PortuCale Restaurant & Bar Introduce
For New Jersey residents, especially those familiar with the rich cultural and culinary offerings of Newark's Ironbound district, PortuCale Restaurant & Bar stands as a beacon of authentic, high-quality Portuguese dining. More than just a local restaurant, PortuCale is a multifaceted venue, seamlessly blending the elegance of fine Portuguese dining with the casual, energetic atmosphere of a modern sports bar. This unique combination ensures that whether you’re planning a romantic dinner, a family celebration, or simply looking for the best spot to catch the game with a great cocktail, this Newark gem has a space and a menu to perfectly fit the occasion.
The restaurant prides itself on being a family-owned and run establishment, serving authentic regional Portuguese food. This dedication to tradition is evident in the menu, which features an extensive selection of classic dishes that showcase the rich Mediterranean diet, emphasizing fresh, high-quality ingredients like olive oil, tomatoes, onion, garlic, and an abundant use of seafood. Patrons consistently praise the "old world ambiance," describing the setting as both cozy and elegant, creating a feeling of being simultaneously at home and transported to a foreign locale. The generous portions and top-notch service are frequently highlighted by local diners, confirming PortuCale's commitment to an exceptional and satisfying experience.
As a Portuguese restaurant, the menu is a deep dive into the nation’s celebrated cuisine. Signature dishes revolve around
Bacalhau
(codfish), with specialties likeBacalhau A Portucale
andBacalhau Na Telha Com Grelos
being a must-try for any food enthusiast. Seafood lovers will be delighted by the abundance of options, fromPolvo A Lagareiro / Grilled Octopus
andCamarao Jumbo Grelhado A Matozinhos / Grilled Jumbo Shrimp
to grand shared plates like theFestival De Mariscos / Seafood Festival For 2 People
and various Paelhas. The commitment to providing an authentic experience extends to the beverage list, which boasts aGreat beer selection
,Great cocktails
, and aGreat wine list
, including traditional Portuguese wines and refreshing sangrias that perfectly complement the bold flavors of the cuisine.PortuCale Restaurant & Bar is conveniently situated in the heart of Newark, NJ, at 129 Elm St, Newark, NJ 07105. This location places it squarely in the vibrant and historic Ironbound neighborhood, a hub for Portuguese and Spanish culture in New Jersey. The restaurant's strategic location makes it easily accessible for customers driving from surrounding towns across North and Central Jersey.
The establishment is highly focused on accessibility and convenience for all New Jersey visitors. Drivers will appreciate the availability of a Free parking lot, Free street parking, and general On-site parking, a significant advantage in the busy urban environment of Newark. Furthermore, PortuCale is fully committed to accommodating all patrons, featuring a Wheelchair accessible entrance, a Wheelchair accessible parking lot, a Wheelchair accessible restroom, and Wheelchair accessible seating. This attention to detail ensures that the dining experience is welcoming and stress-free for everyone in the community.
PortuCale provides a versatile array of service options designed to meet the diverse needs of its New Jersey clientele, from quick meals to elaborate events.
- Dine-in Service: Enjoy full
Table service
in a choice of dining spaces, including aRomantic
main room or aCasual
sports bar lounge. - Outdoor Seating: Offers a pleasant al fresco dining experience, noted by reviewers as a lovely setting, sometimes featuring amenities like a waterfall wall.
- Takeout and Delivery: Convenient options for enjoying the authentic Portuguese flavors at home or the office.
- Catering: Available for special events, offering a selection of the restaurant's most popular Portuguese dishes.
- Private Dining Room: An amenity for groups, corporate functions, or large family parties requiring a dedicated, secluded space.
- Reservations: The restaurant
Accepts reservations
, withLunch reservations recommended
andDinner reservations required
to ensure seating during peak hours, reflecting its popularity. - Sports Bar Experience: A dedicated lounge area with large-screen TVs where patrons can watch all special sporting events while enjoying food and drink specials.
The reputation of PortuCale Restaurant & Bar in the New Jersey dining scene is built upon a strong foundation of quality, service, and a unique blend of offerings.
