Portuguese Restaurants near Metuchen, NJ

“Peri Peri Chicken is one of my favorite spots! Their Lemon & Herb and Mild chicken are both absolutely delicious perfectly seasoned, juicy, and full of flavor without being overwhelming. The food is always fresh, and the service is just as wonderful. The staff is friendly, welcoming, and makes every visit enjoyable. If you’re looking for flavorful grilled chicken with great customer service, I definitely recommend giving them a try! 🌶🍗❤“

“I love Portuguese BBQ as my husband takes home from Linden near his work. I always say it would taste better if they grill Pork /chicken crisper/well done. We went to this new place on our way home to try. OH MY MY I FOUND WHAT I'M LOOKING FOR &FLAVOR!!!! DELLLLIIIICCCCIIOOUUUSSSSSS!!!!!“

“From start to finish. Absolutely amazing!! The food was outstanding! The staff were wonderful. Loved everything about our dining experience.“

“Had a great experience at House 157! From the moment we walked in, Kayla at the front host stand was welcoming, friendly, and made sure we were taken care of. Our waitress Julie was amazing attentive, professional, and made sure everything was perfect throughout the entire experience. You can tell they both genuinely care about making sure guests have a good time. Great service all around, and I’ll definitely be back!“

“Went today with my Mahjong friends and had a fabulous meal as did everyone else. Excellent service and wonderful food and dessert 🍮“

“Fernandes Steakhouse III – A Carnivore’s Paradise If you're searching for a dining experience that blends indulgence with authentic Brazilian flair, look no further than Fernandes Steakhouse III. Nestled in a cozy yet vibrant setting, this gem offers a Rodizio-style dining adventure that redefines what it means to eat out. From the moment we were seated, the atmosphere buzzed with energy — a mix of sizzling meats, clinking glasses, and the rhythmic flow of gaucho servers weaving through tables with skewers in hand. The Rodizio special is the star of the show: an all-you-can-eat feast where expertly grilled meats are carved tableside, offering both spectacle and satisfaction. Each cut was a showcase of flavor. Juicy picanha (top sirloin cap) came seared to your perfection, with a rich, buttery texture that melted in the mouth. The beef cheesesteak was lightly seasoned, oozing with cheese, while the lamb chops were tender and herbaceous — a standout that had our table eagerly waiting for seconds. Sausages, bacon-wrapped filet mignon, chicken wings, and pork ribs, each bite telling a different story of smoke, spice, and succulence. Equally impressive was the curated sides, rice, fries, crisp hearts of palm, vinegary cucumber salad, and warm bread provided balance and brightness to the meat-forward menu. The feijoada (black bean stew) and fried plantains added a comforting, home-cooked dimension. Service was swift and attentive without ever feeling rushed. The staff ensured our plates were never empty, and our preferences for doneness were always met with a smile. Whether you’re a seasoned Rodizio enthusiast or a first-timer looking to elevate your dinner plans, Fernandes Steakhouse III delivers a flavorful journey worth every bite — and every return visit. Final Verdict: Atmosphere: 4.5/5 Service: 5/5 Food Quality: 5/5 Value: 4.5/5 Overall Rating: 4.8/5 – A must-visit for meat lovers and food adventurers alike.“

“We went to Fernandes Matawan for the first time June 1, as recommeded by our son for his birthday. The service, food and atmosphere was beyond exceptional. Best calamari I have in a long time, the Sea Bass and fresh vegtables I ordered was excellent as was the 12 oz. filet and lobster tail my husband ordered. My son, daughter-in-law and grandchildren enjoyed their salmon, clams, lobster and shrimp meal choices. Large portions, we all except my husband and son, needed to bring home what we could not finish. Also the pitcher of white sangrera which was perfect. Hats off to the excellent service and food. Bottom line, the menu prices were a little more than what we expected, but it was worth it, you get what you pay for. My husband and I will be going back!“

“excellent service. great food. having 45th anniversary there.“

“A friend first brought me here, and I really enjoyed the food. The portions were generous, everything we ordered was good, and I liked it enough that I’ve now made the hour-long trip back several times.
Unfortunately, the dine-in service has been inconsistent.

On my first visit, our waitress wasn’t very friendly and never came back to ask if we needed anything. We actually wanted to order something else, but after waiting, we decided not to. I didn’t say anything at the time because everyone can have a bad day, and I didn’t want to judge the restaurant based on one experience.

I went back again, and this time a very friendly gentleman took care of us. He was welcoming and made the experience much better. We asked for bread, though, and it took a very long time to arrive. I noticed they were heating the bread in a small oven on the counter, which seemed too small and slow to keep up with the dining room. Another table received their food and also asked for bread, and from what I could see, they never received theirs. This seems like something that could be easily improved with a better system or larger/faster equipment.

