481353 Sun Jan 20 15:48:27 -0800 2008 12 20 Tristate Region 0 3314996 Where are the best Portuguese restaurants in a safe, easy-to-find part of Newark? I understand there is a huge Portuguese community there and very good restaurants - I'm just not sure where to look. Advice or links to recent articles would be appreciated. Sun Jan 20 15:48:27 -0800 2008 159158 HSBSteveM 1 3315480 Our favorite is Seabra's Marisqueira on 87 Madison st. Telephone:973 465 1250. Free parking in their own secured lot across the street . The food is simple, straight foward, and delicious portugese.There is a large bar area where the locals eat but also a large rear dining room that is somewhat hidden unless you venture back there. There is a display area by the open kitchen that features all the fresh seafood on that day's menu.Enjoy. Sun Jan 20 18:59:02 -0800 2008 3314996 151072 currymouth 1 3319939 I agree with currymouth about Seabra's Marisqueira; just Google it and you'll find extensive info about it. I'll also add my two other favorites in the Ironbound: Adega Grill on Ferry Street, just off the corner of Madison, which shares a parking lot with Marisqueira. If it matters to you, Adega has a more upscale atmosphere than many of the restaurants in the Ironbound. Casa Vasca, which has its own parking lot, is in the middle of a residential neighborhood, and also has great food. I love the vibe of CV, but you'll likely wait on a weekend night, even if you make a reservation. Still, the food is great. You won't be rushed out of any of these places...the Portuguese and Spaniards enjoy their leisurely meals, so go when you have time to relax and enjoy it! Walking around on Ferry Street is fun too, esp if some of the stores are open. Tue Jan 22 07:39:39 -0800 2008 3314996 104149 Curlz 2 3320722 Curlz, good advice because we have a plane to catch at EWR and have to be sure we get seated without a long wait. Given that Port/Span folk generally eat late, I'm hoping we won't have a prob if we get there at 6:00. Tue Jan 22 10:54:20 -0800 2008 3319939 159158 HSBSteveM 2 3337722 Curlz, thanks for the great recommendation! We ate at Adega last night and it was the perfect atmosphere. The Sangria was great. The food was exceptionally good. The wait staff is tops, too. We will be going back. I scoped out some of the other places mentioned and they were packed, so we plan to try those too, but I really like the atmosphere at Adega. Cheers! Sun Jan 27 10:53:29 -0800 2008 3319939 159158 HSBSteveM 3 3337827 So glad you liked it! I had lunch there last week and was reminded again of how nice a place it is and how good the food is. I wish I had thought to recommend the sauteed portobellas; not something you'd expect in a Portuguese restaurant, but they're fantastic. Sun Jan 27 11:36:30 -0800 2008 3337722 104149 Curlz 4 3338593 Saw them on the menu but opted for the clams in garlic & parsley sauce. My two kids shared the kabob for two, which is huge and has a nice variety of meats - really enough to feed four. It was nice to see whole families in there for special occasions. I'm going to find an excuse to go back soon. Sun Jan 27 16:04:03 -0800 2008 3337827 159158 HSBSteveM 1 3322309 Casa Vasca is the place to go. Owned and operated by Maria. We have been going there for 15+ years. Located at the corner of Prospect and Elm. Going early is not a problem. Great for lunch also. Tue Jan 22 17:27:34 -0800 2008 3314996 159786 randyoc 2 3322718 Have to agree...if you can only go one place, I'd pick Casa Vasca too--for the food as well as the overall experience (and hospitality)! Enjoy. Tue Jan 22 19:49:55 -0800 2008 3322309 104149 Curlz 3 3323240 Understand, however, that Casa Vasca is not Portuguese, which the OP requested. CV claims to be Spanish Basque but it's certainly not traditional Basque. Here's a link to a discussion about Casa Vasca. http://www.chowhound.com/topics/255972 Wed Jan 23 04:03:29 -0800 2008 3322718 57768 ambrose 4 3350213 Thanks for linking to my review. I just got back from there a few minutes ago, and the food is as great as ever. Wed Jan 30 17:25:20 -0800 2008 3323240 11362 Brian S 1 3326037 I like Fernandez II steak house.. their steak on a tile is to die for.. place is large.. nice salad bar.. service is nice and attentive.. extensive menu.. with all price ranges.. if you call information the 1st time they will give you fernandez the night club.. ask 2x to be sure they give you the right number.. its a must visit place.. The desserts lack splendor.. but the flan is always good Wed Jan 23 17:05:35 -0800 2008 3314996 158670 lovefoodnj 1 3326117 Thanks to all for the guidance. Since it's sort of a special occasion, and they take reservations, I chose Adega. I'm really looking forward to our first visit to Ironbound. Obrigado! Wed Jan 23 17:26:26 -0800 2008 3314996 159158 HSBSteveM