F A N T A S T I C !!! Love this place and the food. The staff are very friendly and polite. I always order the rodizio as all the meats are cooked perfectly. Get there early because this place is always packed. They take reservations but also take a lot of walk-ins as well!
(5)
Luke V.
The food was fantastic. They have two endless rodizio options. $34.99 you get a variety of meats that are delicious. For $38.99 you get just endless Picanha. I got the later since it's my favorite steak cut. I was not disappointed. I also tried a friends lobster/shrimp seafood dish which was tasty as well. And other dishes that walked by looked great as well. The place is busy on Saturday and a little loud. However we in no way felt rushed the entire time we were there. It was great and I look forward to going back. Perhaps after a meat detox.
(5)
Nefty 7.
This place is absolutely amazing. No matter what you order you cannot go wrong!!! Simply amazing!!!
(5)
Diana H.
After reading So many good reviews on this place, I knew I had to give it a try. Especially for the rodiZio and the sangria. Sadly though, I think there's too much hype about this place. The meats offered were good. Their sides and salad bar are a poor excuse of side dishes.
(3)
Alex B.
I had to loosen my belt because of the amount of food the servers kept insisting I tried 10/10 would have a meat coma again
(5)
Javier A.
Great place to Dine! Service is on point and the food portions are to leave you stuffed.
(5)
Kyla M.
My first Rodizio experience and I was very impressed. The food was absolutely delicious and the service was impeccable. I tried my friend's shrimp dish and it was delicious and very fresh. The ambiance can't be replicated.
(5)
Hai Y.
Went here on multiple occasions with friends and family . Sangria is good. I had shrimp pasta and tried the rodizio. Rodizio was great and pasta was just okay . Boyfriend got a seafood platter which smelled off and he had to return. They gladly offered him meat from the rodizio free of charge which was very considerate of them. Three stars since we may have caught them on an off day. I would go back to try other things in the menu.
(3)
Rich K.
Great meal and fantastic, attentive service. If you love Rodizio, you'll definitely get your fix here. Will definitely be back!
(5)
Kris R.
Pretty decent steakhouse. Had a good meal here with wine. The chicken entree was cooked to perfection and delicious, while the choice pinot noir we were offered was nothing short of excellent. The ambience is great too, tho its a little on the pricey side. Definitely revisit
(4)
Eric M.
In Newark and hungry for meats? Then you want the rodizio selection from Fernandes Steak House. I've tried other rodizio dishes around the Ironbound a few times (not going to name locations for obvious reasons), but this to me and others I speak to whenever I visit, say all great things about the place. The waiters are friendly and patient when you get there, due to the huge selection of choices you have. Sangria isn't all hyped up to be, but there's a full bar and TVs all around the restaurant. Family friendly, awesome atmosphere and overall a great place with a bar where you can actually bring your kids. There aren't that many great, let alone good places with a full bar where your kids would enjoy themselves. It gets crowded quick, especially for occasions therefore tables are too close together; 4 out of 5 for that.
(4)
Letizia V.
One word Awesome! !! You don't already know you never leave this place hungry especially if you order the Rodizio. And well.....thats what me and my family had. If your a meat lover this is the place to go. Service is great the food just kept coming that we actually needed to tell them we were done and full. Its great when you have to tell your server to stop coming to your table. :)
(5)
Ron T.
My 1st Brazilian restaurant experience and it was impressive! Great service, great food and friendly. Buffet open salad bar wss poor or it would get 5 star. $31 all you can eat
(4)
G M.
This place is in an old time bank building in a bit of a run down area that the owners have renovated into a beautiful restaurant. The perfect example of "you can't judge a book by its cover". The Rodizio is the way to go here. You will leave full but your wallet will be a little lighter. At $38 for the better cuts of meat it's not exactly cheap, but if you have a big appetite you'll get your money's worth. Another dish worth trying is the picadinho. A traditional portuguese peasant dish which can be made with beef or pork cubes with potatoes in a light gravy. Add shrimp if you like. Huge portions and very tasty. Why no 5th star? Since their menu is so big I guess they can't do everything well. Most things are good but there is the occasional miss. Last time I was there I had a Portuguese steak. It was cooked correctly (Ned rare for me) but the quality of the meat was poor, it was tough. My wife had stuffed shrimp that, while well cooked and a big portion, didn't have the best flavors. And yes the sangria is great, at $25 a pitcher it should be. But don't drink too much unless you're not driving. It packs a punch.
(4)
Cody M.
Great place to take friends or family on vacation from Europe. Skip breakfast & lunch if you plan on having the rodizio. Meat lovers dream.
(4)
Amr A.
Came here with a group of 9 friends and fam. The service here is really good and we all pretty much did the rodizio, for the price you can't beat it. Expect to pay 20-25 less than fogo and get pretty close to the same quality. I got lots of nice medium and rate cuts like I like. Not much was overcooked like I often experience at Brazilian steakhouses so that was a big plus in my book. The salad bar was a waste of time but the rice, fried banana and fries they serve were good. Also for the non pork eaters they have a variety of beef cuts from sirloin to ribs to ribeye, they have chicken and lamb too. Amazing value for the 32.50 in my book. I am definitely coming back.
(5)
Colleen P.
Exploring Rodizios in Newark... This is by far the best one... Good variety of meats and restaurant setting is highly recommended for a special date! The place is well decorated with its originality of antique appliances ... The quest is over for finding the best Rodizio in Newark.
(4)
Frank M.
Rodizio excellent, salad bar not big but I like it, sangria not very good, anything else I had fair at best. I would recommend for rodizio only!
(2)
Mimi T.
come here for the rodizio! you will leave a really happy person and maybe slightly upset when you get home.. because you just stuffed yourself silly with unlimited meat. do not fall for the chicken, pork, sausage, turkey.. whatever that comes around that's not steak. if it comes first.. don't be a sucker. wait for the garlic steak and filet mignon with cheese. so freakin delicious! i would be fine if nothing else come out of the kitchen... p.s. everyone loved the desserts. i had the creme brulee.. pretty good. sangria was delicious. i think we had four pitchers. it was a bday dinner afterall :) p.p.s. this place is great for kids.. there's a guy that performs magic and makes balloon hats/animals!
(4)
David Y.
So Fernandes is in a really crappy neighborhood. It even has a couple homeless drunks out front. They also have a private parking lot, so just go there and all is good. Three of us went here specifically for the rodizio and we were not disappointed. They meat was cooked perfectly to my tasting and it just was an ongoing orgy of meats. It primarily consisted of steak, but there was also pork, chicken and lamb. I did try a couple of mouth fulls of the beans and they were wonderful, but I stayed away from the side dishes in general as you are there for the meat. Dishes that stick out were the bacon wrapped filet mignon and the cheese and pork. They were really exceptionally good. For desert my friend got the flan and I got the cannoli cake. I tasted the flan and thought it was just ok, but really enjoyed the cake. Also, we got some sangria and i recommend that as well.
(5)
Stephanie S.
So I would have given this place 5 stars because every time I come here I enjoy it very much. It is actually my favorite place to go and tonight I decided to go there for my birthday dinner. I'm so disappointed I probably will not be going back. My favorite dish is the fernandes and getting the stone to cook it yourself (I get it every time) I come here at least once a month. Tonight the waiter brought me the wrong dish and refused to fix it so I spoke to manager who was also rude and told me "he'll do me the favor" and to top it of the waiter came asking us why did we tell his manager on him . I'm in shock still and did not even get desert for my birthday!!!!! Totally ruined my night !!!!! I will be calling tomorrow to talk to the owner I am so upset
(1)
Jeremy A.
Where do I begin? This place was GREAT! I went here with 7 of my employees for a dinner meeting. We all ordered the Rodizio which was an all you can eat combination platter of all types of meat. The servers brought skewers of each cut of meat right to our table. From there, he sliced and served it upon request. The roast beef was AMAZING!!! I easily ate 60oz of meat. I will bring my family here
(5)
Anthony M.
After years of going to Iberia and other Ironbound restaurants, I tried Fernandez and was thoroughly impressed. Their rodizio and steaks are the best in the area and have decent prices. Their seafood, although not the best in Ironbound is still very good. Also their sangria is a little strong but that's how I like it. Free valet parking is a plus and the building reminds me of an old castle with the huge wooden doors as your entrance. The location isn't great but once you're inside the only thing that matters is the food.
(4)
Sonia P.
Great food but horrible service! We were told by a waiter ti relax after waiting for a 1/2 hr for ice cream for our son. Our apps came out after dinner & were cold. Again great food but horrible service. After going there for years i don't think I'll go back not worth the aggravation.
(1)
Ken R.
The Rodizio here is outstanding! I went with a group of co-workers and we all left stuffed to the gills! We think it became sort of a challenge with the wait staff to see how much food they could pack into us! I'm not a light eater but there was no chance I was keeping up with the amount of rodizio meats they were ferrying to the table.
(4)
Justyna W.
Best restaurant in area I've been coming here for years and never got disappointed. Food is always fresh and their service is excellent especially Valentino :) Drinks are made right way and Spanish coffee is my favorite dessert !!
(5)
Maria S.
This is where you go for Rodizio and Sangria. The meats are cooked and seasoned just right. The sangria is awesome. You will leave this place feeling totally full and satisfied, with a severe case of the "itis" but it's all good. The salad bar is decent, though I have seen better displays before, but it doesn't matter because it's still awesome, and you want to save room for all that meat anyway. You can also order off the menu, but I don't see myself coming all the way to Newark and skipping out on the rodizio. It's just too good. I saw people at another table who ordered lobster and filet mignon cooked on tile, and it looked and smelled amazing... maybe one day! Our waiter was cool. I think his name was Rafael, but I could totally be wrong. He was helpful and always joking around, which made our experience all the more enjoyable. At the end of your meal they bring over a whole pineapple that they roasted in cinnamon and sugar! That was the first time I have ever tried a tasty combination of flavors like that... Definitely going back again! Wish it wasn't all the way in Newark, but it is what it is... If you are planning on going, make reservations one or two days in advance otherwise you will have to wait about 45 minutes or so for a table, which isn't all that bad because you can have some sangria at the bar and watch them roast all the meats, which will make you hungry.
(5)
Gillean C.
Went last night for my mother's birthday and from the beginning, the waiter was absolutely the worst. He was rude and seemed to only care about the money to the point where at the end, he opened the bill in front of us to check the tip! We also waited for the food for about an hour on a night where it was not packed at all. The food was absolutely not worth the prices. Only good points were the sangria and the rest of the staff other than our main waiter that served the food. Very disappointed overall from the hype this restaurant has received, I'm wondering if we caught them on an off night..still I will never know as I will not be coming back. Spend your money elsewhere as there are far superior Portuguese restaurants out there.
(1)
Yesenia R.
Decided to try this restaurants due to all the reviews for my birthday dinner. The service was great, and the free valet parking was awesome. I personally tried the Rodizio and was not a fan because I am a all red meat kind of girl. Not a fan of pork. The rest of the food was alright. Another thing that I did not like was that the red velvet cake tasted old. Will not be trying this place again. Way better restaurants in the area.
(3)
gil i.
man this place was so fun on all levels (literally): several different eating spaces, two floors, friendly & attentive staff, delicious Sangria and they had to roll me out of there after the excellent Rodizio.
(5)
Jessica C.
LOVE THIS PLACE!!!! my favorite is the churassco a la plancha! melts in your mouth kinda steak! My fiance and step son go to town on the rodizio and leave there stuffed! its hidden but the best find i have ever had!
(5)
Meena N.
I got the rodizio or what I call it, the churrascaria. Prices are reasonable, albiet the guy serving us/taking care of us was really awkward and weird. Like, I would move my cup or my fork to where I like it to be, and he moved them back... like..dude...don't touch my silverware. Other than that, the food is good, as in the seafood paella my sister got and the filet mignon my nieces got to share on the hot stone tablet was excellent, but my 3 stars comes from the actual meat they had. I've been to several churrascarias- Fogo de Chao/M Grill (LA) and Espetus (SF) and Brazzaz (Chicago), Pikanha Brazilian BBQ (East Bay, CA) as well as a few places in Brasil itself so .....this place was okay. Granted they say it's a "Spanish restaurant" but the rodizio is the same thing. Meats are all okay, some were just way too salty. My favorite from any place is the picanha which is top sirloin cap. THAT is my favorite piece. For the most part, the meats that went around were cooked more than medium rare, which is what I like. You just have to indicate to them what you'd like. Their chicken hearts are bleh. MY FAVORITE after the picanha is always the chicken hearts, if they have them. Over here, the meat was dry and it had a weird taste. They weren't juicy and perfectly cooked here. boo. Considering the reviews, I guess this place is better than any other places, but in CA where I'm from, it wouldn't fly with me. They give you all the side dishes too including rice, beans, plantains, etc. But their salad bar there is kind of sad. I was hoping they had the pao de quiso (In argentina they called them Chipas) but they didn't have that delicious cheese bread they usually have. If you were at this restaurant, do not pass up their paella. it was delicious.
(3)
Jason M.
I like this place because of the bangin rodizio and the fact that they have a full menu besides that. Great seafood. Also the guys here are Real Madrid fans! Put yer phone down and get over here!
(4)
illy D.
The service is so attentive and nice. The Rodizio is amazing everything they bring to you is fresh and amazing in flavor! The best ever. The garlic steak, pork and cheese or steak and cheese is just out of this world! I've been here plenty of times and never did the Rodizio but it's a must, at this place! You will not be disappointed? I promise!
(5)
Conrad B.
Visit: 01/23/15 We've been here a few times before and while we've liked it every time, but this time it seemed extra good. Maybe it's because I had their Picanha na Braza which is their best cut of beef served until I said "No Mas!" I had recently found out about Picanha and how good it is. I've even found a Portugese butcher that sells it. I really don't understand why this cut of meat isn't found in local supermarkets. There were a bunch of us and most had the rodizio. No complaints there! Everyone who had it loved it. A couple had the Mariscada em Salsa Verde which they too raved about and were able to bring half of it home for 'seconds." (Rodizio is a "all you can eat - No sharing- No doggie bag deal... which I guess I can understand.) Portuguese potatoes (like thick, wonderful potato chips) Spanish rice and their rice and beans were all excellent... as were the fried plantains. Everything just SOOOO good. The service was excellent too. So many waiters running around slicing off wonderful meats (and pineapple) always courteous and pleasant. Once the first plate is filled... it just doesn't stop. Oh and the sangria... red or white... as good as I've ever had anywhere.
(5)
Tony V.
Unassuming place just go in and be surprised. Food. Monster lobster double wipe goodness. Sluuurrrppp. If youve never had octopus have it here. Staff. will definitely spoil you. This is happy food in a happy place.
(4)
Donna A.
The food and service was amazing! We celebrated our 11 year anniversary and glad we chose this place. We got the rodizio; very delicious and filling. It comes with a salad bar, fries, rice, beans, and large assortment of meats.The only little thing that was not appealing to me was the host wasn't dressed to appropriate attire wearing a zip up jacket and jeans. when we were leaving one of the servers was counting the money in front of us; which made me feel uncomfortable. Other than that everything was good and we will be back!
(4)
Paul S.
Place is unreal. Did the rodizio for a group. The food was amazing. Will definitely be back.
(5)
Megan E.
This place is awesome. We go here frequently and they have never disappointed us. No matter what kind of food you order here, steak, rodizio, seafood, it is all very good! The service is also excellent, from the really nice valet guys to the host and waiters, everyone is super accommodating and attentive. You can tell they take pride in working here and the experience is all around great every time. I highly recommend it!
(5)
Rick M.
Fernandes has spoiled me. Why go to a steakhouse and pay $25-30 for one cut of steak when you can go here for almost the same price and get over 20 styles of perfectly-cooked meat? The consistency of their rodizio is unmatched. Very, very rarely do you get a tough piece of meat. My personal favorites: flank steak, top sirloin, pork with cheese, beef with cheese... the list could go on and on and on. And don't forget about their pineapple! Great way to finish a satisfying meal and cleanse the pallet. Why do into NYC and pay $60+ per person when you can come here and get better quality and quantity for almost half the price?
(5)
Michelle C.
Excellent rodizio meal. Much thanks to my wonderful boyfriend for taking me here for a lovely birthday dinner. We both ordered the rodizio and skipped appetizers as the salad bar combined with unlimited meats would be plenty. The salad bar was cute and minimal - and more than enough given the size of the entrees (we scoped out other tables - it would be quite hard not to have leftovers). My favs included the mozzarella (yes, you read that right - smoky grilled cheese - looked like roasted marshmallows but was the perfect mix of smoke, cream and salt and was completely awesome and surprising), top sirloin (melt in your mouth), garlic steak (don't talk to anyone for a day after), chicken and ham. I thought the rest of the meats were just average, although the bf really enjoyed the short rib also. Some of the meats were quite salty, which I loved, but it may be a bit much for some people. I skipped all the carbalicious side dishes. We learned a cool tip from nearby diners - if you order the Churrasco a Fernandes from the menu, you get all of the meats from the rodizio in a huge portion - and get to take the leftovers home. I was really bummed that they cleared away my fried banana that I put aside for dessert, but the grilled cinnamon pineapple slice was yummy. Service was a bit disorganized at times when we were there, but we were advised with an apology that they were training some new staff. Nothing really to complain about.
(4)
Sea J.
This place is very impressive with the decor of a castle mixed with a cozy cabin. My friends suggested dining here after a show at the prudential center. It was a mad house with 1 hour wait for dinner. Within the waiting room was a refrigerated case window showing thick cuts of meat and fish. That too was exciting. Since i went to a show on a girls out night, we were a group of young women. Versed enough on where women get seated, next to the wait station with a slippery floor i ask for one of the other visible tables available. Well, that was a no go so we sat, still looking forward to a memorable meal. True, they do provide an abundance of food. However, it became obvious that this is a tourist destination and the quantity was not worth the quality. Skip it and go to casa verde if you want some creative and authentic Portuguese food. My dog is enjoying my leftovers.
(2)
Carl T.
i rarely give 5 stars . The sangria is delicious , the food was outstanding and the service was more than top notch. Im a once in a while meat eater, but when i do this is where ill be going. i wanted to eat more but just couldn't physically do it. awesome place. Give newark and this restaurant some of your business, you will be happy you did.
(5)
Connie P.
Been here a few times and I have to say that this is a Great place, staff is very polite and food is good, good sangria too, portions are pretty big.
(4)
Mark C.
I was stupid not to make reservations for New Years Eve but Fernandes pulled through for me. I was in the mood for Rodizio and most places around Ferry Street were doing a NYE package for the night. Since I was only interested in dinner and making other plans later, this worked out. Food was delicious! Every meat brought out was full of flavor and cooked perfect. Lots of side items and the servers were on top of everything. Salad bar and desserts were only average so stick to the meats if you visit for Rodizio.
(4)
Jeff F.
Well run restaurant, great care is taken with the wait staff, the food handling, and the cleanliness, true professionals are running Fernandes. We stopped in during off hours, Monday about 2pm. The Rodizio Especial was endless and the flavor of all the selections were tasty, the turkey wrapped in bacon was very flavorful, the spicy sausage was tangy and robust, the Philly cheesesteak was creative too. The portion sizes were over the top, huge. My daughter ordered the Pasta Alfredo with Chicken, the plate and portion were bigger than her head! We also enjoyed the Tilapia Filet and Chilean Seabass at the table. The location is situated away from most of the the Ironbound haunts but it is more than worth the hunt we endured to find it. Well done Fernandes.
(5)
Chrissy C.
Three words: Meat. Sangria. Meat. Do yourself a favor and starve yourself for at least 6 hours before you get here. If you're going to go for an app (which you should), get a light seafood dish. We had fantastic clams in salsa verde. Fat tender little clams swimming in delicious white wine salsa verde. The salad bar and Portuguese rolls are great, but don't fill up on them or you will be sorry. You're here for the rodizio, so get the rodizio. The anticipation starts when you walk by the bar and you see and smell slabs of meat fire-roasting on a spit in a coal oven. I've never felt like such a carnivorous beast in my life, feasting on glorious roast beef, strip steak, ham, skirt steak, flat iron steak, sausage, chicken & turkey wrapped in bacon, rib eye steak, lamb, and best of all bacon-wrapped filet mignon. When the Lord turns away naughty vegans at the gates of Heaven, he sends them to Fernandes Steak House. The BEST part about this place is that after a while, you think you've had every kind of meat on the menu, but then they bring out the wild cards. I thought I was full until they brought around "cheese stuffed pork." Um, yes please. When you're finished, they bring out some cinnamon pineapple for you :) The service is wonderful. They are swift, agile, courteous, and do their best to get out of your way as soon as possible. My BF didn't appreciate when the guy chuckled at him when he stopped eating a half hour before I did...but I say he deserved it for being a wimp ;) Speaking of wimps, why are people complaining about the strong sangria? Hell yeah it was strong and fruity and I loved it. Can they please open up Fernandes Steak House III in New Brunswick? I'm pretty sure "rodizio" is the Brazilian word for "Heaven."
(5)
Young S.
Wow this place is the best rodizio i've been to. Service was great, waiters were nice, and the meat kept on coming. Some rodizios i've been to would take there time to bring different cuts of meat, but not at Fernandes. Almost As soon as you're done with meat a different cut is being served up. Rib-eye, top sirloin, beef ribs, flank, chicken, sausages, rib roast, roast beef, they were all very flavorful. We also had the sangria, but its was a little too fruity for me,,,,,kind of like Kool-aid. but cant complain. Very nice decor too. definitely worth every penny of 29.99 Other patrons around our table had a la carte menu items which also looked very delicious. Will be back again. 4.5*
(4)
Neveen A.
Went on Easter Sunday and I was not disappointed. The portions are HUGE and the atmosphere was nice. Seating could have been better but all in all a good experience.
(4)
Eric I.
Good food , good service. I recommend the rodizio. Open salad bar is also plus.
(4)
Piyathida Emily S.
Normally I wouldn't drive to Newark unless going (or dropping my family/friends at) to the airport, but for Fernandes Steak House, YES!, I would drive to Newark no matter what. Besides food, the service, the atmosphere, and the decoration are very nice.
(5)
Wesley M.
We ventured to the Ironbound section of Newark for rodizio, but what we left with was an experience. First the GPS led us from Jersey City through some back roads and streets that you wouldn't want to be caught by yourself after sundown. Secondly, we spotted what looked like Fernandes, but was actually the cafe/deli version of the restaurant where you could get burgers and sandwiches. This happened to be a block or two from the actual Fernandes, which was inconvenient because we had to walk a few seemingly treacherous blocks in Newark to the world famous Fernandes. I recommend parking in the fenced in parking area that they offer. Once you enter the Fernandes castle from the back, you pass through 3 massive doors that lead you through an outdoor living room into a very nice dining room budding with activity. It was just a Monday night and they were very busy, although we didn't have to wait for a table. I didn't have to think about what I was going to order, because I knew I wanted rodizio. I just looked around and at one table skewers of sausage and chicken legs were being served and at another - bacon wrapped filet mignon. My girlfriend was inexperienced in this realm, so I just ordered for her. Don't take the wait personally, because the way it works is that you are seated by the host, your order taken by your waiter, and then actually served all evening by different people that have their own roles. Meat skewers will pass you by until the servers prepare fresh rice, beans, french fries, and fried bananas. You also have access to a nice sized salad bar. Tip: don't fill up on the salad bar, you'll thank me later. Each cut of meat, whether it be the sausage, chicken, or various types of beef, were all seasoned and cooked to perfection. We had a really great time and will recommend to friends and family.
(5)
Tony M.
Best Rodizio! Great selection of meats. It gets crowded (and consequently noisy) on weekends, so make sure to make reservations. The salad bar was just ok, so don't fill up on it! The sangria was not good. It was not sweet enough to my taste. Service also felt a little rushed at times. Like I said, the Rodizio is the way to go here and don't let them rush you. Take your time savoring the wonderful and various cuts of meat!
(4)
Gloria R.
I would have given Fernandes a better rating but the service SUCKED!!! The waiter kept ignoring us our food was given to us about an hour later lol... I guess that's what happens when you go on a busy Friday. They really need more waiters on the weekends. Just saying... Now to the good part the food was 4.5 stars I would say I had the garlic shrimp yum loved it!!! The calamari's I can live without they were a bit hard and COLD... The sangria was ok I've had better (wayyyyyy better lol). Over all for a busy Friday night in Ironbound it was overall OK.. Oh yeah dessert was grrrreat that I give 5 stars bahahaha
(3)
Fabio G.
Our server was terrible . My cousin ordered the large shrimp and if the server was any good he should have asked her if she meant prawns. Instead he came over 3 times and said she was wrong. Then to add to the insult he charged her for 2 dinners because while she waited her husband ate 1 shrimp. Tonight was disappointing service was terrible. In 15 years it has never been like this . My family has brought many people here and this isn the way customers should be treated. It was insulting! .
(1)
Alison D.
This place was great! I took my dad here for Father's day since he said it was great. I had the red sangria which was delicious and pretty strong. The food was fantastic. I tried the surf & turf combo, the filet was very tender and cooked exactly to order, the lobster was also very tasty. I also had a bite of the crab cake and stuffed shrimp but was so stuffed couldn't finish everything. For appetizers we had the garlic shrimp which was good but we also ordered the shrimp with small Chorizo and mushrooms which seemed like an odd combination. This was so good that next time we go I think I'll just order that. The service was also phenomenal, everyone was attentive and friendly and even though the place was getting pretty full by the time we left we didn't feel rushed. Plus since it was a holiday they included the tip and were all apologetic... hey I didn't care, I probably would have tipped more! Definitely a nice place and will be back.
(5)
Shawn C.
This place is the definition of AWESOME. My all time favorite location in Newark. Back when I worked there, this place would be at the top of the list to come to for dinner. I'm surprised that after the many times coming here, it would take me this long to pen a review for this location. There is absolutely nothing wrong with this place... Service? Friendly and charming. Always a blast every time. Food? To die for. Eat to your hearts content; go with the rodizio! Desserts are always very delicious to. Throw in some sangria and you're all set. I don't know about you, but any combination of meat and sangria has me interested automatically... But this place? The flavor and preparation of the meat is out of this world and the sangria is always delicious. There is parking available (free-valet)- keep an eye open for it and try to avoid parking on the street as it can be a little difficult depending the time that you go.
(5)
Jessica S.
Absolute Favorite!! Rodizio is an experience here, the wait staff is the best. I have never had a bad meal here
(5)
Victoria W.
Really really fantastic sangria. We had shrimp cocktail, and a combination meal of steak, lobster tail, crab cake, and stuffed shrimp, and crem brulee. All of the food was absolutely amazing. My only complaints are the music (I really don't think that that Michael Jackson and Van Halen were really working for a Portugese steakhouse,) and our server wasn't particularly nice or attentive. Not rude, I just expected more from someone when I'm only one of his two tables, and paying $75 per person on a very slow Monday.
(5)
Linda G.
Amazing food and great service. Definitely worth trying!!!
(5)
Nayeli V.
Me and my family came for my parents anniversary , our waiter Rafael was great! He was really friendly and extremely helpful! He explained everything on the menu and helped us make extremely great food choices. I got the Rodizio (wouldn't be right if I didn't as a meat lover) which was wayyyyy more then enough! All different meats coming every 5 minutes, I was stuffed by the 6th meat but I couldn't say no every time he came with another one. Everyone else got seafood which they all devoured! This place has a homey feel and is definitely a family feel restaurant, great staff, great food and oh I almost forgot AMAZING sangria!
(5)
Yeraldine S.
This place is astonishing. I'm so happy that Nobel (my fellow-Yelper) and I discussed rodizio while we were in A.C. Once he found out I haven't had rodizio ...he looked up a place he had not been to and off we went to Fernandes Steak House! The place offers valet parking but we missed it and parked on the corner of the street. Once we were inside there was a few doors to get into. The place has this fancy cabin interior that follows all the way to the inside. The service here was great all night. The atmosphere of the place was also nice. We were greeted and seated right away. We had some delicious sangria to start off before the rodizio madness started. Why haven't I had RODIZIO!? It was a dream of mine come true...seriously.I'm such a carnivore. The meat never stopped. You have to come on an empty stomach because the meat starts piling up. I felt like a contestant on Man Vs. Food and at one point I realized I was eating more than Nobel. (I was proud). I tried to remember all the meat that was giving to us so I could Yelp about it but there was so much... filet mignon with mozzarella was my favorite. I had to put up the white flag after the men kept coming around with more. Finally when I couldn't move, we were giving caramelized pineapple--so sweet and delicious. I forgot to mention, you are also free to go to the salad bar..but who wants green when you are there for the meat!? Not me. I highly recommend the rodizio at Fernandes to all the meat lovers!
(5)
Matt K.
Great gem hidden in the iron bound section A definite go to for the best rodizio they have a ample menu filled with scrumptious Portuguese inspired dishes for the non rodizio people .. Great service on point staff attending to your needs . Sangria flows like water and try make sure your cup is filled All the meats in my rodizio were cooked perfectly . Didn't have room for desert but From the ones I saw pass by the table they looked very delicious Reasonably priced a must stop if in Newark for a concert or sporting event !
(5)
Denise F.
The meats and the service are awesome. My one gripe is that they should have one of the green/red chips to have the stop bringing out the food. We couldn't catch a break!! I guess one could say that's a good thing. The salad bar could use a face lift as well. Reasonably priced too for all you get.
(4)
Erica N.
Party of 4 got seated no problem on a Sunday afternoon. We all did the rodizio. Service is friendly, but maybe a bit on the slow side. Bread for the table is delicious. Red sangria was yummy. Was told to get the creme brulee but wound up unimpressed. Their flan was much better in my opinion. The reason for the one star is the fact that all four of us got VIOLENTLY ILL all through the night and next morning. I honestly would have just let it slide and opted not to write a review if we had all just gotten tummy aches or something, or if it hadn't been every single member of our party, but I'm talking repeatedly vomiting plus diarrhea and of course losing sleep. Now about half of the meat we got was pretty good and tasty, but the other half was subpar. The subpar meat had a metallic taste - I just thought they had overcooked; it didn't actually taste or smell like rotten meat. But I guess it's more a reflection of the cleanliness of their establishment. Such a shame. It's a good 30 hours later and I'm still in pain. Never coming back, ever!
(1)
Amy R.
True authentic Portuguese food. This restaurant has been around for ages, it has burned down once or twice i believe. I have come here numerous times with family and friends, the food is fantastic. They are one of the best places to eat Rodizio in the ironbound. If you plan to come here on the weekend i suggest you make a reservation because even though this place has 2 floors of dining, it gets PACKED!
(5)
Danny F.
Pretty good food and service. I liked pretty much everything. Can't go wrong here for Brazilian BBQ.
(5)
Keith B.
Best steaks in New jersey good service yelp keeps try ing to say review on short side the steaks &seafood is the best period
(5)
Mikhail V.
Had Rodizio with friends last night. The food and drinks were excellent. Save a couple minor inconviniences like lack of creme brulee and an Apple Tart but steaks cooked to perfection and turkey that actually came out juicy more than made up for it. Two things to note. 1. Place is noisy, not quite like a soccer stadium but getting there. 2. Make a reservation and don't be late. The place on a Saturday night is packed to capacity! Overall visit: come very very very hungry!
(5)
Leonard M.
The best of any establishment in Newark. My all time favorite both during my playing days and afterwards. "Valentine" is the greatest of waiters and his service matches the delicious meats and seafood dishes serves. I cannot say enough great things about this restaurant. It's simply the best!
(5)
Wesley T.
I haven't eaten at Fernandes since the fire they had. I came here for Thanksgiving dinner and had an excellent churrasco meal. The picanha is definitely the best cut. The sausage was also very good. The bread and salad also are excellent. The red sangria was a perfect balance of sweet, but not too sweet.
(5)
Natalia W.
Great food and service. The salad bar used to have a larger variety, would love to see more options there!
(4)
Mary F.
The Bad - Need bigger tables with all the food they serve The Good - Big portions for their price - Really friendly staff - Unlimited salad bar to complement your meal - Unlimited meats for around $30 (count me in!)-- you get to take 3 breaks in between - Grilled pineapple covered with cinnamon sugar....drools The Bottomline: Definitely pay this place a visit. Try not to eat anything beforehand though. They also have ciabatta bread on the side!
(4)
Ivette C.
This place is a must for steak lovers! Ordering the Rodizio will allow you to have a taste of all of the different meats they have. I've been there 3 times and each time, the wait staff was very attentive (you won't be sitting around wondering where your waiter went). The selection at the salad bar isn't extensive which is fine because of the portion sizes! I'd definitely recommend making a reservation if going on a weekend. However; if you decided to go at the spur of the moment, the wait time will certainly be worth it!
(5)
Thomas W.
I came here with a couple of my friends after a trip to a winery. We didn't have reservations so there was a forty five minute wait. No problem. We decided to hang out at the bar and get a pitcher of sangria while we waited for a table to become available. The bar is just a busy as the restaurant. Luckily we found two seats available for the ladies to sit down while us gents stood. We got the red sangria which, as expected, was awesome! Two pitchers of sangria later, a table became available. The wait staff were super friendly and attentive. Three of us decided to get the rodizio and my wife, who is not a big eater, ordered the Veal Francese. I been to some resturants that have rodizio and require the entire table to order the rodizio; I was very happy that this was not the case. All of the meats were perfectly cooked and seasoned, nothing was too tough or over salted, as I've seen at other rodizios. My favorite part about Fernandes' rodizio is that when thier bringing out each meat, they ask if you want seconds on a particular meat; I like bizzare foods, so i got additional chicken hearts, yes sir! Then, they finish the rodizio with some pineapple with cinnamon. My wife said that her Veal Francese was the best Francese dish that she ever had and after tasting it, I couldn't agree anymore with her. At the end of the meal they ask if you want dessert. I don't know anyone who inclined on dessert after a rodizio; there's just no room. So far, this is my favorite steakhouse for rodizio!
(5)
Madison D.
This place was definitely overhyped (thanks Yelp) and my partner and I had super high expectations. We got there a little past our reservation, so we had to wait (which was fine) but after like ten minutes we were seated. We came to get the Rodizio (of course) and I was slightly underwhelmed with the quality of meat here. It was all definitely fresh, but it just dried out and got cold way too fast. I'd say to give the place a try and reach your own verdict but I don't think I'm coming back.
(2)
Kelvin C.
Went here for my cousins graduation and was pretty satisfied. The meats are definitely good, and they gave rice and fried sweet plantains as sides. I really don't have any complaints but I have been to way better rodizio. On its own it's 4 stars, but compared to others I've been to id say 3. Their buffet table is very minimal to just salad type stuff, which is disappointing since I've been to other rodizios where you literally could have full dinners just off the buffet. Idk if my experience was different than normal because we were upstairs with other families who were celebrating a graduation, but at the end of the day I came hungry and left happy. Good to check out but other rodizios did have more to offer
(4)
Jamal R.