- Culinary Authenticity: Recognized for its authentic, regional Portuguese cuisine, making it a go-to spot for
Serves local specialty
dishes like Codfish Bacalhau and Mariscada. - Exceptional Bar Program: Features a
Great beer selection
,Great cocktails
,Great wine list
,Hard liquor
, and offersHappy hour drinks
andHappy hour food
. - Diverse Dining Appeal: Caters to various crowds, including
Groups
,Family-friendly
diners, andTourists
, with an atmosphere that can beCasual
,Cozy
,Romantic
, orTrendy
. - Menu Inclusivity: Offers a wide range of choices, including
Comfort food
,Small plates
,Quick bite
options, and specificHealthy options
,Vegan options
, andVegetarian options
. - Late-Night Availability: Serves
Late-night food
and remains open until the early morning hours on most days, making it ideal for the New Jersey nightlife crowd. - Efficiency and Quality Service: Noted for
Fast service
and a staff that is polite, professional, and attentive, as praised in customer reviews. - Family-Friendly Amenities: Considered
Good for kids
and providesHigh chairs
and a dedicatedKids' menu
.
To experience the best of Portuguese dining and New Jersey hospitality, contact PortuCale Restaurant & Bar using the information below:
Address: 129 Elm St, Newark, NJ 07105
Phone: (973) 344-4407
Mobile Phone: +1 973-344-4407
The restaurant accepts various payment methods for customer convenience, including
Credit cards
,Debit cards
, andNFC mobile payments
.For residents in New Jersey, particularly those in the Newark area, PortuCale Restaurant & Bar is an unequivocally worthy choice for several key reasons that differentiate it from standard dining establishments. The most compelling reason is the quality and authenticity of the cuisine. Unlike generic bars or restaurants, PortuCale offers a true taste of Portugal, with expertly prepared dishes such as
Bife A Portucale
(steak specialty) and the impressiveSeafood Festival
, ensuring a culinary journey every time you visit. The food is not only delicious but served inabundant portions
, representing excellent value.Beyond the food, the dual concept of a fine dining restaurant and a dedicated sports bar lounge caters to a wider audience and offers flexibility. You can enjoy a
Romantic
orElegant
dinner in one room and move to the sports lounge forLate-night food
andHappy hour drinks
. The highlight of the bar selection, which includes an extensive wine list and fantastic cocktails, is a significant draw, perfect for unwinding after work or celebrating a special occasion.Finally, the excellent customer experience, consistently praised in reviews for being
top notch
andquick
, combined with the high level of accessibility—including ample free parking and full ADA compliance—removes common urban dining hurdles. When considering where to dine in the Ironbound, PortuCale provides a complete, high-value, and culturally rich experience that is perfect forLunch
,Dinner
,Solo dining
, or a largeCatering
event. Choosing PortuCale means choosing authentic flavor, great atmosphere, and unparalleled local service right here in New Jersey.PortuCale Restaurant & Bar Menu
Fish
- Polvo A Lagareiro / Grilled Octopus W/ Onions Etc. $42.95
Grilled Octopus topped w/ peppers & onions & olive oil served / unpeeled baked potatoes
- Salmao Do Atlantico Grelhado / Grilled Atlantic Salmon $31.95
Grilled salmon with rosemary and herb butter served with boiled potatoes and vegetables.
- Filetes A Algarvia / Sauteed Fish Fillets $29.95
Sauteed Fish Fillets Topped w/ Clams in White Wine Sauce Served w/ Mashed Potatoes & Vegetables
- Salmao Grelhado C/ Camarao / Grilled Salmon Topped W/ Shrimp $35.95
Grilled Salmon Topped w/ Shrimp Served w/ Boiled Potatoes & Vegetables
- Filete De Salmao A Portucale / Stuffed Salmon Fillet $30.95
Stuffed salmon with crab meat served with mashed potatoes and vegetables.