About a week later, the friend who originally introduced me to the restaurant went back and told me the service was horrible again. That made me realize my first experience may not have been an isolated incident.

I recently went for a third time and decided to order takeout. Once again, the guys working there were super friendly. They even recognized me from my previous visits, which I really appreciated. The takeout business also seems to do very well.

While I was there, one waitress caught my attention because she was very well-presented, but she looked like she was having a really bad day. She appeared unhappy and unapproachable, which unfortunately affects the atmosphere when you're deciding whether you want to sit down and eat.

And that's really my concern.

I love the food. I like the portions. The gentlemen I've dealt with have been extremely friendly. I want to come back.

But I live about an hour away, and after making that drive, I would much rather sit down, relax and enjoy my meal than take it home.

That's why I'm giving the service 3 stars. I'm not writing this to criticize the restaurant just for the sake of complaining. I'm writing it because the food is good enough that I think the dine-in experience should be just as good.

Please work on the service and attentiveness in the dining room. A friendly greeting, checking back on the table, asking if anyone needs anything else, and getting things like bread out promptly would make a huge difference.

You already have the hardest part right: great food and nice-sized portions. Improve the dine-in service to match the food, and this could easily become a place I'd happily drive an hour to visit weekly.“

“Found this restaurant by chance and had a wonderful lunch for four of us. The food was great - The rodizo platters were cooked just as ordered. The staff was attentive and professional. We will go back!“

“The food here is amazing as well as the healthy drinks. I wake up craving their breakfast sandwiches and owner Francisco is the nicest guy“

“Dinner was great. First timers. We had shrimp in garlic appetizer, combo with 1/2 chicken and ribs-pork, rice and fries. And 1/2 chicken with rice and veggies. Everything was of good quality and very delicious. We’d order from you guys again. Thank you for a wonderful dinner!“

“First time here and I loved it. Food was great and so was the service. Definitely coming back.“

“I have been there several times and the food is always great.“

“We have been here a few times, and my brother had several celebrations here…always amazing. The owner is an experienced chef from Braga, Portugal, and you can totally taste the authenticity. Can’t wait to try the Francesinha, next time!“

“Best BBq for your buck, seasoning is on point. Only only bad thing is if your dining in, since there is no ac you will be very uncomfortable and sweat while you eat which no one wants. Foods amazing, staff is great, just too hot to dine in the summer. In the spring, fall, and winter it's chill just don't recommend eating there in the summer. Please go thought and get take out.

Parking: There's only a few, about 4 spots to park around the restaurant, if those are taken which usually are you must park blocks down the road.“

“My family has always enjoyed going to Europa for birthdays and anniversaries. Our go to spot.“

“The Best Staff, a staple of the community. Beautiful restaurant and Who doesn't love Portuguese and their food!!!!“

“Had the combo mixed grill ,everything was amazing and plenty of food. I recommend this place very highly.“

“Thank you Edwin and Jocelyn for your wonderful Portuguese BBQ. It is always delicious!“

“A big thank you to PaulosBBQ for hosting our guests for my father’s repast today. The food was amazing and the staff was even better.“

“(Translated by Google) I ordered a delicious tripe soup. Very good price. Good attention. Simple place.Every time I am in Plainfield I will continue to eat there. The orders from the other tables looked very appetizing too.(Original)Pedí una sopa de mondongo deliciosa. Muy buen precio. Buena atención. Lugar sencillo.Cada vez que este en Plainfield seguiré comiendo allí. Las ordenes de las otras mesas se veían muy apetitosas también.“

“If you want fresh tender bbq meat then this is your spot. Been here a couple of times and this has become my go-to stop. Come try it and I promise you won’t regret it.
Fords BBQ thank you for providing good service and great food.“

“Was here in on a mini vacation and was recommended to this place . As I woman that works in the food industry this pace was really good !!! They were busy but got our food out in a good quality time . Garlic shrimp was amazing !!! Dave the sauce for dipping your bread and even adding your rice for a nice twist !!! Will def come back ! Staff was friendly . And it’s a byob which makes it great as I’m on a budget with travel . Thank you guys !!!“

“Perfecto para compartir en familia, Comida sabrosa . Lo recomiendo. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️“

“One of the Best hole in the wall places, with the BEST tasting chicken I've ever had.
Would drive for miles to go there. And usually my first stop when arriving to Newark Airport. I suggest you call in your order ahead to avoid wait time. Limited self service seating, so takeout is preferable.“

“Delicious steak sandwiches!“