Portugal Express
“Authentic feel with huge portions, delicious marinades, meats, and sides.”
“I've eaten a Bitoque, Paella, Carne de Porco Alentejana and it's all been very good.”
“Easily enough for 2 people plus leftovers.”
Portugal Express
Takes Reservations: Yes
Take-out: Yes
Accepts Credit Cards: Yes
Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
Good for Kids: Yes
Good for Groups: Yes
Has TV: Yes
Waiter Service: Yes
Caters: Yes
PokéStop Nearby: Yes
Price range.
$$ Price range $11-30
8 reviews
Rate and write a review Cancel reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.
This review is a 3.5 star review rounded to four stars. My friends and I chose this place because our first choice, Valenca Restaurant, was booked until late for the night.
Do not be fooled by the "Express" part of this restaurant's name. Despite its name and small size, this establishment is a full service restaurant that takes reservations. It certainly is not a place where you would purchase a Styrofoam container with two choices of protein over rice.
It also is absolutely not a place with an "express" portion size. All entree portions are family-size and designed to take home afterwards. They do charge $4 for sharing; however, that is typical of restaurants these days with large portion sizes.
Our party ordered mussels, various cuts of steak, and a paella. For the most part, the food was top notch. The place, however, loses 1/2 star due to the paella being extremely stewy and the cuts of meat all being inconsistently cooked, with most of the meat portions cooked well done. Thankfully, they did not overcook the meat to the point where it would lose flavor.
Service was with a smile; I have no complaints in that area.
One thing that I didn't see in the reviews or the business description supplied by Yelp: this place does take reservations. I was able to call on Saturday around 2pm for an 8pm 5-person dinner. When we arrived there, the place was jam packed, so I would strongly suggest a reservation prior to coming here over the weekend.
My friend and I decided to meet up for lunch somewhere midway since we live an hour away from each other. We were shocked at how good the food was. Like other yelpers said, this is not an "express" restaurant – this is more like tavern style. This is not a big deal but if you are not from the area, parking can seem a bit sketchy since you have to park on the street (no parking lot available).
The first time we ordered steak and shrimp to share (HUGE PORTION). It was amazing. The steak was well prepared with a lot of flavor and the shrimp was huge (with head on).
We came back and tried Seafood Casserole and Suckling Pig. Seafood casserole has a lot of flavor and it was delicious. Suckling pig fell a little short compared – it wasn't anything special.
I would recommend steak and seafood anything. Next time, we will try chicken and ribs.
This is a spot that is clearly loved by locals. I went for lunch on a weekday and it was packed. The bar was full of people and most tables had 2-4 people at them. This immediately told me that this place was going to be good. It took a few minutes to get a table (because there was a sign that said "Wait to be seated" but nobody came to seat you) which was one of my few complaints.
Upon being seated, they give you a basket of tasty bread and some olives. I love crusty Portuguese bread- if you have gone to other restaurants in the area you've probably had it before. It was a nice start to the meal. Ordered the skirt steak special and sangria (they don't have glasses, only large or small pitchers).
The steak was perfectly cooked. It was slightly salty, but other than that, extremely delicious. It came with rice which I really enjoyed even though I normally do not like rice. The rice was seasoned (maybe with chicken broth, not sure) and had a few vegetables. It also came with some fries and the steak was topped with an egg (cooked fairly well). The portion was HUGE. Easily enough for 2 people plus leftovers. This made the price of $18 worth it. The sangria was also really good and quite strong. I have had sangria at a bunch of places in Newark and Elizabeth and this was definitely some of the best. A good balance of still tasting like wine and being strong.
Overall, I highly recommend this place for a casual lunch or dinner. It can get pretty loud but it's clear that it is clearly loved by the people who frequent it. Prices may seem high but you will get a TON of food so it is totally worth it.
Portugal Express is not located in the most desirable section of Elizabeth. It is located on South Broad St. right off of US Highway 1 & 9 but if you are in the area and looking for Portuguese style food with a solid menu ranging from chicken to steak and seafood, then it's worth stopping in. They have bar seating with four choices of beer on tap, two domestic and two imported and the bar is well stocked with alcohol. The dining room seating is very bare and nothing impressive. Service is attentive. I like the fact that they automatically bring to the table seasoned pitted olives and fresh rolls as an appetizer. My entrée was Tuna steak with broccoli and potatoes all sautéed in garlic and onions. Was it the best meal I ever had? No! But for 15 dollars you get your money's worth. I found the tuna steak a little too fishy tasting but I enjoyed the vegetables which were seasoned and sautéed nicely. They also make a nice double espresso for 3 dollars that is the size of a tripple.
I wasn't sure what Portuguese food entailed, but if this is it, it's really good! My dad got garlic chicken with rice and it was such a pleasant surprise! I can imagine myself regularly going out of my way for this. The sauce was so good on the yellow rice. it also came with fries, but i think beans would have been a better combination. It was only $7.50 too! I got fried calamari and my mom got pork chops. The serving size was huge!!! And I was so happy that the food was delicious and very fair in price. I do think the calamari sauce should have been thicker, but they were big and juicy. Not a fan of porkchops though. (In general)
I really did think it would be expensive and it didnt look appetizing at first but totally wrong! And the waiter was very friendly. He was patient and entertained all my dad's obnoxious questions about the soccer championship on the monitors and about Portuguese food. He smiled very warmly and seemed genuinely happy to be there.
Although the name condones a watered down, or fast-food-esqe Portuguese dining experience – don't be fooled! Portugal Express is far from your typical Portuguese BBQ place. Be warned – this place is almost ALWAYS packed on a weekend night, but I assure you the food is well worth the wait!
They have all of your typical Portuguese BBQ staples, chicken, short ribs, pork – but they also have finer Portuguese dishes that are reminiscent of Avo's Sunday dinners. And with prices on point, you are always getting a good portion for your money. Everything is always fresh and flavorful, from the appetizers right to the desert.
I recommend the Bacalhou A Brás – a yummy mix of fried cod, shoestring potatoes, sautéed onions and egg. You will not be disappointed.
Can't believe there are only 12 reviews. It's the best kept secret among the portuguese community I uses since it was packed around 5pm on a Sunday.
Huge portion! But you can't share – they charge $4 for sharing which kind of sucks but still the price is decent. I just would prefer not to waste food.
Got the cod fish stew with red sauce. The sauce is a winner but the fish is a little chewy. Also loaded with tons of boiled potato. I'd prefer rice. I think of it as bouillabaisse Portuguese style.
My hubby got the Tbone that comes with rice which was sooo tasty.
Definitely will come back next time we need to do some outlet shopping in Jersey Garden.
My family and I dined here recently for an aunt's birthday. If the review were based solely on their food, they would get 4 stars. However I am taking the entire experience into consideration when reviewing. They fall way short when it comes to delivering on service and hospitality. Our waitress seemed like she was not in the mood to be at work and most definitely had an attitude. Dining out is an experience. It is not only about the food. Hopefully it was only an off day, but that one experience unfortunately cost them a star and gave me a reason to consider other dining options when in the area. But go try for yourself and ENJOY!!!