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Portuguese Fisherman, South River, NJ

Portuguese Fisherman

4.8 (1348)
$30 and under
Portuguese
11 Jackson St, South River, NJ 08882

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 16 times today

About this restaurant

  • Neighborhood gem
  • Good for groups
  • 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

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What 1,348 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

4.8
4.8 based on recent ratings
  • 4.9Food
  • 4.8Service
  • 4.6Ambience
  • 4.7Value

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • Middlesex

    Best Overall

  • Middlesex

    Best Food

  • Middlesex

    Best Service

  • Middlesex

    Best Value

  • Middlesex

    Kid-friendly

  • Middlesex

    Good for groups

  • Middlesex

    Neighborhood gem

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
Portuguese Fisherman offers an inviting dining experience with "delicious food" and "great service" consistently praised by patrons. The menu boasts "authentic Portuguese food" with standout dishes like skirt steak and stuffed shrimp. While live music enhances the atmosphere, some find the noise level high. A "must try" for Portuguese cuisine enthusiasts!
1,348 Reviews
  1. Ed

    New Jersey8 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on July 12, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 4
    For as many times as I have been here, it never fails to deliver. My wife and I like our staple menu items, red sangria and chicken with garlic sauce. The sangria is not overpowering, and the chicken is always juicy and not dry at all. With sides of yellow rice, veggies, and their famous potatoes (aka chips), you can't go wrong with this meal. This last visit, I opted to go with the pork chops in garlic sauce. 2 nicely cut chops along with the same sides. We had to skip the desserts since we were both pretty full and had to bring some of them home. Guess we ate a little too much for lunch and didn't save enough room for dinner. Best to make reservations, especially on the weekend. We were lucky enough to get a 5 pm seating. After that, there wasn't another opening until 8 PM. What really sets Fisherman apart is how well we are treated by the staff. They are cordial, helpful, and don't mind engaging in a little conversation with you. That personal touch is worth the value you receive when visiting. Two birthdays in the house, so, as is tradition, everyone in the room sings happy birthday to them, and then applause. Been going for years, and no plans to stop any time soon

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  2. Amos VIP

    New York City45 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on July 3, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Always delicious food and sangria. We ate the skirt steak and filet mignon, they were cooked perfectly! Andre is the best server!

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  3. Warren

    New York City10 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on June 28, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Food was very good as usual. The employees are very friendly and helpful. I would definitely recommend this restaurant.

    Is this helpful?

  4. Sharon

    New York City3 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on June 25, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Went for dinner with people from work. Each said their meal was very good and had enough for leftovers. Sat in the back room with only a few other tables occupied so was better than sitting in the bar area so we could have conversation without having to shout. Will definitely be back!

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  5. Dorothy

    New Jersey21 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on June 21, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Best service and Salmon ever. Our favorite place dine.

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  6. Tom VIP

    New York City8 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on June 19, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Fantastic as always - it’s a must try and the food and drinks are stellar

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  7. Linda

    Unspecified1 review

    4.0

    Dined on June 14, 2025

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 4
    Very nice restaurant , the food was delicious! But the steak was a little bit too small

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  8. Rona

    Phoenix / Arizona3 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on June 7, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    Food, service was great. Noise level was bit high. I have always liked coming here. It’s been awhile but still as good as I remember.

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  9. James

    New York City3 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on June 5, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    I never have a bad experience or meal here. They made it extra special with giving us a Happy Anniversary card signed by the staff. That I thought was a great touch. We've never had that before but me and the wife loved it! Keep up the great work. We'll be back soon and Thank You!!

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  10. Erin

    New York City1 review

    5.0

    Dined on June 1, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    Service was excellent and the food was amazing. Favorite restaurant for Portuguese food!

    Is this helpful?

FAQs

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

Portuguese Fisherman is rated 4.8 stars by 1348 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

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 16 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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