in her beautifully appointed space. She is an expert in amazing flavors, teaching a fun class and making her students feel welcome. This is a one-of-a-kind experience of making and eating delicious food!
Ashley Gomez
12:49 09 Mar 24
I took the Japanese Ramen and Gyoza class and it was so much fun! I learned so many tips and tricks that I would've never thought about and while I'm not a frequent cook, the way things were simplified and made accessible definitely has encouraged me to try the gyoza recipe at home. I will be attending more classes in the future.
Brianna Kondratiuk
15:38 29 Feb 24
This was my first cooking class and I absolutely loved it! Maricel is so kind and knowledgeable, her passion for cooking really comes through. We did Thai 101 and are already trying to decide which class to do next. Highly recommend!
Campershelly Jerseygirl
23:25 20 Feb 24
Great food and fun. Chef Maricel is entertaining and informative. Her staff was amazing as well. Looking forward to the next adventure!
Joshua Rodriguez
20:30 15 Feb 24
Had a great time learning and cooking with my fiance. Everything was easy to understand, fun, and tasted delicious! I felt like there was a lot of value and I didn't have to go into the city for a fun cooking experience. We expect to be back and look forward to cooking here again!
Filipino Brunch, Every Weekend
Saturday and Sunday, 10 AM to 3 PM. Brunch towers, single dishes, great coffee, warm welcome. Reservations recommended, especially for groups.
Come Cook With Me
Join my email list and I will send you my free ebook, Flavors of Asia — a beginner’s taste of Asian cooking to get you started. Plus occasional notes from my kitchen: new recipes, upcoming classes, and stories from the table.
Now Available: Maricel’s Simply Asian Cookbook
75 recipes across Filipino, Cantonese, Japanese, Thai, Vietnamese, and Korean cuisine. Tested by real home cooks. Signed copies available direct.
A 2026 IBPA Book Award Finalist
Maricel’s Simply Asian Cookbook is one of three finalists for the 2026 IBPA Book Award in the AAPI Communities category. The IBPA Book Awards, administered by the Independent Book Publishers Association, have recognized excellence in independent publishing since 1985 and are judged by more than 170 librarians, booksellers, reviewers, and publishing professionals. Winners will be announced on May 15, 2026.
75 recipes · Free US shipping on direct orders · Signed copies available
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is Maricel’s Kitchen?
Maricel’s Kitchen is a Filipino culinary studio in East Brunswick NJ offering cooking classes, brunch, dinners, supper club dinners, chef table tastings, catering, and private events.
What can I do at Maricel’s Kitchen?
You can dine with us, join hands-on cooking classes, enjoy Filipino brunch, host a private event, host a private party, host a corporate party, cater with us, or book a team building experience.
Where is Maricel’s Kitchen located?
Maricel’s Kitchen is located at 111 Main Street in East Brunswick, New Jersey.
Located in East Brunswick, NJ, serving Princeton, New Brunswick, Edison, and Central New Jersey.
Do I need cooking experience to join a class?
No experience is needed. Chef Maricel guides you step by step so you can cook with confidence.
What type of food do you serve?
We serve Filipino and Asian dishes, including favorites like adobo, pancit, lumpia, and seasonal specialties.
How do I make dinner or brunch reservations?
You can make reservations for brunch or dinner at Maricel’s Kitchen through OpenTable. Visit our reservations page or click the “Reserve” button to book your table. We recommend booking in advance, especially for weekends.
Can I order takeout?
Yes. Takeout is available for select menu items and brunch. Pre-ordering is recommended for weekends.
Can I order catering?
Yes. We offer Filipino, Asian, and customized catering for events of all sizes. Choose from party trays, full menus, or a mix of cuisines including Filipino, Thai, Korean, Japanese, Vietnamese, and more. Contact us to plan your event.
Do you offer more than Filipino cuisine?
Chef Maricel’s roots are Filipino, but her cooking reflects the many cultures she has learned from over the years. At Maricel’s Kitchen, you will find Filipino dishes alongside other Asian favorites, all prepared with the same care and respect for tradition.