We celebrated my father-in-laws birthday there. The atmosphere was nice, clean and the staff was very attentive. The F. Calamari was ok. The octopus salad app was great. For our main entrees we order the paella valencia and the Ribe-eye special served on a tile with garlic butter. Our entrees were tasty and the Rib-eye was perfectly cooked. The strawberry cheesecake was amazing. I will definitely go back and recommend it to all.
(4)
Liz J.
Gosh, I really wanted things to be different. Indeed the food is just like any other Portuguese restaurant, but I love the atmosphere, and the service was excellent. The food was slightly above average. I had the special, which consisted of a meal with a glass of wine and dessert from the selected menu for about $15.99 or so. It was a great deal and you get more than you bargained for. I had a sirloin with potatoes and a cheese sauce plus vegetables. The sirloin steak was pretty tough for medium well and average tasting, but the sides were excellent. The potatoes were shredded thinly, seasoned well, and the cheese cause gave it a nice kick, and went well with the steak and vegetables. For me, the steak needed more to it, so I am glad I had the sauce. On to the drinks. Great! In addition to my house wine, I had white and red sangria. The white sangria had more flavor than the red, but both were good, and had a nice cocktail kick. The dessert was delicious. I had cookies and cream layered in a glass. The cream was not overwhelmingly sweet but rich with a nice thick texture. It was a vanilla or sugar type cookie crushed in, and I was so happy it wasn't chocolate. Overall, I really enjoyed myself, and would come back and try something new. One of the few places in this area with a parking lot. It was free for lunch anyway- so that was a plus for me.
(4)
Camryn J.
As a usual of the Yelp users, I ordered the Rodizio. Very pleased. The dish was topped off with a slice of pineapple to digest the last piece of savory and juicy meat. Big portions, so remember to take the to-go box! Those who have tasted the metallic taste, I wonder if it was from the knife that the Rodizio meat was cut with. The salad bar not something I would waste my appetite on. The options were minimal and the entrees were already big portions so why need a fill on a salad bar. The wait is 45+ minute waits w/o reservations. My plans were for a birthday gathering. You know those ones you just need a place to have them sing happy birthday and a slice of ice cream or cake. We had no reservations, so I kind of expected it. But the food definitely took the one less star up a notch. We'll see until next time, when I'm back for another Rodizio!
(5)
Drew C.
wonderful spot. great food, friendly staff.
(5)
B And A G.
We were about 10 people last night and had a great time very good quality meats the only thing that we didn't like the meats came out to fast back to back next thing you know you have a plate full of meat you are trying to finish overall I defiantly recommend going there and I will return
(5)
David F.
Good place to take your second family to a classy meal, big portions and actually very cheap for what it was... Appetizer was good and the sangria was great! Entrees were not the best hut it was a large portion.
(3)
Sung Moo C.
Been here several times. If you are hungry and you are a carnivore, please do yourself a favor and get the rodizio. I hope you are a seasoned buffeter, keep with the beef stay away from their pork or chicken. Their beef is exceptional: especially the picayna and the rib eye. Sangria is tasty and strong, try the Negroni it'll definitely wet your appetite.
(5)
Adrianne R.
Best Rodizio in Newark!!! Out of 1,000 places to choose from in the area that have Rodizio, you need to go here. If you love meat, chicken and sausage too, but mainly the beef- go here. The best thing on the rotation for Rodizio is the steak with the cheese injected inside. It's the most fantastic thing they have in the entire place. The food is great, the open bar for sides is ok (very generic) but that steak...the STEAK with CHEESE! You need to get it. It is not offered on the regular menu, it can only be had if the Rodizio is ordered. It is a tad bit on the expensive side, so go hungry!
(5)
Pasquale R.
Love Newark's Ironbound. Love the great restaurants....didn't love this place. The first time I went, the service and food were outstanding. Word of advice: DO NOT GET ANYTHING BUT THE RODIZIO...*steps down from soap box* The second time we went it was such a let down. Group of 8, screwed up 1 dish which took another 20 minutes to come out, actually accused my friend of ordering the wrong thing hence why the wrong item came out...seriously dude, 7 other people witnessed her ordering her dish...don't f-ing lie! Anyway, the rodizio is the best in Newark. Quality cuts of meat, oversalted and cooked perfectly. If you go with the seafood, you will get cheap, crappy seafood. Yup, it's what you pay for. Everyone who didn't order seafood was disappointed with their meal. Their Sangria is top notch. The overload it with ice and fruit, which is annoying, and they charge a bounty for it. Every meal comes with the salad bar. It's not a schmorgesborg of stuff but it's enough to hold you over for the meat orgy. Another word of advice: Don't fill up on the salad bar and bread, as tempting as it is. 3rd word of advice: Ask for the ice on the side for the sangria. 4th word of advice: If you like a particular meat (turkey wrapped in bacon and their sausage come to mind), don't be shy to have multiple pieces. You are the boss at these meat buffet's...get your moneys worth. Other than the incident with service and the clowns who didn't order rodizio, it was a memorable evening... 5th word of advice: Make room for dessert. Seriously we ordered all of them and split them. Every one of them was heavenly! ENJOY (if you get the rodizio)... :-)
(3)
Alex C.
I've been here many times before with small to large groups and always leave satisfied. 80% of the time I'm ordering their rodizio, which I highly recommend, and one of the reasons that their rodizio is different is because of their cheese injected steak (AMAZING!!!). Their other food usually comes in big portions. If you're wondering why their chicken marsala costs around the $20 range it's because you're probably getting like 4 huge cutlets enough for 2 meals. Their staff is friendly and on point. Most of the time it's like you're being taken cared of by a team instead of just one server which is fine especially since you don't have to wait around for your server to come around. They work well together and no request goes unattended no matter who you ask.
(5)
Lana S.
come here starving and don't touch the salad bar or the sides they bring - eat all the meat! the cheesy meat and the garlic meat were my favorites. the sangria was great - they had many varieties. will definitely come back.
(5)
Nobel V.
Fernandes is a place that seemed pretty hidden when I was driving through Newark to get here. I felt the entrance appeared out of nowhere, but when I found it, I was pleasantly surprised, this place was very good with an awesome atmosphere. After walking through the 4 to 5 sets of doors to finally get in, I stumbled upon the entrance atmosphere, which included food displayed on the front that you could potentially eat. After sitting, one server came by with some specials and even showed us the live seafood they had, and brought over a LIVE lobster to show you fresh the food was. I decided to get the rodizio here and it was a great choice. It comes with a salad bar and as I would always suggest not eating much, if any of the salad or the sides rodizio comes with (rice, beans, etc) since this takes away the space in your stomach for the meat they give you! As for drinks, I got the red sangria here, which definitely hit the spot. After a few minutes, the meat started coming in, and boy it was a lot. My personal favorite were the short ribs and filet minion with cheese. I would suggest passing on the ham they have, since most of the other meats which include beef, pork, sausage and chicken are much better choices to fill your stomach with. Once you are full, they give you a slice of pineapples, which is a good ending to the meal. I have to commend the service of everyone here, our server was great and attentive in refilling drinks. The people who brought over the rodizio meats were prompt in giving us all the different meats we needed until we got full. So yes, if you love meat, make sure you come here!
(5)
Rob H.
Went here for the first time last night. One of us had the Rodizio ($31) and I had the MahiMahi ($28). The Rodizio is what it is, a choice of a large variety of meats etc...just like any Brazilian Steak house. I had the fresh fish. It was covered Champaign sauce and I mean covered. There was so much sauce it was ridiculous! I had the waiter bring me a clean plate so I could get the fish out of the bowl of sauce, yes they served it in a bowl to hold all the sauce it was served in. The Mahi was fresh, large and cooked perfectly but to served it this way was a joke. No proper chef would ever cover fresh Mahi or anything else fresh like this. Most of the people eating, were there for the all you can eat beef. Prices were in the High $20 - $40 unless you wanted chicken which was from the low $20. It is a very cool old building in a crappy part of town but no worries about being safe. Give it a try, the food was good just not served how I expected.
(3)
Marusya K.
One of the best dining experiences I have had. We had a birthday party here few months ago. This is a great place for a group. The wait staff was patient with us. They were able to split the bill into and did not complain about 5 different credit cards.. The wine list was very good, and it had a reasonable mark up. My friends and I can't resist coming back again and again for another amazing experience. I try to get out here every few months. I can't live without a steak from Fernandes for very long.
(5)
Jorge V.
This place is just awesome for meat lovers!! Great service, ambiance and the food is to die for!! We will definately be coming back for more!!
(5)
Amanda D.
Although this is a Portuguese restaurant, they have the best rodizio in Newark! (Trust me, I was born in Brazil, raised in Newark) They have a huge variety of meats. The salad bar is a little small compared to other churrascarias (Brazilian bbq restaurants). The meat is always fresh and flavorful! Don't be afraid to ask for it the way you want it (rare, medium, medium well, etc.) If you're not a meat lover, don't worry. They also have amazing seafood. Also, try their red sangria. Amazing! One of the best restaurants in Newark!
(5)
Jeff M.
We have been on the Rodizio circuit for more than 30 years. Sao Paulo included! The Rodizio here is second to none. We usually go to Ferry St. but this place is best! Packed at 6 PM. More than you can say for any place on Ferry St. Two thumbs up!
(5)
Monkey A.
The place is nice and cozy. I like the atmosphere a lot. The service was decent. But the food was extremely bland. We even specified to the guy taking our order that we wanted the food to be spicy. He said ok, even wrote it down. When the food came out, the guy who bought it out said they can't make paella spicy--um, I'm pretty sure you can make anything spicy. But anyway, it wasn't spicy. I ordered breaded shrimp with pasta, also definitely not spicy . Not much taste at all unfortunately. A little bit of seasoning would've gone a long way...oh well. Probably won't be back.
(3)
Phoenix X.
This Place is very big and always packed which is a good sign. If you have any issues with sodium, do not even walk into this place. Everything is heavily salted, you even smell the salt in the air. You have been warned! I love rodizio, if you never had it, its basically all you can eat bbq Brazilian/Portuguese meat fest. All the meat is skewered and cooked over a charcoal fire pit. All the meat is constantly being coated with kosher salt and seasonings. This is something a review would be a little bit tough to break down b/c there is usually 5-12 different styles of meat from sirloin tip, pork, turkey wrapped in bacon, chicken hearts, sausage, sirloin steaks and various of other cuts. I would say go to this place and get rodizio so you experience it at least once in your life. I will have to make this detailed and extensive in a follow up of each meat b/c its been a while. So my future update will be with each meat, pictures and descriptions. The garlic shrimp were good and very garlicky as expected. The shrimp were on the small side on my opinion, for the price they should have been a lot bigger but it tasted good so its alright. "Paelha "Valenciana", c/ 1 Lagosta de 1 Lb Seafood Combination w/ Chicken, Sausage & Pork in Rice, w/ 1 Lobster of 1lb" This dish was pretty good b/c the rice was made well, the flavors from all the meats melded well together. It was a generous portion and I wouldn't get it again b/c they have so many things on the menu, I would try something different but if you have never been, try it! Bottom line, I think this is in the top 5 rodizio places in newark, not the best I ever had but damn good. So just go...
(5)
Elizabeth M.
Huge portions and a lot of meny options. Food was good and service was okay. We were in the bigger dining room, which was full of HUGE parties (birthday parties, etc). The coped with it well - I would come back to this place with a large group. There's parking around the corner, but you need to look for it; it was hard to find.
(4)
amanda s.
Excellent service and drinks. Enjoyed our entrees very much. Better then any NYC steakhouse out there !!!
(5)
Jeff W.
Good food, and great service. We went with an extremely large group, and had the entire upstairs to ourselves. The arangments were made ahead of time, but everything was spot on.
(4)
G W.
My wife brought me here for a wonderful birthday dinner. We each ordered the rodizio which was an assortment of 18 different cuts of meats, sausages and chicken. I made a cardinal error and filled up on bread, salad and rice.. I should have held off for the delicious and perfectly cooked meats. My favorite selections were the flank steak, spicy sausage and the bacon with filet. I would definitely recommend this to any carnivore who wants a good quality cut of meat. I would also recommend dessert, if you have space, as there was a great selection of cheesecakes, cakes and other sweets. I recommend the chocolate cheesecake and the cannoli cake! I would recommend this for any special occasion or just a nice dining experience. I would love to return to try a regular entree as well. Keep in mind that the restaurant is very busy and loud and there could be a wait without a reservation. However, the staff was very friendly and attentive.
(5)
Mark L.
This place is epic. The best of its kind and one of the best of any kind, in Newark. Iffy neighborhood but once you valet park and walk in you are in the midst of an oasis of meat decadence. Casual, loud, boisterous, laughter, and fast paced. Atmosphere is great, you cant not have a good time. Forget the large menu, forget the seafood, have the rodizio. We usually get the picanha, which instead of many different meats, it is only the top sirloin. The absolute best, sliced thin and served at the temp you like, I recommend rare. I would not use the word cheap but worth every penny and more. And they dont try to rip you off with over-priced drinks. Great service, fast and efficient, great managers too.
(5)
Stacy M.
My favorite Spanish restaurant ever!! Great food, sangria! It gets packed in there but well worth the wait. You need to fast the day you are going because you are going to want to eat everything that comes your way. I love the rodizio but I had to stop ordering; just couldn't eat everything that came by. So I started ordering Steak on the Tile (not on menu, you just have to ask for it. Other rodizio restaurants in the area try to push you out, this restaurant does NOT push you out, they want you to stay there & enjoy.
(5)
Ent S.
Don't miss a " steak on a tile" at Fernandez. Great service. Fantastic desserts. Amazing food.
(5)
Tom L.
Really enjoyed the rodizio as the portions of food were almost too much. The service was attentive as the place was packed. I've been there a few times and the place has yet to disappoint. My only suggestion is stay awake from peak times as sometimes the wait is too long.
(4)
Erika L.
I came her with my boyfriend who ordered the rodizio while I got the Veal with shrimp in garlic sauce. They say you can't share the rodizio which is true but they let me eat off of his plate to try his food. The waiters are very nice and friendly. The chicken from the rodizio was delicious and moist, the steaks were good but after a couple they all started to taste the same. The cheeseteak one was not good and very salty. They bring out cubed cheese which was salty and gross. I've been to Iberia were they also give out grilled pineapples at the end for dessert, Iberia's was so much better. The grilled pineapples here weren't caramelized like they should have been it is dusted with some cinnamon but tastes like the charcaol they used to grill everything I think Iberia is a little better and has better sides too. The Veal I has was good but not great, the shrimp wasn't overcooked so that was also good, I have to say the garlic sauce is delicious and probably one of the best. The bread they give you is also good and the salad bar loked fresh because they kept changing it and restocking the salad bar items. The rice that came with the Veal was salty and the fried potatoe chips were not the best I've had, they were a little soggy. I had the Veal and shrimp in garlic saice for leftovers two days later though and it was honestly better as leftovers than when I had it that day.
(3)
Michelle C.
Came here for a co-worker's party and we all enjoyed our food. The portion was huge. The food was really tasty. Will go back.
(5)
Dan R.
Welcome to Meatopia. Fernandes Steak House in the Ironbound - a carnivorous wonderland, where men make the rounds with three-foot long skewers of only the most delicious animals, diced and impaled and cooked to a crisp, there for your devouring. Technically, there is a menu, and technically, it's pretty extensive. But, technically, it's useless. Get the Rodizio and thank me later. But before you do, let me make you aware of two expectations when ordering this all-you-can-eat meat-fest: 1) You will immediately be labeled the fat kid at the table. 2) You will get the itis. If you can live with this - then, forge on, young warrior! Your knife is your Excalibur, for you are now going into battle. Your tastiest of adversaries are the beef short rib, flank steak, top sirloin stuffed with Brazilian cheese, chorizo, roast beef, and chicken hearts. That's right - I had me some chicken hearts for the first time, and it will not be my last. Other notable skewered meats dropped off at your plate are the filet mignon wrapped in bacon, rib eye, pork loin, chicken wings, lamb, and God knows what else. Shit, there may have even been a milk steak* in there. These Meat Men will present each skewer to you before slicing off a piece, asking if you would like some, which almost seems silly, because if you are saying "yes" to the Rodizio, there is not much in life you are saying "no" to at this point in time - other than a healthy diet, manners, and dignity. When the battle has ended, there is one final spoil of war for you to enjoy - grilled pineapple with cinnamon, the only non-meat item to be sliced off of a skewer for you. Despite the strictly stated "no sharing" policy, our pineapple guy slyly provided us with enough of the sweet stuff for the table. By now, you will surely have gotten your money's worth, the Rodizio price tag of just under $30 not seeming so steep in the least in hindsight (mind you, this would definitely be double that in some Manhattan sister location). Pre-feast, there is a pretty intense salad bar for the taking, as well. I'm talkin' chickpeas, hot peppers, onions, olives, artichokes, corn - the works! As for the service, it's pretty efficient and accommodating. However, over time, there will seemingly always be the threat of disaster in the air, as multiple plates can be heard slamming to the ground throughout dinner without so much of a vinyl-screeching stop. The careless dropping of ceramics is apparently par for the course at Fernandes'. Anyway, this is not a first date spot. This is a family outing, big table, celebration spot. I don't think I saw a party with fewer than six seats and that was a pretty visible minimum. Two dudes with a guitar and violin (bring singles to tip) will come around to sing "Happy Birthday" and the like. Also, make sure you make a reservation - upon leaving, you want no part of the huge-ass line we had to snake through to reach the exit. In conclusion, you may walk out of Fernandes Steak House feeling especially meat-injected and itis-infected, but most importantly, you walk out of there feeling like a man. *Sorry, Charlie - that was just a little joke.
(4)
Marc F.
Wowwie. If you love meat, you will be in heaven, and then not be able to move for a few hours afterwards. Just get the rodizio. All you can eat for $30, many cuts of meat. In my opinion, this is the best rodizio place I've been to in Newark. There are some reviews on Yelp for a "Fernandez II". It's the same. I think the first one had a fire and they reopened across the street.
(5)
Dan B.
Why isn't this restaurant an overall 5 star at minimum???!?! I swear its worth 10 stars! Another place in the ironbound that I've been coming to since I was a youngster! They have the best rodizio in town - hands down! I nearly had a stroke when I heard it caught on fire a few years ago, seriously. They have the best waiters and servers and the best best best staff!!! Most importantly their food is on point. I always get the rodizio, especially their "cheese steak" which is their steak on the char (rodizio style) stuffed with cheese melting out of the meat. Holy Cheese! its just amazing and it hits the spot every time. And of course they have also their other meats and sides that are super delicious. I def recommend to make reservations prior to going there. They have valet parking and they almost always having parking, even during their peek hours (Friday - Sunday nights).
(5)
Lance B.
I've now eaten here twice and both were great experiences. Each time I did the rodizio and both times were delicious. My favorite meats varied each time, but overall the meats are cooked very well and the lack of sauces allows you to savor the true taste of the meats. Some of the people in my party ordered from the regular menu and their entrees looked amazing as well with huge portions. What stands out most to me about Fernandes is the service. I've been to a handful of five-star restaurants in NYC and elsewhere, but no restaurant I've ever been to can match how great these guys are. The sangria is constantly being poured, your plates are being cleared, and if you are doing the rodizio, the onslaught of meat is almost too much. It really is as if these guys can read your mind, every aspect of service was so adequately taken care of.
(5)
Sharon P.
Not a fan at all!! Had a surf and turf, steak was over cooked and awful, lobster tail was disgusting, crab cake had to have been frozen because it was all water and mush, stuffed shrimp was ok. Went home and was sick for two hours during the night. Will never go back to this place again!!
(1)
Sunpyo H.
Plentiful food, enjoyable atmosphere and top notch service. 5 stars indicates when things are as good as it gets and let me tell you Fernandes Steak House is right up there! Now I love Rodizios and have been to places that cost 2-3 times as much, but this place really does a great job in sticking it to those places. I went with 5 people order drinks, appetizers,dessert and rodizio for under 250 including tip! Like I said this is the place to go for no frills and awesome food. Definitely recommend. (Ask for the Flank Steak, it's to die for!)
(5)
Erica S.
Love the food, sangria and music! Family atmosphere.
(5)
Jose O.
I went there with my former co-workers around 2010 and let me tell you, the food is out of this world. The rodizio there is second-best. The ambience is great and the price is fair. Recommended.
(4)
Joy P.
Went to Fernandes for our annual pilgrimage this week and it was fabulous. Yummy grilled octopus followed by meats, meats, and more spectacular meats. Friendly, attentive service and great wine recommendation. Warm, wonderful vibe. There is no reason not to go here.
(5)
Daniel J.
We went for lunch with a party of five on a Saturday mid afternoon. The service was excellent, the food was delicious with gigantic portions. I mean literally full meals per plate! Everything we had was tasty and done well, from the paella with a full lobster on top, to the fairly simple chicken and prosciutto with onions. The red sangria was good, not overly sweet and fruity like some places. They do have a rodÃzio, but no one in our party had it. The salad bar is pretty basic, but it's included with the entrees. There are many places in the Newark Ironbound that do a similar menu, but the service and the atmosphere and decor do make this a step up from others.
(5)
Johnny L.
If you love meat, you'll love this place. For the price ($28), the Rodizio is an awesome deal and the meat flavors and variety are great. The Salad bar is pretty standard but nevertheless good selection of vegetables and potato salad. The Sangria was slightly strong the last time I went but was tasty nonetheless. The selection of wine is also pretty descent if you want to go that route as well. Another huge plus is that it has a good seafood selection as well as poultry for those non-red meat eaters. The Environment: nice, rustic, casual or dressy will work and pretty spacious. The Service: Awesome! The Desserts: they bring a tray of all the deserts and you pick what you want. For the two times I had desert, they were pretty tasty. Now if you're familiar with Newark, outside of the Iron Bound District, it's areas are pretty shady looking, well this location falls into the same category. The good thing is that the restaurant is enclosed within it's own walls and has valet parking so you don't have to worry about having to park on a bad block and walk past any two bit losers. Overall your experience will be a positive one. I highly recommend it.
(5)
Kev C.
This place was incredible. The Rodizio was overwhelming in all the right ways. Service on our group of 15 was nearly impeccable, though drink service was a little slow because of orders moving between the service staff to the bar. All good though!
(5)
Sal V.
Went to the Sayreville location Fernandes 3 Friday night for the first time. We had a party of 6 with reservations had to wait a bit . Big menu with so many tempting selections choosing one was difficult , will need to go back to try the snapper. I went with the twin lobster tails so fresh and tasty loved . All the guys had the Rodisia meet on the sword? The selections offer ranges from traditional to Unique . Chicken hearts , shrimp , pork stuffed with cheese , ribeye, flank steak , sirloin and chicken . I was not happy with the waiter who spent a lot of time talking to his friends , we had to ask to have dirty plates and glasses removed, had to ask host to get more bread , drinks and so on.. I would go back for the food and would hope for better service . At these prices they should have been falling over us with service .
(4)
Thanh M.
This is a really good place! I was right there last week . I was celebrating with my wife our anniversary.Food was delicious and fantastic. We had the red sangria , which I would definitely recommend you guys. Actually it was kinda strong . The service was really fast and very polite. All servers were very friendly . My Only complaint is about prices. I think they were somewhat expensive.
(4)
Carol C.
Parking valet is a plus. Had chicken with garlic sauce.it was sooo good. Their portions are large so it can be shared. Although the bbq sausage i was not fond off a little on the hard side. Salad buffet comes with entree.
(4)
Robert W.
I took my son and his mother to Fernandes Steak House for his 19th birthday. The food was very good and the the customer service was excellent. Can wait to go back.
(4)
Jose C.
Awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome I can't say it any better. Awesome ! Thanks for a great dinner I love steak and this place is deffinately now one of my favorite . Keep up the good work guys
(5)
Callie N.
I was around New Jersey, and we've decided to eat here because there are a lot of stars and reviews. The service was great. People were nice. However, the food. The food didn't do the stars any justice. Sure, they give a large portion of food, but it's nasty, tasteless, and dry. My sister asked for a spicy dish, but it was sweet. The meat was dry. I would not come here again. It wasn't that good.
(2)
Shaviece H.
Went to Fernandes for V-day. We didn't make a reservation so the wait was about an hour. While waiting, I was sitting right by the grilling meat on sticks (rodizo) needless to say, this did not help the ESS (empty stomach syndrome) that I had been inflicted with. The nice gentlemen at the grilling meat was kind enough to give me a few silvers of beef while we waited. Get to the table, service is prompt and courteous. I ordered the surf and turf because I just couldn't do the rodizo. Steak was prepared well. Lobster was just right.. Overall, great experience and I will definitely be going back but calling ahead to get a table with no wait
(4)
Mark C.
Everything was good and service was also good.
(4)
Dimitri L.
There are so many reviews for this place that no matter what I write, I'm not going to add anything new to the discussion. It's just a fine good steak place, and the Rodizio is the best!
(5)
Kenny T.
My friends and I went there few weeks ago, but just now get a chance to write and review This restaurant located is kind of out of the way, nothing much around it, but the restaurant is set up is really nice. We went there around 4:30pm, the place was pretty empty but one birthday party going on. We all ordered the famous "Rodizio" all I can eat steak, Yep, all "I" can eat, not you. lol I think is maybe $30 ++, which is dirt cheap, and is good...... The only thing I don't like about it is that every 2 minutes, they bring out the meat, is like slow...down man, at least let me swallow it first. But I think they do it on purpose, you know how you eat fast, you tend to not eat more and when you eat slow, you eat so much more? So they just rush you eat, eat, eat!! I know the trick. lol Overall, great place, great food, too fast of the service, need to slow down. lol
(4)
Lantz A.
The best meat in Newark! Good Sea food! Ohhh the Chilean Sea Bass is off the hook! However sometimes the salad bar is a little weak, and sometimes it has a bouquet of treats. This is a great place to eat with a family, or a large group, but you will need to prepare for a wait!
(4)
Marc G.
This place has the best rodizo I have experienced yet and I've been to a bunch of them. One minor complaint is about the way they salt the meats some are oversalted and others under and while not a deal breaker it can be annoying to get a under/over salted piece. The sangria was good a bit too "alcoholy" but not terrible. I keep saying I want to try something aside from the rodizo but its just too good.
(4)
Vincent E.
Fernades is a great quality Brazilian Steak House and if your into Rodizzio you should definitly order it. I personally love coming here for lunch and sitting at the bar and ording Steak n eggs and a glass of wine. (I perfer the red wine with a splash of 7 up instead of the Sangria at this particular place). Also for an app. their clams in green sauce is out of this world a must try. Looks wise, I absolutely love the bar, its awesome, almost entirely in stone it gives a great look and feel to your experience. At the end of my meal with a couple of friends after enjoying several plates of rodizzio the management came over and gave us free port wines which is always a plus. Definitely a quality place a little off the beaten path from ferry st with the same delicious food. Not a bad choice to bring a nice Portugese or Brizlian women for some quality food.
(4)
Felicia K.
Pretty great place, even for someone who's not a fan of the rodizio. While my mom, brother, and fiance all went for that storied Brazilian specialty, I had the chicken breast in garlic sauce. There are also options for those attempting to be healthy; my dad had salmon. The rodizio got hearty approval from all who ordered it. My chicken was quite amazing... enough to enjoy heartily that night as well as providing THREE DAYS worth of lunches. The garlic sauce was delicious. They provide fresh bread to your table, and there's a nicely done little salad bar in the corner with some veggies and olives... much nicer than at some other rodizio places, although smaller than some. Rodizio comes with your typical fries and rice to fill you up. Lovely atmosphere and good service. This is definitely the best Brazilian/Portuguese place I have been to in Newark. Especially great for family or special occasion dinners.
(4)
Robert B.
This place is the BEST!!!...You haven't eaten until you try this place!!!!!
(5)
William E.
Truly a great meal to be had here. If you like meat, and lots of it cooked to perfection...then go here. Service is fantastic...I have eaten here about 17 times over the past 8 years and have NEVER been let down. Everything I have had here has been great...Rodizio, "Tile Steak", lamb, shrimp in garlic sauce....make the trip if you get the chance.
(5)
maggie v.
This place is amazing. Get the rodizio. Go hungry. Avoid the bread, and fill up on some of the most amazing meat ever. Flank steak blew my mind, but everything was good. Valet only.
(5)
Chris L.
The rodizio is ok. This was my first in Newark. The salad bar is small. I ignored the rice and fries they give out. The fried banana was awesome. Wished i asked more of that. The meats is hit or miss. I'd either get a burnt/crusty out layer of meat or a very rare piece. I sprinkled the corn meal power thingy over the rare pieces of meat to soak up the blood. It gave it an interesting texture. For AYCE meat the price is right. A repeat spot for sure.
(4)
Madeline L.
Hands down best rodizio in the area!!!! Staff is very attentive. Highly recommend this place. You will not be disappointed!
(5)
John G.
Food is very good. If you like Radizio but don't want to break your bank then this is the place for you. I've been to a lot of Brazilian BBQ restaurants across the country, some upscale and others not so much but this one definitely ranks high on my list. There are better but at double the price. The paella is very good as well but if you like the typical Brazilian BBQ salad bar you will be disappointed. All in all Fernandez is a must go!
(4)
Ahra P.
We went for rodizio and some great sangria - and will return again and again! It was a GREAT deal at $27 per person for rodizio since you pretty much get as much meat as you can handle. The meat quality was top notch, the side dishes that come with the meal went mostly untouched only because we were busy chomping down on various cuts of beef, pork and chicken like animals but I definitely enjoyed the fried bananas. We have spent $60+ per person on rodizio in the past and I really have to say that I prefer Fernandes' rodizio over those. Try the chicken hearts! It was scary at first but after some urging from my husband I took a bite and was completely won over.
(4)
Matt S.
It's Da' Bomb...Finding the joint is another story but the food is worth the experience. Clams in green sauce, the best. rodizio, incredible, the service, superb. The meats that came out to us were flavored perfectly. My favorites were the top sirloin and the rib eye. The steak loaded with cheese didn't suck. And they end it with a warm pineapple with spices from the pit...We will be back.
(5)
Steve G.
Worthy of meat/cheat night (from not eating meat out for Kosher diet). Most of the Rodizio non-stop meats were mouth-watering. Decor is very attractive. Service friendly and attentive. Secure parking lot at the restaurant. Sangria is okay, maybe a bottle of wine next time. Minimize the salad bar to save room for the meat. Overall highly recommended. Now hoping for a Kosher Rodizio restaurant -- my guess is only Manhattan would make sense.
(4)
Steve F.
Great food and service
(5)
Beth W.
I took my grandmother here before her flight back to northwest Arkansas thinking she would enjoy an authentic Brazilian/Portuguese dining experience. First, the restaurant itself is beautiful inside, but it's a shame they ruined the atmosphere with televisions and loud music (at noon on a Sunday, no less). Second, the wait service was FANTASTIC. They are thoroughly attentive, but never intrusive - a very difficult balance to achieve. Unfortunately, the food was a big disappointment, especially given the price. I had the 2lb lobster special, broiled. It came out waaaay overcooked and rubbery, and was a big waste of about $35. My grandmother ordered the european sea bass (the waiter informed us the Chilean sea bass was frozen, but the european was fresh) with brocolli rabe and potatoes. After sampling my grandmother's plate, we both agreed that the bass was cooked to perfection, but it and the sides were bland and boring. Fernandes -- you have quality ingredients, but your chefs need to learn how to cook. As for the drinks, I had a red and then a white sangria. The alcohol in both drinks was overpowering. When I drink sangria, I want a soft, fruity and refreshing experience, but this was like drinking rubbing alcohol. Yuck. I give Fernandes two stars instead of one because the waitstaff was exceptional. However, I will not be back, especially when I KNOW I can get an amazing meal and sangria at a place like Casa Vasca for the same or better price.
(2)
sam j.
Really nice atmosphere. Great service. My paella was done very nicely and the rare steak came out rare and tasty. I'll definitely be coming back. The sangria was absolutely amazing. The bread is served warm and is better than what you usually find at restaurants.
(5)
L R.
A solid place for rodizio.
(4)
Vanessa S.
I don't give out many 5's for steakhouses but I just love this place. I've never gotten the rodizio - though I hear it's great - but instead always just get a steak, pitcher of sangria and dessert. Parking...yes. Attentive service....yes. Fabulous food made how you like it...yes. A keeper for sure.
(5)
Craig M.
I ate at Fernandes Steakhouse for the second time last time with friends who were visiting from Mexico. It is also the second time I've ordered the rodizio there. Let me start with the good. The service is excellent. The meat is typically cooked to perfection. Weordered the mang mousse pie dessert and it was excellent. We also ordered a pitcher of "blue sangria" and even though it was a big deviation from typical sangria ingredinets it still had the underlying sangria flavor. Even though the restaurant is in a not-too-nice area, there is valet parking, so that is a plus. Now the reasons I only gave it two stars. First, the consistency of their meats between my two visits were completely opposite. The first time I came the short ribs and the flank steak were the two best meats that came out. The short ribs were tender and succulent and fell off the bone. The flank steak melted like butter in your mouth and was bursting with flavor. They were so good that I was recommending them to my Mexican friends. Meanwhile, the first time the sirloin and filet cuts were a little on the dry and tough side. However, this time is was the complete opposite. The flank steak was tough and lacking in flavor, while the short ribs were tough and hard to remove from the bone. Meanwhile, the bacon-wrapped filet and sirloin were the two best cuts. It good that you get to try all the different cuts, since it's rodizio, because if I had just ordered a flank steak entree based on my previous experience, I would have been hugely disappointed. The second reason I gave it a three is just because of the sheer amount of slat used in the meats. Maybe it's what helps contribute to the general flavor quality of all their meats, but I think it goes well into the area of excessive. It's the second time I've walked out of there feeling puffy, like I could kill any snail just my getting within 30 feet of it. All in all it'sa good restaurant, and my wife wants to go there for her birthday next month, so maybe my opinion will change for the better when I try one of their entrees instead of the rodizio.
(3)
Drey D.
Great restaurant for meat lovers. I would recommend the sangria. The menu is extensive. Good for large groups as well. Service is good. I would go back.
(4)
Daryl V.
good rodizoro
(4)
Jefferson M.
I have been to other rodizios in the area. This is by far the best. The place is classy and nice. My server treated me very well . I would recommend it
(5)
Shawna H.
I recently ate here for my graduation dinner. The restaurant is beautiful!! Which is not easy to tell when you're first pulling up from Ferry St. Fireplace, white linen, chandeliers, but at the same time it's not stuffy. Our party was upstairs with other bdays and grad parties... and it was surprisingly not too loud- except for bday singing. The servers were on point and so was the food. I chose this place after high recommendations from three close friends that know rodizio. The sangria red and white was a nice compliment to the rodizio and various seafood and/or steak dinners that we ordered. I would say if you are having a dinner party- Fernandes will not disappoint. My guess is that it is great for dinner too!
(5)
Greg W.