Grilled Meat
- Bife A Portucale $42.95
Grilled Shell Steak w/ Shrimp, Prosciutto, Mushrooms, Artichoke in Port Wine Reduction Served w/ Spanish Potatoes & Vegetables
- Bitoque $35.95
Angus Shell Steak Braised in Beer Sauce, Seasoned & Topped w/ an Egg Served w/ Spanish Potatoes
- Entranha / Skirt Steak $42.95
Grilled Skirt Steak Served w/ Rice & Sauteed Potatoes
- T-Bone Steak A Maitre D' Hotel $38.95
Grilled Angus Steak Topped w/ Garlic Butter Served w/ Sauteed Potatoes & Vegetables
- Costeleta De Vitela / Grilled Veal Chops $37.95
Charcoal grilled veal chops served with sauteed potatoes & asparagus
- Filet Mignon Com Rabo De Lagosta/ Filet Mignon With Lobster Tail $62.95
Surf and turf grilled lobster tail and tender filet mignon served with crispy potatoes and salad.
- Costela De Vaca / Grilled Short Ribs $32.95
Charcoal grilled short ribs served with fries and salad.
- Bife A Portuguesa $37.95
Grilled Angus Shell Steak in Portuguese Style Sauce, Topped w/ Ham & a Fried Egg Served w/ Spanish Potatoes
- Costeletinha De Cabrito / Grilled Lamb Chops $62.95
Grilled Lamb Chops w/ Dutch Sauce Served w/ Mashed Potatoes & Asparagus
- Angus Prime Rib Na Brasa / Grilled Angus Prime Rib $42.95
Grilled angus prime rib served with roasted potatoes and vegetables.
- Costeletao De Novilho Angus / Grilled Porterhouse $52.95
Grilled Angus Porterhouse Steak 22oz. Served w/ Spanish Potatoes & Asparagus
- Angus NY Shell Steak Na Brasa/ Grilled Sirloin Steak $42.95
Grilled Sirloin Steak Served w/ Sauteed Potatoes & Asparagus
- Filet Mignon Com Bacon/ Filet Mignon With Bacon $52.95
Grilled Filet Mignon Topped w/ Bacon Served w/ Asparagus & Mashed Potatoes
- Angus Rib Eye Steak Na Brasa/ Grilled Angus Rib Eye Steak $47.95
Grilled angus rib eye steak 22oz. Served with sautéed potatoes and vegetables.
Appetizers
- Uma Combinacao Aperitivos Portugueses/ A Combination Of Portuguese Appetizers $28.95
Flamed Portuguese sausage / octopus in garlic sauce / shrimp in garlic sauce / sautéed hot potatoes.
- Buffalo Wings $17.95
Buffalo wings.
- Lulas Fritas/ Fried Calamari $18.95
Fried calamari with cocktail sauce.
- Salada De Polvo/ Octopus Salad $24.95
Octopus salad (chopped onions and peppers drizzled with olive oil and vinegar).
- Tábua Regional- Presunto, Queijo/ Board Regional - Ham, Cheese $27.95
Tapas- prosciutto, cheese and Portuguese sausage.
- Chourico Caseiro Sauteado / Homemade Roasted Chourico $18.95
Flaming Portuguese sausage.
- Mexilhao Marinheira / Mussels In Tomato Sauce $18.95
Mussels in tomato sauce.
- Ameijoas A Bulhao Pato/ Clams In White Wine $20.95
Steamed clams in white wine sauce, garlic and cilantro.
- Bolinhos De Bacalhau Feitos Em Casa/ Homemade Codfish Pastries $17.95
Codfish pastries.
- Camarao Ao Alho / Shrimp In Garlic $18.95
Shrimp in garlic sauce.
- Polvo Ao Alho / Octopus In Garlic Sauce $24.95
Sautéed octopus in garlic sauce.
- Ameijoas Casino / Clam Casino $18.95
Clams stuffed with crab meat topped with bacon.
Pork & Chicken
- Carne De Porco A Alentejana / Sauteed Cubed Pork & Clams $28.95
Sautéed pork, clams and cubed potatoes in our “delicious Portuguese sauce".
