Located in the heart of Trenton, New Jersey, Ila Mae’s Restaurant is a beloved local gem known for serving up authentic, hearty soul food in a warm, welcoming environment. From rich seafood casseroles and generous fish sandwiches to all-day breakfast staples and savory side dishes, Ila Mae’s offers an extensive menu crafted with care. Whether you are stopping by for a comforting lunch, picking up a quick takeout order, or dropping in to enjoy the vibrant, family-friendly atmosphere, this neighborhood establishment delivers memorable flavors and generous portions.
Essential Information
| Feature | Detail |
| Address | 313 Market St, Trenton, NJ 08611, United States |
| Phone | +1 609-498-0642 |
| Website / Socials | Facebook Profile |
Operating Hours
| Day | Hours |
| Monday | Closed |
| Tuesday | 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM |
| Wednesday | 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM |
| Thursday | 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM |
| Friday | 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM |
| Saturday | 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
Service, Accessibility, and Amenities
| Category | Available Features |
| Service Options | Dine-in, Takeout, Delivery, Onsite services, Catering, Counter service, Table service |
| Accessibility | Wheelchair accessible entrance, Wheelchair accessible restroom |
| Offerings & Atmosphere | Comfort food, Healthy options, Quick bite, Small plates, Vegetarian options, Casual, Cozy, Quiet, Trendy |
| Amenities | Restroom |
| Parking | Free street parking (usually difficult to find a space) |
| Payment Methods | Credit cards, Debit cards, NFC mobile payments |
Why Visit? Key Highlights
- Generous Portions & Great Value: Diners consistently praise the large, filling portions served at fair prices, ensuring you get your money’s worth on every order.
- Standout Fish Sandwiches: Popular picks like the Comeback and The Truth feature crisp, flavorful fish stacked with fresh toppings on soft rolls.
- Vibrant & Welcoming Atmosphere: Known for hospitable counter staff and a fun, homey environment where guests often enjoy music and karaoke while waiting for fresh meals.
- Diverse Menu Options: Offers a wide selection ranging from traditional soul food entrees and seafood to breakfast favorites and creative vegetarian dishes.
Ila Mae’s Menu & Catalog
Omelettes & Griddle Makers
| Item Name | Description |
| Cheese Omelette | Three eggs served with breakfast potatoes and toast |
| Cheese & Bacon or Sausage | Omelette with choice of beef or turkey bacon or sausage and cheese |
| Veggie Lovers | Omelette packed with spinach, mushrooms, onions, peppers, and tomatoes |
| Spinach & Bacon or Sausage | Omelette with spinach and choice of bacon or sausage topped with cheese |
| Loaded Omelette | Stuffed with sausage, bacon, potatoes, and cheese |
| My Oh My Omelette | Stuffed with sausage, veggies, and cheese |
| Nubian Waffle | Classic golden waffle cooked fresh |
| Buttermilk Pancakes | Stack of fluffy buttermilk pancakes |
| Blueberry Pancakes | Pancakes studded with sweet blueberries |
| Chocolate Chip Pancakes | Pancakes packed with melted chocolate chips |
| Royal Toast Slices | Classic French toast slices cooked to order |
| Cinnamon Raisin Royal Toast Slices | French toast prepared with cinnamon raisin bread |
| Banana Stuffed Royal Toast Slices | French toast stuffed with sweet bananas |
Early Risers Specialties
| Item Name | Description |
| Queen’s Breakfast | Waffle served with sausage and two eggs |
| Scrambler | Three eggs any style on top of potatoes with choice of sausage, onions, peppers, mushrooms, and cheese |
| Eggs Out West | Scrambled eggs, sour cream, cheese, and tomatoes served in a tortilla bowl |
| Wake Me Up | Two buttermilk pancakes, two eggs, two slices of bacon, and potatoes |
| Prince’s Breakfast | Three slices of bacon, two sausage links, potatoes, and toast |
| Arnesha | Fresh waffle served with chicken tenders |
| Royal Toast Sandwich | Two slices of royal toast with eggs, cheese, and choice of meat drizzled with syrup |
| Life’s All Good | Grits, eggs, and bacon or sausage |
Fish & Vegetarian Sandwiches
| Item Name | Description |
| Stanback | Grilled fish with onions, peppers, and cheese |
| Comeback | Fried fish with lettuce, tomatoes, tartar sauce, and cheese |
| Plain Truth | Classic fried whiting sandwich |
| Hotep | Grilled salmon with onions, peppers, lettuce, tomatoes, and cheese |
| Zuri | Fried fish with onions, peppers, cheese, and creamy sauce |
| The Truth | Fried whiting with lettuce, tomatoes, and tartar sauce |
| Emery | Grilled salmon with onions and cheese |