Came here with high expectations because it was recommended to me by several people. I'd give it another go but I just wasn't overly impressed. Don't get me wrong, it was solid... but not as good as Don Pepe or Forno's... They also sorta screwed us out of the lunch special, conveniently forgetting to tell us about the free drink included and then charging us for a pitcher of sangria... tisk tisk!
(3)
Wes K.
Situated in a working class neighborhood just outside Newark's Ironbound section, the rundown exterior of Fernandes Steak house is belied by its fashionably appointed interior which is designed to evoke an old-world Portuguese villa atmosphere. Our wait staff were extremely attentive, friendly and professional, attending to even small needs before we asked. Everyone in our party of eight ordered the Rodizio special for dinner. The salad bar included roasted vegetables, a well-marinated olive salad and plenty of greens. The table was served with family style portions of white rice, french fries and beans, as well as a vegetable marinade for the meat. The Maître d was sensitive to some of our special dietary restrictions and we didn't need to remind the waiters as they came around with the meat offerings. The meat was excellent, though a little on the salty side, which may have been the traditional way of preparing it. Our favorite cuts were the chicken drum stick, the flank steak, the top sirloin and the ribs. The group was less fond of the bacon-wrapped meats, and the chicken breast was a little dry. But even these were full of flavor and enjoyable relative to many other restaurants. The Rodizio was all-you-can eat, and we enjoyed multiple servings. At one point they served me a piece that was very well done, and when I asked for something more on the rare side, they put an entire new skewer on the fire in order to provide me with a serving to my liking. They were very accommodating. The slices of cinnamon-dressed roasted pineapple were a perfect way to finish the main course, with the acidic tartness finishing the palate. Our group also enjoyed dessert, spanning from cannoli cake to cheese cake, the 'diet' apple tart and the flan. Dessert servings were very generous. Our group enjoyed the red and white sangria, and I opted for the Portuguese red, which I wasn't particularly fond of. But we all found a beverage we were able to enjoy. Highly recommend the valet parking as opposed to parking on the street. Your car will be in a gated, secure lot attended the entire time. Great time overall, we plan on returning.
(5)
Sacha P.
What a way to end the year ! Hell of a meal.this is the place for meat lovers. I recommend the rodizio Great value and a cool atmosphere.
(4)
Rebecca S.
Wow! Although I am about 90% vegetarian, I LOVE red meat; especially after visiting Fernandes. Humans were made to eat raw meat and this restaurant was made for humans. The rodizio is incredible! The ambiance is perfect, the sangria was very good. The only drawback is their no doggie bag policy for the rodizio :-( But I understand why they do it. I wanted to take half a bull home!!!! Personally, I was very happy and satisfied. However, one member of my party (who is both part Spanish and Portuguese) was very disappointed with the paella. I tend to agree on that point. The rice did look soppy and all the vegetables and seafood looked way, way, way overcooked. I was very happy with my meal, so when my friend offered me a piece of lobster I politely said "no gracias." He is not one to complain, so I'm doing it on his behalf. Stick to rodizio, Mr. Fernandes! Or learn how to not overcook seafood! :-) Great restaurant overall! It was worth the trip from the city. I will definitely be back.
(5)
Philip S.
We went to celebrate a birthday. The servers are very polite and appear well trained. On site baller parking made it convenient. Had rodizio and someone else had the big lobster tail. Really enjoyed the meats.
(5)
Ashley P.
The best rodizio! My family and I have been coming here forever. Everyone has their birthday here! The sangria is amazing. The menu is huge so it can fit anyone's appetite. Iv tried a few places in the area and Fernandez is for sure the best!
(5)
Edward C.
Yelping around for a Churrascaria locally yielded nothing, as everything was located in North Jersey so I decided to drive to Fernandes Steak House in Newark. The neighborhood is very industrial and sketchy (IMO), but the restaurant has it's own private valet lot which helps calm any safety concerns. The menu was vast, but I wanted copious amounts of meat so I chose the popular Rodizio. First to be presented with the Rodizio was a plate of rice, french fries, fried bananas, a bowl of black beans, and small bowl of pico de gallo. Each were tasty but honestly these starches will just take up valuable meat real estate in your stomach. Of particular note was the fried banana that had a nice crunchy outer shell. Onto the meat! Flank steak, skirt steak, sausage, garlic chicken, bacon wrapped steak, bacon wrapped chicken, beef short ribs, chicken hearts, and beef kebabs were all available. My favorites were the flank steak and prime rib which were both mind-boggling good; juicy and with the fat beautifully rendered and a nice thin crust at the edge. All of the beef for the Rodizio was seasoned immaculately with the typical Brazilian style of just salt and pepper; no fancy spices nor over the top sauces to hide that beautiful bovine bold flavor here! The wait staff were all very courteous and professional, with the men carrying the meat skewers being especially friendly as I pretty much accepted everything that came my way. I guess they knew I was hungry; as on more than one occasion they just started cutting and serving me meat without me prompting. I could tell the staff were all impressed with my capacity for their food considering I'm not a big dude (I'm only 135lbs.) Excellent food and excellent service. *I'm reserving the 5th star as I really want to try the regular dishes before I can give it that honor, but on the Rodizio alone 4 - 4.5 stars easy (I wish yelp had half stars).
(4)
Joe P.
You cant go wrong with anything you order. We will eat here at least once a month! The sangria was amazing red or white you can't go wrong. Portion size is very generous, and the service is always good.
(5)
Martine V.
I went to Fernandes Steak House last night to celebrate my mom's birthday and they did not disappoint. There is parking on the premises and they valet park your car.We were seated right away so there was no lines. We started with the salad bar and the warm bread and it was very good. The Calamari was on point! Very good and as an appetizer it was a lot, it fed 4 people. The main entree was also a lot of food. We had the chicken & ribs off the menu..It came with yellow rice and vegetables. The amount of food was so much, none of us finished and its well worth the price! Our meal was each $19.00.The servers were quick and attentive! Finally we had desert and there was a nice variation to choose from. They sang Happy Birthday to my mom and we each chose a desert. The drink options in terms of soft drinks could be better but as this is being my second time here, I definitely enjoyed it. The food was great, it wasn't too crowded and we ate as soon as we sat down. The staff are all very helpful and friendly. I have yet to try the Rodizio but I did see them walking around. I would recommend this as a nice place to eat! I am definitely coming back!
(4)
Mark V.
This a great place...thank you Yelp. The service was excellent the food was wonderful. The rodizio was excellent. The chain Brazilian steak houses have nothing on this place!!!! The cod stew was salty, but besides that all good. Atmosphere is great...please do not judge the place as you drive to it! It is a jewel amongst rocks...
(5)
Paul H.
First off, there's nothing special in the Ironbound. Food in quantity, not quality. It's amazing how many ppl rate these establishments as excellent. This said, I've always had fun going to these places, as long as your dining expectations are gauged accordingly. Therefore, my rating reflects those reduced expectations. :) Being a steakhouse, one would expect a thorough steak menu such as those at Gallagher's, Luger's, or even Del Frisco's. However, you're not getting true steakhouse fare here; it's the Ironbound after all. So, you're getting a less than Prime cut of beef, sometimes cooked to your liking. The one thing that always stood out to me is the service, however. They did a good job making our group comfortable, and getting the order right, which really is important to keep the fun flowing. In the end, we all had a great time, because everything was fine overall.
(3)
Steven G.
I've been here more times than I could possibly remember....Fernandes is NEVER a disappointment in any way. The service is excellent, the food is top notch and the prices are more than reasonable. I recommend the Top Loin Rodizio highly, it's incredible every single time. The sangria and Spanish coffee is a must for every visit, as is a nice 20yr port to end the meal. Reservations are a good idea if you're going on a wkend and don't want to sit at/near the bar.
(5)
Ken B.
The best place in Newark for Portugeuse food. The sangria is awesome and so are all the appitizers and entrees. The rodizio is excellent. The restaurant itself is very nice. Great place to take your friends, family or a date. Parking isn't a problem. I can't wait to go back again.
(5)
Alex S.
Had dinner with my wife, a friend and his father who has some dietary restrictions. We all left full and happy. The food was good. The service was attentive and the drinks well done. The salad bar was the weakest element, but three of us had the rodizio so not a major thing. We would try again.
(4)
Mike P.
We went with a group for a birthday party last Friday, and boy was I looking forward to a meat festival. Going in, I had no doubt that I was going to order the Rodizio. Skewered meat after skewered meat would be brought to my table, sliced into piles just waiting on my American gluttony to take over. After we arrived, and took our seat, we ordered two pitchers of the red sangria, which did not disappoint. The apples soaking up the alcohol were crisp (and sodden with wine!) and tasty. I've had sangria many times when you can tell the apples are leftovers: squishy, mealy, and bad. not these. The salad bar and bread that came with the meal were fantastic. A great salad bar, with plenty of options to put on your plate, and warm bread. Unfortunately, the Rodizio left a lot to be desired. The meat came out fast and furious, but several of the cuts lacked flavor. By the time the chicken hearts came to the table, I was luckily done for. Some of the options were really impressive, the bacon-wrapped ones being my favorites. My review, I might add, is somewhat tainted by my post-meal experience. Perhaps my gut just isn't used to having a variety of nothing but meat to digest, but it did not digest it well. Several others that went complained of the same digestive challenges. The worst experience, however, was the one friend who tossed and turned all night having vivid nightmares which he referred to as "meatmares." I can't say for sure that his meatmares are due to the parade of meats, but he did say that's very uncommon. If you go, I still say get the Rodizio. If you go *back*, I would avoid the Rodizio and stick with a lower priced option.
(3)
Dani C.
What can I say, I've been to Fernandes now three times in the past 2 months. When you walk in the smell is just intoxicating. I am a meat lover so to walk in and smell and see the meat cooking over the hot charcoal is heavenly. Every time we have been here the service has been exceptional. They staff answers all questions and politely. We were there for Mother's Day weekend and the service wasn't AS good but I understand they were extremely busy and tending to more than a party of 2. My boyfriend loves the chicken hearts from the rodizio and this night he decided he wanted paella but asked if he could just have some on the side, the waiter was nice enough and got him a plate of chicken hearts with no charge. This is what service is all about and this is why we keep coming back. The sangria is to die for and the food is just as exceptional. I prefer to sit upstairs since the bathroom is on the same floor but regardless this is our go-to Portuguese place!
(5)
Hugo E.
First things first - although the chef is good - please, do yourself a favor, go to a seafood place for seafood - this is a STEAK HOUSE... with that said.. I've been here several times so - ON WITH THE REVIEW! Menu: You have an assortment of Portuguese, Spanish and Brazilian meat, fish and seafood dishes. But what you want to go here for are the Rodizio. steaks and Sangria which are spot on. They also have a very large Mediterranean/American salad bar that can be a meal all in itself for your vegetarian friends. Rodizio: It is a flat-price all you can eat, carnivore's heaven of grilled meat. Meat ranges from the simple (bbq chicken leg) to the not so simple (top sirloin stuffed with Brazilian cheese). This is a Brazilian custom and in this Brazilian influenced community, there's plenty of know how. Meat is served on long skewers that were used to fire-roast the pieces of piece, brought to your table one by one by waiters. Alongside the parade of meat you given sides of fries, fried bananas (not plantains), black beans, white rice and collard greens - along with the included salad bar. Do yourself a favor - eat plenty of greens while you eat the meat to help you digest. You can say no to any meat selection that comes to your table, so don't feel obliged to eat everything you see. The meat repeats, so take your time if you wish. When done, ask for the roasted pineapple as it too well help you: cleanse your mouth and digest the meat. Ambience: This place has two floors that is packed with all sorts of tables. It is busy and can be loud - but not intrusive. It's large, so expect a lot of 12 person parties on weekends. The Iberian culture is usually very loud and talkative, so don't expect candlelight romantic atmospheres. Place is built New Orleans style, with the entrance facing the parking lot and not the street. It has a distinct Spanish/Portuguese decor. Reserve on weekends or expect to wait a long time. At times they have some mariachi walking around for fun on the busiest of nights. They also have a massive bar that you can sit at while you want for your tableThere is valet parking and you'll see plenty of high priced cars in the lots. The neighborhood seems funkier than it is, but do not go traveling off for blocks. Parking attendants watch both lots and the street parked vehicles to ensure security. Lot parking is tight, so travel with few cars! Service: Typical Iberian style which is very attentive, courteous and patient. They move fast but somehow tend to be in control. Most waiters can handle a very large set of tables and typically share their time with all customers equally. Rarely have I seen one buckle under any kind of pressure and only the most idiotic of patrons have made them twitch. Expect great service (with an accent). Food: Look - if you're going here for anything other than meat - please read some of my reviews on other restaurants in the area. It's a steakhouse - get some meat or get out. The meat will be plenty, well cooked and flavorful. Don't expect any steak sauces or complicated marinades. Very straight forward but good stuff that will fulfill the most veracious appetite. The fish and seafood stuff may run the risk of leaving you disappointed if you insist on ordering those. Note - the seafood warning does not apply to the appetizers which tend to be simple and great. The meat in the rodizio is pretty good quality, so eat away! Drink: Get Sangria, make it red and drink! For the non-sangria people they have a full bar and a great assortment of wines from all over, with the Iberian region having the biggest selection. Cost: This is not overly pricey unless you start pounding down sangria. Rodizio is a little over $25 and so are Sangria pitchers. Most dishes range pretty much around that price as well. Conclusion: If you've never experienced Rodizio or steak Iberian style, go here and have fun. You can come relaxed and with plenty of people. Reserve ahead and your headaches will vanish (until you drink). Not the best place for eclectics, fish gourmets or people who can't see the sight of roasting meat. I will continue my visits here! Pros: Great Rodizio Great Decor Huge for parties Large portions Bang for your buck Sangria Cons: Parking can be a pain on busy nights Seafood can be sketchy May be hard to find for non-locals Not much to do anywhere in the neighborhood H-Cane's final spin: Grab some friends with an appetite for meat and booze. Call ahead. Do not eat before hand. Do not "pregame". You need the space in your belly. Designate a driver - thank them - give them a map. Getting here will guarantee to freak you out if you're not from here. But you'll realize that not only you're a chicken, but you kinda like this diamond-in-the-rough feeling of being in a so-so neighborhood. Come with a lot to talk about 'cause you're coming for a long time. Do not come here on a first date - you'll be messy. Do come here on the 2nd date - you'll be messy. ;-)
(4)
Phil G.
Came here for dinner this past weeked before seeing a show at the Prudential Center. Driving through Newark leading up to the restaurant was very hit or miss, some nicely redeveloped areas, and some where I would not want to be walking around with my wife and kid afterdark. They do have a private lot with valet, and it's 5 minute ride to the Prudential Center. The rodizio is legit! High quality meats, fantastic service. The desserts and the seafood dishes are just OK, but you dont come to a steakhouse for fish. The decor is very nice, with a wam and welcoming South American feel to it. Prices were also very reasonable compared to NYC. We had a proper meal with huge portions, and dessert for less than $100.
(5)
Matt G.
This is one of the best restaurant that you will ever eat at. Make sure you go in hungry. First off if you are trying to go on a friday or saturday night you should make a reservation because this place is always packed. Once you sit down you should start of with a pitcher of sangria. It is fantastic and reasonably priced. I recommend that you get the Roidzio. It truly is amazing. There are so many different kinds of meat from filet mignon wrapped in bacon to sausage to sirloin steak to veal the list goes on and on. If you are a little daring you can even try chicken hearts. The food is simply fantastic and you will leave full and enjoy every bite. Just don't expect to take a doggy bag home because that is not allowed. If you don't want to go with the Rodizio the menu has lots more to offer. Fernades makes one of the best NY strip steaks around and their seafood dishes are also fabulous. When it comes to price Fernandes is also amazing the entrees range from around 25-30 dollars, but in NYC these would easily cost over 50. I can truly say that Fernades is one of my favorite restaurants and I go home satisfied every time.
(5)
Herm L.
The previous reviewer was spot on. Amazing Rodizio! Thanks for earlier review. I ordered it and was not disappointed. There were 9 at my table eating various items and I didn't hear one complaint. Quantity was amazing from the first piece of bacon wrapped filet mignon to the skewered rotisserie pineapple served with flaming port wine, I was not disappointed. Side dishes were too plentiful to mention. Everything, including dessert was great. Highly recommended!
(5)
Marcelo B.
Always go here to celebrate Christmas dinner celebration with my employer. I can't afford their prices on a regular basis but the service and food are delicious. If I could fit on my budget, I'd go more often.
(4)
Yves Sinclair S.
good steak like the inside
(4)
Haley P.
who goes to a steakhouse and gets fish? clearly, you're going to get the rodizio, but where fernandes really shines is their steak on the tile. don't look for it on the menu; it's not there. but you'll see people around you one by one being brought out little terra cotta halfpipes with flames underneath them. perched atop is one of the finest filets you will ever have and cooked to perfection, because you cook it yourself! the waiter will cut it into delicious chunks, drizzle butter and lemon juice on them and whenever you feel like it's done, you remove them. amazing. amazing. amazing.
(5)
danielle d.
greatt place that gets super packed! I RECOMEND MAKING RESERVATIONS!!!! amazing rodizio!!!! amazing service... big place lots of room and salad bar is great..... sangria is good too...i believe there is more meat in the rodizio then in iberia. iberia only has 10 pcs of meat but i believe fernandes has about 13 if im not mistaken i could be lying.. lol but def the best rodizio i ever went too!
(5)
jerzee g.
Awesome, awesome, awesome! Rodizio at its absolute finest.
(5)
Matt G.
Taste is subjective, and everyone has a different opinion on what is good or subpar food. However if you don't think Fernandez II has great food you don't know what you are talking about. I'm sorry to be brash but if you are in the mood for awesome rodizio head over to Fernandez II. I must say that I have been to this restaurant five or six times and I have only had the rodizio, so I can't comment about the seafood. The good thing about a rodizio meal at Fernandez is that you are sampling around 20 different types of meat, chicken and sausage, and it is all terrific. They also provide you with rice, french fries, and fried plaintains, (along with a salad bar and bread). I would stay away from the salad bar as it just takes up precious stomach space that should be reserved for the top level food that is a carnivores dream. They bring around as much food as you can handle for around $25. Splurge for a small or large pitcher of Sangria it is a perfect match for the salty rodizio. Don't forget to save a little room for the dessert, grilled pineable sprinkled with cinammon.
(4)
Marcus D.
If anyone planned on assassinating me, they would know exactly where I am on Friday nite. Me and my buds make this our weekly constitutional: we sit by the bar, watch whatever ball game is on, and eat Rodizio till we are ready to throw up - seriously, like the old SNL skit of the Superfans, we sit there pounding our chests to work the meat through and plan our next heart attack. We start off with the blue Sangria, finish with the red, and devour nearly everything - we aren't shy to pass on certain items (for me anything on the bone) but do ask for seconds when it comes to the garlic and cheese infused steak or the chicken hearts. I've had the paella on a couple of occassions, the Valenciana or the Marinera (probably both spelled wrong) and it's good, but this is primarily a steakhouse. Extra points for the bevvy of beautiful women that are always in here, aged from twenty to fifty - South American, European, very sexy, glamorous (makes you forget you are in Newark and transports you to a square in Marbella or somewhere on Ipanema). The decor is elegant - white tableclothes, lots of wrought-iron grillework, strange object d'arte telephone/typewriter contraptions that look expensive. The building is like a stuccoed, tiled hacienda, with big oaken fortress-like doors. The waitstaff remembers us, fawns over us like visiting royalty, and take care of us with a glass of port wine at the end. Definitely an experience.
(5)
Tom Z.
So my family and I went to Fernandes last night to celebrate my birthday. To be honest I had no idea what to expect, so we get our seats and I am just pleasantly suprised how nice the restaurant is,the staff, etc.. We all ordered the Rodizio oh god! this was a punishing experience, skewers of meat that are sliced off on to your plate. We just kept eating and eating until I cashed my chips in, the waiter goes are you finished? I said yea I knew from reading about this style of food that means the cinnamon pineapple will soon greet me. So we all have our cinnamon pineapple I head outside for a smoke next thing I know I see all the waiters standing around me I am thinking oh shit did I do something wrong?!? No they start singing Happy Birthday I get this little cream and graham cracker like dessert with a candle that did not go out. Anyway it was a real nice place for dinner, I would love to go again if it was closer to get to.
(5)
Danielle B.
Oh how I miss Fernandes and places like this. I now live in San Francisco, which is not the venue for a place such as Fernandes (too many vegetarians here!!!). I've gone to Fernandes on a couple of special occasions, and the food is amazing. You must get the rodizio---meat after meat after delicious meat! The service and the sangria are also wonderful. Ooh, I'm getting hungry for that juicy goodness. I think I'm going to have to make a trip there the next time I'm back east.
(5)
Mark C.
Excellent excellent excellent. Rodizio was great! Best cut was the top sirloin!!! Tasted like butter! Sangria was also top notch. Wait staff stood at attention waiting for you to need something like they were on your payroll. I came for my birthday and by how many times everyone was singing so did everyone else. Yes this is Newark but at no time did I ever feel unsafe. The free valet parking was great as well. I don't write too many reviews but this place was worth it in so many ways! If you like meat get over here right away! I will be finding every excuse in the world to try to get back here soon!
(5)
C C.
I would have loved to give this place a 5 star rating but due to the rocky start... I couldn't. The ease of making a last minute reservation was a God send. It was late Saturday evening and had the option of 2 time slots thanks to Valentine. We chose the later one due to SIE traffic. Like I said I would have gave it a 5 star but due to the fact I was close to walking out I cannot but I am SOO glad I didn't. After all the confusion of what we ordered or didnt and finally (the place is packed) were given plates- we were able to get started on the expansive and delish meal. First was the salad bar-- def try out the macaroni salad! THEN... unlimited amounts of literally all you can eat scrumptious, tasty, juicy cuts of beef! As the steak monster I am it was heaven! My boyfriend also had turkey wrapped in bacon, chicken wrapped in bacon, lamb and both of us skipped out on the chicken hearts. There is absolutely no rush and believe me you need all the time you can get. You are also served rice with black beans, pico de gallo and awesome fried bananas!! At the end of this massive feast, like if you have the room for dessert- they give you warm pinneaple with cinnamon!! That was it-- my stomach was screaming for me to stop! All the waiters are very attentive. UNLIKE THE NEIGHBORHOOD --The ambiance was really nice and gave you an old world feel. All and all-- we would definetly go back!
(4)
Ed C.
Second trip here Another great meal, 1st time we had the Rodizio this time we ordered off the menu. Great service, Good food will definitely be back
(4)
Sebastian H.
Quite possible the best Portuguese food in Newark. Definitely the BEST RODIZIO!!! Eat until your heart is content. Delicious. Good for large groups or a date. I've been there a good 15 times and i will be there another 15. A sure shot for good food and good Sangria!!
(5)
Janet L.
This place is not for the faint of heart! All of kinds of meat: ham, sirloin, roast beef, chicken, cheese steak....it goes on and on. Be firm and remember to say, "No (thank you!)" at the beginning. Otherwise, you will not have room to try all the meats. Also, there is a salad bar and other non-meat entrees (ie, seafood) that are excellent and fresh. If you want to impress your date with your abilities to eat a cow ('cause that is what you are doing), then this is the place for you.
(5)
Ahmed A.
The food is amazing but here is the reason they are getting one star. It starts from when making reservations. The owner Terry is a jerk not nice over the phone I'm not expecting to be schmoozed but I was asking a simple question about the group I was making reservations for and the response I got was, "Now your asking for too much!" I was shocked I know everyone has bad days but this isn't the first time I experienced rudeness from this place. Another instance was after my group was finishing up dinner a manager dressed in a suit asked if were finished so we can leave to seat other people. My group and I were disgusted with the place and left. I tried to give this place another chance but it didn't even make it. Beware the owner is a complete jerk. Yes the food is top notch but I'd rather deal with average to good with great customer service.
(1)
Kim R.
Had a great meal at fernandes. Now yes the rodizio is 27 or 28 dollars...however you are paying for endless varitities of quality meats and table service which is like a seated buffet. If you're cheap or think this is "expensive" then go to the china buffet nearest you. Anyway the meats have all different wellness done so if you want something specific most likely the carver will be able to find it on his meat stick lol. Don't take too much in the beginning because the longer it goes on you'll see the better stuff comes out mid - end selection. Salad bar was small and super tiny dwarf plates but as soon as the meat comes you'll hardly notice. We sat upstairs which seemed to have larger parties and upgraded rennovation very nice. Sangrias had a steep price and it was so so. Definitly worth the trip to newark
(5)
Varun S.
Now I'm giving the restaurant 4 stars, only because it's a bit pricey, really out of the way to get to, and their drinks aren't very strong, but I'm giving their RODIZIO 5 STARS! I've been to a number of rodizios over the years, but this is the only one that keeps me and friends coming back. Very large quantity of meats, in a very large variety. And you never leave feeling like your stomach's about to explode. Force feed yourself as much as you want, you will only feel satisfied.
(4)
Hope T.
A definate go to place for me and friends! VERY friendly accomodating service and plentiful, good food. The best rodizio in Newark.
(4)
Kat K.
Been here many times for delicious rodizio but this time we ordered the filet mignon cooked on tile (served cooking tableside) and it was delicious along with the garlic shrimp! Great food and service. Packed on a Tuesday night. Can't wait to return.
(5)
Jason D.
One of the best meals I have ever had in my entire life. I would give 10 stars if possible. I went here before the Rolling Stones concert and fell in love with this place from the moment I walked in. The atmosphere is awesome and the service is perfect. Everyone is really friendly. GET THE RODIZIO. You may think you want to try something else but GET THE RODIZIO. I had so many different cuts of meat and they were all cooked perfectly. I can't wait to come back here. The prices are very reasonable for the amount of food you get.
(5)
Robert O.
I have been to restaurants for Rodizio from coast to coast and Fernandes is my favorite. I have to confess that I've never ordered anything else here but I've been with others that have ordered amazing seafood dishes too! The service is also always friendly and professional. I can't eat this volume of food too often but there's no better place to indulge in meat than Fernandes!
(5)
Melissa V.
This place was seriously fabulous! My boyfriend and I went for our anniversary on a Saturday night in February, around 7 pm. We made a reservation with a pleasant man on the phone. When we arrived, it was like we were transportated out of Newark, the surrounding area is "eh" but the building is beautiful. There was valet parking, complimentary. We did have to wait about 15 minutes once arriving, so do yourself a favor and make a reservation because this place was PACKED. I will say it did take some time for someone to arrive to take our order, but you can see why they are backed up. We ordered our drinks (GET THE SANGRIA! It is delicious and comes in a big glass). Now to the good stuff, the waiter took our order and moments later we were brought a side of frijoles negros (absolutely delicious), rice, a couple different salsas, fried bananas (superb, most delicious I have ever had) and a couple of typical Brazillian toppings. Almost immediately a man carrying my dreams arrived at our table with a skewer 3 feet long of barbecued meat. This is called rodizio and TWAS. AMAZING. The variety was fantastic: bacon wrapped filet, bacon wrapped pork, several different kinds of steak, chicken breast, chicken hearts, ham, prime rib....yeah, you get the picture. And at 28$ a person? All you can eat? Until you have to force them away? WORTH IT! To top it off they bring you grilled pineapple topped with cinnamon, which was a perfect end to the meal. We even got our picture taken with an old camera, perfect for our anniversary! Kind of steep (7$) if you asked me, but oh well. Slightly buzzedd off my sangria, we were returned the car with ease and the valet attendant was freezing but pleasant. Seriously, go to the place. If you love meat, it will not disappoint. Everything else I saw that people were eating (not rodizio) also looked tasty.
(5)
James Z.
Perhaps an off night. Most reviews are good to great but I found it unremarkable. The food was decent. The Sangria was like HiC with alcohol which if that is what you like must be nice... Not my version of good. I wouldn't return.
(3)
John R.
They did a great job re-building this restaurant. Looks aside, the food was much the same as other good Spanish/Portuguese restaurants in The Ironbound. A plus that it's a liitle out of the way. The restaurant was packed and we showed up without a reservation. The wait service was friendly and the menu was extensive. A 16oz shell steak with a lobster tail for $28? Awesome! Try the Rodizio and salad bar as well.
(4)
Donna S.
Great great food. Service can't be beat and FRIENDLY! If I had to say anything negative it would be the wait time even with a reservation (but the food and staff is so great I can overlook it).
(5)
Debbie E.
My son-in-law comes here with coworkers from PSEG on a regular basis and raves about the food. This was their "go-to" place to eat when working round-the-clock during the Sandy aftermath. We arrived with three kids and three adults on a Wednesday evening for dinner. The service was friendly and attentive - no complaints. I ordered the shrimp with garlic which was served cold with sauce so salty it overshadowed any hint of garlic. The fried potatoes on my plate appeared as crushed - as in bits and ends, soggy and cold, not the usual full potato chip style. Very disappointing. My grandson had penne vodka with shrimp which was drowned in sauce, but was flavorful. Granddaughter had chicken alfredo which was actually quite good as was a flank steak dish my son-in-law had. My daughter had a chicken, shrimp and mushroom dish which also was swimming in sauce. Less is more in regard to sauce. A better choice would be with rodizo as we watched it being served to other tables and it looked delicious. Consistency seems to be an issue which the server should monitor. My dish shouldn't have even left the kitchen due to the difference in the potatoes I received versus what the rest of the table had. Appreciate the hospitality offered to the PSEG crew, but I have two favorite restaurants on Ferry Street that never disappoint.
(2)
Phillip P.
CLOSED - Destroyed by Fire... Was one of the BEST Portuguese Restaurants in Newark. Hope the rebuild fast. Other recommendations: "Solar Do Minho" in Belleville and Roselle Park, NJ
(4)
Ray G.
Re-Opened!
(5)
Jon S.
Terrible reservation and waiting system. We ended up leaving after waiting for nearly an hour after being told the wait was going to be 45 minutes. Asked the host how much longer the wait was going to be and was told that there were reservations for 9 pm (it was 8:55) and we would have to wait for them to be seated and those tables to finish their meals. I had also noticed many people with reservations actually ended up waiting for about 15-20 minutes before being seated. Based on there seating system, I would not return to this establishment. I am sure the food is pretty good but I will not be the one to find out.
(1)
Jason K.
This place is the real deal. I've been to Brazil twice, I have eaten in Porcao, and Fogo De Chao (both known for being the best rodizio restaurants in Brazil), and Fernandes in Newark is just as good as either of them, if not better. The element Fernandes brings that most restaurants don't, is the service. The service is absolutely unbelievable. The Maitre D', Valentine, is such a warm host, he remembers guests, makes you feel as if you were in his own house, and even busses tables if he has to. Lets get to the food, something that makes meat taste so wonderful is being cooked over hard-wood charcoal, and Fernandes has that down to a science. I have eaten at every steakhouse in Manhattan, every rodizio house in the tri-state area, and I will always come back here again and again, I already do every week. Even down to the vegetables, I always get sides of collard greens and broccoli rabe, they are cooked exquisitely. The collard greens are not the usual long, braised, sweet, gray leaves you are used to from BBQ joints, they finely slice the collard greens and saute them quick with olive oil and garlic, so they are still green, and a little crunch to them, awesome. All the meats on rotisserie are done differently, and every single one is unbelievable in its own right. The cuts that should be cooked slow are placed higher up on the rotisserie (farther away from the fiery charcoals at the bottom), so that it may cook at a slower temperature and get more tender. The Picanha (top sirloin) that is synonymous with all rodizio restaurants, is perfect, for lack of a better word. The cheese-steak comes out brown and golden, dripping with cheese out of a crusty piece of beef. The short ribs come out 6 bones on a rotisserie, and the slicer cuts a whole bone off and slides it onto your plate, the slicer barely walks away before you are asking for another piece, which by the way, you eat as much food as you want, they keep coming and asking you what you like best or are interested in. If you are not a meat eater, don't worry, they have whole branzino's grilled, gorgeous cod and salmon, and I saw someone eating a broiled seafood plate with lobsters, clams, shrimp, mussels, etc.. that looked awesome. Sangria is delicious, every single aspect of this restaurant is amazing, there is really nothing else to say about it. If Newark is too far for you, then don't go, not even once, because once you do, you will be inclined to return often.
(5)
Luis E.
Came here twice so far Time: Sunday; About 3:30pm Location: Isolated Price: Expensive. Food: Forgot what I had but both times I loved it. Its a Portuguese/Spaniard restaurant. Drinks: Sangria, Mojito & Caipirinha. All were fantastic Music: None Interior Design: Very nice, it had an old country type Spanish look. Wish I knew more about architecture to explain the name of the style :/ Pros: Huge food portions, fantastic drinks, great food & great place to bring a date/girlfriend/wife Cons: The location and price but its worth trying it at least once to find out for yourself.
(4)
Michael B.
So far my favorite place in the ironbound section
(5)
Laura M.
It's possible that I am being really hard on this place, but I would only give 2.5 stars if I was able to. My review is not based solely off the rodizio like many below. Came here for my sisters birthday and let me first start by saying that the restaurant itself is beautiful. I liked the architecture and the ambiance very much. Rustic enough but with a touch of elegance. Very nice. The red sangria was excellent. Strong and very satisfying. Unfortunately, after receiving our shrimp in garlic sauce, my rating started to go down. Almost every shrimp I tasted had that unpleasant iodine flavor, indicating to me that they were overcooked. Not a good way to start off the meal. The garlic sauce was mediocre to some other places I've had it. We had a mixed bag of entrees including, pallea valencia, veal with almond sauce, churrasco à Fernandes, and the picadinho misto. Sadly, the pallea was bland and everything it contained was very overcooked. The lobster was incredibly chewy and and the sausage was dry as a bone. This is not what we were hoping for. It was very disappointing and overly fishy tasting. The leftovers were unfortunately not even brought home. The picadinho was delicious, however the inconsistency in the way the meat was cooked was frustrating. One bite you would have a soft delicious piece of pork or beef, the next was a tough piece of grizzle or overcooked meat. The Spanish sauce was okay, nothing memorable. The same goes for the veal with almond sauce. It lacked flavor and was truly nothing memorable. My father had the churrsaco and I can understand why people come here for the meat. I sampled a variety of the meats and it was flavorful, not over salted, and had a pleasant amount of smokey flavor. If I return, I would need to try the rodizio as this truly seems to be their star.
(2)
Sal C.
Excellent dinner. Come here hungry as you will get tons of food. Recommend the filet on the tile, paella valenciana and of course the ridizio. The deserts and alcohol coffee especially the Fernandez and Spanish coffee are really good. Overall never walk out there hungry.
(5)
Sancho M.
They have two valet lots you can park in which is a plus because parking can be difficult in the area. I would recommend making a reservation but walk ins are okay too, you just may have to wait a bit. The description rates Fernandes as $$ but I think its closer to $$$. If you are in the mood for meat you want to go with the Rodizio. They also have a great selection of seafoods. Make sure you have a pitcher or two of sangria. It's delicious here.
