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Portuguese Fisherman, South River, NJ

Portuguese Fisherman

4.6
4.6
1287 Reviews
$30 and under
Portuguese

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 18 times today
  • Neighborhood gem
  • Good for special occasions
  • Good for business meals
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.

Order delivery or takeout

Dining areas

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
    (732) 238-5188
  • 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 1,287 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

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

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

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • Middlesex

    Best Value

  • Middlesex

    Kid-friendly

  • Middlesex

    Neighborhood gem

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
Portuguese Fisherman offers a delightful dining experience with "excellent service" and "delicious food" that keeps patrons returning for decades. Known for its "great atmosphere," this restaurant is perfect for special occasions or a casual meal. Highlights include flavorful seafood dishes and "amazing sangria," ensuring an unforgettable experience.

1,287 Reviews
  1. gabriellef

    New York City

    7 reviews

    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined 1 day ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    Food was excellent and service was great . We had a wonderful experience at the restaurant.

    Is this helpful?

  2. Glynn

    New York City

    34 reviews

    5.0

    34 reviews

    Dined on December 14, 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    Fabulous food. Great service. Consistently excellent. Highly recommended.

    Is this helpful?

  3. Barry

    New York City

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 14, 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    Great food, great service. we were seated immediately.

    Is this helpful?

  4. brian

    Greater Boston

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on December 14, 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    great food and great atmosphere thank you merry christmas !!

    Is this helpful?

  5. Carolyn

    New York City

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 8, 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    A great meal as usual! Portuguese Fisherman is one of put favorite restaurants!

    Is this helpful?

  6. Angela

    New York City

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 7, 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Delicious food and amazing (and affordable) sangria

    Is this helpful?

  7. Robert

    VIP

    New York City

    64 reviews

    3.0

    64 reviews

    Dined on December 7, 2024

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 3
    3. Service 3
    4. Ambience 3
    We both had the salmon. The protein was very big and good. The vegetables were another thing. String beans and carrot. I tried to analyze how they were prepared, steamed, blanched or something else. Were they frozen or fresh? Well they weren't caramelized, just there. Not my cup of tea. Plate has to be good at all aspects. Probably won't be back.

    Is this helpful?

  8. Erin Anne

    Washington DC

    10 reviews

    5.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on December 6, 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Wonderful local restaurant that I will visit again.

    Is this helpful?

  9. Tom

    New York City

    9 reviews

    4.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on December 1, 2024

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 4
    Food is as expected. Authentic, hot & flavorful. Very attentive wait staff & meals paced out. We normally dine off peak days so it's less hectic but this was a Saturday nt & had to wait a bit even w reservations. No too bad though about 15 mins. Can be noisy so if you want quieter dining ask for side dining room & not bar area. Definitely will return!

    Is this helpful?

  10. karen

    VIP

    Philadelphia

    14 reviews

    5.0

    14 reviews

    Dined on November 30, 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Great food and drink! Consistently great!…………….,,,,

    Is this helpful?

FAQs

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

Portuguese Fisherman is rated 4.6 stars by 1287 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 18 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Google Map for Portuguese Fisherman

11 Jackson St, South River, NJ 08882

Dining areas

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
    (732) 238-5188
  • 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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