- Picadinho A “Portucale"/ Sauteed Pork,Beef & Chicken $25.95
Sautéed pork, beef, chicken and Portuguese sausage with cubed potatoes in our “delicious Portuguese sauce".
- Peito De Frango A Estoril / Estoril Chicken Breast $26.95
Sauteed Chicken Breast w/ Shrimp in Mushroom & Garlic Sauce Served w/ Spanish Potatoes & Rice
- Peito De Frango A "Portucale" / Portucale Chicken Breast $27.95
Chicken Breast & Shrimp w/ Mushrooms, Artichokes in Port Wine Reduction Served w/ Rice & Spanish Potatoes
- Peito De Frango Ao Alho / Garlic Chicken Breast $22.95
Sautéed chicken breast in garlic sauce served with fries and rice.
Pastas
- Frutos Do Mar / Seafood Combination Pasta $30.95
Seafood Combination w/ Pasta in Alfredo Sauce or Tomato Sauce
- Linguine C/ Marisco / Linguine W/ Seafood $30.95
Linguine w/ Seafood Combination in a "Chefs Homemade Green Sauce"
Vegetarian
- Esparguete / Spaghetti $22.95
Spaghetti in Tomato & Oregano Sauce, Alfredo or Garlic Sauce
- Paelha $27.95
Vegetable Combination w/ Saffron Rice
Seafood
- Paelha Marinheira $42.95
Seafood Combination w/ Lobster, Mussels, Clams, Shrimp & Scallops Cooked w/ Saffron Rice
- Acorda De Marisco $32.95
Mix Bread w/ Assorted Seafood Combination Seasoned w/ Garlic, Cilantro Topped w/ an Egg
- Rabo De Lagosta Recheado / Stuffed Lobster Tail $72.95
Grilled Lobster Trail Stuffed w/ Crabmeat Served w/ Cripsy Spanish Potatoes & Salad
- Festival De Mariscos / Seafood Festival For 2 People $102.95
Grilled Seafood Festival for 2 (Lobster, shrimp, scallops, king crab legs, mussels, clams, jumbo shrimp, calamari & stuffed flounder fillets)
- Paelha Valenciana $45.95
Seafood Combination w/ Lobster, Mussels, Clams, Shrimp, Scallops, Portuguese Sausage & Boneless Chicken Cooked w/ Saffron Rice
- Camarao Jumbo Grelhado A Matozinhos / Grilled Jumbo Shrimp $32.95
Grilled Jumbo Shrimp in seafood reduction w/ crispy spanish potatoes & salad
- Mariscada Em Molho Verde Ou Vermelho / Grilled Seafood Combination $48.95
Grilled Seafood Combination w/ Lobster, Mussels, Clams, Shrimp, & Scallops in Green (Wine) or Red (Tomato) Sauce
- Arroz De Marisco A Portuguesa / Portuguese Seafood Rice $38.95
Portuguese seafood rice (lobster,clams, mussels, shrimp, scallops & king crab legs)
- Gambas A Mocambique / Grilled Prawns $58.95
Grilled Prawns in a light Hot Seafood sauce served w/ salad & crispy spanish potatoes
Beverage
- Coke $3.25
The cold, refreshing, sparkling classic that America loves.
- Diet Coke $3.25
A crisp, refreshing taste you know and love with zero calories.
- Sprite $3.25
The cold, refreshing flavors of lemon and lime, perfectly blended.
House Specialty
- Bacalhau A Portucale / Portucale Codfish $33.95
Roasted Sliced Codfish w/ Cream, Shrimp, Spinach Topped w/ Cheese Gratin in the Oven
- Bacalhau Na Telha Com Grelos / Cod On Tile With Broccoli Rabe $34.95
Grilled Codfish on a Clay Tile Topped w/ Mashed Potatoes, Onions & Broccoli Rabe
- Bacalhau Espiritual / Oven Baked Cod Fish $32.95
Oven Baked Cod Fish w/ Onions, Eggs, Parsley & Potato Sticks
- Bacalhau A Lagareiro / Codfish In Olive Oil $32.95
Grilled codfish with peppers, onions, garlic and plenty of olive oil served with unpeeled baked potatoes.