(4)
E Y.
Location is not very good, but parking with valet is good option. I had the Caribbean ribeye which is large at 24oz but it was tough and not that tasty. Service was pretty slow. Salad bar was barely adequate. The valet guy was pretty good though...
(2)
Jim D.
Having eaten at every Brazilian place in Newark (my girlfriend is from Brazil) this is BY FAR the best! Food is great as well as the staff. The seafood and Rodizio are top notch. Don't eat for a day if you are getting the rodizio!
(5)
Yu S.
Awesome good and outstanding service as soon as u walk in. Kinda off the beaten path but worth it. Gets busy on weekends but have a large upstairs
(5)
Erin H.
My boss suggested getting rodizio after a late Friday afternoon meeting. Rodizio on the boss's dime? Count me in! I suggested Fernandes after having read about it here. I have never indulged in rodizio, and was a little worried that I couldn't possibly eat enough to make it worth the money. I quickly came to find out that when the food is as good as it is at Fernandes, eating enough is not a concern. The place is massive. Luckily, though, parking isn't a problem because there is free valet. This is also is a plus for those people who are leery of Newark. Really, there is nothing to worry about in this neighborhood. I lived down the street for over a year, and never had a problem. The restaurant has tables on two floors, and feels almost like a Disney restaurant. I mean that in the best way; I'm a huge fan of Disney. It is cavernous, with lots of charming Portuguese decor touches. The task of choosing the wine fell to me. I picked one, and asked the waiter if it was a good choice. He hailed a manager, who steered me to a different choice based on my criteria. I was impressed that he didn't try to up-sell! The wine was perfect, even if the server who brought it to the table assumed that my male boss was the one who was supposed to taste it. We started with the clams in salsa verde. No cilantro and tomatillos here as in the Mexican version of salsa verde; these clams were served in a delicious wine, garlic, parsley, and onion sauce. They were fabulous. We ate every single one, despite the onslaught of meat we knew was coming. The rodizio was perfection. I knew that the cheaper selections tend to come out at the beginning, so I passed on a couple. No plain chicken for me! My favorites were the sausage, bacon wrapped filet, cheese pork, and rib eye. Now that I look at it, that's a lot of favorites. But they were all fantastic! We totally skipped the salad bar, again knowing that we wanted to save ourselves for the main show. I don't regret what I'm sure was a significant cholesterol boost. We ordered three (!) desserts. The creme brulee wasn't my favorite; I think it might have been prepared more like a flan, because it wasn't as creamy as I like. I really loved the layered crushed cookie and whipped cream concoction. The orange cake was a nice light choice, and was greatly appreciated after such a heavy meal. The service was excellent. The manager humored our request to text a message in Portuguese to our Portuguese-speaking managing partner. Do be warned that the rodizio comes out in quick succession; be prepared to make quick decisions! Or just say yes to everything. I am so glad that I finally tried rodizio, but am disappointed that I don't think that I can go anywhere else now. Now I just have to start cooking up excuses to head there again!
(5)
Shannon C.
Excellent food!! Never disappointed. My favorite is the Whole grilled European Sea bass, cooked to perfection! The seafood selection is one of the best in Newark! Priced right and the serving size of the meals are more than enough. Go hungry, you won't be disappointed!
(5)
Lisa P.
Had dinner here last night. It was a great experience. Ample parking, nice atmosphere. Had a few cocktails at the bar, then sat down to eat. My friend and I both ordered garlic shrimp which was delicious. We both ordered the rodizio. It was nonstop! Good Lord! Well.... After two pitchers of sangria it was like we both had just starred in a drunken meat porno. We had to take a few moments to chain smoke outside on the benches and collect ourselves before we headed home. I'd def come again! It's a vegans worst nightmare but a meat lovers paradise!
(5)
Stuart T.
I went here with my family for my birthday in 2013, I had rodizio before, but my family had not. For those who are unfamiliar with Rodizio, it's Portuguese wood coal rotisserie meats served right off the skewer, bought to your table; it's all you can eat, until you wave the white flag and give up, ending the non-stop flow of meat. Augustino the floor manager, and the rest of the men running the second floor were truly service oriented and showed pride in the experience they gave my family and I. But before the meat, first there is the salad bar, which is actually very good: simple, fresh quality ingredients like roasted and grilled fennell and other vegetables, a really nice spread. It was enough to start but not fill up on. The meats to follow were expertly prepared, juicy, succulent cuts of chicken, beef, bacon wrapped sirloin, rib eye, filet mignon, and for hose voodoo fans out there, chicken hearts. All at less than $30 for all you can eat. They also finished it off with grilled pineapple flambe and bought me out a slice of chocolate cheesecake to die for. This place is a fantastic place for a special occasion or any time you want to feel like royalty. I highly recommend it. But heware, indulging on this much meat will knock your ass out for a day or two after, may even make you go vegan while you recover, but oh so good.
(5)
Randy L.
Went for an early dinner on a Wednesday around 5 pm. Three of us ordered the all you can eat rodizio. They only had a few tables occupied at the time. They were quick to seat us and take our order. However once we ordered, it took awhile before we got served. For the first 10 minutes the food was nonstop to the point where my plate was almost over flowing. I couldn't keep up with their pace. However after the first 10 minutes, the servers never came back. I was not hungry, but could definitely eat more. After sitting there for another 30 minutes without being served, one of the waiters reluctantly came over to ask if we wanted more. At which point we only got 1 more serving. They definitely do not serve you until you say stop. They stop whenever they want. In addition, their food is super salty. Couldn't really tell what meat I was eating. Everything just taste like salt. Overall, I was not impressed.
(2)
Joe V.
Wonderful atmosphere, large and delicious portions, and great prices. Must try the sangria! We will most definitely be back soon! Mangia!
(4)
Z H.
If you go for the rodizio ($28) you'll be disappointed if you expect $50 quality. The service was attentive but the meat was over cooked and salted and not too special . They try to mask this with coating it in cheese, bacon or garlic and 2 of the items are awful sausages and chicken. but that's not why people come to a Brazilian steak house. Usually there is at least one cut that is impressive but here there is not, even the ribs were dry. I think this place is not to the standards that it once was.
(3)
Adria B.
A better choice for rodizio! My husband and I and another couple are here last night after reading the many Rosie places on Yelp. I checked the website as well. This place is pricier than other restaurants in the area however here you get what you pay for. The food was excellent all cooked perfectly. U.S. Girls the 2 lb lobster that came with delectable Portuguese fries and had tastes of the hubbies Rodizio, OMG! The choices of beef studded with mozzerella, the sliced flank steak, the sirloin and turkey. All yummy. Not chunks of charr d meats, sliced delicately and flavorful. We passed on the pork loin for more steak, steak, grilled mozzarella. The best we've ever had. The red sangria, bottle red, good and glass refills are filled to the brim! Salad bar is basic but you don't want to fill up on it nor the bread. No for ambiance. The brick arched window walls with scroll gates, a long bar on the other side and a beautiful party room upstairs. They have valet parking on their own property. The bus boy was always there to bring you new bowls for your shells and Rafael you can't ask for more friendly, attentive waiter. They were there not obtrusive, the food carriers nonchalantly showing up to slice you some more. We then had dessert, flan wins hands down. I had the caramel cheesecake...wish I did not waste my calories on this choice, not good at all. The espresso was good and hot and our waiter surprised us with a good after dinner port of good quality. Only four not five stars you ask, location is not great. We all will definitely be back to Fernandes Steak House.
(4)
Frankie M.
A carnivores wet dream!!!!!! I went to fernandez steakhouse with an empty stomach and walked out one of the happiest men, since Ralphy got his red rider B B gun in the Christmas Story. The servers start and its a tidal wave of meat hitting u all at once. This endless buffet of various cuts of meats, had me waving my white flag when it was over. Lol. The fresh cuts of juicy and tender meats put me in a crazed carnivorous consumption. This is a top steak house for me. And all that meat for 28 bucks u cant go wrong. And don't forget the refreshing sangria. ***I edited this restaurant due to the fact i went to a better steakhouse and this one dosent even compare to Peter Luger's Steakhouse.
(3)
Heather S.
What do you get when you put a self-proclaimed "Steak Expert" in an all you can eat meat on a skewer kind of situation? Pure joy. My group of 5 had 8pm reservations on a Friday to this Ironbound District hotspot. We rolled in closer to 9pm after some train schedule mishaps and a bottle of wine (whoops!). That cost us dearly... Word of advice: If you can snag a great reservation, don't be late or your friends will hate you for not getting to eat til 9:30pm. Meat variety wasn't the as abundant as other rodizios I have been to in the past, but for $30 you won't find me complaining. For the most part I was able to get all my meat on the rare to medium-rare end of the spectrum. The lamb was probably the most disappointing item I had seeing as how it was overcooked and bland. Another piece of advice: Skip the meager buffet, french fries, and the first round of meats (ie: chicken, turkey, sausage) and wait for the beef to come through. You don't want to waste precious belly real estate on peasant meats. Make a reservation, be on time, and eat up! If you're anything like me you'll probably end up feeling like death and crying about how you think your friends are the worst for letting you have that last round of beef on a steak.
(4)
Peter Q.
Great atmosphere , very good service , waiters very attentive .. I definitely recommend , took a party of five they all loved it.. We all had the rodizio , capirenas Brazilian alcohol drink , dessert and coffee..total 245 dollars....every penny was worth it.. I would give this place 5 stars but the salad bar was weak... Don't take me wrong rodizio is good but also like good salad variety too.... The meats succulent , delicious ...the chicken oh man....the sausage wow ..the meat variety excellent .... I recommend ...reason I went there was because the yelp reviews about rodizio ... The
(4)
Suat K.
AMAZING if you're a meat lover. The pineapple served at the end is incredible. The all you can eat meat bbq is fairly priced.
(5)
M G.
This review does not cover the Rodizio aspect of the restaurant as we ordered off the menu. The atmosphere is very nice and has a Spanish/Mediterranean in feel. The service was decent contrary to other reviews I have read elsewhere. We did get there at 4:30pm for dinner (pre-theater) and the place was already buzzing with people. By around 5:30 it looked fairly packed. I was looking forward to two dishes, the mixed broiled seafood platter and the garlic shrimp. Both were a huge disappointment. I have had Iberian style garlic shrimp many times both in the US and in Spain and wanted very much to experience something similar. Instead of receiving a dish of shrimp in sauce in a clay dish, we got shrimp with the sauce in a separate small bowel with rice and steamed vegetables. Although the shrimp were not overcooked, this was nothing like garlic shrimp and did not come close to the correct flavors of the dish. When I mentioned this to the server in a very nice manner, I pretty much received a response of we don't really do it this way. Very surprising for this type of place. Now the worse part of the meal was the broiled seafood platter. It was meant for two people and the quantity was good for the purpose. However, all the seafood was barely warm and very dried out. It was probably sitting somewhere for a long time. The flavors were off and it was a huge let down since the people I was with were really looking forward to this meal. Since the restaurant had such low standards we and we simply dealt with it. We also had the strip steak presented in a clay tile. The steak was very stringy and nowhere near as good of a steak as I have had in many other places. Again, low quality! The bread was very good, although we did not have a chance to dip it into the garlic shrimp dish as I was looking forward to doing. Overall, I would not go back to this place. Its very overrated and the quality of food and preparation is not worth it. Find an authentic spot in town and enjoy the food, even if the atmosphere is not as nice. DON'T WASTE YOUR MONEY HERE.
(1)
D H.
First time here, got Rodizo. Fast service, sangria was good, and all the meats were very good to great. Turkey wrapped bacon is the best tasting turkey at a Rodizo we have had. The Beef and Garlic and Beef and Cheese were 5/5. 1/2 the price of Fogo, and nearly as good, deserts were good (Canoli cake, lava cake) were both enjoyable - combined with excellent service - we will be back ! We ate on sunday at 3-4:30 and as we were leaving some meats came out we didn't get to sample - not sure what happened there (we didn't know what was missing, there is not a list) - but that's ok, we left very full. Only thing they could improve is their salad bar is tiny - but we didn't come for that.
(5)
Jen F.
The grilled steaks are delicious and plentiful. It is a good place if you are a steak lover and know which cuts to order. The items in the salad bar are also very fresh. I thoroughly enjoyed my visit here and hope to be back again.
(5)
Mike R.
Boy do I love me a good steak and I wasn't disappointed.
(4)
Melissa V.
By far, this is my favorite Portuguese restaurant. The rodizio is fresh and well seasoned with a large selection of beef. The staff is polite and attentive. Go to this restaurant if you want to impress someone.
(4)
Corey S.
Numero uno. Take everyone I can here if they can get past the fact its in newark.... rodizio is a must, sangria is dynomite, and the ambiance is just short of spectacular. Been here countless times and never have a bad meal. A+
(5)
Billy M.
You often see me write about the small things . . . I have three adult children (36, 31, 25). Today is our middle (son)'s birthday (4th of July). We decided to try Fernandes for lunch and celebrate his birthday. This is our first time here. The food was great and the service was even better. We all (6) ordered the Rodizio. It just kept coming, and coming, and coming. I've been to other places where the food stops at some point. Not here. My oldest son is mentally disabled (fragile x - like autism). He is such a joy! The wait staff picked up on it immediately. For some reason he decided not to eat (actually very little). Their concern was genuine and respectful. It pleased my wife (and all of us) to no end. When the bill arrived, the Manager decided not to charge for my son. He didn't have to. He just did. It is . . . the little things. A really wonderful day. My daughter has a new boyfriend. It is his first time in the Ironbound. He was amazed that a restaurant this nice was in an industrial area, with lots of warehouses. Oh, btw . . . one of the many gifts my oldest son does have is he can pick a phony out in about 3 seconds with amazing accuracy. He does approve of her new boyfriend.
(5)
Shelah D.
This place is the bomb! Rodizio is not salty like others. Waiters are very attentive and polite. Valet parking is a great plus!
(5)
Tanya G.
Absolutely amazing time here for my dear brother's post graduation lunch. The service is great and the food is just out of this world. Best rodisio I've every tried by far. Just make sure you come here hungry, lots of food :)
(5)
Kelly M.
I'm not quite sure if this restaurant is Portuguese, Brazilian or Spanish as the listing says. I like to think it's a fusion. The menu is vast and for the most part the food is on point. Last time I was here I ordered some typical Portuguese dish but regretted because the smell of the rodizio was so good and my food was extremely salty. No sure if it was a mistake or really the way they prepare it. Service is always impeccable. A little pricey but the free valet parking is a nice touch. Will definitely go back for some rodizio.
(4)
Jess W.
Fantastic as usual! We're so happy they 're open again. The food is excellent and so is the wait staff. We'll be back soon!
(5)
Peter K.
Excellent Rodizio served here. They keep the food coming and the service is great. Great for groups and large parties as well. We had pre-dinner drinks at the bar while we waited for our group to get seated. I'm glad that they have re-opened will be back for sure.
(4)
David C.
Great place to come with friends and family. The selection is outstanding. Some of the meats were saltier then others so if that is something that bothers you just ask the servers. Good service and relaxing atmosphere. Love to go back and try new dishes.
(3)
Kristopher L.
Ive been here a few times and I gotta say the atmosphere is great. The service is always exceptional . The food is always plentiful and delicious . I always get the porter house steaks while my family get the more traditional Spanish meals and it's always on point. The desserts are very good as well . Enjoy we always do
(4)
JR R.
I'm going to hold at 4-star for now but it looks like high prices are causing a drop in quality and selection. Also, the boss at the front reception area should lose that scowl. After all, we are paying for the meal. The head waiter told us to order appetizer and dessert, next time. This, after we had 5 drinks for 2 people and frequent the place at least once a month!
(4)
Marc P.
By far the BEST...period!
(5)
Craig C.
Best rodizio in NJ. I have eaten at most of the spots in Newark and this place blows them away. Good place for large groups. I also think they have the best sangria. Easy to get to and has off street parking / valet is available. Service is attentive and prices are average for this type of food. Can't recommend this place enough.
(5)
Edris S.
If your looking for the best Rodizo in the area then this is the place to be. Part of having an excellent Rodizo is have a good volume of people eating it so the meat stays fresh. As other reviewer stated, this is a steakhouse so eat meat when you go. The only advise i would give the newbies is do not let the cutter double cut the same side of the meat. After they cut once they should go back and re-salt and grill. This is what give it it's flavor. The service is top notch. The only issue i have is that the bathroom in is the basement. Kind of tricky if you had to much Sangria. Don't get me wrong it's a clean bathroom. Speaking on that note. A friend that works for PSE&G stated that Fernandes has one of the cleanest kitchens. Just off that note, they will always have my business.
(4)
Edward V.
Good food. Reasonable prices. Great atmosphere.Highly recommended!
(4)
John C.
Place was packed so we waited about 45 minutes for a table which I expected on Saturday night. Sat upstairs which is a very large room. They sat us next to a bachelor party of like 18 guys. These guys were loaded up on booze and started being abusive to all the women in the room. Were actually rating girls as they were seated and throwing around curses every other word. It wasn't like they were whispering this stuff they were shouting it so they all could hear each other in this loud room. Couple next to us left as the girl was not able to take it. I was with my 2 sons and wife and they were amazed this was happening. Management didn't want to lose this big check so didn't throw them out. Instead they just were apologizing to others for their bad behavior. This restaurant has some of the best food in the Ironbound but I expect a place to maintain some kind of decorum. This is the stuff that happens in the post dinner portion of the bachelor party at some strip club. One of the worst restaurant experiences I have ever had.
(1)
Richard H.
My favoirte place for rodizio! Their full range of meats are brought out fresh and flavorful. Their salad bar doesnt have that much of a selection. Just the basic vegies to make a salad. The meat that comes out tends to be on the bloody side, so I found myself having to ask them to bring me out more well done pieces, which they had no problem doing. Their sangria is also very food, you have your choice of the regular red, blue, or orange ones ( i forget the flavors). Fernandez is the the cheapest rodizio around but i dont mind payin a little more bc its the best ive ever had.
(5)
cd c.
I'm going to sum it up. Good food at a not so good place. Fernandes is a restaurant in Newark which serves peninsula food. (iberian food). Its located in a pretty bad part of town by ironbound standards, but fortunately has a private parking lot with valet parking. Bar area downstairs seems pretty nice with a nice atmosphere. Upstairs dining room has plenty of tables and it has a disorganized feel to it. Tables are scattered in no particular order. Servers are fast and efficient. Prices are average. Food is actually very good, but I would not expect much on the seafood side here. Of the times I've been there meat seems to be the thing to go with. Its incredibly loud and busy, but some people actually prefer that. During the night , they have the annoying guys who don't work for the restaurant trying sell you flowers or take a picture for a price. I personally think any restaurant that allows that, is cheesy. On occasion they have Mariachis going around doing the same, which I don't get. Iberian food or culture has nothing to do with Mariachi. They should move down to the Mexican restaurant. With so many others places in the area, I personally would choose others restaurants, but some of my friends swear by the food.
(3)
Marie H.
We went here on the earlier side of a Saturday evening. The place was pretty full, but once we were seated, we were given good service and never got the feeling they were trying to rush us out. As we left, there were scads of people waiting to come in, so make sure you have a reservation. It was a fun place to go as a group and was a fun experience to do at least once.
(4)
Heaven V.
We were celebrating my nephews graduation here, in which the food and service was exquisite. I had a minute issue in entering with my service dog, but after showing the proper id for myself and my dog to the Mgr Octavio Fernandez, our reservation was honored.
(5)
Phil G.
Fernandes Steak House has the BEST RODIZIO in the Ironbond. When you go to this place do not order Fish or Seafood you will be disappointed. Steak House order MEAT. GREAT RODIZIO GOOD FOOD GOOD SERVICE AVG PRICE If you want fish go to Seabras Marisqueira great place for seafood.
(4)
Jason E.
I've been to Brazil a couple of times, have several Brazilian friends, and have had amazing meals at the best churrascarrias NYC has to offer. This place holds its own in the category. We will be back.
(4)
Derick R.
Ok so I dont know how Im even able to draft this review, since Im in a severe food coma presently. Ill make this short and to the point. Think of ALL the meats you enjoy and this place with have them all and about 10+ more. We had the rodizio and the meats were all good but not Great. I thought only the ham and filet wrapped in bacon were exceptional. Everything else was pretty much standard as far are taste. They did have PLENTY of different meats though (even steak stuff with cheese). Prime rib, filet, ribeye, chicken, sausage, turkey, pork loin, garlix steak.. yada yada. Delish grilled pineapple dessert. One complaint... The salad bar was waaayyy to small. Salad, potatoe salad, and olives, thats pretty much it. It was $28.75 pp... Bill was $72 for two people with no alchol! Id probably go back if the salad bar was bigger. But there are many other places to try that are similar in the area. So this wasnt exactly short but atleast you might find it helpful.
(3)
Phil C.
It doesn't get better than this! I've had the fortunate experience of eating at almost all Portuguese restaurants in Northern NJ and Westchester County NY. It does not get any better than this. Food is A+. If you want a good steak, rodizio, appetizers, sangira, wine selection, etc, this is your place. Don't think twice, everyone you take here will enjoy...
(5)
Mehmet B.
Pros: Delicious rodiizo Friendly service Reasonable price Cons: There was a weird smell in the restaurant Not a rich wine selection
(5)
Gracie J.
Don't be intimidated by the neighborhood or the deceiving look of its boarded up door which you see from the intersection... the interior of the restaurants is actually very nice and the service is great. I am only rating on the rodizio. It is one of the best and most authentic rodizios I have been to in New Jersey. Don't miss out on the chicken drumstick and the prime rib slices. My mouth is watering right now just thinking about it. I have tried places in Bergen County and elsewhere in Newark and they don't compare. Add to that the solid service and the AWESOME sangria (get the pitcher, it's worth it), and you have a fantastic dinner experience all wrapped up in one. The only 'negative' part of the experience was not having enough space in my stomach to enjoy everything! I'll definitely be back.
(5)
Eric N.
I go to a lot of NJ Devil games and I'm always on the hunt for a good restaurant to eat at before the game. I heard that Fernandez had good rodizio so we gave it a shot. The restaurant was clean and the service was prompt and friendly. As for the rodizio, I was quite impressed. Tremendous variety and everything was perfectly cooked. I prefer my beef to be rare/med rare and that's exactly how it came out. And not too salty either. Best rodizio in Newark. Hands down.
(4)
Mary Lou S.
My family and I went to Fernandes for the Chrisfmas Buffet. I was very disappointed. The buffet was 1-5..,,and I arrived at 2:30. They did not replenish any of the food. And what was left was dried out and cold. And at 46.95 (plus tax and tip) I was hoping to get my money's worth. Needless to say I didn't have much to eat. The only good thing was when Santa came.
(1)
Dennis C.
Cooked myself a filet mignon and lobster tail on hot stone, which didn't actually stay hot for that long. I ended up having to cut the steak and cook it in sections as it was on the very rare side of medium rare. Food tasted fine, service was a bit spotty.
(3)
Natalia C.
I was not impressed at all. They took forever to serve my food and when I finally got my meal it was cold. I told the waiter it was cold and he brought it back warmer but it was black. It looked like charcoal. The rice was also disgusting. And on top of everything my meal was very pricey. I've been sitting in here for 3 hours. I give this place a thumbs down. I will never come here again and I don't recommend anyone to come here.
(2)
Robert S.
This is my 3rd or 4th time here. Always go with a group. Usually have RodÃzio. This time, ordered pork chop. The service is amazing. The food is outstanding. Everyone who tried a little of my pork chop thought it was unbelievable. One person's fillet was a little stringy, the other person's fillet was excellent. The price is perfect. The Champagne Sangria is the best anywhere!!
(4)
Edward W.
Vegans, please skip to the next review. Everyone else: 4.5 stars. Wow. Yeah, it's as good as all the Yelp reviews. Just order the rodizio and sangria. Worth the trip into Newark. Valet parking. You're welcome.
(4)
Jess K.
As the saying goes: you get what you pay for. I get A+ service and heavenly meals and desserts for a hefty dollar, and it is always worth it. Im from Brasil and this place is as close to the real thing in Brasil as I can get. I have been there about 5 or 6 tjmes and every time it gets better and better.
(5)
Siguy S.
Holy shit!!!!!! This is the best steak house in nyc / nj ( and i have been to most in the city yes better the peter lugar) This is the sizzling ribeye with butter and garlic DAMMMM WAS IT GOODop
(5)
Verna S.
Hubby and I discovered Fernandes Steakhouse back in November, while driving back home from an Atlantic City trip. Feeling adventurous, we decided to detour into Newark to find an off the beaten path restaurant. Thanks for the help, yelpers! It was crowded when we got there, so we squeezed into the bar and ate there. I had a ribeye and he had the rodizio. Our meats were great and cooked perfectly. But I learned my lesson and from now on, I only order the rodizio. Ribeye is a part of the rodizio offerings. The rodizio is great because you pretty much get to try everything. We've driven out to Newark from Manhattan at least 5 times just for this place. It's a meat lovers heaven!They also have a ton of seafood, chicken, and pasta entrees. I can't speak for those options because I haven't tried them. And their desert menu is also pretty insane. The one desert I had, the serradura, was a parfait of rich creamy deliciousness. Try to make some room. There's nothing great about the salad bar. It's a typical salad bar. After all, you come here for the meat. You'll also see the matriarch of this place, usually outside or somewhere near the front. If you speak Spanish or Portuguese, she will talk to you and start friendly conversation. She is adorable and such a sweetheart!
(5)
Lucas M.
We have been there for dinner and will be back. I think it's one of the best Steak House in the area. The menu is vast and tempting. Amazing seafood and huge portions ! Sangria is ok ! Ambience very good ! Service impeccable.
(4)
Thea M.
Our family has been going to Fernandes for years to celebrate birthdays and anniversaries. Although you feel a bit sketchy driving in this dark/warehouse part of Newark--it;s well worth the trip (and safe!). For years I thought rodizio was the way to go but frankly all that meat sits in your stomach and makes you feel sick. In the past few years we've discovered their amazing seafood entrees and the steak served on a hot clay tile---amazing and HUGE portions can easily feed 2 (or take leftovers home for lunch the next day). Sangria is delish--good selection of Portuguese beers and you have to try the Serradura (cookies & cream dessert)---I'd make the drive to Ironbound for that alone!!
(4)
Anthony C.
Been here many times,went again Saturday and didn't disappoint.Service was fast and helpful,Rodizio.Service was great. Besides rodizio,there is a great variety on the menu and desserts are also very good.
(4)
Paula L.
The spot is in an industrial area, however, don't be fooled. Glad we came here last week on recommendation. We had the porterhouse and filet mignon. All came with sides. Plenty of food, large portions- all delicious, perfectly cooked! The prices were very reasonable as well. We've paid more in other places for food not as tasty. We will definitely be back.
(5)
Sarah G.
I really enjoyed this Steak House!!! Sangria was pretty decent. Ambience was amazing and the service was impeccable!!
(5)
Jaclyn L.
Ironbound = Portuguese Food....Delicious Portuguese food. Fernandes is known to everyone in the Ironbound, and this is really a top place you should definitely hit up if you plan on being in the area. Since I'm lucky enough to work close by, it's a great place for us to recommend to auditors and visitors alike. The overall charm of the place is the raw brick walls in and around the restaurant. There's Portuguese pride hanging on the walls and represented in the suit of armor that greets you when you first walk in, to other artifacts. We were a party of five when we dined in early February on a Wednesday night. Service is really top notch, and the menu is vast and tempting. There hasn't been a time we've ordered something that we didn't like, and this time was of no exception either. We started off with some chorizo that was cut up into strips, with some picked cauliflower, carrots, broccoli and olives. This dish needs to be shared due to the saltiness of the sausage; it's wonderful, but share so you don't have high blood pressure. We also got an order of shrimps in garlic (a staple and a MUST) which was plentiful. The shrimps were cooked perfectly and snapped when you bit into them- delightful. My entree of choice was a piece of filet mignon with a mushroom sauce, with Spanish chips and dirty rice. There was no room for veggies on this plate, and I really couldn't care less. The only shame was that after the appetizers and being on my third glass of Sangria, I couldn't finish my entree! Taking them as leftovers, I can honestly say they were magnificent the next day for lunch. Fernandes, thank you for the valet parking; the last thing I wanted to do was look around Newark at night looking for my car.
(5)
Reena N.
Recommendation: Rodizio and their Red Sangria. Even if you are stuffed, eat the grilled pineapple at the end, it will seriously help. In the Ironbound, Portugese steakhouses are a dime a dozen but this one stands out. First off, they have valet parking and a private lot so there is no need to try to find street parking around Newark. The restaurant is loud, tables are close together and it seems to be someone's birthday every 3 minutes. If you are coming here for Rodizio they have about 12 items on selection and have a few types of steak, lamb, sausage, pork and chicken. There are no unique Rodizio items like Seabra's has on the weekend (e.g Alligator meat). Their salad bar for the Rodizio is just sad. For the Rodizio to get started it does take about 15 minutes after you order, however, once they start, they keep on coming. There is no ability to take home your food so stick to small portions. We ordered the Red Sangria pitcher for the table and it was enough to fill about 5 glasses. This was one of the highlights of the meal. For Rodizio, the food was all excellent but you should expect this from most places around. If your coming with a group, If you are not a Carnivore, don't order the Rodizio. Recommendation: Next time I come, I think I'll have my husband order the Rodizio so I can try each meat but I'll get a chicken dish. The chicken was one of the best items on the menu that we tried, although the Ribeye on a tile looked amazing. For regular entree's (that are huge), you can take home your food so it's not all wasted. Rodizio is only what you eat in the restaurant so you can try a bite of your date's if they allow you to.
(3)
Johnny A.
First, don't listen to the other yelpers. Outside of rodizio I don't see the appeal of this place. 1. The red sangria is pretty much wine with one or two chopped up apples in it. If I wanted wine I would've ordered it. It was so bad I asked the waiter to make it sweeter. Unfortunately, all he did was dilute it. It was just watered down. 2. The red velvet cake is complete and utter trash. It's clearly purchased and just allowed to sit and dry out. I had two bites for being completely turned off. Outside of the terribleness that is the red sangria and the red velvet cake the food was pretty good. The service was prompt... after the initial 10-15 minutes wait to place our appetizer orders. Of course, I got the Rodizio and it was very good (but then again what place in the Ironbound section isn't?). I recommend trying the pork with cheese, sausage, lamb and chicken hearts (because where else can you get them?). Oh, also order the fried calamari app! This place is on the more expensive side, but they do give very large portions. If I was judging this place solely based on Rodizio this place would stack up to the current 4.5 star rating, but because I have a large stomach and had Rodizio, apps, dessert and sangria I have to based my rating on everything. I really want to give this place 1 star, but I'm not that terrible of a person. Unfortunately, I believed previous yelpers and went out of my way to go here. I won't be making that mistake again. This was my first and last time coming here.
(2)
Mishae M.
If you want to treat yourself, live in the area and dont want to travel far, this is the place to do it at. Not only is the food and service impeccable but the ambience transports you to a different time in spain (note the old kitchen stove in the front of the restaurant), that makes you forger your actually in Newark. It is clean, only the best and freshest ingredients are being placed on your food and the portions are huge. You also are given a complimentary salad bar and delicious bread before your entree arrives which may dismiss your want of an appetizer. (Keyword...May) With all thar being said, for a party of two, we ordered a plate of calamari, sangria, garlic shrimp and half of a chicken platter. The sangria is the best ive ever had. The calamari is also perfect, crispy and cooked well through and served with an amazing marinara sauce. Garlic shrimp platter could serve two and is fantastic and the half of chicken platter is what you would expect from any bbq place in the area. You definitely get your moneys worth as you will be bringing home leftovers and the food is just as fresh the next day. I will be returning.
(5)
ray f.
We split the Filet with shrimp and Spanish sauce. Really tasty but a huge dish. We sat by the bar next to the rodizio grill and salivated over the skewers of meat dripping fat over the coal flames. Garlic Shrimp appetizer was good but a little over cooked. Beautiful interior that will surprise you in relation to the surrounding neighborhood.
(3)
Eric K.
Great place but make sure make reservation especially weekends they are so busy. They have plenty parking space. When we got there ( we did not have reservation), they offered us sit at the bar which was great. All main courses came with open salad bar. Steak was great taste, cooked perfectly. Delicious sangria. Highly recommended
(5)
Suzanne T.
Wow....what great rodizio!!!!! The restaurant has a very nice ambiance and waiters are all superb!!!! Upon being seated were were give fresh warm bread. Even though it is very tasty, don't get filled up on it! Whe you order the rodizio, you also get the salad bar. That was a nice addition. Although it is small, all of the items were very fresh and replenished continuously. Before the rodizio starts, you get rice, beans, french fries, plantains and yucca crumbs (I think) with fresh Pico. These are all served family style as accompaniments to the meat. Once the meats start coming....holy cow.....we couldn't stop eating. Each one was better than the next! I really loved the pork stuffed with cheese, sausage and flank steak. The only one I didn't enjoy was the beef kabob as I found it to be a little tough. I didn't know what to do with the yucca and Pico so my waiter showed me to put some of each on the meat and eat. While the meat certainly didn't need it, I really liked all the flavors together. We were not going to get dessert but once we found out they had tartufo and they were from Nasto's, we found room to share one..lol. Just a tip, don't eat anything all day so you have to enjoy all this rodizio has to offer. I am looking forward to going back. The menu had a ton of items that all looked really really really good.
(4)
Sheila O.
Not to often do my husband and I find a restaurant we like enough that we eat there more then once .. Have to say the food is amazing no real complaints other then the sangria is not my favorite with that said its still Not a complaint but tasting perference
(5)
Tanya R.
Had 7PM tickets to comedian/radio DJ Earthquake's, first annual Father's Day Comedy Jam at NJPAC. Needed a place to eat and drink before the show. Typed, restaurants in Newark, NJ into my Yelp search and Fernandes Steakhouse popped up immediately. I'm sooo glad it did. Gotta admit, the Newark neighborhood that Fernandes is in is SUPER CRAPPY...I mean to the point that I was almost embarrassed that I'd suggested this place to my family. We drove around the back to the restaurant parking lot and it was like stepping into another, wonderful world. Exposed brick walls and warm lighting, Fernandes steakhouse feels cozy, romantic and family friendly all at once. Waiters are kind, smiling and wonderful even with the pressure of a large crowd and they've got great senses of humor. I was given a bill of close to $1,000 for a party of 3 as a gag. Thank God I was let in on the joke before my head hit the table! All of our food was prepared perfectly. Calamari was crispy, lobster tail was HUGE and my filet mignon was the largest cut I've ever seen of this type of steak. As for the portions, these aren't plates, they're PLATTERS. Everything Fernandes serves up is enough to feed two. Fernandes steakhouse is also a Rodizio grill with a small but complete salad bar. There's valet parking available.
(5)
Jessica C.
My favorite steakhouse in NJ. Must go!
