Portuguese Restaurants in Elizabeth, NJ
Explore Elizabeth, NJ's authentic Portuguese restaurants, where the remarkable fusion of Continental European and South American cuisines will tantalize your taste buds. Don't miss out on these culinary gems!
Take all of Continental Europe and mix it with the native cultures of South America. What do you get? You get Portuguese cuisine, of course! And in Elizabeth, New Jersey, you don’t have far to look to satisfy your Portuguese food cravings. With establishments like Minhoto’s Restaurant, Taberna del Rei, Ironbound Grill, Valença Restaurant, and many more, your desire for authentic Portuguese is right around the corner.
Snack on Seafood Appetizers
Elizabeth’s streets are full of shopping and exploring, but eventually, hunger strikes. Luckily, the city’s Portuguese restaurants make seafood the star of the day. Start light, then move on to more filling options as your culinary adventure unfolds. Here's our pick for the best Portuguese appetizers in town.
Valença Restaurant
Address: 665 Monroe Ave
Valença serves upscale Portuguese seafood with a refined touch. Start with ameijoas ao natural (raw oysters) or polvo à feira (octopus with paprika, olive oil, and parsley) for a flavorful appetizer. They also just added a new concept to their restaurant, The Portuguese Pizza Company, featuring 20 unique pizza flavors for takeout and delivery.
What reviewers are saying: "Terrific food with large portions! Appetizers can easily be shared by 2 people. The Paella for 2 would feed 3 with plenty of food left to take home. Crab stuffed mushrooms, octopus with paprika, crab cakes with shrimp, garlic shrimp with chorizo were all incredible appetizers. The Paella Valenciana (a whole lobster, clams, mussels, scallops, chicken and chorizo) was absolutely delicious. This is the very best Portuguese food I have had outside of Portugal."
Minhoto’s Restaurant
Address: 851 East Jersey St.
A casual spot with a sunny patio, Minhoto’s highlights Portuguese coastal favorites. Clams with bacon or shrimp in hot sauce make for perfect starters before a hearty entree.
What reviewers are saying: "One of the best restaurants in the area! I have been going there for over 10 years and they always keep that rewarding experience!"
Europa Bar & Restaurant
Address: 625 Westfield Ave.
While you can't go wrong with any course here, the appetizers at Europa Bar & Restaurant stand out among the others. They are known for their expansive selection of seafood, including pre-entree dishes such as seafood-stuffed mushrooms, clams in green sauce, fried calamari, and mussels.
What reviewers are saying: "I had a great dining experience. I started off with the salted cod croquettes and they were the best I’d ever tasted."
Feast on Flavorful Entrees
Portuguese cuisine shines in its hearty, savory entrees. Think flame-grilled meats, rich sauces, and coastal-inspired seafood that fill your plate and your appetite. When you decide on any of these spots for dinner, you will surely be satisfied!
Taberna del Rei
Address: 1060 Sheridan Ave
Big portions define the experience here. Order the chicken with orange rice for classic flavor, or try the specials for something unique and exciting.
What reviewers are saying: "This is truly a hidden gem. The food was fantastic, the service friendly and helpful, and just a great vibe. I highly recommend it."
Algarve Restaurant
Address: 656 Van Buren Ave
Algarve specializes in traditional Portuguese entrees with a focus on grilled fish, tender meats, and bold, comforting flavors. Its warm, inviting atmosphere makes it perfect for a leisurely meal.
What reviewers are saying: "Fantastic experience! Very delicious food, huge portions! And very friendly service. Portuguese wine was very good!"
O'Teimoso Restaurant
Address: 854 2nd Ave
This cozy eatery brings authentic Portuguese flavors to the table, from marinated pork dishes to seafood stews, served in a divey, neighborhood setting.
What reviewers are saying: "This Portuguese Restaurant is truly a gem. When you walk in you feel you're in Lisbon. The fish is fresh and the service is fast."
Portugal Express
Address: 460 S Broad St
Portugal Express offers quick, flavorful Portuguese meals with a casual vibe, ideal for satisfying cravings for grilled meats, hearty rice dishes, and fresh seafood. It's known for its massive portions, so come hungry or be prepared to bring leftovers back to the mini fridge!
What reviewers are saying: "This place was awesome. From skimming the crowd, this seem like the locals place to go when they want to get food."
Satisfy Your Cravings with Delectable Portuguese Desserts
No Portuguese meal is complete without a sweet finish. From custard tarts to layered creams and pastries, dessert is a highlight that lingers on the tongue and in memory.
Oasis Pastry Shop
Address: 908 Elizabeth Ave
Oasis Pastry Shop is your go-to spot for Portuguese sweets. Try the pastel de nata or the layered desserts. They also serve coffee and sandwiches, if you're somehow still feeling hungry.
What reviewers are saying: "I love this place! Best pastry shop in town."
Enjoy filling up on the many options of Portuguese cuisine at the various restaurants during your stay in Elizabeth. From seafood to barbecue and desserts, you’ll leave happy and sated.
Related:
665 Monroe Ave Elizabeth, New Jersey 07201 (908) 354-2525 | Website
656 Van Buren Ave. Elizabeth, New Jersey 07201 (908) 353-4433 | Website
851 East Jersey St. Elizabeth, New Jersey 07201 (908) 965-1400
1060 Sheridan Ave Elizabeth, New Jersey 07208 (908) 282-0725
854 2nd Ave Elizabeth, New Jersey 07202
460 S Broad St Elizabeth, New Jersey 07202
908 Elizabeth Ave Elizabeth, New Jersey 07201 (908) 629-0002 | Website