- Bacalhau A Braga / Fried Salted Cod Fish $31.95
Fried salt codfish topped with sautéed onions served with fried round potatoes.
Salads
- Salada Tropical / Tropical Salad $38.90
Tossed salad with fruit (orange, apple, pineapple, strawberry and blueberry).
- Salada A PortuCale (Large) $13.00
Lettuce w/ Tomato,Onions, Heart of Palm & Shredded Carrot
- Salada A Portucale (Small) $10.00
Lettuce w/ Tomato,Onions,Heart of Palm & Shredded Carrots
- Salada De Atum/ Tuna Salad $21.95
Tuna salad.
PortuCale Restaurant & Bar Details
Service options
- Outdoor seating
- Delivery
- Takeout
- Dine-in
Highlights
- Fast service
- Great beer selection
- Great cocktails
- Great coffee
- Great dessert
- Great wine list
- Serves local specialty
- Sports
Popular for
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
- Wheelchair accessible seating
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Coffee
- Comfort food
- Happy hour drinks
- Happy hour food
- Hard liquor
- Healthy options
- Late-night food
- Private dining room
- Quick bite
- Small plates
- Vegan options
- Vegetarian options
- Wine
Dining options
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Catering
- Dessert
- Seating
- Table service
Amenities
- Bar onsite
- Restroom
- Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Cozy
- Romantic
- Trendy
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- Groups
- Tourists
Planning
- Lunch reservations recommended
- Reservations required
- Dinner reservations recommended
- Accepts reservations
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
- Credit cards
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
- Kids' menu
Parking
- Free parking lot
- Free street parking
- On-site parking
- Parking
PortuCale Restaurant & Bar Photos










PortuCale Restaurant & Bar Location
PortuCale Restaurant & Bar
129 Elm St, Newark, NJ 07105, USA
PortuCale Restaurant & Bar Reviews
sangriaappetizerpatioparkingsalmonstuffedlobsterpitchercrabpotatoes
★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1A cozy yet elegant spot in downtown Newark, couldn't ask for more! As someone who does not know Portuguese cuisine I was so happy to try and and throughly enjoyed it. The old world ambiance is also super intriguing and made me feel like I was both at home and somewhere I've never been.
March 31 · Alivia AshenfarbStopped here on our way to Newark airport. Not disappointed in any way! The food was delicious and served in abundant portions! Service was top notch. Everything came out quickly and accurately. Nothing was left out! Will definitely stop here again! A+
July 12 · Rogerio EstevesI’m giving these guys 5 stars because I’ve never heard any waiter sing the Happy birthday song as passionate as this guy! We had my cousin’s birthday here. The food tasted amazing. Service was great with little wait time for the food. They also had amazing broa haha :) We had bacalhau, leitao, frango assado, steak, giant shrimp. All tasted amazing. My only regret is that we didn’t have dessert from the place because we brought the birthday cake from an outside place. But these guys were nice enough to hold it for us and bring it out in time with the candles. It wasn’t too noisy, so we were able to enjoy conversations and laughters. Their indoor seating is nice and spacious with a few rooms to dine in. They also have plenty of outdoor dining space. They also have parking! Thank you so much for your hospitality and for making my cousin’s birthday so memorable. We all had a great time.
September 12 · Diana NunesJust excellent all around....Roxanna behind the bar is our favorite!
September 17 · carolyn mahoneyWe use to frequent here a lot before Covid time. We have been here before with a group, but this was the first time we came as a small group. First it is one of the only places that is open late in Newark on a weekday. It wasn’t packed on this particular night. Even though it was past 10 pm the servers were very attentive and helpful.Everyone enjoyed their meals. My meat was moist and flavorful. It was perfect. My parents enjoyed their seafood choices as well. The sangria was perfectly missed. I forgot how much I enjoyed this place. We will back again.
March 27 · Jenny Ramos
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