(5)
David B.
Best Rodeo in Greater Newark area and New Jersey. Come hungry. I have been here on two occasions. This my go to business lunch place when I want to impress.
(5)
Rich R.
Holy great Rodizio. You come here for the Rodizio. Waiters walk around with large skewers of meat and you keep eating until you tell them no more. Before throwing in the towel and telling them no more, you have to ask for the chicken hearts. They are a hidden secret that the waiters will not bring unless you ask for them. After the chicken hearts, settle your stomach with some grilled pineapple. Tis is a great place for large parties. A table next to ours got a plate of sizzling chorizo for an appetizer. it looked and smelled incredible. Remember, there is no need to order an appetizer if you are going with the Rodizio. The quality of the meat was excellent. The waiters are friendly and more than willing to do their job. Did I mention the Sangria? It is awesome. There is valet parking.
(4)
Kim M.
Worth the drive, worth the wait! Great food, excellent service! Love the grilled veggies at the salad bar!! Every time we go I order from the menu and my husband gets the rodizio. Smooth Sangria! Place is loud and crowded every time-can't wait to go back!
(5)
Aretie G.
The spot is in an industrial area, however, don't be fooled. Glad we came here last night on recommendation. We had the porterhouse and filet mignon. All came with sides. Plenty of food, large portions- all delicious, perfectly cooked! The prices were very reasonable as well. We've paid more in other places for food not as tasty. We will definitely be back.
(5)
Daniel V.
Fernandes in Newark , Great Service / Awesome food Great wine/ Love this place. Can't wait to go Back
(5)
Rita I.
Meat Heaven !! You cannot go wrong with this place. I had to try out their Rodizio.. It was delicious.. How can you go wrong with all different types of meats coming to you every 3-5 minutes. My favorite one was the chicken & bacon and the steak & bacon. SOO GOOD. I'm a very petite girl.. But I can sure eat a lot and I was stuffed ! So I highly recommend you bring your appetite when coming here! Also try out their red sangria it was pretty good! If you're not a meat lover I recommend the salmon... #Delicious as well. Their Rodizio also comes with rice & beans and you're able to get whatever you prefer at their salad bar. Our waiter Lorenzo wasn't the greatest.. He seemed annoyed the whole time.. Didn't explain anything when we asked how the Rodizio worked being that it was our first time..we also asked for suggestions on the menu and he just said "everything is good" uhmm okay that helped a lot ?. The guys who brought the food and meat around were at our table more than our waiter.. For dessert we had the red velvet cake and it was okay.. Nothing crazy. I would probably try out a different dessert next time .. The whole restaurant is really nice with cute decorations. They also have a few TVs by the bar if you just want to have a drink and watch the game.. Oh and complementary valet parking always always a plus !!
(4)
Jenn R.
The Rodizio from here is amazing! The servers were extremely polite and helpful. The top sirloin and Rib eye were so good, I'd go back one day just to get the sirloin as an entree. The grilled pineapple with cinnamon served at the end was also fantastic. It's a great place to go for a guaranteed good meal.
(5)
Patrick D.
This place was impeccable. Honestly above and beyond what i thought it would be. Lets start out with the wait staff. They were attentive and it felt like every waiter was your waiter and not just a single guy. My drink was always full and i had new cutlery and plates before i knew i needed them. I went with the rodizio lunch special (just around 30$ a person and worth it) Meats: Rating out of 5 Stars Flank steak (5) Prime Rib (4) Beef and Garlic (5) Chicken Sausage (4) Pork Suasage (4) Short Ribs (3) overcooked, dried out a bit Bacon wrapped filet mignon (5) Roast beed (4) a little overcooked for my liking Sirlion and Cheese (5) This was my favorite by far, actually unreal Chicken hearts (5) A few more that i can even remember. They usual had, for red meats, one piece more cooked and one less cooked. I like my meat to have a pulse (nice dark red almost purple center) so they had really everything i wanted. Along with that a plate of rice and fries came with it for the table. If you are looking to eat like a king for a good price. Stop here and dont look back.
(5)
Zohar D.
I have been coming to this place once to twice a month for the past year, Phenomanal place for any type of resturant goer. The prices are worth the portions that you recieve. Oh, and everybody has to try their Rodizio at least once.
I have been coming to Fernandes II for decades and it has been consistently great throughout that time. I always get the Rodizio and Sangria! The Rodizio is the best I have ever had and they have a great selection of appetizers and a full bar. I will say that if you are coming on the weekend expect to wait a long time for a table.
(4)
Ngoc P.
This place is, quite possibly, the funnest spot to go to for a large birthday dinner. Some restaurants just can't handle large parties but this place will accommodate 10+ people easy. The service was fantastic. Charismatic waiters, fun, and they'll sing to you all night. I came on a Friday night as a group of 11 for my uncle's birthday dinner with a reservation and no wait. They'll set you up with bread, drinks, entice you with rodizio (and me forgetting, filled up on bread & butter - typical me). Half of my table ordered rodizio while the rest of us ordered seafood platters. You know, because we're on a diet. The meats were incredible. I've had rodizio a few times before and its typically on the dry and tasteless side but the meats here (from the lamb to the pork, chicken and beef) were all good. The rodizio comes with yellow rice, fried bananas, and beans. We ditched the beans and went ham on the bananas. Really good and caramelized and the rice wasn't half bad either. Recap: Pros: great service, delicious meat, good sangria, and ample space. Cons: Seafood is a bit dry (clams and mussels were great though), salad bar is bleh, and the restaurant is in the shady part of the Ironbound. I personally had a great time. I don't think it's as fun of an experience when you go with a smaller party but with a large group, it gets really fun when tables try to out-do each other in singing the loudest "happy birthday." Good times.
(4)
Mia S.
After reading all the great reviews I was excited to dine here for a friends birthday in February. However was greatly disappointed. I ordered a meal that consisted of lobster, steak, a crab cake and a stuffed shrimp. The crab cake was yummy, the steak was over cooked ( I ordered medium rare I received medium well), stuffed shrimp tasted sour and the lobster tail had absolutely no taste. I'm not a fan of salty food, so I never use salt. However I used lots of it here as the food had no taste. When I sent my steak back it was remade correctly. However how does a steak house even mess up a steak the first time?!! The veggies and rice were gross. Long story short, I threw my leftovers in the trash. Only positive was the nice staff.
(1)
Masud C.
Delicious food and excellent service. The rodizio is the way to go if you're a meat lover. Otherwise, the sea bass is cooked to perfection.
(4)
J M.
Excellent food, great service and beautiful restaurant!!. I was a first timer for the rodizio omg the meat just kept coming and it was all hot and delicious!! I also highly recommend the Sangria also very yummy. Can't wait to go back!!
(5)
Carina C.
Ambience. It really is a steakhouse! It gives you a "steakhouse feel." Nice antique designs everywhere! Brick walls, so cool! It's casual but coming here on a Sunday, everyone is wearing their best Sunday dress. Sitting at the bar gives you such a relaxed feeling. However, the whole place is actually so relaxed! It would definitely be fitting for families and kids. They are very accommodating! Food. The word amazing is quite an understatement. There's a salad bar which is a huge plus. The rodizio was quite impressive. It is 100% every meat lovers' heaven! The meat just keeps on coming. It never stops! And the sangria? It kicks ass. Promise. Service. Very good people! They are very welcome and hospitable. Every request and need was attended to with care.
(5)
Regina D.
Came here with another couple upon their choice, I did see that his place has alot of good reviews. Honestly I am not a fan of anything in NJ, I don't know what it is but its just that much better over the bridge. Fernandes is bit of exception, the pricing was very fare and food was not terrible either. I cant say it was great, it was just ok. I had surf and turf, the seafood was actually good but my steak was half side cooked correctly and half was super dry. My hubby had a 24oz t-bone and it tasted rather blah but our friends 40oz was much better. I think this place is hit or miss so would I go out of my way to go back, absolutely not but if in area sure why not. This place is super busy so either make reservation or be prepared to wait.
(3)
Jessica S.
Besides the rodizio, this is one of the best steakhouses in Newark. I've been here numerous times and it never disappoints. Staff is great, food is great, sangria is great, just go and try it!
(4)
Barbara G.
The service was pretty good. I recommend you make a reservation instead of just showing up there because it's always packed. They also have parking, which is hard to find in Newark. The food was amazing and the portions comes really big so be prepared. It's expensive as well, so unless you're rich I'd recommend coming here for special occasions. Loved it!
(5)
Nick C.
So I'm going to India, a land void of good beef. It was decided I would be feasting on the flesh of a cow before leaving. Fernandes is a bit off the main drag of the Ironbound section of Newark, but as we drove past, the smell of the grilled meats within passed through the car and tickled our senses. Parking is easy. They have a private lot. The restaurant itself could be described as rustic. The complex has an old school feel, it would be appropriate to decorate the place with the heads of trophy animals. Meal started with some blue sangria, and for sangria, it was pretty strong. Ordered the rodizio, and it was amazing. Best rodizio I've had thus far. Did not bother with the sides or the salad bar. Stand outs were the flank steak and top sirloin, but everything else was pretty good. Things I did not really like were the sausage, ham, and chicken hearts. Sausage and ham were meh. Chicken hearts were marinated in something I did not particularly like. Service was excellent. Meat after meat just kept coming. Dining partner could not keep up with them. Once they slowed down, they were happy to bring whatever items I asked for. Dessert was a whole other meal. Lava cake, red velvet cake, and tartufo were all good, but I found nothing to be particularly amazing. Generous portions though. In all, a proper send off for me before my trip. I must return to test their consistency.
(5)
Heather M.
Rodizio - this is all you need to know. You will not be disappointed.
(5)
Johncarlos V.
Amazing steak house love the rib-eye cooked on a tile as well as the bacon wrapped steak. Employees was wonder full to the moment we walked in to the second we walked out. Everyone was working hard running around taking control of the over crowded restaurant. Smell of the place was phenomenal with the aroma of steak in the air. I would love to come back and try out the different plates they have like the cowboy steak and steak with cheese.
(3)
Caroline H.
lots of people, but worth waiting. excellent grill. I love Rodizio.
(5)
Christian R.
Great place to eat a while lot of food for a great price...
(4)
Jana R.
went there to celebrate a birthday. i ordered rack of lamb and wasn't big fan of it, so instead of sitting at the table with a sad face or complaining i start snicking food from my bf's plate, he had rodizio. oh boy, that meet was so good that i couldn't stop eating. would def recommend rodizio there!
(4)
Joe P.
Good place- a little pricy - steak is good but again, not steakhouse quality like a Sparks in NYC or Black Horse in Mendham. I recommend going here for the western euro experience, but again the best steaks are not served at any Portuguese restaurant - seafood is.
(3)
Mike M.
Simply the best. Everything about this place is great. The food is fantastic, especially the rodizio. A mix of delicious steaks, chickens and pork. Two of the best things they served were a piece of steak with a garlic seasoning and another one which was almost like a cheese steak. This is definitely a place designed for large groups. Some of our party got dishes from the menu and nary a soul finished the entire meal. For example, my cousin ordered chicken marsala and 4 large pieces of chicken, rice, vegetables and french fries. The sangria is great and the service is phenomenal. One tip: starve yourself before you go. Believe me, you'll be more than full when you leave!
(5)
MC D.
OMG - Got meat? The Rodizio is completely worth the trip to the bowels of Newark. A little salty but not complaining. Appetizers, sangria - wonderful. Salad bar just OK. They have a parking lot and the inside is really very nice. There were 18 of us for a Christmas family get-together and they absolutely know how to take care of a big table of people. No doubt we will go back here!
(5)
Vivian S.
Meat galore! OMG the all you can eat Rodizio was amazing! The white Sangria was wonderful. Will be back with my family soon!
(5)
Lily C.
The paella was okay. A bit dry. Definitely a place to go for the Rodizio. The salad bar was small compared to other places in Newark. The meats were good quality. Off the beaten path from Ferry Street.
(3)
Heather L M.
Fernandes came highly recommended, but I was rather disappointed. First the good: - The service was outstanding. They were attentive to the point you never had to refill your own glass of sangria, yet they didn't rush. They would have happily let you sit there all night. - The atmosphere made you feel like you were sitting in a subterranean restaurant in Spain/Portugal and not Newark, NJ. Nice place. But the food. I had the Paella Valenciana. All of the fish was so dry I could barely choke it down - mussels, clams, lobster, shrimp and scallops. The portion was enough to feed 2-3 people. I ate a very small portion of it, the rest is sitting in my fridge, most likely the trash being the next spot. It's a real shame. The BF got the rodizio. Of the meat he ate, he said most of it was very good. But he was disappointed that the liver and heart (yuk) never made it around, or the pork. I would go back again but only to get a meat dish. If you end up going, do NOT get anything seafood related. You will be disappointed, I can promise you that.
(3)
Todd O.
This place has slapped my face with greatness on several occasions. I love it. My co-workers turned me onto it. The service is excellent. Food is amazing (I've only had the rodizio, which is just about every meat they have). Don't let them skimp you on the sirloin though, I had to "remind" them to bring us a little more of that one... The cheesed-up lamb on a spear is also phenomenal. (sp?) Plenty of good drinks, and the atmosphere is great. All in all a grand experience for me.
(4)
James M.
This place is awesome. #1 They have the best chips. #2 Their rodizio is amazing. #3 I didn't know this wasn't the original Fernandez, so now I have to find F1. The first time I went was for my friend's birthday. The rodizio was so good and captivating that I had an incident with chicken hearts. Let's just say I was so high on cloud 9 that for a moment I craved chicken hearts. Then I came to my senses and realized what I was about to eat. Anyhow, the place really is incredible. If you're a wussy vegitarian, stay at least 50 feet away in radius from this place. All you will find here is delicious meats - fillet mignon, chicken, pork chops, sausages, more chicken, veal, steak with a fried egg on top, etc, etc. The sangria is wonderful. My poor friends, they were waiting for my girl and I to get there, so they waited at the bar and housed a couple of pitchers. By the time we got there, one was already on the descent to black out city. But the steak helped him out a bit. I can't say anything about the seafood, which is odd because I have an obsession with fried shrimp, so next time I go I'll see if they have any, and I will definitely order. I will definitely go again. Maybe even this weekend.
(5)
jack c.
This has become our regular place for dinner on guys nite out. We were former Brasilias regulars but Fernandes is far superior. Rodizio and $24 pitcher sangrias make for a great evening.
(4)
Raquel G.
Meh. The service sucks and the food is nothing special.
(2)
Adonis M.
Pros: -Sangria is incredible. -Drinks are well-made and stiff. -Huge portions. -Tasty food. -Reasonably priced food (rodizio is $28--all you can eat meat). -Nice, casual environment. -Attentive staff. -Valet parking. Cons: -Not the best quality beef. -Seafood and fish are awful. -Few appetizer selections. -Drinks are a bit pricey ($10 cocktails; $23 for pitcher of sangria). -Neighborhood offers nothing. As for overall experience, I rate this place a four. I enjoyed dining here and will return. With that said, the food isn't of the best quality, but it is very tasty and enjoyable.
(4)
Shirley D.
I've had rodizio before here, but this place tops it. Where to begin.....if your a vegetarian forget about this restaurant, you'll only be able to have the salad bar, side dishes, drinks and dessert - which is a lot too. Here we to the good part - It is a meat lover restaurant. Best if you come really hungry, such as skipping a few meals before heading to this place. You want to make the most of your $$ and savour every scent and juice of the meat. I only have their awesome rodizio everytime I go there and I don't think I will change it. It always, oh so good and unresistable. So they have these different types of meat on a skewer that they come around with the grilled meat when they are pipping hot, juicy and tender. They have a lot of meat on the skewers, such as top sirloin, filet mignion wrapped in bacon, chicken wings, pork loin, garlic beef etc....I'm getting hungry just writing this. They come over and over, until your belly cannot take it anymore. Their sangria is great. It's not bitter and worth trying. The service is phenomenal, such as they have cute Portuguese waiters that only know how to speak English to get by to their customers - but who cares they're cute. The waiters are attentive and quick to provide you awesome service. They are on top of things and never left waiting to get you things that you need to have a lovely meal. Don't forget this is a steakhouse and not a seafood place, stick to the meat. Go to another place to have seafood, but not here. When we go, we usually are served upstairs, which my friends and I love better. It's not too crowded and more spacier to go upstairs. Just recently we were directed to stay on the main floor and we did not like our waiter at all. He was so slow and unattentive, that we had to badger other waiters - which was so frustrating and annoying. Overall, you will get your moneys worth at this place. Yes, you will feel your blood pressure and cholesterol elevate, but it's worth it for one night. So we'll see you all there real soon, again..hahaha!!!!
(5)
Dan P.
I think my cholesterol went up, the rodizio was great, I came here with mi familia. Out of all the meats served, fillet Mignon was my favorite, the least was the ham (tasted too salty). Unless my taste buds betray me, some of the meats tasted as if they had too much rub on them. Surprised that we were not served pineapple, but that's OK...service is great. Not to forget the sangria to wash it down, could use a little more oranges and grapes.
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Dinner Parking : Valet, Private Lot Bike Parking : No Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Average Alcohol : Full Bar Outdoor Seating : No Wi-Fi : No Has TV : Yes Waiter Service : Yes Caters : Yes
Alfredo D.
F A N T A S T I C !!! Love this place and the food. The staff are very friendly and polite. I always order the rodizio as all the meats are cooked perfectly. Get there early because this place is always packed. They take reservations but also take a lot of walk-ins as well!
(5)Luke V.
The food was fantastic. They have two endless rodizio options. $34.99 you get a variety of meats that are delicious. For $38.99 you get just endless Picanha. I got the later since it's my favorite steak cut. I was not disappointed. I also tried a friends lobster/shrimp seafood dish which was tasty as well. And other dishes that walked by looked great as well. The place is busy on Saturday and a little loud. However we in no way felt rushed the entire time we were there. It was great and I look forward to going back. Perhaps after a meat detox.
(5)Nefty 7.
This place is absolutely amazing. No matter what you order you cannot go wrong!!! Simply amazing!!!
(5)Diana H.
After reading So many good reviews on this place, I knew I had to give it a try. Especially for the rodiZio and the sangria. Sadly though, I think there's too much hype about this place. The meats offered were good. Their sides and salad bar are a poor excuse of side dishes.
(3)Alex B.
I had to loosen my belt because of the amount of food the servers kept insisting I tried 10/10 would have a meat coma again
(5)Javier A.
Great place to Dine! Service is on point and the food portions are to leave you stuffed.
(5)Kyla M.
My first Rodizio experience and I was very impressed. The food was absolutely delicious and the service was impeccable. I tried my friend's shrimp dish and it was delicious and very fresh. The ambiance can't be replicated.
(5)Hai Y.
Went here on multiple occasions with friends and family . Sangria is good. I had shrimp pasta and tried the rodizio. Rodizio was great and pasta was just okay . Boyfriend got a seafood platter which smelled off and he had to return. They gladly offered him meat from the rodizio free of charge which was very considerate of them. Three stars since we may have caught them on an off day. I would go back to try other things in the menu.
(3)Rich K.
Great meal and fantastic, attentive service. If you love Rodizio, you'll definitely get your fix here. Will definitely be back!
(5)Kris R.
Pretty decent steakhouse. Had a good meal here with wine. The chicken entree was cooked to perfection and delicious, while the choice pinot noir we were offered was nothing short of excellent. The ambience is great too, tho its a little on the pricey side. Definitely revisit
(4)Eric M.
In Newark and hungry for meats? Then you want the rodizio selection from Fernandes Steak House. I've tried other rodizio dishes around the Ironbound a few times (not going to name locations for obvious reasons), but this to me and others I speak to whenever I visit, say all great things about the place. The waiters are friendly and patient when you get there, due to the huge selection of choices you have. Sangria isn't all hyped up to be, but there's a full bar and TVs all around the restaurant. Family friendly, awesome atmosphere and overall a great place with a bar where you can actually bring your kids. There aren't that many great, let alone good places with a full bar where your kids would enjoy themselves. It gets crowded quick, especially for occasions therefore tables are too close together; 4 out of 5 for that.
(4)Letizia V.
One word Awesome! !! You don't already know you never leave this place hungry especially if you order the Rodizio. And well.....thats what me and my family had. If your a meat lover this is the place to go. Service is great the food just kept coming that we actually needed to tell them we were done and full. Its great when you have to tell your server to stop coming to your table. :)
(5)Ron T.
My 1st Brazilian restaurant experience and it was impressive! Great service, great food and friendly. Buffet open salad bar wss poor or it would get 5 star. $31 all you can eat
(4)G M.
This place is in an old time bank building in a bit of a run down area that the owners have renovated into a beautiful restaurant. The perfect example of "you can't judge a book by its cover". The Rodizio is the way to go here. You will leave full but your wallet will be a little lighter. At $38 for the better cuts of meat it's not exactly cheap, but if you have a big appetite you'll get your money's worth. Another dish worth trying is the picadinho. A traditional portuguese peasant dish which can be made with beef or pork cubes with potatoes in a light gravy. Add shrimp if you like. Huge portions and very tasty. Why no 5th star? Since their menu is so big I guess they can't do everything well. Most things are good but there is the occasional miss. Last time I was there I had a Portuguese steak. It was cooked correctly (Ned rare for me) but the quality of the meat was poor, it was tough. My wife had stuffed shrimp that, while well cooked and a big portion, didn't have the best flavors. And yes the sangria is great, at $25 a pitcher it should be. But don't drink too much unless you're not driving. It packs a punch.
(4)Cody M.
Great place to take friends or family on vacation from Europe. Skip breakfast & lunch if you plan on having the rodizio. Meat lovers dream.
(4)Amr A.
Came here with a group of 9 friends and fam. The service here is really good and we all pretty much did the rodizio, for the price you can't beat it. Expect to pay 20-25 less than fogo and get pretty close to the same quality. I got lots of nice medium and rate cuts like I like. Not much was overcooked like I often experience at Brazilian steakhouses so that was a big plus in my book. The salad bar was a waste of time but the rice, fried banana and fries they serve were good. Also for the non pork eaters they have a variety of beef cuts from sirloin to ribs to ribeye, they have chicken and lamb too. Amazing value for the 32.50 in my book. I am definitely coming back.
(5)Colleen P.
Exploring Rodizios in Newark... This is by far the best one... Good variety of meats and restaurant setting is highly recommended for a special date! The place is well decorated with its originality of antique appliances ... The quest is over for finding the best Rodizio in Newark.
(4)Frank M.
Rodizio excellent, salad bar not big but I like it, sangria not very good, anything else I had fair at best. I would recommend for rodizio only!
(2)Mimi T.
come here for the rodizio! you will leave a really happy person and maybe slightly upset when you get home.. because you just stuffed yourself silly with unlimited meat. do not fall for the chicken, pork, sausage, turkey.. whatever that comes around that's not steak. if it comes first.. don't be a sucker. wait for the garlic steak and filet mignon with cheese. so freakin delicious! i would be fine if nothing else come out of the kitchen... p.s. everyone loved the desserts. i had the creme brulee.. pretty good. sangria was delicious. i think we had four pitchers. it was a bday dinner afterall :) p.p.s. this place is great for kids.. there's a guy that performs magic and makes balloon hats/animals!
(4)David Y.
So Fernandes is in a really crappy neighborhood. It even has a couple homeless drunks out front. They also have a private parking lot, so just go there and all is good. Three of us went here specifically for the rodizio and we were not disappointed. They meat was cooked perfectly to my tasting and it just was an ongoing orgy of meats. It primarily consisted of steak, but there was also pork, chicken and lamb. I did try a couple of mouth fulls of the beans and they were wonderful, but I stayed away from the side dishes in general as you are there for the meat. Dishes that stick out were the bacon wrapped filet mignon and the cheese and pork. They were really exceptionally good. For desert my friend got the flan and I got the cannoli cake. I tasted the flan and thought it was just ok, but really enjoyed the cake. Also, we got some sangria and i recommend that as well.
(5)Stephanie S.
So I would have given this place 5 stars because every time I come here I enjoy it very much. It is actually my favorite place to go and tonight I decided to go there for my birthday dinner. I'm so disappointed I probably will not be going back. My favorite dish is the fernandes and getting the stone to cook it yourself (I get it every time) I come here at least once a month. Tonight the waiter brought me the wrong dish and refused to fix it so I spoke to manager who was also rude and told me "he'll do me the favor" and to top it of the waiter came asking us why did we tell his manager on him . I'm in shock still and did not even get desert for my birthday!!!!! Totally ruined my night !!!!! I will be calling tomorrow to talk to the owner I am so upset
(1)Jeremy A.
Where do I begin? This place was GREAT! I went here with 7 of my employees for a dinner meeting. We all ordered the Rodizio which was an all you can eat combination platter of all types of meat. The servers brought skewers of each cut of meat right to our table. From there, he sliced and served it upon request. The roast beef was AMAZING!!! I easily ate 60oz of meat. I will bring my family here
(5)Anthony M.
After years of going to Iberia and other Ironbound restaurants, I tried Fernandez and was thoroughly impressed. Their rodizio and steaks are the best in the area and have decent prices. Their seafood, although not the best in Ironbound is still very good. Also their sangria is a little strong but that's how I like it. Free valet parking is a plus and the building reminds me of an old castle with the huge wooden doors as your entrance. The location isn't great but once you're inside the only thing that matters is the food.
(4)Sonia P.
Great food but horrible service! We were told by a waiter ti relax after waiting for a 1/2 hr for ice cream for our son. Our apps came out after dinner & were cold. Again great food but horrible service. After going there for years i don't think I'll go back not worth the aggravation.
(1)Ken R.
The Rodizio here is outstanding! I went with a group of co-workers and we all left stuffed to the gills! We think it became sort of a challenge with the wait staff to see how much food they could pack into us! I'm not a light eater but there was no chance I was keeping up with the amount of rodizio meats they were ferrying to the table.
(4)Justyna W.
Best restaurant in area I've been coming here for years and never got disappointed. Food is always fresh and their service is excellent especially Valentino :) Drinks are made right way and Spanish coffee is my favorite dessert !!
(5)Maria S.
This is where you go for Rodizio and Sangria. The meats are cooked and seasoned just right. The sangria is awesome. You will leave this place feeling totally full and satisfied, with a severe case of the "itis" but it's all good. The salad bar is decent, though I have seen better displays before, but it doesn't matter because it's still awesome, and you want to save room for all that meat anyway. You can also order off the menu, but I don't see myself coming all the way to Newark and skipping out on the rodizio. It's just too good. I saw people at another table who ordered lobster and filet mignon cooked on tile, and it looked and smelled amazing... maybe one day! Our waiter was cool. I think his name was Rafael, but I could totally be wrong. He was helpful and always joking around, which made our experience all the more enjoyable. At the end of your meal they bring over a whole pineapple that they roasted in cinnamon and sugar! That was the first time I have ever tried a tasty combination of flavors like that... Definitely going back again! Wish it wasn't all the way in Newark, but it is what it is... If you are planning on going, make reservations one or two days in advance otherwise you will have to wait about 45 minutes or so for a table, which isn't all that bad because you can have some sangria at the bar and watch them roast all the meats, which will make you hungry.
(5)Gillean C.
Went last night for my mother's birthday and from the beginning, the waiter was absolutely the worst. He was rude and seemed to only care about the money to the point where at the end, he opened the bill in front of us to check the tip! We also waited for the food for about an hour on a night where it was not packed at all. The food was absolutely not worth the prices. Only good points were the sangria and the rest of the staff other than our main waiter that served the food. Very disappointed overall from the hype this restaurant has received, I'm wondering if we caught them on an off night..still I will never know as I will not be coming back. Spend your money elsewhere as there are far superior Portuguese restaurants out there.
(1)Yesenia R.
Decided to try this restaurants due to all the reviews for my birthday dinner. The service was great, and the free valet parking was awesome. I personally tried the Rodizio and was not a fan because I am a all red meat kind of girl. Not a fan of pork. The rest of the food was alright. Another thing that I did not like was that the red velvet cake tasted old. Will not be trying this place again. Way better restaurants in the area.
(3)gil i.
man this place was so fun on all levels (literally): several different eating spaces, two floors, friendly & attentive staff, delicious Sangria and they had to roll me out of there after the excellent Rodizio.
(5)Jessica C.
LOVE THIS PLACE!!!! my favorite is the churassco a la plancha! melts in your mouth kinda steak! My fiance and step son go to town on the rodizio and leave there stuffed! its hidden but the best find i have ever had!
(5)Meena N.
I got the rodizio or what I call it, the churrascaria. Prices are reasonable, albiet the guy serving us/taking care of us was really awkward and weird. Like, I would move my cup or my fork to where I like it to be, and he moved them back... like..dude...don't touch my silverware. Other than that, the food is good, as in the seafood paella my sister got and the filet mignon my nieces got to share on the hot stone tablet was excellent, but my 3 stars comes from the actual meat they had. I've been to several churrascarias- Fogo de Chao/M Grill (LA) and Espetus (SF) and Brazzaz (Chicago), Pikanha Brazilian BBQ (East Bay, CA) as well as a few places in Brasil itself so .....this place was okay. Granted they say it's a "Spanish restaurant" but the rodizio is the same thing. Meats are all okay, some were just way too salty. My favorite from any place is the picanha which is top sirloin cap. THAT is my favorite piece. For the most part, the meats that went around were cooked more than medium rare, which is what I like. You just have to indicate to them what you'd like. Their chicken hearts are bleh. MY FAVORITE after the picanha is always the chicken hearts, if they have them. Over here, the meat was dry and it had a weird taste. They weren't juicy and perfectly cooked here. boo. Considering the reviews, I guess this place is better than any other places, but in CA where I'm from, it wouldn't fly with me. They give you all the side dishes too including rice, beans, plantains, etc. But their salad bar there is kind of sad. I was hoping they had the pao de quiso (In argentina they called them Chipas) but they didn't have that delicious cheese bread they usually have. If you were at this restaurant, do not pass up their paella. it was delicious.
(3)Jason M.
I like this place because of the bangin rodizio and the fact that they have a full menu besides that. Great seafood. Also the guys here are Real Madrid fans! Put yer phone down and get over here!
(4)illy D.
The service is so attentive and nice. The Rodizio is amazing everything they bring to you is fresh and amazing in flavor! The best ever. The garlic steak, pork and cheese or steak and cheese is just out of this world! I've been here plenty of times and never did the Rodizio but it's a must, at this place! You will not be disappointed? I promise!
(5)Conrad B.
Visit: 01/23/15 We've been here a few times before and while we've liked it every time, but this time it seemed extra good. Maybe it's because I had their Picanha na Braza which is their best cut of beef served until I said "No Mas!" I had recently found out about Picanha and how good it is. I've even found a Portugese butcher that sells it. I really don't understand why this cut of meat isn't found in local supermarkets. There were a bunch of us and most had the rodizio. No complaints there! Everyone who had it loved it. A couple had the Mariscada em Salsa Verde which they too raved about and were able to bring half of it home for 'seconds." (Rodizio is a "all you can eat - No sharing- No doggie bag deal... which I guess I can understand.) Portuguese potatoes (like thick, wonderful potato chips) Spanish rice and their rice and beans were all excellent... as were the fried plantains. Everything just SOOOO good. The service was excellent too. So many waiters running around slicing off wonderful meats (and pineapple) always courteous and pleasant. Once the first plate is filled... it just doesn't stop. Oh and the sangria... red or white... as good as I've ever had anywhere.
(5)Tony V.
Unassuming place just go in and be surprised. Food. Monster lobster double wipe goodness. Sluuurrrppp. If youve never had octopus have it here. Staff. will definitely spoil you. This is happy food in a happy place.
(4)Donna A.
The food and service was amazing! We celebrated our 11 year anniversary and glad we chose this place. We got the rodizio; very delicious and filling. It comes with a salad bar, fries, rice, beans, and large assortment of meats.The only little thing that was not appealing to me was the host wasn't dressed to appropriate attire wearing a zip up jacket and jeans. when we were leaving one of the servers was counting the money in front of us; which made me feel uncomfortable. Other than that everything was good and we will be back!
(4)Paul S.
Place is unreal. Did the rodizio for a group. The food was amazing. Will definitely be back.
(5)Megan E.
This place is awesome. We go here frequently and they have never disappointed us. No matter what kind of food you order here, steak, rodizio, seafood, it is all very good! The service is also excellent, from the really nice valet guys to the host and waiters, everyone is super accommodating and attentive. You can tell they take pride in working here and the experience is all around great every time. I highly recommend it!
(5)Rick M.
Fernandes has spoiled me. Why go to a steakhouse and pay $25-30 for one cut of steak when you can go here for almost the same price and get over 20 styles of perfectly-cooked meat? The consistency of their rodizio is unmatched. Very, very rarely do you get a tough piece of meat. My personal favorites: flank steak, top sirloin, pork with cheese, beef with cheese... the list could go on and on and on. And don't forget about their pineapple! Great way to finish a satisfying meal and cleanse the pallet. Why do into NYC and pay $60+ per person when you can come here and get better quality and quantity for almost half the price?
(5)Michelle C.
Excellent rodizio meal. Much thanks to my wonderful boyfriend for taking me here for a lovely birthday dinner. We both ordered the rodizio and skipped appetizers as the salad bar combined with unlimited meats would be plenty. The salad bar was cute and minimal - and more than enough given the size of the entrees (we scoped out other tables - it would be quite hard not to have leftovers). My favs included the mozzarella (yes, you read that right - smoky grilled cheese - looked like roasted marshmallows but was the perfect mix of smoke, cream and salt and was completely awesome and surprising), top sirloin (melt in your mouth), garlic steak (don't talk to anyone for a day after), chicken and ham. I thought the rest of the meats were just average, although the bf really enjoyed the short rib also. Some of the meats were quite salty, which I loved, but it may be a bit much for some people. I skipped all the carbalicious side dishes. We learned a cool tip from nearby diners - if you order the Churrasco a Fernandes from the menu, you get all of the meats from the rodizio in a huge portion - and get to take the leftovers home. I was really bummed that they cleared away my fried banana that I put aside for dessert, but the grilled cinnamon pineapple slice was yummy. Service was a bit disorganized at times when we were there, but we were advised with an apology that they were training some new staff. Nothing really to complain about.
(4)Sea J.
This place is very impressive with the decor of a castle mixed with a cozy cabin. My friends suggested dining here after a show at the prudential center. It was a mad house with 1 hour wait for dinner. Within the waiting room was a refrigerated case window showing thick cuts of meat and fish. That too was exciting. Since i went to a show on a girls out night, we were a group of young women. Versed enough on where women get seated, next to the wait station with a slippery floor i ask for one of the other visible tables available. Well, that was a no go so we sat, still looking forward to a memorable meal. True, they do provide an abundance of food. However, it became obvious that this is a tourist destination and the quantity was not worth the quality. Skip it and go to casa verde if you want some creative and authentic Portuguese food. My dog is enjoying my leftovers.