| Aunt Pat | Salmon, shrimp, broccoli, onions, and cheese |
| Jaelan | Raw fried fish served with cheese |
| Zikiya | Fried fish filet with fried shrimp, lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, and sauce |
| Aeris | Grilled broccoli, mushrooms, tomatoes, onions, peppers, and cheese |
| Delores | Sautéed broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, onions, peppers, and cheese on a bed of lettuce and tomatoes |
| Schinita | Vegan chicken steak with onions and vegan cheese |
| Uncle Duke | Vegan sausage with onions and vegan cheese |
| Amina | Combination of vegan chicken steak and vegan sausage with onions and vegan cheese |
Burgers & Specialty Steaks
| Item Name | Description |
| Alami Burger | Chopped beef burger with onions and cheese |
| Kojo Burger | Chopped beef burger with bacon, cheese, lettuce, and tomatoes |
| Babu Burger | Chopped beef burger with onions, peppers, cheese, lettuce, and tomatoes |
| Ila Burger | Chopped beef burger with bacon, cheese, and tomato |
| Wilbert Burger | Chopped beef burger with bacon, fried egg, and cheese |
| Amir Burger | Double burger with double cheese and onions |
| Maarufia Burger | Any two meats with onions and cheese |
| Raheem Burger | Burger, sausage, steak, onions, cheese, lettuce, and tomatoes |
| Marquann Steak | Tenderloin steak with onions and cheese |
| Amerika Special | Tenderloin steak with peppers, onions, lettuce, tomatoes, and cheese |
| Atiba Sausage | 100% beef sausage with onions and cheese |
| Warren Sausage | 100% beef sausage with onions, cheese, lettuce, and tomatoes |
| Kayra Sausage | Beef sausage with beef bacon, onions, and cheese |
Casseroles
| Item Name | Description |
| James | Mushrooms, broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, onions, peppers, crushed red pepper flakes, and cheese |
| Ethiopian | Grilled fish, broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, potatoes, onions, peppers, and cheese |
| Nairobi | Grilled salmon, broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, potatoes, onions, peppers, and cheese sauce |
| Queen Lakeesha | Broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, potatoes, onions, peppers, and cheese |
| Olugbala | Grilled fish, broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, onions, peppers, rice, spicy Nubian sauce, creamy Nubian sauce, and cheese |
| Yeshua | Turkey sausage, broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, potatoes, onions, peppers, and cheese |
| Sababu | Chicken, broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, potatoes, onions, peppers, and cheese |
| Sakeenah | Turkey breast, broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, potatoes, onions, peppers, and cheese |
| Merle | Salmon, shrimp, broccoli, rice, cheese, and BBQ sauce |
Dinner Entrees & Individual Seafood
| Item Name | Description |
| Fish Dinner | Served with choice of two sides |
| Salmon Dinner | Served with choice of two sides |
| Beef Ribs Dinner | Served with choice of two sides |
| Pepper Steak Dinner | Served with choice of two sides |
| Pork Chops Dinner | Served with choice of two sides |
| Chicken Dinner | Served with choice of two sides |
| Shrimp Dinner | Served with choice of two sides |
| Stew Beef Dinner | Served with choice of two sides |
| Vegetable Dinner | Served with choice of two sides |
| Turkey Wings Dinner | Served with choice of two sides |
| Fish & Grits | Classic fried or grilled fish paired with seasoned grits |
| Shrimp & Grits | Succulent shrimp served over warm grits |
| Fish, Shrimp & Grits | Combination plate of fish, shrimp, and grits |
| Fish Nuggets | Choice of Basa or Whiting |
| Salmon Nuggets | Bite-sized seasoned salmon nuggets |
| Shrimp Basket with Fries | Crispy fried shrimp served with fries |
Poultry & Entree Sides
| Item Name | Description |
| Nubian Wings | Sauces: Hot & Spicy, Sweet & Spicy, Spicy Honey BBQ, Honey BBQ, Lemon Pepper, Garlic Parm, or Crispy Honey |
| Nubian Tenders | Fresh breaded chicken tenders |
| Kepenzi’s | Fresh breaded chicken nuggets lightly seasoned |
| Macaroni and Cheese | Classic creamy baked mac and cheese |
| Collard Greens | Slow-cooked savory greens |
| Candied Yams | Sweet sliced yams baked in spiced syrup |
| Spicy Kidney Beans | Seasoned kidney beans with a mild kick |
| Potato Salad | House-made traditional potato salad |
| Cole Slaw | Fresh, crisp shredded cabbage salad |
| Rice & Gravy | Fluffy rice smothered in rich savory gravy |
| Black Eyed Peas | Traditional seasoned black eyed peas |
| String Beans | Tender seasoned green beans |
| Mashed Potatoes | Smooth whipped potatoes with gravy |
