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Portuguese Fisherman, South River, NJ
Portuguese Fisherman, South River, NJ
Portuguese Fisherman, South River, NJ
Portuguese Fisherman, South River, NJ
Portuguese Fisherman, South River, NJ

Portuguese Fisherman

4.7 (1335)
$30 and under
Portuguese
11 Jackson St, South River, NJ 08882

Make a reservation

2 people
SunMonTueWedThuFriSat
10:00 PM
Booked 18 times today

About this restaurant

  • Good for groups
  • Neighborhood gem
  • Good for special occasions
Established in 1976, We are one of the oldest Portuguese and Spanish restaurants on the east coast. Attentive service, delicious authentic food, generous portions and refreshing sangria—these are the hallmarks of the Fisherman. Since our opening in 1976 we have consistently upheld the traditions of fine Portuguese and Spanish dining in central New Jersey.

A variety of fresh seafood and fish, as well as organic meats, all made with the finest ingredients available, await you at our tables. Our seasonal menu and daily specials include delectable dishes prepared to satisfy many tastes.

We invite you to visit us in the historic town of South River, New Jersey.

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Price
    $30 and under
  • Cuisines
    Portuguese, European, American
  • Hours of operation
    Dinner Wed–Sun 12:00 pm–8:00 pm
  • Phone number
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Executive chef
    Manuel Alves
  • Catering
    Off-site catering is available. Please visit our website for inquires.
  • Private party facilities
    The Restaurant features welcoming spaces accommodating parties ranging from dinner for 20 to a formal wedding for 180.The Restaurant offers two different spaces to hold private events: One banquet room can hold a maximum of 60, while our ballroom can hold a maximum of 180.Visit our website for inquiries.
  • Neighborhood
    East Brunswick
  • Cross street
    Water Street and Ferry Street
  • Parking details
    Two private lots and street parking available.
  • Additional
    Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Offers

  • Wine Wednesday

    Multiple dates available
    Wed - 11:30 AM - 9:00 PM
    33% OFF BOTTLES OF WINE AND FULL PITCHERS OF SANGRIA. With an already cost effective wine list, you can't go wrong trying some phenomenal new wines. Some bottles under $15!

What 1,335 people are saying

Portuguese Fisherman reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.7
4.7 based on recent ratings
  • 4.8Food
  • 4.8Service
  • 4.5Ambience
  • 4.6Value

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • Middlesex

    Best Service

  • Middlesex

    Best Value

  • Middlesex

    Kid-friendly

  • Middlesex

    Good for groups

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
Portuguese Fisherman is a beloved restaurant offering authentic Portuguese cuisine with generous portions and a cozy atmosphere. Regulars rave about the "excellent food and service," particularly highlighting the sangria and garlic shrimp. While noise levels can sometimes be high, the "friendly and attentive" staff ensure an enjoyable dining experience.
1,335 Reviews
  1. Jim

    Unspecified2 reviews

    4.0

    Dined 4 days ago

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 3
    4. Ambience 4
    Nice atmosphere, great food. I would recommend this as a go to if you are seeking a nice meal in the area.

    Is this helpful?

  2. Robbyn

    New York City16 reviews

    4.0

    Dined 7 days ago

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 4
    This is one of our favorites & did not disappoint.

    Is this helpful?

  3. Cheryl

    New York City1 review

    5.0

    Dined on May 13, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Awesome, as usual! The meals are huge and delicious . We all had at least another meal to bring home. Sangria was fantastic..no left overs there!

    Is this helpful?

  4. Ed

    New Jersey7 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on May 8, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 3
    You can NEVER go wrong with anything on their menu at Portuguese Fisherman. Authentic and just delicious!. Favorites are the chicken in garlic sauce and skirt steak. Deserts and the variety of coffees makes it a dinner that just makes you want to come back again and again. Oh, and don't forget the pitcher of white or red sangria.

    Is this helpful?

  5. Michael

    New York City5 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on May 3, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Food was great as always, the staff is friendly and attentive. It was a great experience.

    Is this helpful?

  6. Heather VIP

    Atlantic City20 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on April 26, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Food and service were excellent! One of our favorite places to get Portuguese food!

    Is this helpful?

  7. Art

    New Jersey20 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on April 26, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    We’ve been going to the Portuguese Fisherman for years. This was the first time that the noise was so loud that it made having a conversation difficult. However, we enjoyed our meals with friends and will not let this instance keep us away. Our friends at another table had the same reaction last night. We were seated in a booth near the bar where most of the noise was coming from. This is our favorite restaurant in central Jersey.

    Is this helpful?

  8. PATRICIA

    Atlantic City4 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on April 20, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    The menu selections were outstanding. The dishes were not only visually appealing but delicious. The staff and service excellent. We highly recommend this restaurant and plan on returning aoon.

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  9. Noevis

    New Jersey1 review

    5.0

    Dined on April 20, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    The food is amazing. Service is 5 stars. The sangría is delicious. Highly recommend

    Is this helpful?

  10. GlynnD VIP

    New York City28 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on April 18, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Truly one of our very favorite restaurants. Food is fresh and consistently excellent. Service is great. Highly recommended.

    Is this helpful?

FAQs

Portuguese Fisherman offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (732) 238-5188.

Portuguese Fisherman is rated 4.7 stars by 1335 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

  1. Home
  2. United States
  3. New Jersey
  4. Middlesex
  5. East Brunswick

Make a reservation


Booked 18 times today
Google Map for Portuguese Fisherman

11 Jackson St, South River, NJ 08882

Additional information

  • Cross street
    Water Street and Ferry Street
  • Neighborhood
    East Brunswick
  • Hours of operation
    Dinner Wed–Sun 12:00 pm–8:00 pm
  • Price
    $30 and under
  • Cuisines
    Portuguese, European, American
  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Parking details
    Two private lots and street parking available.
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Executive chef
    Manuel Alves
  • Additional
    Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wine
  • Phone number
  • Catering
    Off-site catering is available. Please visit our website for inquires.
  • Private party facilities
    The Restaurant features welcoming spaces accommodating parties ranging from dinner for 20 to a formal wedding for 180.The Restaurant offers two different spaces to hold private events: One banquet room can hold a maximum of 60, while our ballroom can hold a maximum of 180.Visit our website for inquiries.
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