(2)Carl T.
i rarely give 5 stars . The sangria is delicious , the food was outstanding and the service was more than top notch. Im a once in a while meat eater, but when i do this is where ill be going. i wanted to eat more but just couldn't physically do it. awesome place. Give newark and this restaurant some of your business, you will be happy you did.
(5)Connie P.
Been here a few times and I have to say that this is a Great place, staff is very polite and food is good, good sangria too, portions are pretty big.
(4)Mark C.
I was stupid not to make reservations for New Years Eve but Fernandes pulled through for me. I was in the mood for Rodizio and most places around Ferry Street were doing a NYE package for the night. Since I was only interested in dinner and making other plans later, this worked out. Food was delicious! Every meat brought out was full of flavor and cooked perfect. Lots of side items and the servers were on top of everything. Salad bar and desserts were only average so stick to the meats if you visit for Rodizio.
(4)Jeff F.
Well run restaurant, great care is taken with the wait staff, the food handling, and the cleanliness, true professionals are running Fernandes. We stopped in during off hours, Monday about 2pm. The Rodizio Especial was endless and the flavor of all the selections were tasty, the turkey wrapped in bacon was very flavorful, the spicy sausage was tangy and robust, the Philly cheesesteak was creative too. The portion sizes were over the top, huge. My daughter ordered the Pasta Alfredo with Chicken, the plate and portion were bigger than her head! We also enjoyed the Tilapia Filet and Chilean Seabass at the table. The location is situated away from most of the the Ironbound haunts but it is more than worth the hunt we endured to find it. Well done Fernandes.
(5)Chrissy C.
Three words: Meat. Sangria. Meat. Do yourself a favor and starve yourself for at least 6 hours before you get here. If you're going to go for an app (which you should), get a light seafood dish. We had fantastic clams in salsa verde. Fat tender little clams swimming in delicious white wine salsa verde. The salad bar and Portuguese rolls are great, but don't fill up on them or you will be sorry. You're here for the rodizio, so get the rodizio. The anticipation starts when you walk by the bar and you see and smell slabs of meat fire-roasting on a spit in a coal oven. I've never felt like such a carnivorous beast in my life, feasting on glorious roast beef, strip steak, ham, skirt steak, flat iron steak, sausage, chicken & turkey wrapped in bacon, rib eye steak, lamb, and best of all bacon-wrapped filet mignon. When the Lord turns away naughty vegans at the gates of Heaven, he sends them to Fernandes Steak House. The BEST part about this place is that after a while, you think you've had every kind of meat on the menu, but then they bring out the wild cards. I thought I was full until they brought around "cheese stuffed pork." Um, yes please. When you're finished, they bring out some cinnamon pineapple for you :) The service is wonderful. They are swift, agile, courteous, and do their best to get out of your way as soon as possible. My BF didn't appreciate when the guy chuckled at him when he stopped eating a half hour before I did...but I say he deserved it for being a wimp ;) Speaking of wimps, why are people complaining about the strong sangria? Hell yeah it was strong and fruity and I loved it. Can they please open up Fernandes Steak House III in New Brunswick? I'm pretty sure "rodizio" is the Brazilian word for "Heaven."
(5)Young S.
Wow this place is the best rodizio i've been to. Service was great, waiters were nice, and the meat kept on coming. Some rodizios i've been to would take there time to bring different cuts of meat, but not at Fernandes. Almost As soon as you're done with meat a different cut is being served up. Rib-eye, top sirloin, beef ribs, flank, chicken, sausages, rib roast, roast beef, they were all very flavorful. We also had the sangria, but its was a little too fruity for me,,,,,kind of like Kool-aid. but cant complain. Very nice decor too. definitely worth every penny of 29.99 Other patrons around our table had a la carte menu items which also looked very delicious. Will be back again. 4.5*
(4)Neveen A.
Went on Easter Sunday and I was not disappointed. The portions are HUGE and the atmosphere was nice. Seating could have been better but all in all a good experience.
(4)Eric I.
Good food , good service. I recommend the rodizio. Open salad bar is also plus.
(4)Piyathida Emily S.
Normally I wouldn't drive to Newark unless going (or dropping my family/friends at) to the airport, but for Fernandes Steak House, YES!, I would drive to Newark no matter what. Besides food, the service, the atmosphere, and the decoration are very nice.
(5)Wesley M.
We ventured to the Ironbound section of Newark for rodizio, but what we left with was an experience. First the GPS led us from Jersey City through some back roads and streets that you wouldn't want to be caught by yourself after sundown. Secondly, we spotted what looked like Fernandes, but was actually the cafe/deli version of the restaurant where you could get burgers and sandwiches. This happened to be a block or two from the actual Fernandes, which was inconvenient because we had to walk a few seemingly treacherous blocks in Newark to the world famous Fernandes. I recommend parking in the fenced in parking area that they offer. Once you enter the Fernandes castle from the back, you pass through 3 massive doors that lead you through an outdoor living room into a very nice dining room budding with activity. It was just a Monday night and they were very busy, although we didn't have to wait for a table. I didn't have to think about what I was going to order, because I knew I wanted rodizio. I just looked around and at one table skewers of sausage and chicken legs were being served and at another - bacon wrapped filet mignon. My girlfriend was inexperienced in this realm, so I just ordered for her. Don't take the wait personally, because the way it works is that you are seated by the host, your order taken by your waiter, and then actually served all evening by different people that have their own roles. Meat skewers will pass you by until the servers prepare fresh rice, beans, french fries, and fried bananas. You also have access to a nice sized salad bar. Tip: don't fill up on the salad bar, you'll thank me later. Each cut of meat, whether it be the sausage, chicken, or various types of beef, were all seasoned and cooked to perfection. We had a really great time and will recommend to friends and family.
(5)Tony M.
Best Rodizio! Great selection of meats. It gets crowded (and consequently noisy) on weekends, so make sure to make reservations. The salad bar was just ok, so don't fill up on it! The sangria was not good. It was not sweet enough to my taste. Service also felt a little rushed at times. Like I said, the Rodizio is the way to go here and don't let them rush you. Take your time savoring the wonderful and various cuts of meat!
(4)Gloria R.
I would have given Fernandes a better rating but the service SUCKED!!! The waiter kept ignoring us our food was given to us about an hour later lol... I guess that's what happens when you go on a busy Friday. They really need more waiters on the weekends. Just saying... Now to the good part the food was 4.5 stars I would say I had the garlic shrimp yum loved it!!! The calamari's I can live without they were a bit hard and COLD... The sangria was ok I've had better (wayyyyyy better lol). Over all for a busy Friday night in Ironbound it was overall OK.. Oh yeah dessert was grrrreat that I give 5 stars bahahaha
(3)Fabio G.
Our server was terrible . My cousin ordered the large shrimp and if the server was any good he should have asked her if she meant prawns. Instead he came over 3 times and said she was wrong. Then to add to the insult he charged her for 2 dinners because while she waited her husband ate 1 shrimp. Tonight was disappointing service was terrible. In 15 years it has never been like this . My family has brought many people here and this isn the way customers should be treated. It was insulting! .
(1)Alison D.
This place was great! I took my dad here for Father's day since he said it was great. I had the red sangria which was delicious and pretty strong. The food was fantastic. I tried the surf & turf combo, the filet was very tender and cooked exactly to order, the lobster was also very tasty. I also had a bite of the crab cake and stuffed shrimp but was so stuffed couldn't finish everything. For appetizers we had the garlic shrimp which was good but we also ordered the shrimp with small Chorizo and mushrooms which seemed like an odd combination. This was so good that next time we go I think I'll just order that. The service was also phenomenal, everyone was attentive and friendly and even though the place was getting pretty full by the time we left we didn't feel rushed. Plus since it was a holiday they included the tip and were all apologetic... hey I didn't care, I probably would have tipped more! Definitely a nice place and will be back.
(5)Shawn C.
This place is the definition of AWESOME. My all time favorite location in Newark. Back when I worked there, this place would be at the top of the list to come to for dinner. I'm surprised that after the many times coming here, it would take me this long to pen a review for this location. There is absolutely nothing wrong with this place... Service? Friendly and charming. Always a blast every time. Food? To die for. Eat to your hearts content; go with the rodizio! Desserts are always very delicious to. Throw in some sangria and you're all set. I don't know about you, but any combination of meat and sangria has me interested automatically... But this place? The flavor and preparation of the meat is out of this world and the sangria is always delicious. There is parking available (free-valet)- keep an eye open for it and try to avoid parking on the street as it can be a little difficult depending the time that you go.
(5)Jessica S.
Absolute Favorite!! Rodizio is an experience here, the wait staff is the best. I have never had a bad meal here
(5)Victoria W.
Really really fantastic sangria. We had shrimp cocktail, and a combination meal of steak, lobster tail, crab cake, and stuffed shrimp, and crem brulee. All of the food was absolutely amazing. My only complaints are the music (I really don't think that that Michael Jackson and Van Halen were really working for a Portugese steakhouse,) and our server wasn't particularly nice or attentive. Not rude, I just expected more from someone when I'm only one of his two tables, and paying $75 per person on a very slow Monday.
(5)Linda G.
Amazing food and great service. Definitely worth trying!!!
(5)Nayeli V.
Me and my family came for my parents anniversary , our waiter Rafael was great! He was really friendly and extremely helpful! He explained everything on the menu and helped us make extremely great food choices. I got the Rodizio (wouldn't be right if I didn't as a meat lover) which was wayyyyy more then enough! All different meats coming every 5 minutes, I was stuffed by the 6th meat but I couldn't say no every time he came with another one. Everyone else got seafood which they all devoured! This place has a homey feel and is definitely a family feel restaurant, great staff, great food and oh I almost forgot AMAZING sangria!
(5)Yeraldine S.
This place is astonishing. I'm so happy that Nobel (my fellow-Yelper) and I discussed rodizio while we were in A.C. Once he found out I haven't had rodizio ...he looked up a place he had not been to and off we went to Fernandes Steak House! The place offers valet parking but we missed it and parked on the corner of the street. Once we were inside there was a few doors to get into. The place has this fancy cabin interior that follows all the way to the inside. The service here was great all night. The atmosphere of the place was also nice. We were greeted and seated right away. We had some delicious sangria to start off before the rodizio madness started. Why haven't I had RODIZIO!? It was a dream of mine come true...seriously.I'm such a carnivore. The meat never stopped. You have to come on an empty stomach because the meat starts piling up. I felt like a contestant on Man Vs. Food and at one point I realized I was eating more than Nobel. (I was proud). I tried to remember all the meat that was giving to us so I could Yelp about it but there was so much... filet mignon with mozzarella was my favorite. I had to put up the white flag after the men kept coming around with more. Finally when I couldn't move, we were giving caramelized pineapple--so sweet and delicious. I forgot to mention, you are also free to go to the salad bar..but who wants green when you are there for the meat!? Not me. I highly recommend the rodizio at Fernandes to all the meat lovers!
(5)Matt K.
Great gem hidden in the iron bound section A definite go to for the best rodizio they have a ample menu filled with scrumptious Portuguese inspired dishes for the non rodizio people .. Great service on point staff attending to your needs . Sangria flows like water and try make sure your cup is filled All the meats in my rodizio were cooked perfectly . Didn't have room for desert but From the ones I saw pass by the table they looked very delicious Reasonably priced a must stop if in Newark for a concert or sporting event !
(5)Denise F.
The meats and the service are awesome. My one gripe is that they should have one of the green/red chips to have the stop bringing out the food. We couldn't catch a break!! I guess one could say that's a good thing. The salad bar could use a face lift as well. Reasonably priced too for all you get.
(4)Erica N.
Party of 4 got seated no problem on a Sunday afternoon. We all did the rodizio. Service is friendly, but maybe a bit on the slow side. Bread for the table is delicious. Red sangria was yummy. Was told to get the creme brulee but wound up unimpressed. Their flan was much better in my opinion. The reason for the one star is the fact that all four of us got VIOLENTLY ILL all through the night and next morning. I honestly would have just let it slide and opted not to write a review if we had all just gotten tummy aches or something, or if it hadn't been every single member of our party, but I'm talking repeatedly vomiting plus diarrhea and of course losing sleep. Now about half of the meat we got was pretty good and tasty, but the other half was subpar. The subpar meat had a metallic taste - I just thought they had overcooked; it didn't actually taste or smell like rotten meat. But I guess it's more a reflection of the cleanliness of their establishment. Such a shame. It's a good 30 hours later and I'm still in pain. Never coming back, ever!
(1)Amy R.
True authentic Portuguese food. This restaurant has been around for ages, it has burned down once or twice i believe. I have come here numerous times with family and friends, the food is fantastic. They are one of the best places to eat Rodizio in the ironbound. If you plan to come here on the weekend i suggest you make a reservation because even though this place has 2 floors of dining, it gets PACKED!
(5)Danny F.
Pretty good food and service. I liked pretty much everything. Can't go wrong here for Brazilian BBQ.
(5)Keith B.
Best steaks in New jersey good service yelp keeps try ing to say review on short side the steaks &seafood is the best period
(5)Mikhail V.
Had Rodizio with friends last night. The food and drinks were excellent. Save a couple minor inconviniences like lack of creme brulee and an Apple Tart but steaks cooked to perfection and turkey that actually came out juicy more than made up for it. Two things to note. 1. Place is noisy, not quite like a soccer stadium but getting there. 2. Make a reservation and don't be late. The place on a Saturday night is packed to capacity! Overall visit: come very very very hungry!
(5)Leonard M.
The best of any establishment in Newark. My all time favorite both during my playing days and afterwards. "Valentine" is the greatest of waiters and his service matches the delicious meats and seafood dishes serves. I cannot say enough great things about this restaurant. It's simply the best!
(5)Wesley T.
I haven't eaten at Fernandes since the fire they had. I came here for Thanksgiving dinner and had an excellent churrasco meal. The picanha is definitely the best cut. The sausage was also very good. The bread and salad also are excellent. The red sangria was a perfect balance of sweet, but not too sweet.
(5)Natalia W.
Great food and service. The salad bar used to have a larger variety, would love to see more options there!
(4)Mary F.
The Bad - Need bigger tables with all the food they serve The Good - Big portions for their price - Really friendly staff - Unlimited salad bar to complement your meal - Unlimited meats for around $30 (count me in!)-- you get to take 3 breaks in between - Grilled pineapple covered with cinnamon sugar....drools The Bottomline: Definitely pay this place a visit. Try not to eat anything beforehand though. They also have ciabatta bread on the side!
(4)Ivette C.
This place is a must for steak lovers! Ordering the Rodizio will allow you to have a taste of all of the different meats they have. I've been there 3 times and each time, the wait staff was very attentive (you won't be sitting around wondering where your waiter went). The selection at the salad bar isn't extensive which is fine because of the portion sizes! I'd definitely recommend making a reservation if going on a weekend. However; if you decided to go at the spur of the moment, the wait time will certainly be worth it!
(5)Thomas W.
I came here with a couple of my friends after a trip to a winery. We didn't have reservations so there was a forty five minute wait. No problem. We decided to hang out at the bar and get a pitcher of sangria while we waited for a table to become available. The bar is just a busy as the restaurant. Luckily we found two seats available for the ladies to sit down while us gents stood. We got the red sangria which, as expected, was awesome! Two pitchers of sangria later, a table became available. The wait staff were super friendly and attentive. Three of us decided to get the rodizio and my wife, who is not a big eater, ordered the Veal Francese. I been to some resturants that have rodizio and require the entire table to order the rodizio; I was very happy that this was not the case. All of the meats were perfectly cooked and seasoned, nothing was too tough or over salted, as I've seen at other rodizios. My favorite part about Fernandes' rodizio is that when thier bringing out each meat, they ask if you want seconds on a particular meat; I like bizzare foods, so i got additional chicken hearts, yes sir! Then, they finish the rodizio with some pineapple with cinnamon. My wife said that her Veal Francese was the best Francese dish that she ever had and after tasting it, I couldn't agree anymore with her. At the end of the meal they ask if you want dessert. I don't know anyone who inclined on dessert after a rodizio; there's just no room. So far, this is my favorite steakhouse for rodizio!
(5)Madison D.
This place was definitely overhyped (thanks Yelp) and my partner and I had super high expectations. We got there a little past our reservation, so we had to wait (which was fine) but after like ten minutes we were seated. We came to get the Rodizio (of course) and I was slightly underwhelmed with the quality of meat here. It was all definitely fresh, but it just dried out and got cold way too fast. I'd say to give the place a try and reach your own verdict but I don't think I'm coming back.
(2)Kelvin C.
Went here for my cousins graduation and was pretty satisfied. The meats are definitely good, and they gave rice and fried sweet plantains as sides. I really don't have any complaints but I have been to way better rodizio. On its own it's 4 stars, but compared to others I've been to id say 3. Their buffet table is very minimal to just salad type stuff, which is disappointing since I've been to other rodizios where you literally could have full dinners just off the buffet. Idk if my experience was different than normal because we were upstairs with other families who were celebrating a graduation, but at the end of the day I came hungry and left happy. Good to check out but other rodizios did have more to offer
(4)Jamal R.
We celebrated my father-in-laws birthday there. The atmosphere was nice, clean and the staff was very attentive. The F. Calamari was ok. The octopus salad app was great. For our main entrees we order the paella valencia and the Ribe-eye special served on a tile with garlic butter. Our entrees were tasty and the Rib-eye was perfectly cooked. The strawberry cheesecake was amazing. I will definitely go back and recommend it to all.
(4)Liz J.
Gosh, I really wanted things to be different. Indeed the food is just like any other Portuguese restaurant, but I love the atmosphere, and the service was excellent. The food was slightly above average. I had the special, which consisted of a meal with a glass of wine and dessert from the selected menu for about $15.99 or so. It was a great deal and you get more than you bargained for. I had a sirloin with potatoes and a cheese sauce plus vegetables. The sirloin steak was pretty tough for medium well and average tasting, but the sides were excellent. The potatoes were shredded thinly, seasoned well, and the cheese cause gave it a nice kick, and went well with the steak and vegetables. For me, the steak needed more to it, so I am glad I had the sauce. On to the drinks. Great! In addition to my house wine, I had white and red sangria. The white sangria had more flavor than the red, but both were good, and had a nice cocktail kick. The dessert was delicious. I had cookies and cream layered in a glass. The cream was not overwhelmingly sweet but rich with a nice thick texture. It was a vanilla or sugar type cookie crushed in, and I was so happy it wasn't chocolate. Overall, I really enjoyed myself, and would come back and try something new. One of the few places in this area with a parking lot. It was free for lunch anyway- so that was a plus for me.
(4)Camryn J.
As a usual of the Yelp users, I ordered the Rodizio. Very pleased. The dish was topped off with a slice of pineapple to digest the last piece of savory and juicy meat. Big portions, so remember to take the to-go box! Those who have tasted the metallic taste, I wonder if it was from the knife that the Rodizio meat was cut with. The salad bar not something I would waste my appetite on. The options were minimal and the entrees were already big portions so why need a fill on a salad bar. The wait is 45+ minute waits w/o reservations. My plans were for a birthday gathering. You know those ones you just need a place to have them sing happy birthday and a slice of ice cream or cake. We had no reservations, so I kind of expected it. But the food definitely took the one less star up a notch. We'll see until next time, when I'm back for another Rodizio!
(5)Drew C.
wonderful spot. great food, friendly staff.
(5)B And A G.
We were about 10 people last night and had a great time very good quality meats the only thing that we didn't like the meats came out to fast back to back next thing you know you have a plate full of meat you are trying to finish overall I defiantly recommend going there and I will return
(5)David F.
Good place to take your second family to a classy meal, big portions and actually very cheap for what it was... Appetizer was good and the sangria was great! Entrees were not the best hut it was a large portion.
(3)Sung Moo C.
Been here several times. If you are hungry and you are a carnivore, please do yourself a favor and get the rodizio. I hope you are a seasoned buffeter, keep with the beef stay away from their pork or chicken. Their beef is exceptional: especially the picayna and the rib eye. Sangria is tasty and strong, try the Negroni it'll definitely wet your appetite.
(5)Adrianne R.
Best Rodizio in Newark!!! Out of 1,000 places to choose from in the area that have Rodizio, you need to go here. If you love meat, chicken and sausage too, but mainly the beef- go here. The best thing on the rotation for Rodizio is the steak with the cheese injected inside. It's the most fantastic thing they have in the entire place. The food is great, the open bar for sides is ok (very generic) but that steak...the STEAK with CHEESE! You need to get it. It is not offered on the regular menu, it can only be had if the Rodizio is ordered. It is a tad bit on the expensive side, so go hungry!
(5)Pasquale R.
Love Newark's Ironbound. Love the great restaurants....didn't love this place. The first time I went, the service and food were outstanding. Word of advice: DO NOT GET ANYTHING BUT THE RODIZIO...*steps down from soap box* The second time we went it was such a let down. Group of 8, screwed up 1 dish which took another 20 minutes to come out, actually accused my friend of ordering the wrong thing hence why the wrong item came out...seriously dude, 7 other people witnessed her ordering her dish...don't f-ing lie! Anyway, the rodizio is the best in Newark. Quality cuts of meat, oversalted and cooked perfectly. If you go with the seafood, you will get cheap, crappy seafood. Yup, it's what you pay for. Everyone who didn't order seafood was disappointed with their meal. Their Sangria is top notch. The overload it with ice and fruit, which is annoying, and they charge a bounty for it. Every meal comes with the salad bar. It's not a schmorgesborg of stuff but it's enough to hold you over for the meat orgy. Another word of advice: Don't fill up on the salad bar and bread, as tempting as it is. 3rd word of advice: Ask for the ice on the side for the sangria. 4th word of advice: If you like a particular meat (turkey wrapped in bacon and their sausage come to mind), don't be shy to have multiple pieces. You are the boss at these meat buffet's...get your moneys worth. Other than the incident with service and the clowns who didn't order rodizio, it was a memorable evening... 5th word of advice: Make room for dessert. Seriously we ordered all of them and split them. Every one of them was heavenly! ENJOY (if you get the rodizio)... :-)
(3)Alex C.
I've been here many times before with small to large groups and always leave satisfied. 80% of the time I'm ordering their rodizio, which I highly recommend, and one of the reasons that their rodizio is different is because of their cheese injected steak (AMAZING!!!). Their other food usually comes in big portions. If you're wondering why their chicken marsala costs around the $20 range it's because you're probably getting like 4 huge cutlets enough for 2 meals. Their staff is friendly and on point. Most of the time it's like you're being taken cared of by a team instead of just one server which is fine especially since you don't have to wait around for your server to come around. They work well together and no request goes unattended no matter who you ask.
(5)Lana S.
come here starving and don't touch the salad bar or the sides they bring - eat all the meat! the cheesy meat and the garlic meat were my favorites. the sangria was great - they had many varieties. will definitely come back.
(5)Nobel V.
Fernandes is a place that seemed pretty hidden when I was driving through Newark to get here. I felt the entrance appeared out of nowhere, but when I found it, I was pleasantly surprised, this place was very good with an awesome atmosphere. After walking through the 4 to 5 sets of doors to finally get in, I stumbled upon the entrance atmosphere, which included food displayed on the front that you could potentially eat. After sitting, one server came by with some specials and even showed us the live seafood they had, and brought over a LIVE lobster to show you fresh the food was. I decided to get the rodizio here and it was a great choice. It comes with a salad bar and as I would always suggest not eating much, if any of the salad or the sides rodizio comes with (rice, beans, etc) since this takes away the space in your stomach for the meat they give you! As for drinks, I got the red sangria here, which definitely hit the spot. After a few minutes, the meat started coming in, and boy it was a lot. My personal favorite were the short ribs and filet minion with cheese. I would suggest passing on the ham they have, since most of the other meats which include beef, pork, sausage and chicken are much better choices to fill your stomach with. Once you are full, they give you a slice of pineapples, which is a good ending to the meal. I have to commend the service of everyone here, our server was great and attentive in refilling drinks. The people who brought over the rodizio meats were prompt in giving us all the different meats we needed until we got full. So yes, if you love meat, make sure you come here!
(5)Rob H.
Went here for the first time last night. One of us had the Rodizio ($31) and I had the MahiMahi ($28). The Rodizio is what it is, a choice of a large variety of meats etc...just like any Brazilian Steak house. I had the fresh fish. It was covered Champaign sauce and I mean covered. There was so much sauce it was ridiculous! I had the waiter bring me a clean plate so I could get the fish out of the bowl of sauce, yes they served it in a bowl to hold all the sauce it was served in. The Mahi was fresh, large and cooked perfectly but to served it this way was a joke. No proper chef would ever cover fresh Mahi or anything else fresh like this. Most of the people eating, were there for the all you can eat beef. Prices were in the High $20 - $40 unless you wanted chicken which was from the low $20. It is a very cool old building in a crappy part of town but no worries about being safe. Give it a try, the food was good just not served how I expected.
(3)Marusya K.
One of the best dining experiences I have had. We had a birthday party here few months ago. This is a great place for a group. The wait staff was patient with us. They were able to split the bill into and did not complain about 5 different credit cards.. The wine list was very good, and it had a reasonable mark up. My friends and I can't resist coming back again and again for another amazing experience. I try to get out here every few months. I can't live without a steak from Fernandes for very long.
(5)Jorge V.
This place is just awesome for meat lovers!! Great service, ambiance and the food is to die for!! We will definately be coming back for more!!
(5)Amanda D.
Although this is a Portuguese restaurant, they have the best rodizio in Newark! (Trust me, I was born in Brazil, raised in Newark) They have a huge variety of meats. The salad bar is a little small compared to other churrascarias (Brazilian bbq restaurants). The meat is always fresh and flavorful! Don't be afraid to ask for it the way you want it (rare, medium, medium well, etc.) If you're not a meat lover, don't worry. They also have amazing seafood. Also, try their red sangria. Amazing! One of the best restaurants in Newark!
(5)Jeff M.
We have been on the Rodizio circuit for more than 30 years. Sao Paulo included! The Rodizio here is second to none. We usually go to Ferry St. but this place is best! Packed at 6 PM. More than you can say for any place on Ferry St. Two thumbs up!
(5)Monkey A.
The place is nice and cozy. I like the atmosphere a lot. The service was decent. But the food was extremely bland. We even specified to the guy taking our order that we wanted the food to be spicy. He said ok, even wrote it down. When the food came out, the guy who bought it out said they can't make paella spicy--um, I'm pretty sure you can make anything spicy. But anyway, it wasn't spicy. I ordered breaded shrimp with pasta, also definitely not spicy . Not much taste at all unfortunately. A little bit of seasoning would've gone a long way...oh well. Probably won't be back.
(3)Phoenix X.
This Place is very big and always packed which is a good sign. If you have any issues with sodium, do not even walk into this place. Everything is heavily salted, you even smell the salt in the air. You have been warned! I love rodizio, if you never had it, its basically all you can eat bbq Brazilian/Portuguese meat fest. All the meat is skewered and cooked over a charcoal fire pit. All the meat is constantly being coated with kosher salt and seasonings. This is something a review would be a little bit tough to break down b/c there is usually 5-12 different styles of meat from sirloin tip, pork, turkey wrapped in bacon, chicken hearts, sausage, sirloin steaks and various of other cuts. I would say go to this place and get rodizio so you experience it at least once in your life. I will have to make this detailed and extensive in a follow up of each meat b/c its been a while. So my future update will be with each meat, pictures and descriptions. The garlic shrimp were good and very garlicky as expected. The shrimp were on the small side on my opinion, for the price they should have been a lot bigger but it tasted good so its alright. "Paelha "Valenciana", c/ 1 Lagosta de 1 Lb Seafood Combination w/ Chicken, Sausage & Pork in Rice, w/ 1 Lobster of 1lb" This dish was pretty good b/c the rice was made well, the flavors from all the meats melded well together. It was a generous portion and I wouldn't get it again b/c they have so many things on the menu, I would try something different but if you have never been, try it! Bottom line, I think this is in the top 5 rodizio places in newark, not the best I ever had but damn good. So just go...
(5)Elizabeth M.
Huge portions and a lot of meny options. Food was good and service was okay. We were in the bigger dining room, which was full of HUGE parties (birthday parties, etc). The coped with it well - I would come back to this place with a large group. There's parking around the corner, but you need to look for it; it was hard to find.
(4)amanda s.
Excellent service and drinks. Enjoyed our entrees very much. Better then any NYC steakhouse out there !!!
(5)Jeff W.
Good food, and great service. We went with an extremely large group, and had the entire upstairs to ourselves. The arangments were made ahead of time, but everything was spot on.
(4)G W.
My wife brought me here for a wonderful birthday dinner. We each ordered the rodizio which was an assortment of 18 different cuts of meats, sausages and chicken. I made a cardinal error and filled up on bread, salad and rice.. I should have held off for the delicious and perfectly cooked meats. My favorite selections were the flank steak, spicy sausage and the bacon with filet. I would definitely recommend this to any carnivore who wants a good quality cut of meat. I would also recommend dessert, if you have space, as there was a great selection of cheesecakes, cakes and other sweets. I recommend the chocolate cheesecake and the cannoli cake! I would recommend this for any special occasion or just a nice dining experience. I would love to return to try a regular entree as well. Keep in mind that the restaurant is very busy and loud and there could be a wait without a reservation. However, the staff was very friendly and attentive.
(5)Mark L.
This place is epic. The best of its kind and one of the best of any kind, in Newark. Iffy neighborhood but once you valet park and walk in you are in the midst of an oasis of meat decadence. Casual, loud, boisterous, laughter, and fast paced. Atmosphere is great, you cant not have a good time. Forget the large menu, forget the seafood, have the rodizio. We usually get the picanha, which instead of many different meats, it is only the top sirloin. The absolute best, sliced thin and served at the temp you like, I recommend rare. I would not use the word cheap but worth every penny and more. And they dont try to rip you off with over-priced drinks. Great service, fast and efficient, great managers too.
(5)Stacy M.
My favorite Spanish restaurant ever!! Great food, sangria! It gets packed in there but well worth the wait. You need to fast the day you are going because you are going to want to eat everything that comes your way. I love the rodizio but I had to stop ordering; just couldn't eat everything that came by. So I started ordering Steak on the Tile (not on menu, you just have to ask for it. Other rodizio restaurants in the area try to push you out, this restaurant does NOT push you out, they want you to stay there & enjoy.
(5)Ent S.
Don't miss a " steak on a tile" at Fernandez. Great service. Fantastic desserts. Amazing food.
(5)Tom L.
Really enjoyed the rodizio as the portions of food were almost too much. The service was attentive as the place was packed. I've been there a few times and the place has yet to disappoint. My only suggestion is stay awake from peak times as sometimes the wait is too long.
(4)Erika L.
I came her with my boyfriend who ordered the rodizio while I got the Veal with shrimp in garlic sauce. They say you can't share the rodizio which is true but they let me eat off of his plate to try his food. The waiters are very nice and friendly. The chicken from the rodizio was delicious and moist, the steaks were good but after a couple they all started to taste the same. The cheeseteak one was not good and very salty. They bring out cubed cheese which was salty and gross. I've been to Iberia were they also give out grilled pineapples at the end for dessert, Iberia's was so much better. The grilled pineapples here weren't caramelized like they should have been it is dusted with some cinnamon but tastes like the charcaol they used to grill everything I think Iberia is a little better and has better sides too. The Veal I has was good but not great, the shrimp wasn't overcooked so that was also good, I have to say the garlic sauce is delicious and probably one of the best. The bread they give you is also good and the salad bar loked fresh because they kept changing it and restocking the salad bar items. The rice that came with the Veal was salty and the fried potatoe chips were not the best I've had, they were a little soggy. I had the Veal and shrimp in garlic saice for leftovers two days later though and it was honestly better as leftovers than when I had it that day.
(3)Michelle C.
Came here for a co-worker's party and we all enjoyed our food. The portion was huge. The food was really tasty. Will go back.
(5)Dan R.
Welcome to Meatopia. Fernandes Steak House in the Ironbound - a carnivorous wonderland, where men make the rounds with three-foot long skewers of only the most delicious animals, diced and impaled and cooked to a crisp, there for your devouring. Technically, there is a menu, and technically, it's pretty extensive. But, technically, it's useless. Get the Rodizio and thank me later. But before you do, let me make you aware of two expectations when ordering this all-you-can-eat meat-fest: 1) You will immediately be labeled the fat kid at the table. 2) You will get the itis. If you can live with this - then, forge on, young warrior! Your knife is your Excalibur, for you are now going into battle. Your tastiest of adversaries are the beef short rib, flank steak, top sirloin stuffed with Brazilian cheese, chorizo, roast beef, and chicken hearts. That's right - I had me some chicken hearts for the first time, and it will not be my last. Other notable skewered meats dropped off at your plate are the filet mignon wrapped in bacon, rib eye, pork loin, chicken wings, lamb, and God knows what else. Shit, there may have even been a milk steak* in there. These Meat Men will present each skewer to you before slicing off a piece, asking if you would like some, which almost seems silly, because if you are saying "yes" to the Rodizio, there is not much in life you are saying "no" to at this point in time - other than a healthy diet, manners, and dignity. When the battle has ended, there is one final spoil of war for you to enjoy - grilled pineapple with cinnamon, the only non-meat item to be sliced off of a skewer for you. Despite the strictly stated "no sharing" policy, our pineapple guy slyly provided us with enough of the sweet stuff for the table. By now, you will surely have gotten your money's worth, the Rodizio price tag of just under $30 not seeming so steep in the least in hindsight (mind you, this would definitely be double that in some Manhattan sister location). Pre-feast, there is a pretty intense salad bar for the taking, as well. I'm talkin' chickpeas, hot peppers, onions, olives, artichokes, corn - the works! As for the service, it's pretty efficient and accommodating. However, over time, there will seemingly always be the threat of disaster in the air, as multiple plates can be heard slamming to the ground throughout dinner without so much of a vinyl-screeching stop. The careless dropping of ceramics is apparently par for the course at Fernandes'. Anyway, this is not a first date spot. This is a family outing, big table, celebration spot. I don't think I saw a party with fewer than six seats and that was a pretty visible minimum. Two dudes with a guitar and violin (bring singles to tip) will come around to sing "Happy Birthday" and the like. Also, make sure you make a reservation - upon leaving, you want no part of the huge-ass line we had to snake through to reach the exit. In conclusion, you may walk out of Fernandes Steak House feeling especially meat-injected and itis-infected, but most importantly, you walk out of there feeling like a man. *Sorry, Charlie - that was just a little joke.
(4)Marc F.
Wowwie. If you love meat, you will be in heaven, and then not be able to move for a few hours afterwards. Just get the rodizio. All you can eat for $30, many cuts of meat. In my opinion, this is the best rodizio place I've been to in Newark. There are some reviews on Yelp for a "Fernandez II". It's the same. I think the first one had a fire and they reopened across the street.
(5)Dan B.
