Welcome to The Portuguese Fisherman
The Portuguese Fisherman, nestled in South River, NJ, offers an authentic taste of Iberian cuisine with a focus on fresh seafood. Diners rave about the generous portions and flavorful dishes, such as the grilled octopus and rich, aromatic paella. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, with attentive staff ensuring a memorable dining experience. Highlights include the complimentary homemade salad and the irresistible Sangria. Guests find the pricing surprisingly reasonable for the quality offered, making it a coveted spot for both locals and newcomers. If you seek a culinary journey to Portugal, The Portuguese Fisherman is an unmissable destination.
-
11 Jackson St, South River, NJ 08882, United States Hotline: +1 732-238-5188
Welcome to The Portuguese Fisherman, a culinary treasure located at 11 Jackson St, South River, NJ. This hidden gem has quickly become a favorite amongst locals and visitors alike, celebrated for its authentic Iberian cuisine. Whether you’re a seafood aficionado or a fan of hearty meats and vegetarian options, this restaurant promises a feast for all.
Upon entering The Portuguese Fisherman, guests are greeted by a warm ambiance that combines rustic charm with a lively spirit. Reviews consistently highlight the friendly service and the attentive staff, who aim to make every visit memorable. Many patrons rave about the generous portions reminiscent of hearty 1990s dining, ensuring that no one leaves hungry.
One of the standout aspects of the menu is the seafood. Diners find dishes like Polvo (grilled octopus) exquisite, perfectly seasoned to enhance its natural flavors. Other highlights include the renowned paella, which transports your palate straight to the sun-kissed shores of Portugal. Guests have noted the fried fish platter as crispy perfection, while the flavorful shrimp in garlic and tender pork chops leave diners craving more. Each dish is crafted with care, resonating with the rich traditions of Portuguese and Spanish cuisine.
For those looking to indulge, be sure to sample the freshly baked bread, which pairs beautifully with the delicious green sauce served with the clams appetizer. And don't overlook the tempting house-made gelato, especially the pistachio flavor, which many have declared the perfect ending to an already delightful meal.
With its affordable prices, diners are consistently pleased with the quality of food relative to what they pay. This value combined with the inviting atmosphere makes The Portuguese Fisherman a must-visit destination on your culinary journey through New Jersey.
As you consider your next dining experience, remember the glowing reviews from satisfied patrons: from the accommodating nature of the staff to the vibrant atmosphere enhanced by a curated selection of music. Make a reservation today by calling +1 732-238-5188 and experience the flavors of Iberia at The Portuguese Fisherman!
Nice place! This was recommended on a Reddit thread so i thought i would try it out. I was running late so i had to hurry for lunch and the restaurant was very accommodating, food came out quick but it wasn’t rushed. The portions! They’re 1990s sized! It was equally delicious! I would highly recommend giving them a try. My only complaint was they didn’t have any of their souvenir shirts in a L.
My wife and I are on the #eatjersey challenge to have a meal in all 564 towns of NJ. We chose The Portuguese Fisherman for South River, our 126th town. This place was a random pick where we celebrated a birthday with family. We were all blown away by food, atmosphere, and service of this relatively hidden gem! If you're looking for Iberian cuisine, you need to check this place out. You will be tempted, but try not to indulge on the amazing fresh bread they serve because you will run out of room by time you get to your main course. Tip: Save the bread to dip in the sauces and flavors of your main dish. DO get a jarra (pitcher) of Sangria to enjoy. The Polvo (grilled octopus), sliced & served with seasoning adding to its natural flavor, was a perfect warm up for our main courses which included: Bitoque, Skirt Steak "Portuguese Style", and Paella. All were perfectly cooked and a delight. Perfect finish to a perfect meal with the Crema Catalina (like a creme brulee).
Portuguese Fisherman, can’t wait to go back and try the rest of the menu because it did not disappoint in the least. Even though It is majority seafood there’s selections for every preference steaks poultry and veggie lovers. Our waiter (wish I remembered his name young man with glasses) was well versed in knowledge of the menu and answered all the questions asked to select from the plethora of dishes this restaurant offers. We enjoyed the clams in green sauce for appetizer (I suggest you dip the bread in that sauce). They started with a complimentary salad and the homemade dressing was delicious. As and entry as grilled Bronzino with par boiled rice and veggies (the veggies were average) but I also ordered black beans and they were on point as well as a marisco plate with that green sauce which I used to spread on my rice. I usually don’t order desert but I love pistachio icecream and they had a gelato and boy am I glad I got that with a double Espresso that was nice and strong. I also really enjoyed the music in the background (old school r &b) they also offered a full bar (which I didn’t get to try because I’m in Ramadan but I will come back) and they do have screens by the tables for those soccer / sport lovers. I will be back, see you there !
Delicious food and great customer service. The young girls at the front desk were courteous and helpful. They had no problem accommodating my party of 9 . This place is highly recommended. I didn’t get a picture of the octopus or sausage appetizers, but it’s a must!!! Delicious.
A Culinary Gem in South River, New Jersey The Portuguese Fisherman is a delightful gem nestled in the historic town of South River. From the moment we made our easy online reservation, we knew we were in for a treat. Dinner Delights: The paella transported us to the sun-kissed shores of Portugal. The fried fish platter was crispy, golden perfection. The shrimp in garlic danced with flavor. The pork chops in garlic sauce were tender and aromatic. And the picanha—oh, that succulent Brazilian cut—left us craving more. Attentive Service: Our waiter was a true professional, anticipating our needs and ensuring a memorable dining experience. It felt like dining at a friend’s home in Portugal. Verdict: If you’re seeking authentic Portuguese and Spanish cuisine, look no further than the Portuguese Fisherman. Generous portions, attentive service, and flavors that transport you—this restaurant is a must-visit!
Everything was delicious! Arthur was a server extraordinaire- attentive and so pleasant. I can't wait to come back and try other dishes on the menu. Warning... It's a lot of really good food! Update 2/1/25 Still amazing and great food!
Cannot say enough GREAT things about the Portuguese Fisherman! My husband and I went here after hearing good things from a friend. First, the staff are AWESOME! All the waiters and busboys are friendly and attentive. Sangria was DELISH, food was AMAZING! Then when the check came....I could not believe how reasonable their prices are compared to other restaurants we frequent! We are going back for our Anniversary in a few weeks and can't wait!
Love the whole vibe here. Been here about a dozen times and this time I finally found my favorite dish. The Veal francaise! The yellow creamy lemon sauce was amazing. There was only one other place that made this sauce and it's about 40min away from this location. Glad I found a closer spot to get my favorite meal. Not a fan of the side dinning room to be honest. It's closed off, no views and no windows. But everything else was just right. Parking isn't too bad. But one thing I didn't like, was when we were leaving there was a group of people outside (drunk) yelling, and making way to much noise. One of them was throwing up, and the others were just drunk. The staff at this place should really pay attention to when they need to cut people off.