Why isn't this restaurant an overall 5 star at minimum???!?! I swear its worth 10 stars! Another place in the ironbound that I've been coming to since I was a youngster! They have the best rodizio in town - hands down! I nearly had a stroke when I heard it caught on fire a few years ago, seriously. They have the best waiters and servers and the best best best staff!!! Most importantly their food is on point. I always get the rodizio, especially their "cheese steak" which is their steak on the char (rodizio style) stuffed with cheese melting out of the meat. Holy Cheese! its just amazing and it hits the spot every time. And of course they have also their other meats and sides that are super delicious. I def recommend to make reservations prior to going there. They have valet parking and they almost always having parking, even during their peek hours (Friday - Sunday nights).
(5)Lance B.
I've now eaten here twice and both were great experiences. Each time I did the rodizio and both times were delicious. My favorite meats varied each time, but overall the meats are cooked very well and the lack of sauces allows you to savor the true taste of the meats. Some of the people in my party ordered from the regular menu and their entrees looked amazing as well with huge portions. What stands out most to me about Fernandes is the service. I've been to a handful of five-star restaurants in NYC and elsewhere, but no restaurant I've ever been to can match how great these guys are. The sangria is constantly being poured, your plates are being cleared, and if you are doing the rodizio, the onslaught of meat is almost too much. It really is as if these guys can read your mind, every aspect of service was so adequately taken care of.
(5)Sharon P.
Not a fan at all!! Had a surf and turf, steak was over cooked and awful, lobster tail was disgusting, crab cake had to have been frozen because it was all water and mush, stuffed shrimp was ok. Went home and was sick for two hours during the night. Will never go back to this place again!!
(1)Sunpyo H.
Plentiful food, enjoyable atmosphere and top notch service. 5 stars indicates when things are as good as it gets and let me tell you Fernandes Steak House is right up there! Now I love Rodizios and have been to places that cost 2-3 times as much, but this place really does a great job in sticking it to those places. I went with 5 people order drinks, appetizers,dessert and rodizio for under 250 including tip! Like I said this is the place to go for no frills and awesome food. Definitely recommend. (Ask for the Flank Steak, it's to die for!)
(5)Erica S.
Love the food, sangria and music! Family atmosphere.
(5)Jose O.
I went there with my former co-workers around 2010 and let me tell you, the food is out of this world. The rodizio there is second-best. The ambience is great and the price is fair. Recommended.
(4)Joy P.
Went to Fernandes for our annual pilgrimage this week and it was fabulous. Yummy grilled octopus followed by meats, meats, and more spectacular meats. Friendly, attentive service and great wine recommendation. Warm, wonderful vibe. There is no reason not to go here.
(5)Daniel J.
We went for lunch with a party of five on a Saturday mid afternoon. The service was excellent, the food was delicious with gigantic portions. I mean literally full meals per plate! Everything we had was tasty and done well, from the paella with a full lobster on top, to the fairly simple chicken and prosciutto with onions. The red sangria was good, not overly sweet and fruity like some places. They do have a rodÃzio, but no one in our party had it. The salad bar is pretty basic, but it's included with the entrees. There are many places in the Newark Ironbound that do a similar menu, but the service and the atmosphere and decor do make this a step up from others.
(5)Johnny L.
If you love meat, you'll love this place. For the price ($28), the Rodizio is an awesome deal and the meat flavors and variety are great. The Salad bar is pretty standard but nevertheless good selection of vegetables and potato salad. The Sangria was slightly strong the last time I went but was tasty nonetheless. The selection of wine is also pretty descent if you want to go that route as well. Another huge plus is that it has a good seafood selection as well as poultry for those non-red meat eaters. The Environment: nice, rustic, casual or dressy will work and pretty spacious. The Service: Awesome! The Desserts: they bring a tray of all the deserts and you pick what you want. For the two times I had desert, they were pretty tasty. Now if you're familiar with Newark, outside of the Iron Bound District, it's areas are pretty shady looking, well this location falls into the same category. The good thing is that the restaurant is enclosed within it's own walls and has valet parking so you don't have to worry about having to park on a bad block and walk past any two bit losers. Overall your experience will be a positive one. I highly recommend it.
(5)Kev C.
This place was incredible. The Rodizio was overwhelming in all the right ways. Service on our group of 15 was nearly impeccable, though drink service was a little slow because of orders moving between the service staff to the bar. All good though!
(5)Sal V.
Went to the Sayreville location Fernandes 3 Friday night for the first time. We had a party of 6 with reservations had to wait a bit . Big menu with so many tempting selections choosing one was difficult , will need to go back to try the snapper. I went with the twin lobster tails so fresh and tasty loved . All the guys had the Rodisia meet on the sword? The selections offer ranges from traditional to Unique . Chicken hearts , shrimp , pork stuffed with cheese , ribeye, flank steak , sirloin and chicken . I was not happy with the waiter who spent a lot of time talking to his friends , we had to ask to have dirty plates and glasses removed, had to ask host to get more bread , drinks and so on.. I would go back for the food and would hope for better service . At these prices they should have been falling over us with service .
(4)Thanh M.
This is a really good place! I was right there last week . I was celebrating with my wife our anniversary.Food was delicious and fantastic. We had the red sangria , which I would definitely recommend you guys. Actually it was kinda strong . The service was really fast and very polite. All servers were very friendly . My Only complaint is about prices. I think they were somewhat expensive.
(4)Carol C.
Parking valet is a plus. Had chicken with garlic sauce.it was sooo good. Their portions are large so it can be shared. Although the bbq sausage i was not fond off a little on the hard side. Salad buffet comes with entree.
(4)Robert W.
I took my son and his mother to Fernandes Steak House for his 19th birthday. The food was very good and the the customer service was excellent. Can wait to go back.
(4)Jose C.
Awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome I can't say it any better. Awesome ! Thanks for a great dinner I love steak and this place is deffinately now one of my favorite . Keep up the good work guys
(5)Callie N.
I was around New Jersey, and we've decided to eat here because there are a lot of stars and reviews. The service was great. People were nice. However, the food. The food didn't do the stars any justice. Sure, they give a large portion of food, but it's nasty, tasteless, and dry. My sister asked for a spicy dish, but it was sweet. The meat was dry. I would not come here again. It wasn't that good.
(2)Shaviece H.
Went to Fernandes for V-day. We didn't make a reservation so the wait was about an hour. While waiting, I was sitting right by the grilling meat on sticks (rodizo) needless to say, this did not help the ESS (empty stomach syndrome) that I had been inflicted with. The nice gentlemen at the grilling meat was kind enough to give me a few silvers of beef while we waited. Get to the table, service is prompt and courteous. I ordered the surf and turf because I just couldn't do the rodizo. Steak was prepared well. Lobster was just right.. Overall, great experience and I will definitely be going back but calling ahead to get a table with no wait
(4)Mark C.
Everything was good and service was also good.
(4)Dimitri L.
There are so many reviews for this place that no matter what I write, I'm not going to add anything new to the discussion. It's just a fine good steak place, and the Rodizio is the best!
(5)Kenny T.
My friends and I went there few weeks ago, but just now get a chance to write and review This restaurant located is kind of out of the way, nothing much around it, but the restaurant is set up is really nice. We went there around 4:30pm, the place was pretty empty but one birthday party going on. We all ordered the famous "Rodizio" all I can eat steak, Yep, all "I" can eat, not you. lol I think is maybe $30 ++, which is dirt cheap, and is good...... The only thing I don't like about it is that every 2 minutes, they bring out the meat, is like slow...down man, at least let me swallow it first. But I think they do it on purpose, you know how you eat fast, you tend to not eat more and when you eat slow, you eat so much more? So they just rush you eat, eat, eat!! I know the trick. lol Overall, great place, great food, too fast of the service, need to slow down. lol
(4)Lantz A.
The best meat in Newark! Good Sea food! Ohhh the Chilean Sea Bass is off the hook! However sometimes the salad bar is a little weak, and sometimes it has a bouquet of treats. This is a great place to eat with a family, or a large group, but you will need to prepare for a wait!
(4)Marc G.
This place has the best rodizo I have experienced yet and I've been to a bunch of them. One minor complaint is about the way they salt the meats some are oversalted and others under and while not a deal breaker it can be annoying to get a under/over salted piece. The sangria was good a bit too "alcoholy" but not terrible. I keep saying I want to try something aside from the rodizo but its just too good.
(4)Vincent E.
Fernades is a great quality Brazilian Steak House and if your into Rodizzio you should definitly order it. I personally love coming here for lunch and sitting at the bar and ording Steak n eggs and a glass of wine. (I perfer the red wine with a splash of 7 up instead of the Sangria at this particular place). Also for an app. their clams in green sauce is out of this world a must try. Looks wise, I absolutely love the bar, its awesome, almost entirely in stone it gives a great look and feel to your experience. At the end of my meal with a couple of friends after enjoying several plates of rodizzio the management came over and gave us free port wines which is always a plus. Definitely a quality place a little off the beaten path from ferry st with the same delicious food. Not a bad choice to bring a nice Portugese or Brizlian women for some quality food.
(4)Felicia K.
Pretty great place, even for someone who's not a fan of the rodizio. While my mom, brother, and fiance all went for that storied Brazilian specialty, I had the chicken breast in garlic sauce. There are also options for those attempting to be healthy; my dad had salmon. The rodizio got hearty approval from all who ordered it. My chicken was quite amazing... enough to enjoy heartily that night as well as providing THREE DAYS worth of lunches. The garlic sauce was delicious. They provide fresh bread to your table, and there's a nicely done little salad bar in the corner with some veggies and olives... much nicer than at some other rodizio places, although smaller than some. Rodizio comes with your typical fries and rice to fill you up. Lovely atmosphere and good service. This is definitely the best Brazilian/Portuguese place I have been to in Newark. Especially great for family or special occasion dinners.
(4)Robert B.
This place is the BEST!!!...You haven't eaten until you try this place!!!!!
(5)William E.
Truly a great meal to be had here. If you like meat, and lots of it cooked to perfection...then go here. Service is fantastic...I have eaten here about 17 times over the past 8 years and have NEVER been let down. Everything I have had here has been great...Rodizio, "Tile Steak", lamb, shrimp in garlic sauce....make the trip if you get the chance.
(5)maggie v.
This place is amazing. Get the rodizio. Go hungry. Avoid the bread, and fill up on some of the most amazing meat ever. Flank steak blew my mind, but everything was good. Valet only.
(5)Chris L.
The rodizio is ok. This was my first in Newark. The salad bar is small. I ignored the rice and fries they give out. The fried banana was awesome. Wished i asked more of that. The meats is hit or miss. I'd either get a burnt/crusty out layer of meat or a very rare piece. I sprinkled the corn meal power thingy over the rare pieces of meat to soak up the blood. It gave it an interesting texture. For AYCE meat the price is right. A repeat spot for sure.
(4)Madeline L.
Hands down best rodizio in the area!!!! Staff is very attentive. Highly recommend this place. You will not be disappointed!
(5)John G.
Food is very good. If you like Radizio but don't want to break your bank then this is the place for you. I've been to a lot of Brazilian BBQ restaurants across the country, some upscale and others not so much but this one definitely ranks high on my list. There are better but at double the price. The paella is very good as well but if you like the typical Brazilian BBQ salad bar you will be disappointed. All in all Fernandez is a must go!
(4)Ahra P.
We went for rodizio and some great sangria - and will return again and again! It was a GREAT deal at $27 per person for rodizio since you pretty much get as much meat as you can handle. The meat quality was top notch, the side dishes that come with the meal went mostly untouched only because we were busy chomping down on various cuts of beef, pork and chicken like animals but I definitely enjoyed the fried bananas. We have spent $60+ per person on rodizio in the past and I really have to say that I prefer Fernandes' rodizio over those. Try the chicken hearts! It was scary at first but after some urging from my husband I took a bite and was completely won over.
(4)Matt S.
It's Da' Bomb...Finding the joint is another story but the food is worth the experience. Clams in green sauce, the best. rodizio, incredible, the service, superb. The meats that came out to us were flavored perfectly. My favorites were the top sirloin and the rib eye. The steak loaded with cheese didn't suck. And they end it with a warm pineapple with spices from the pit...We will be back.
(5)Steve G.
Worthy of meat/cheat night (from not eating meat out for Kosher diet). Most of the Rodizio non-stop meats were mouth-watering. Decor is very attractive. Service friendly and attentive. Secure parking lot at the restaurant. Sangria is okay, maybe a bottle of wine next time. Minimize the salad bar to save room for the meat. Overall highly recommended. Now hoping for a Kosher Rodizio restaurant -- my guess is only Manhattan would make sense.
(4)Steve F.
Great food and service
(5)Beth W.
I took my grandmother here before her flight back to northwest Arkansas thinking she would enjoy an authentic Brazilian/Portuguese dining experience. First, the restaurant itself is beautiful inside, but it's a shame they ruined the atmosphere with televisions and loud music (at noon on a Sunday, no less). Second, the wait service was FANTASTIC. They are thoroughly attentive, but never intrusive - a very difficult balance to achieve. Unfortunately, the food was a big disappointment, especially given the price. I had the 2lb lobster special, broiled. It came out waaaay overcooked and rubbery, and was a big waste of about $35. My grandmother ordered the european sea bass (the waiter informed us the Chilean sea bass was frozen, but the european was fresh) with brocolli rabe and potatoes. After sampling my grandmother's plate, we both agreed that the bass was cooked to perfection, but it and the sides were bland and boring. Fernandes -- you have quality ingredients, but your chefs need to learn how to cook. As for the drinks, I had a red and then a white sangria. The alcohol in both drinks was overpowering. When I drink sangria, I want a soft, fruity and refreshing experience, but this was like drinking rubbing alcohol. Yuck. I give Fernandes two stars instead of one because the waitstaff was exceptional. However, I will not be back, especially when I KNOW I can get an amazing meal and sangria at a place like Casa Vasca for the same or better price.
(2)sam j.
Really nice atmosphere. Great service. My paella was done very nicely and the rare steak came out rare and tasty. I'll definitely be coming back. The sangria was absolutely amazing. The bread is served warm and is better than what you usually find at restaurants.
(5)L R.
A solid place for rodizio.
(4)Vanessa S.
I don't give out many 5's for steakhouses but I just love this place. I've never gotten the rodizio - though I hear it's great - but instead always just get a steak, pitcher of sangria and dessert. Parking...yes. Attentive service....yes. Fabulous food made how you like it...yes. A keeper for sure.
(5)Craig M.
I ate at Fernandes Steakhouse for the second time last time with friends who were visiting from Mexico. It is also the second time I've ordered the rodizio there. Let me start with the good. The service is excellent. The meat is typically cooked to perfection. Weordered the mang mousse pie dessert and it was excellent. We also ordered a pitcher of "blue sangria" and even though it was a big deviation from typical sangria ingredinets it still had the underlying sangria flavor. Even though the restaurant is in a not-too-nice area, there is valet parking, so that is a plus. Now the reasons I only gave it two stars. First, the consistency of their meats between my two visits were completely opposite. The first time I came the short ribs and the flank steak were the two best meats that came out. The short ribs were tender and succulent and fell off the bone. The flank steak melted like butter in your mouth and was bursting with flavor. They were so good that I was recommending them to my Mexican friends. Meanwhile, the first time the sirloin and filet cuts were a little on the dry and tough side. However, this time is was the complete opposite. The flank steak was tough and lacking in flavor, while the short ribs were tough and hard to remove from the bone. Meanwhile, the bacon-wrapped filet and sirloin were the two best cuts. It good that you get to try all the different cuts, since it's rodizio, because if I had just ordered a flank steak entree based on my previous experience, I would have been hugely disappointed. The second reason I gave it a three is just because of the sheer amount of slat used in the meats. Maybe it's what helps contribute to the general flavor quality of all their meats, but I think it goes well into the area of excessive. It's the second time I've walked out of there feeling puffy, like I could kill any snail just my getting within 30 feet of it. All in all it'sa good restaurant, and my wife wants to go there for her birthday next month, so maybe my opinion will change for the better when I try one of their entrees instead of the rodizio.
(3)Drey D.
Great restaurant for meat lovers. I would recommend the sangria. The menu is extensive. Good for large groups as well. Service is good. I would go back.
(4)Daryl V.
good rodizoro
(4)Jefferson M.
I have been to other rodizios in the area. This is by far the best. The place is classy and nice. My server treated me very well . I would recommend it
(5)Shawna H.
I recently ate here for my graduation dinner. The restaurant is beautiful!! Which is not easy to tell when you're first pulling up from Ferry St. Fireplace, white linen, chandeliers, but at the same time it's not stuffy. Our party was upstairs with other bdays and grad parties... and it was surprisingly not too loud- except for bday singing. The servers were on point and so was the food. I chose this place after high recommendations from three close friends that know rodizio. The sangria red and white was a nice compliment to the rodizio and various seafood and/or steak dinners that we ordered. I would say if you are having a dinner party- Fernandes will not disappoint. My guess is that it is great for dinner too!
(5)Greg W.
Came here with high expectations because it was recommended to me by several people. I'd give it another go but I just wasn't overly impressed. Don't get me wrong, it was solid... but not as good as Don Pepe or Forno's... They also sorta screwed us out of the lunch special, conveniently forgetting to tell us about the free drink included and then charging us for a pitcher of sangria... tisk tisk!
(3)Wes K.
Situated in a working class neighborhood just outside Newark's Ironbound section, the rundown exterior of Fernandes Steak house is belied by its fashionably appointed interior which is designed to evoke an old-world Portuguese villa atmosphere. Our wait staff were extremely attentive, friendly and professional, attending to even small needs before we asked. Everyone in our party of eight ordered the Rodizio special for dinner. The salad bar included roasted vegetables, a well-marinated olive salad and plenty of greens. The table was served with family style portions of white rice, french fries and beans, as well as a vegetable marinade for the meat. The Maître d was sensitive to some of our special dietary restrictions and we didn't need to remind the waiters as they came around with the meat offerings. The meat was excellent, though a little on the salty side, which may have been the traditional way of preparing it. Our favorite cuts were the chicken drum stick, the flank steak, the top sirloin and the ribs. The group was less fond of the bacon-wrapped meats, and the chicken breast was a little dry. But even these were full of flavor and enjoyable relative to many other restaurants. The Rodizio was all-you-can eat, and we enjoyed multiple servings. At one point they served me a piece that was very well done, and when I asked for something more on the rare side, they put an entire new skewer on the fire in order to provide me with a serving to my liking. They were very accommodating. The slices of cinnamon-dressed roasted pineapple were a perfect way to finish the main course, with the acidic tartness finishing the palate. Our group also enjoyed dessert, spanning from cannoli cake to cheese cake, the 'diet' apple tart and the flan. Dessert servings were very generous. Our group enjoyed the red and white sangria, and I opted for the Portuguese red, which I wasn't particularly fond of. But we all found a beverage we were able to enjoy. Highly recommend the valet parking as opposed to parking on the street. Your car will be in a gated, secure lot attended the entire time. Great time overall, we plan on returning.
(5)Sacha P.
What a way to end the year ! Hell of a meal.this is the place for meat lovers. I recommend the rodizio Great value and a cool atmosphere.
(4)Rebecca S.
Wow! Although I am about 90% vegetarian, I LOVE red meat; especially after visiting Fernandes. Humans were made to eat raw meat and this restaurant was made for humans. The rodizio is incredible! The ambiance is perfect, the sangria was very good. The only drawback is their no doggie bag policy for the rodizio :-( But I understand why they do it. I wanted to take half a bull home!!!! Personally, I was very happy and satisfied. However, one member of my party (who is both part Spanish and Portuguese) was very disappointed with the paella. I tend to agree on that point. The rice did look soppy and all the vegetables and seafood looked way, way, way overcooked. I was very happy with my meal, so when my friend offered me a piece of lobster I politely said "no gracias." He is not one to complain, so I'm doing it on his behalf. Stick to rodizio, Mr. Fernandes! Or learn how to not overcook seafood! :-) Great restaurant overall! It was worth the trip from the city. I will definitely be back.
(5)Philip S.
We went to celebrate a birthday. The servers are very polite and appear well trained. On site baller parking made it convenient. Had rodizio and someone else had the big lobster tail. Really enjoyed the meats.
(5)Ashley P.
The best rodizio! My family and I have been coming here forever. Everyone has their birthday here! The sangria is amazing. The menu is huge so it can fit anyone's appetite. Iv tried a few places in the area and Fernandez is for sure the best!
(5)Edward C.
Yelping around for a Churrascaria locally yielded nothing, as everything was located in North Jersey so I decided to drive to Fernandes Steak House in Newark. The neighborhood is very industrial and sketchy (IMO), but the restaurant has it's own private valet lot which helps calm any safety concerns. The menu was vast, but I wanted copious amounts of meat so I chose the popular Rodizio. First to be presented with the Rodizio was a plate of rice, french fries, fried bananas, a bowl of black beans, and small bowl of pico de gallo. Each were tasty but honestly these starches will just take up valuable meat real estate in your stomach. Of particular note was the fried banana that had a nice crunchy outer shell. Onto the meat! Flank steak, skirt steak, sausage, garlic chicken, bacon wrapped steak, bacon wrapped chicken, beef short ribs, chicken hearts, and beef kebabs were all available. My favorites were the flank steak and prime rib which were both mind-boggling good; juicy and with the fat beautifully rendered and a nice thin crust at the edge. All of the beef for the Rodizio was seasoned immaculately with the typical Brazilian style of just salt and pepper; no fancy spices nor over the top sauces to hide that beautiful bovine bold flavor here! The wait staff were all very courteous and professional, with the men carrying the meat skewers being especially friendly as I pretty much accepted everything that came my way. I guess they knew I was hungry; as on more than one occasion they just started cutting and serving me meat without me prompting. I could tell the staff were all impressed with my capacity for their food considering I'm not a big dude (I'm only 135lbs.) Excellent food and excellent service. *I'm reserving the 5th star as I really want to try the regular dishes before I can give it that honor, but on the Rodizio alone 4 - 4.5 stars easy (I wish yelp had half stars).
(4)Joe P.
You cant go wrong with anything you order. We will eat here at least once a month! The sangria was amazing red or white you can't go wrong. Portion size is very generous, and the service is always good.
(5)Martine V.
I went to Fernandes Steak House last night to celebrate my mom's birthday and they did not disappoint. There is parking on the premises and they valet park your car.We were seated right away so there was no lines. We started with the salad bar and the warm bread and it was very good. The Calamari was on point! Very good and as an appetizer it was a lot, it fed 4 people. The main entree was also a lot of food. We had the chicken & ribs off the menu..It came with yellow rice and vegetables. The amount of food was so much, none of us finished and its well worth the price! Our meal was each $19.00.The servers were quick and attentive! Finally we had desert and there was a nice variation to choose from. They sang Happy Birthday to my mom and we each chose a desert. The drink options in terms of soft drinks could be better but as this is being my second time here, I definitely enjoyed it. The food was great, it wasn't too crowded and we ate as soon as we sat down. The staff are all very helpful and friendly. I have yet to try the Rodizio but I did see them walking around. I would recommend this as a nice place to eat! I am definitely coming back!
(4)Mark V.
This a great place...thank you Yelp. The service was excellent the food was wonderful. The rodizio was excellent. The chain Brazilian steak houses have nothing on this place!!!! The cod stew was salty, but besides that all good. Atmosphere is great...please do not judge the place as you drive to it! It is a jewel amongst rocks...
(5)Paul H.
First off, there's nothing special in the Ironbound. Food in quantity, not quality. It's amazing how many ppl rate these establishments as excellent. This said, I've always had fun going to these places, as long as your dining expectations are gauged accordingly. Therefore, my rating reflects those reduced expectations. :) Being a steakhouse, one would expect a thorough steak menu such as those at Gallagher's, Luger's, or even Del Frisco's. However, you're not getting true steakhouse fare here; it's the Ironbound after all. So, you're getting a less than Prime cut of beef, sometimes cooked to your liking. The one thing that always stood out to me is the service, however. They did a good job making our group comfortable, and getting the order right, which really is important to keep the fun flowing. In the end, we all had a great time, because everything was fine overall.
(3)Steven G.
I've been here more times than I could possibly remember....Fernandes is NEVER a disappointment in any way. The service is excellent, the food is top notch and the prices are more than reasonable. I recommend the Top Loin Rodizio highly, it's incredible every single time. The sangria and Spanish coffee is a must for every visit, as is a nice 20yr port to end the meal. Reservations are a good idea if you're going on a wkend and don't want to sit at/near the bar.
(5)Ken B.
The best place in Newark for Portugeuse food. The sangria is awesome and so are all the appitizers and entrees. The rodizio is excellent. The restaurant itself is very nice. Great place to take your friends, family or a date. Parking isn't a problem. I can't wait to go back again.
(5)Alex S.
Had dinner with my wife, a friend and his father who has some dietary restrictions. We all left full and happy. The food was good. The service was attentive and the drinks well done. The salad bar was the weakest element, but three of us had the rodizio so not a major thing. We would try again.
(4)Mike P.
We went with a group for a birthday party last Friday, and boy was I looking forward to a meat festival. Going in, I had no doubt that I was going to order the Rodizio. Skewered meat after skewered meat would be brought to my table, sliced into piles just waiting on my American gluttony to take over. After we arrived, and took our seat, we ordered two pitchers of the red sangria, which did not disappoint. The apples soaking up the alcohol were crisp (and sodden with wine!) and tasty. I've had sangria many times when you can tell the apples are leftovers: squishy, mealy, and bad. not these. The salad bar and bread that came with the meal were fantastic. A great salad bar, with plenty of options to put on your plate, and warm bread. Unfortunately, the Rodizio left a lot to be desired. The meat came out fast and furious, but several of the cuts lacked flavor. By the time the chicken hearts came to the table, I was luckily done for. Some of the options were really impressive, the bacon-wrapped ones being my favorites. My review, I might add, is somewhat tainted by my post-meal experience. Perhaps my gut just isn't used to having a variety of nothing but meat to digest, but it did not digest it well. Several others that went complained of the same digestive challenges. The worst experience, however, was the one friend who tossed and turned all night having vivid nightmares which he referred to as "meatmares." I can't say for sure that his meatmares are due to the parade of meats, but he did say that's very uncommon. If you go, I still say get the Rodizio. If you go *back*, I would avoid the Rodizio and stick with a lower priced option.
(3)Dani C.
What can I say, I've been to Fernandes now three times in the past 2 months. When you walk in the smell is just intoxicating. I am a meat lover so to walk in and smell and see the meat cooking over the hot charcoal is heavenly. Every time we have been here the service has been exceptional. They staff answers all questions and politely. We were there for Mother's Day weekend and the service wasn't AS good but I understand they were extremely busy and tending to more than a party of 2. My boyfriend loves the chicken hearts from the rodizio and this night he decided he wanted paella but asked if he could just have some on the side, the waiter was nice enough and got him a plate of chicken hearts with no charge. This is what service is all about and this is why we keep coming back. The sangria is to die for and the food is just as exceptional. I prefer to sit upstairs since the bathroom is on the same floor but regardless this is our go-to Portuguese place!
(5)Hugo E.
First things first - although the chef is good - please, do yourself a favor, go to a seafood place for seafood - this is a STEAK HOUSE... with that said.. I've been here several times so - ON WITH THE REVIEW! Menu: You have an assortment of Portuguese, Spanish and Brazilian meat, fish and seafood dishes. But what you want to go here for are the Rodizio. steaks and Sangria which are spot on. They also have a very large Mediterranean/American salad bar that can be a meal all in itself for your vegetarian friends. Rodizio: It is a flat-price all you can eat, carnivore's heaven of grilled meat. Meat ranges from the simple (bbq chicken leg) to the not so simple (top sirloin stuffed with Brazilian cheese). This is a Brazilian custom and in this Brazilian influenced community, there's plenty of know how. Meat is served on long skewers that were used to fire-roast the pieces of piece, brought to your table one by one by waiters. Alongside the parade of meat you given sides of fries, fried bananas (not plantains), black beans, white rice and collard greens - along with the included salad bar. Do yourself a favor - eat plenty of greens while you eat the meat to help you digest. You can say no to any meat selection that comes to your table, so don't feel obliged to eat everything you see. The meat repeats, so take your time if you wish. When done, ask for the roasted pineapple as it too well help you: cleanse your mouth and digest the meat. Ambience: This place has two floors that is packed with all sorts of tables. It is busy and can be loud - but not intrusive. It's large, so expect a lot of 12 person parties on weekends. The Iberian culture is usually very loud and talkative, so don't expect candlelight romantic atmospheres. Place is built New Orleans style, with the entrance facing the parking lot and not the street. It has a distinct Spanish/Portuguese decor. Reserve on weekends or expect to wait a long time. At times they have some mariachi walking around for fun on the busiest of nights. They also have a massive bar that you can sit at while you want for your tableThere is valet parking and you'll see plenty of high priced cars in the lots. The neighborhood seems funkier than it is, but do not go traveling off for blocks. Parking attendants watch both lots and the street parked vehicles to ensure security. Lot parking is tight, so travel with few cars! Service: Typical Iberian style which is very attentive, courteous and patient. They move fast but somehow tend to be in control. Most waiters can handle a very large set of tables and typically share their time with all customers equally. Rarely have I seen one buckle under any kind of pressure and only the most idiotic of patrons have made them twitch. Expect great service (with an accent). Food: Look - if you're going here for anything other than meat - please read some of my reviews on other restaurants in the area. It's a steakhouse - get some meat or get out. The meat will be plenty, well cooked and flavorful. Don't expect any steak sauces or complicated marinades. Very straight forward but good stuff that will fulfill the most veracious appetite. The fish and seafood stuff may run the risk of leaving you disappointed if you insist on ordering those. Note - the seafood warning does not apply to the appetizers which tend to be simple and great. The meat in the rodizio is pretty good quality, so eat away! Drink: Get Sangria, make it red and drink! For the non-sangria people they have a full bar and a great assortment of wines from all over, with the Iberian region having the biggest selection. Cost: This is not overly pricey unless you start pounding down sangria. Rodizio is a little over $25 and so are Sangria pitchers. Most dishes range pretty much around that price as well. Conclusion: If you've never experienced Rodizio or steak Iberian style, go here and have fun. You can come relaxed and with plenty of people. Reserve ahead and your headaches will vanish (until you drink). Not the best place for eclectics, fish gourmets or people who can't see the sight of roasting meat. I will continue my visits here! Pros: Great Rodizio Great Decor Huge for parties Large portions Bang for your buck Sangria Cons: Parking can be a pain on busy nights Seafood can be sketchy May be hard to find for non-locals Not much to do anywhere in the neighborhood H-Cane's final spin: Grab some friends with an appetite for meat and booze. Call ahead. Do not eat before hand. Do not "pregame". You need the space in your belly. Designate a driver - thank them - give them a map. Getting here will guarantee to freak you out if you're not from here. But you'll realize that not only you're a chicken, but you kinda like this diamond-in-the-rough feeling of being in a so-so neighborhood. Come with a lot to talk about 'cause you're coming for a long time. Do not come here on a first date - you'll be messy. Do come here on the 2nd date - you'll be messy. ;-)
(4)Phil G.
Came here for dinner this past weeked before seeing a show at the Prudential Center. Driving through Newark leading up to the restaurant was very hit or miss, some nicely redeveloped areas, and some where I would not want to be walking around with my wife and kid afterdark. They do have a private lot with valet, and it's 5 minute ride to the Prudential Center. The rodizio is legit! High quality meats, fantastic service. The desserts and the seafood dishes are just OK, but you dont come to a steakhouse for fish. The decor is very nice, with a wam and welcoming South American feel to it. Prices were also very reasonable compared to NYC. We had a proper meal with huge portions, and dessert for less than $100.
(5)Matt G.
This is one of the best restaurant that you will ever eat at. Make sure you go in hungry. First off if you are trying to go on a friday or saturday night you should make a reservation because this place is always packed. Once you sit down you should start of with a pitcher of sangria. It is fantastic and reasonably priced. I recommend that you get the Roidzio. It truly is amazing. There are so many different kinds of meat from filet mignon wrapped in bacon to sausage to sirloin steak to veal the list goes on and on. If you are a little daring you can even try chicken hearts. The food is simply fantastic and you will leave full and enjoy every bite. Just don't expect to take a doggy bag home because that is not allowed. If you don't want to go with the Rodizio the menu has lots more to offer. Fernades makes one of the best NY strip steaks around and their seafood dishes are also fabulous. When it comes to price Fernandes is also amazing the entrees range from around 25-30 dollars, but in NYC these would easily cost over 50. I can truly say that Fernades is one of my favorite restaurants and I go home satisfied every time.
(5)Herm L.
The previous reviewer was spot on. Amazing Rodizio! Thanks for earlier review. I ordered it and was not disappointed. There were 9 at my table eating various items and I didn't hear one complaint. Quantity was amazing from the first piece of bacon wrapped filet mignon to the skewered rotisserie pineapple served with flaming port wine, I was not disappointed. Side dishes were too plentiful to mention. Everything, including dessert was great. Highly recommended!
(5)Marcelo B.
Always go here to celebrate Christmas dinner celebration with my employer. I can't afford their prices on a regular basis but the service and food are delicious. If I could fit on my budget, I'd go more often.
(4)Yves Sinclair S.
good steak like the inside
(4)Haley P.
who goes to a steakhouse and gets fish? clearly, you're going to get the rodizio, but where fernandes really shines is their steak on the tile. don't look for it on the menu; it's not there. but you'll see people around you one by one being brought out little terra cotta halfpipes with flames underneath them. perched atop is one of the finest filets you will ever have and cooked to perfection, because you cook it yourself! the waiter will cut it into delicious chunks, drizzle butter and lemon juice on them and whenever you feel like it's done, you remove them. amazing. amazing. amazing.
(5)danielle d.
greatt place that gets super packed! I RECOMEND MAKING RESERVATIONS!!!! amazing rodizio!!!! amazing service... big place lots of room and salad bar is great..... sangria is good too...i believe there is more meat in the rodizio then in iberia. iberia only has 10 pcs of meat but i believe fernandes has about 13 if im not mistaken i could be lying.. lol but def the best rodizio i ever went too!
(5)jerzee g.
Awesome, awesome, awesome! Rodizio at its absolute finest.
(5)Matt G.
Taste is subjective, and everyone has a different opinion on what is good or subpar food. However if you don't think Fernandez II has great food you don't know what you are talking about. I'm sorry to be brash but if you are in the mood for awesome rodizio head over to Fernandez II. I must say that I have been to this restaurant five or six times and I have only had the rodizio, so I can't comment about the seafood. The good thing about a rodizio meal at Fernandez is that you are sampling around 20 different types of meat, chicken and sausage, and it is all terrific. They also provide you with rice, french fries, and fried plaintains, (along with a salad bar and bread). I would stay away from the salad bar as it just takes up precious stomach space that should be reserved for the top level food that is a carnivores dream. They bring around as much food as you can handle for around $25. Splurge for a small or large pitcher of Sangria it is a perfect match for the salty rodizio. Don't forget to save a little room for the dessert, grilled pineable sprinkled with cinammon.
(4)Marcus D.
If anyone planned on assassinating me, they would know exactly where I am on Friday nite. Me and my buds make this our weekly constitutional: we sit by the bar, watch whatever ball game is on, and eat Rodizio till we are ready to throw up - seriously, like the old SNL skit of the Superfans, we sit there pounding our chests to work the meat through and plan our next heart attack. We start off with the blue Sangria, finish with the red, and devour nearly everything - we aren't shy to pass on certain items (for me anything on the bone) but do ask for seconds when it comes to the garlic and cheese infused steak or the chicken hearts. I've had the paella on a couple of occassions, the Valenciana or the Marinera (probably both spelled wrong) and it's good, but this is primarily a steakhouse. Extra points for the bevvy of beautiful women that are always in here, aged from twenty to fifty - South American, European, very sexy, glamorous (makes you forget you are in Newark and transports you to a square in Marbella or somewhere on Ipanema). The decor is elegant - white tableclothes, lots of wrought-iron grillework, strange object d'arte telephone/typewriter contraptions that look expensive. The building is like a stuccoed, tiled hacienda, with big oaken fortress-like doors. The waitstaff remembers us, fawns over us like visiting royalty, and take care of us with a glass of port wine at the end. Definitely an experience.
(5)Tom Z.
So my family and I went to Fernandes last night to celebrate my birthday. To be honest I had no idea what to expect, so we get our seats and I am just pleasantly suprised how nice the restaurant is,the staff, etc.. We all ordered the Rodizio oh god! this was a punishing experience, skewers of meat that are sliced off on to your plate. We just kept eating and eating until I cashed my chips in, the waiter goes are you finished? I said yea I knew from reading about this style of food that means the cinnamon pineapple will soon greet me. So we all have our cinnamon pineapple I head outside for a smoke next thing I know I see all the waiters standing around me I am thinking oh shit did I do something wrong?!? No they start singing Happy Birthday I get this little cream and graham cracker like dessert with a candle that did not go out. Anyway it was a real nice place for dinner, I would love to go again if it was closer to get to.
(5)Danielle B.
Oh how I miss Fernandes and places like this. I now live in San Francisco, which is not the venue for a place such as Fernandes (too many vegetarians here!!!). I've gone to Fernandes on a couple of special occasions, and the food is amazing. You must get the rodizio---meat after meat after delicious meat! The service and the sangria are also wonderful. Ooh, I'm getting hungry for that juicy goodness. I think I'm going to have to make a trip there the next time I'm back east.
(5)Mark C.
Excellent excellent excellent. Rodizio was great! Best cut was the top sirloin!!! Tasted like butter! Sangria was also top notch. Wait staff stood at attention waiting for you to need something like they were on your payroll. I came for my birthday and by how many times everyone was singing so did everyone else. Yes this is Newark but at no time did I ever feel unsafe. The free valet parking was great as well. I don't write too many reviews but this place was worth it in so many ways! If you like meat get over here right away! I will be finding every excuse in the world to try to get back here soon!
(5)C C.
I would have loved to give this place a 5 star rating but due to the rocky start... I couldn't. The ease of making a last minute reservation was a God send. It was late Saturday evening and had the option of 2 time slots thanks to Valentine. We chose the later one due to SIE traffic. Like I said I would have gave it a 5 star but due to the fact I was close to walking out I cannot but I am SOO glad I didn't. After all the confusion of what we ordered or didnt and finally (the place is packed) were given plates- we were able to get started on the expansive and delish meal. First was the salad bar-- def try out the macaroni salad! THEN... unlimited amounts of literally all you can eat scrumptious, tasty, juicy cuts of beef! As the steak monster I am it was heaven! My boyfriend also had turkey wrapped in bacon, chicken wrapped in bacon, lamb and both of us skipped out on the chicken hearts. There is absolutely no rush and believe me you need all the time you can get. You are also served rice with black beans, pico de gallo and awesome fried bananas!! At the end of this massive feast, like if you have the room for dessert- they give you warm pinneaple with cinnamon!! That was it-- my stomach was screaming for me to stop! All the waiters are very attentive. UNLIKE THE NEIGHBORHOOD --The ambiance was really nice and gave you an old world feel. All and all-- we would definetly go back!
(4)Ed C.
Second trip here Another great meal, 1st time we had the Rodizio this time we ordered off the menu. Great service, Good food will definitely be back
(4)Sebastian H.
Quite possible the best Portuguese food in Newark. Definitely the BEST RODIZIO!!! Eat until your heart is content. Delicious. Good for large groups or a date. I've been there a good 15 times and i will be there another 15. A sure shot for good food and good Sangria!!
(5)Janet L.
This place is not for the faint of heart! All of kinds of meat: ham, sirloin, roast beef, chicken, cheese steak....it goes on and on. Be firm and remember to say, "No (thank you!)" at the beginning. Otherwise, you will not have room to try all the meats. Also, there is a salad bar and other non-meat entrees (ie, seafood) that are excellent and fresh. If you want to impress your date with your abilities to eat a cow ('cause that is what you are doing), then this is the place for you.
(5)Ahmed A.
The food is amazing but here is the reason they are getting one star. It starts from when making reservations. The owner Terry is a jerk not nice over the phone I'm not expecting to be schmoozed but I was asking a simple question about the group I was making reservations for and the response I got was, "Now your asking for too much!" I was shocked I know everyone has bad days but this isn't the first time I experienced rudeness from this place. Another instance was after my group was finishing up dinner a manager dressed in a suit asked if were finished so we can leave to seat other people. My group and I were disgusted with the place and left. I tried to give this place another chance but it didn't even make it. Beware the owner is a complete jerk. Yes the food is top notch but I'd rather deal with average to good with great customer service.
(1)Kim R.
Had a great meal at fernandes. Now yes the rodizio is 27 or 28 dollars...however you are paying for endless varitities of quality meats and table service which is like a seated buffet. If you're cheap or think this is "expensive" then go to the china buffet nearest you. Anyway the meats have all different wellness done so if you want something specific most likely the carver will be able to find it on his meat stick lol. Don't take too much in the beginning because the longer it goes on you'll see the better stuff comes out mid - end selection. Salad bar was small and super tiny dwarf plates but as soon as the meat comes you'll hardly notice. We sat upstairs which seemed to have larger parties and upgraded rennovation very nice. Sangrias had a steep price and it was so so. Definitly worth the trip to newark
(5)Varun S.
Now I'm giving the restaurant 4 stars, only because it's a bit pricey, really out of the way to get to, and their drinks aren't very strong, but I'm giving their RODIZIO 5 STARS! I've been to a number of rodizios over the years, but this is the only one that keeps me and friends coming back. Very large quantity of meats, in a very large variety. And you never leave feeling like your stomach's about to explode. Force feed yourself as much as you want, you will only feel satisfied.
(4)Hope T.
A definate go to place for me and friends! VERY friendly accomodating service and plentiful, good food. The best rodizio in Newark.
(4)Kat K.
Been here many times for delicious rodizio but this time we ordered the filet mignon cooked on tile (served cooking tableside) and it was delicious along with the garlic shrimp! Great food and service. Packed on a Tuesday night. Can't wait to return.
(5)Jason D.
One of the best meals I have ever had in my entire life. I would give 10 stars if possible. I went here before the Rolling Stones concert and fell in love with this place from the moment I walked in. The atmosphere is awesome and the service is perfect. Everyone is really friendly. GET THE RODIZIO. You may think you want to try something else but GET THE RODIZIO. I had so many different cuts of meat and they were all cooked perfectly. I can't wait to come back here. The prices are very reasonable for the amount of food you get.
(5)Robert O.
I have been to restaurants for Rodizio from coast to coast and Fernandes is my favorite. I have to confess that I've never ordered anything else here but I've been with others that have ordered amazing seafood dishes too! The service is also always friendly and professional. I can't eat this volume of food too often but there's no better place to indulge in meat than Fernandes!
(5)Melissa V.
This place was seriously fabulous! My boyfriend and I went for our anniversary on a Saturday night in February, around 7 pm. We made a reservation with a pleasant man on the phone. When we arrived, it was like we were transportated out of Newark, the surrounding area is "eh" but the building is beautiful. There was valet parking, complimentary. We did have to wait about 15 minutes once arriving, so do yourself a favor and make a reservation because this place was PACKED. I will say it did take some time for someone to arrive to take our order, but you can see why they are backed up. We ordered our drinks (GET THE SANGRIA! It is delicious and comes in a big glass). Now to the good stuff, the waiter took our order and moments later we were brought a side of frijoles negros (absolutely delicious), rice, a couple different salsas, fried bananas (superb, most delicious I have ever had) and a couple of typical Brazillian toppings. Almost immediately a man carrying my dreams arrived at our table with a skewer 3 feet long of barbecued meat. This is called rodizio and TWAS. AMAZING. The variety was fantastic: bacon wrapped filet, bacon wrapped pork, several different kinds of steak, chicken breast, chicken hearts, ham, prime rib....yeah, you get the picture. And at 28$ a person? All you can eat? Until you have to force them away? WORTH IT! To top it off they bring you grilled pineapple topped with cinnamon, which was a perfect end to the meal. We even got our picture taken with an old camera, perfect for our anniversary! Kind of steep (7$) if you asked me, but oh well. Slightly buzzedd off my sangria, we were returned the car with ease and the valet attendant was freezing but pleasant. Seriously, go to the place. If you love meat, it will not disappoint. Everything else I saw that people were eating (not rodizio) also looked tasty.
(5)James Z.
Perhaps an off night. Most reviews are good to great but I found it unremarkable. The food was decent. The Sangria was like HiC with alcohol which if that is what you like must be nice... Not my version of good. I wouldn't return.
(3)John R.
They did a great job re-building this restaurant. Looks aside, the food was much the same as other good Spanish/Portuguese restaurants in The Ironbound. A plus that it's a liitle out of the way. The restaurant was packed and we showed up without a reservation. The wait service was friendly and the menu was extensive. A 16oz shell steak with a lobster tail for $28? Awesome! Try the Rodizio and salad bar as well.
(4)Donna S.
Great great food. Service can't be beat and FRIENDLY! If I had to say anything negative it would be the wait time even with a reservation (but the food and staff is so great I can overlook it).
(5)Debbie E.
My son-in-law comes here with coworkers from PSEG on a regular basis and raves about the food. This was their "go-to" place to eat when working round-the-clock during the Sandy aftermath. We arrived with three kids and three adults on a Wednesday evening for dinner. The service was friendly and attentive - no complaints. I ordered the shrimp with garlic which was served cold with sauce so salty it overshadowed any hint of garlic. The fried potatoes on my plate appeared as crushed - as in bits and ends, soggy and cold, not the usual full potato chip style. Very disappointing. My grandson had penne vodka with shrimp which was drowned in sauce, but was flavorful. Granddaughter had chicken alfredo which was actually quite good as was a flank steak dish my son-in-law had. My daughter had a chicken, shrimp and mushroom dish which also was swimming in sauce. Less is more in regard to sauce. A better choice would be with rodizo as we watched it being served to other tables and it looked delicious. Consistency seems to be an issue which the server should monitor. My dish shouldn't have even left the kitchen due to the difference in the potatoes I received versus what the rest of the table had. Appreciate the hospitality offered to the PSEG crew, but I have two favorite restaurants on Ferry Street that never disappoint.
(2)Phillip P.
CLOSED - Destroyed by Fire... Was one of the BEST Portuguese Restaurants in Newark. Hope the rebuild fast. Other recommendations: "Solar Do Minho" in Belleville and Roselle Park, NJ
(4)Ray G.
Re-Opened!
(5)Jon S.
Terrible reservation and waiting system. We ended up leaving after waiting for nearly an hour after being told the wait was going to be 45 minutes. Asked the host how much longer the wait was going to be and was told that there were reservations for 9 pm (it was 8:55) and we would have to wait for them to be seated and those tables to finish their meals. I had also noticed many people with reservations actually ended up waiting for about 15-20 minutes before being seated. Based on there seating system, I would not return to this establishment. I am sure the food is pretty good but I will not be the one to find out.
(1)Jason K.
This place is the real deal. I've been to Brazil twice, I have eaten in Porcao, and Fogo De Chao (both known for being the best rodizio restaurants in Brazil), and Fernandes in Newark is just as good as either of them, if not better. The element Fernandes brings that most restaurants don't, is the service. The service is absolutely unbelievable. The Maitre D', Valentine, is such a warm host, he remembers guests, makes you feel as if you were in his own house, and even busses tables if he has to. Lets get to the food, something that makes meat taste so wonderful is being cooked over hard-wood charcoal, and Fernandes has that down to a science. I have eaten at every steakhouse in Manhattan, every rodizio house in the tri-state area, and I will always come back here again and again, I already do every week. Even down to the vegetables, I always get sides of collard greens and broccoli rabe, they are cooked exquisitely. The collard greens are not the usual long, braised, sweet, gray leaves you are used to from BBQ joints, they finely slice the collard greens and saute them quick with olive oil and garlic, so they are still green, and a little crunch to them, awesome. All the meats on rotisserie are done differently, and every single one is unbelievable in its own right. The cuts that should be cooked slow are placed higher up on the rotisserie (farther away from the fiery charcoals at the bottom), so that it may cook at a slower temperature and get more tender. The Picanha (top sirloin) that is synonymous with all rodizio restaurants, is perfect, for lack of a better word. The cheese-steak comes out brown and golden, dripping with cheese out of a crusty piece of beef. The short ribs come out 6 bones on a rotisserie, and the slicer cuts a whole bone off and slides it onto your plate, the slicer barely walks away before you are asking for another piece, which by the way, you eat as much food as you want, they keep coming and asking you what you like best or are interested in. If you are not a meat eater, don't worry, they have whole branzino's grilled, gorgeous cod and salmon, and I saw someone eating a broiled seafood plate with lobsters, clams, shrimp, mussels, etc.. that looked awesome. Sangria is delicious, every single aspect of this restaurant is amazing, there is really nothing else to say about it. If Newark is too far for you, then don't go, not even once, because once you do, you will be inclined to return often.
(5)Luis E.
Came here twice so far Time: Sunday; About 3:30pm Location: Isolated Price: Expensive. Food: Forgot what I had but both times I loved it. Its a Portuguese/Spaniard restaurant. Drinks: Sangria, Mojito & Caipirinha. All were fantastic Music: None Interior Design: Very nice, it had an old country type Spanish look. Wish I knew more about architecture to explain the name of the style :/ Pros: Huge food portions, fantastic drinks, great food & great place to bring a date/girlfriend/wife Cons: The location and price but its worth trying it at least once to find out for yourself.
(4)Michael B.
So far my favorite place in the ironbound section
(5)Laura M.
It's possible that I am being really hard on this place, but I would only give 2.5 stars if I was able to. My review is not based solely off the rodizio like many below. Came here for my sisters birthday and let me first start by saying that the restaurant itself is beautiful. I liked the architecture and the ambiance very much. Rustic enough but with a touch of elegance. Very nice. The red sangria was excellent. Strong and very satisfying. Unfortunately, after receiving our shrimp in garlic sauce, my rating started to go down. Almost every shrimp I tasted had that unpleasant iodine flavor, indicating to me that they were overcooked. Not a good way to start off the meal. The garlic sauce was mediocre to some other places I've had it. We had a mixed bag of entrees including, pallea valencia, veal with almond sauce, churrasco à Fernandes, and the picadinho misto. Sadly, the pallea was bland and everything it contained was very overcooked. The lobster was incredibly chewy and and the sausage was dry as a bone. This is not what we were hoping for. It was very disappointing and overly fishy tasting. The leftovers were unfortunately not even brought home. The picadinho was delicious, however the inconsistency in the way the meat was cooked was frustrating. One bite you would have a soft delicious piece of pork or beef, the next was a tough piece of grizzle or overcooked meat. The Spanish sauce was okay, nothing memorable. The same goes for the veal with almond sauce. It lacked flavor and was truly nothing memorable. My father had the churrsaco and I can understand why people come here for the meat. I sampled a variety of the meats and it was flavorful, not over salted, and had a pleasant amount of smokey flavor. If I return, I would need to try the rodizio as this truly seems to be their star.
(2)Sal C.
Excellent dinner. Come here hungry as you will get tons of food. Recommend the filet on the tile, paella valenciana and of course the ridizio. The deserts and alcohol coffee especially the Fernandez and Spanish coffee are really good. Overall never walk out there hungry.
(5)Sancho M.
They have two valet lots you can park in which is a plus because parking can be difficult in the area. I would recommend making a reservation but walk ins are okay too, you just may have to wait a bit. The description rates Fernandes as $$ but I think its closer to $$$. If you are in the mood for meat you want to go with the Rodizio. They also have a great selection of seafoods. Make sure you have a pitcher or two of sangria. It's delicious here.
(4)E Y.
Location is not very good, but parking with valet is good option. I had the Caribbean ribeye which is large at 24oz but it was tough and not that tasty. Service was pretty slow. Salad bar was barely adequate. The valet guy was pretty good though...
(2)Jim D.
Having eaten at every Brazilian place in Newark (my girlfriend is from Brazil) this is BY FAR the best! Food is great as well as the staff. The seafood and Rodizio are top notch. Don't eat for a day if you are getting the rodizio!
(5)Yu S.
Awesome good and outstanding service as soon as u walk in. Kinda off the beaten path but worth it. Gets busy on weekends but have a large upstairs
(5)Erin H.
My boss suggested getting rodizio after a late Friday afternoon meeting. Rodizio on the boss's dime? Count me in! I suggested Fernandes after having read about it here. I have never indulged in rodizio, and was a little worried that I couldn't possibly eat enough to make it worth the money. I quickly came to find out that when the food is as good as it is at Fernandes, eating enough is not a concern. The place is massive. Luckily, though, parking isn't a problem because there is free valet. This is also is a plus for those people who are leery of Newark. Really, there is nothing to worry about in this neighborhood. I lived down the street for over a year, and never had a problem. The restaurant has tables on two floors, and feels almost like a Disney restaurant. I mean that in the best way; I'm a huge fan of Disney. It is cavernous, with lots of charming Portuguese decor touches. The task of choosing the wine fell to me. I picked one, and asked the waiter if it was a good choice. He hailed a manager, who steered me to a different choice based on my criteria. I was impressed that he didn't try to up-sell! The wine was perfect, even if the server who brought it to the table assumed that my male boss was the one who was supposed to taste it. We started with the clams in salsa verde. No cilantro and tomatillos here as in the Mexican version of salsa verde; these clams were served in a delicious wine, garlic, parsley, and onion sauce. They were fabulous. We ate every single one, despite the onslaught of meat we knew was coming. The rodizio was perfection. I knew that the cheaper selections tend to come out at the beginning, so I passed on a couple. No plain chicken for me! My favorites were the sausage, bacon wrapped filet, cheese pork, and rib eye. Now that I look at it, that's a lot of favorites. But they were all fantastic! We totally skipped the salad bar, again knowing that we wanted to save ourselves for the main show. I don't regret what I'm sure was a significant cholesterol boost. We ordered three (!) desserts. The creme brulee wasn't my favorite; I think it might have been prepared more like a flan, because it wasn't as creamy as I like. I really loved the layered crushed cookie and whipped cream concoction. The orange cake was a nice light choice, and was greatly appreciated after such a heavy meal. The service was excellent. The manager humored our request to text a message in Portuguese to our Portuguese-speaking managing partner. Do be warned that the rodizio comes out in quick succession; be prepared to make quick decisions! Or just say yes to everything. I am so glad that I finally tried rodizio, but am disappointed that I don't think that I can go anywhere else now. Now I just have to start cooking up excuses to head there again!
(5)Shannon C.
Excellent food!! Never disappointed. My favorite is the Whole grilled European Sea bass, cooked to perfection! The seafood selection is one of the best in Newark! Priced right and the serving size of the meals are more than enough. Go hungry, you won't be disappointed!
(5)Lisa P.
Had dinner here last night. It was a great experience. Ample parking, nice atmosphere. Had a few cocktails at the bar, then sat down to eat. My friend and I both ordered garlic shrimp which was delicious. We both ordered the rodizio. It was nonstop! Good Lord! Well.... After two pitchers of sangria it was like we both had just starred in a drunken meat porno. We had to take a few moments to chain smoke outside on the benches and collect ourselves before we headed home. I'd def come again! It's a vegans worst nightmare but a meat lovers paradise!
(5)Stuart T.
I went here with my family for my birthday in 2013, I had rodizio before, but my family had not. For those who are unfamiliar with Rodizio, it's Portuguese wood coal rotisserie meats served right off the skewer, bought to your table; it's all you can eat, until you wave the white flag and give up, ending the non-stop flow of meat. Augustino the floor manager, and the rest of the men running the second floor were truly service oriented and showed pride in the experience they gave my family and I. But before the meat, first there is the salad bar, which is actually very good: simple, fresh quality ingredients like roasted and grilled fennell and other vegetables, a really nice spread. It was enough to start but not fill up on. The meats to follow were expertly prepared, juicy, succulent cuts of chicken, beef, bacon wrapped sirloin, rib eye, filet mignon, and for hose voodoo fans out there, chicken hearts. All at less than $30 for all you can eat. They also finished it off with grilled pineapple flambe and bought me out a slice of chocolate cheesecake to die for. This place is a fantastic place for a special occasion or any time you want to feel like royalty. I highly recommend it. But heware, indulging on this much meat will knock your ass out for a day or two after, may even make you go vegan while you recover, but oh so good.
(5)Randy L.
Went for an early dinner on a Wednesday around 5 pm. Three of us ordered the all you can eat rodizio. They only had a few tables occupied at the time. They were quick to seat us and take our order. However once we ordered, it took awhile before we got served. For the first 10 minutes the food was nonstop to the point where my plate was almost over flowing. I couldn't keep up with their pace. However after the first 10 minutes, the servers never came back. I was not hungry, but could definitely eat more. After sitting there for another 30 minutes without being served, one of the waiters reluctantly came over to ask if we wanted more. At which point we only got 1 more serving. They definitely do not serve you until you say stop. They stop whenever they want. In addition, their food is super salty. Couldn't really tell what meat I was eating. Everything just taste like salt. Overall, I was not impressed.
(2)Joe V.
Wonderful atmosphere, large and delicious portions, and great prices. Must try the sangria! We will most definitely be back soon! Mangia!
(4)Z H.
If you go for the rodizio ($28) you'll be disappointed if you expect $50 quality. The service was attentive but the meat was over cooked and salted and not too special . They try to mask this with coating it in cheese, bacon or garlic and 2 of the items are awful sausages and chicken. but that's not why people come to a Brazilian steak house. Usually there is at least one cut that is impressive but here there is not, even the ribs were dry. I think this place is not to the standards that it once was.
(3)Adria B.
A better choice for rodizio! My husband and I and another couple are here last night after reading the many Rosie places on Yelp. I checked the website as well. This place is pricier than other restaurants in the area however here you get what you pay for. The food was excellent all cooked perfectly. U.S. Girls the 2 lb lobster that came with delectable Portuguese fries and had tastes of the hubbies Rodizio, OMG! The choices of beef studded with mozzerella, the sliced flank steak, the sirloin and turkey. All yummy. Not chunks of charr d meats, sliced delicately and flavorful. We passed on the pork loin for more steak, steak, grilled mozzarella. The best we've ever had. The red sangria, bottle red, good and glass refills are filled to the brim! Salad bar is basic but you don't want to fill up on it nor the bread. No for ambiance. The brick arched window walls with scroll gates, a long bar on the other side and a beautiful party room upstairs. They have valet parking on their own property. The bus boy was always there to bring you new bowls for your shells and Rafael you can't ask for more friendly, attentive waiter. They were there not obtrusive, the food carriers nonchalantly showing up to slice you some more. We then had dessert, flan wins hands down. I had the caramel cheesecake...wish I did not waste my calories on this choice, not good at all. The espresso was good and hot and our waiter surprised us with a good after dinner port of good quality. Only four not five stars you ask, location is not great. We all will definitely be back to Fernandes Steak House.
(4)Frankie M.
A carnivores wet dream!!!!!! I went to fernandez steakhouse with an empty stomach and walked out one of the happiest men, since Ralphy got his red rider B B gun in the Christmas Story. The servers start and its a tidal wave of meat hitting u all at once. This endless buffet of various cuts of meats, had me waving my white flag when it was over. Lol. The fresh cuts of juicy and tender meats put me in a crazed carnivorous consumption. This is a top steak house for me. And all that meat for 28 bucks u cant go wrong. And don't forget the refreshing sangria. ***I edited this restaurant due to the fact i went to a better steakhouse and this one dosent even compare to Peter Luger's Steakhouse.
(3)Heather S.
What do you get when you put a self-proclaimed "Steak Expert" in an all you can eat meat on a skewer kind of situation? Pure joy. My group of 5 had 8pm reservations on a Friday to this Ironbound District hotspot. We rolled in closer to 9pm after some train schedule mishaps and a bottle of wine (whoops!). That cost us dearly... Word of advice: If you can snag a great reservation, don't be late or your friends will hate you for not getting to eat til 9:30pm. Meat variety wasn't the as abundant as other rodizios I have been to in the past, but for $30 you won't find me complaining. For the most part I was able to get all my meat on the rare to medium-rare end of the spectrum. The lamb was probably the most disappointing item I had seeing as how it was overcooked and bland. Another piece of advice: Skip the meager buffet, french fries, and the first round of meats (ie: chicken, turkey, sausage) and wait for the beef to come through. You don't want to waste precious belly real estate on peasant meats. Make a reservation, be on time, and eat up! If you're anything like me you'll probably end up feeling like death and crying about how you think your friends are the worst for letting you have that last round of beef on a steak.
(4)Peter Q.
Great atmosphere , very good service , waiters very attentive .. I definitely recommend , took a party of five they all loved it.. We all had the rodizio , capirenas Brazilian alcohol drink , dessert and coffee..total 245 dollars....every penny was worth it.. I would give this place 5 stars but the salad bar was weak... Don't take me wrong rodizio is good but also like good salad variety too.... The meats succulent , delicious ...the chicken oh man....the sausage wow ..the meat variety excellent .... I recommend ...reason I went there was because the yelp reviews about rodizio ... The
(4)Suat K.
AMAZING if you're a meat lover. The pineapple served at the end is incredible. The all you can eat meat bbq is fairly priced.
(5)M G.
This review does not cover the Rodizio aspect of the restaurant as we ordered off the menu. The atmosphere is very nice and has a Spanish/Mediterranean in feel. The service was decent contrary to other reviews I have read elsewhere. We did get there at 4:30pm for dinner (pre-theater) and the place was already buzzing with people. By around 5:30 it looked fairly packed. I was looking forward to two dishes, the mixed broiled seafood platter and the garlic shrimp. Both were a huge disappointment. I have had Iberian style garlic shrimp many times both in the US and in Spain and wanted very much to experience something similar. Instead of receiving a dish of shrimp in sauce in a clay dish, we got shrimp with the sauce in a separate small bowel with rice and steamed vegetables. Although the shrimp were not overcooked, this was nothing like garlic shrimp and did not come close to the correct flavors of the dish. When I mentioned this to the server in a very nice manner, I pretty much received a response of we don't really do it this way. Very surprising for this type of place. Now the worse part of the meal was the broiled seafood platter. It was meant for two people and the quantity was good for the purpose. However, all the seafood was barely warm and very dried out. It was probably sitting somewhere for a long time. The flavors were off and it was a huge let down since the people I was with were really looking forward to this meal. Since the restaurant had such low standards we and we simply dealt with it. We also had the strip steak presented in a clay tile. The steak was very stringy and nowhere near as good of a steak as I have had in many other places. Again, low quality! The bread was very good, although we did not have a chance to dip it into the garlic shrimp dish as I was looking forward to doing. Overall, I would not go back to this place. Its very overrated and the quality of food and preparation is not worth it. Find an authentic spot in town and enjoy the food, even if the atmosphere is not as nice. DON'T WASTE YOUR MONEY HERE.
(1)D H.
First time here, got Rodizo. Fast service, sangria was good, and all the meats were very good to great. Turkey wrapped bacon is the best tasting turkey at a Rodizo we have had. The Beef and Garlic and Beef and Cheese were 5/5. 1/2 the price of Fogo, and nearly as good, deserts were good (Canoli cake, lava cake) were both enjoyable - combined with excellent service - we will be back ! We ate on sunday at 3-4:30 and as we were leaving some meats came out we didn't get to sample - not sure what happened there (we didn't know what was missing, there is not a list) - but that's ok, we left very full. Only thing they could improve is their salad bar is tiny - but we didn't come for that.
(5)Jen F.
The grilled steaks are delicious and plentiful. It is a good place if you are a steak lover and know which cuts to order. The items in the salad bar are also very fresh. I thoroughly enjoyed my visit here and hope to be back again.
(5)Mike R.
Boy do I love me a good steak and I wasn't disappointed.
(4)Melissa V.
By far, this is my favorite Portuguese restaurant. The rodizio is fresh and well seasoned with a large selection of beef. The staff is polite and attentive. Go to this restaurant if you want to impress someone.
(4)Corey S.
Numero uno. Take everyone I can here if they can get past the fact its in newark.... rodizio is a must, sangria is dynomite, and the ambiance is just short of spectacular. Been here countless times and never have a bad meal. A+
(5)Billy M.
You often see me write about the small things . . . I have three adult children (36, 31, 25). Today is our middle (son)'s birthday (4th of July). We decided to try Fernandes for lunch and celebrate his birthday. This is our first time here. The food was great and the service was even better. We all (6) ordered the Rodizio. It just kept coming, and coming, and coming. I've been to other places where the food stops at some point. Not here. My oldest son is mentally disabled (fragile x - like autism). He is such a joy! The wait staff picked up on it immediately. For some reason he decided not to eat (actually very little). Their concern was genuine and respectful. It pleased my wife (and all of us) to no end. When the bill arrived, the Manager decided not to charge for my son. He didn't have to. He just did. It is . . . the little things. A really wonderful day. My daughter has a new boyfriend. It is his first time in the Ironbound. He was amazed that a restaurant this nice was in an industrial area, with lots of warehouses. Oh, btw . . . one of the many gifts my oldest son does have is he can pick a phony out in about 3 seconds with amazing accuracy. He does approve of her new boyfriend.
(5)Shelah D.
This place is the bomb! Rodizio is not salty like others. Waiters are very attentive and polite. Valet parking is a great plus!
(5)Tanya G.
Absolutely amazing time here for my dear brother's post graduation lunch. The service is great and the food is just out of this world. Best rodisio I've every tried by far. Just make sure you come here hungry, lots of food :)
(5)Kelly M.
I'm not quite sure if this restaurant is Portuguese, Brazilian or Spanish as the listing says. I like to think it's a fusion. The menu is vast and for the most part the food is on point. Last time I was here I ordered some typical Portuguese dish but regretted because the smell of the rodizio was so good and my food was extremely salty. No sure if it was a mistake or really the way they prepare it. Service is always impeccable. A little pricey but the free valet parking is a nice touch. Will definitely go back for some rodizio.
(4)Jess W.
Fantastic as usual! We're so happy they 're open again. The food is excellent and so is the wait staff. We'll be back soon!
(5)Peter K.
Excellent Rodizio served here. They keep the food coming and the service is great. Great for groups and large parties as well. We had pre-dinner drinks at the bar while we waited for our group to get seated. I'm glad that they have re-opened will be back for sure.
(4)David C.
Great place to come with friends and family. The selection is outstanding. Some of the meats were saltier then others so if that is something that bothers you just ask the servers. Good service and relaxing atmosphere. Love to go back and try new dishes.
(3)Kristopher L.
Ive been here a few times and I gotta say the atmosphere is great. The service is always exceptional . The food is always plentiful and delicious . I always get the porter house steaks while my family get the more traditional Spanish meals and it's always on point. The desserts are very good as well . Enjoy we always do
(4)JR R.
I'm going to hold at 4-star for now but it looks like high prices are causing a drop in quality and selection. Also, the boss at the front reception area should lose that scowl. After all, we are paying for the meal. The head waiter told us to order appetizer and dessert, next time. This, after we had 5 drinks for 2 people and frequent the place at least once a month!
(4)Marc P.
By far the BEST...period!
(5)Craig C.
Best rodizio in NJ. I have eaten at most of the spots in Newark and this place blows them away. Good place for large groups. I also think they have the best sangria. Easy to get to and has off street parking / valet is available. Service is attentive and prices are average for this type of food. Can't recommend this place enough.
(5)Edris S.
If your looking for the best Rodizo in the area then this is the place to be. Part of having an excellent Rodizo is have a good volume of people eating it so the meat stays fresh. As other reviewer stated, this is a steakhouse so eat meat when you go. The only advise i would give the newbies is do not let the cutter double cut the same side of the meat. After they cut once they should go back and re-salt and grill. This is what give it it's flavor. The service is top notch. The only issue i have is that the bathroom in is the basement. Kind of tricky if you had to much Sangria. Don't get me wrong it's a clean bathroom. Speaking on that note. A friend that works for PSE&G stated that Fernandes has one of the cleanest kitchens. Just off that note, they will always have my business.
(4)Edward V.
Good food. Reasonable prices. Great atmosphere.Highly recommended!
(4)John C.
Place was packed so we waited about 45 minutes for a table which I expected on Saturday night. Sat upstairs which is a very large room. They sat us next to a bachelor party of like 18 guys. These guys were loaded up on booze and started being abusive to all the women in the room. Were actually rating girls as they were seated and throwing around curses every other word. It wasn't like they were whispering this stuff they were shouting it so they all could hear each other in this loud room. Couple next to us left as the girl was not able to take it. I was with my 2 sons and wife and they were amazed this was happening. Management didn't want to lose this big check so didn't throw them out. Instead they just were apologizing to others for their bad behavior. This restaurant has some of the best food in the Ironbound but I expect a place to maintain some kind of decorum. This is the stuff that happens in the post dinner portion of the bachelor party at some strip club. One of the worst restaurant experiences I have ever had.
(1)Richard H.
My favoirte place for rodizio! Their full range of meats are brought out fresh and flavorful. Their salad bar doesnt have that much of a selection. Just the basic vegies to make a salad. The meat that comes out tends to be on the bloody side, so I found myself having to ask them to bring me out more well done pieces, which they had no problem doing. Their sangria is also very food, you have your choice of the regular red, blue, or orange ones ( i forget the flavors). Fernandez is the the cheapest rodizio around but i dont mind payin a little more bc its the best ive ever had.
(5)cd c.
I'm going to sum it up. Good food at a not so good place. Fernandes is a restaurant in Newark which serves peninsula food. (iberian food). Its located in a pretty bad part of town by ironbound standards, but fortunately has a private parking lot with valet parking. Bar area downstairs seems pretty nice with a nice atmosphere. Upstairs dining room has plenty of tables and it has a disorganized feel to it. Tables are scattered in no particular order. Servers are fast and efficient. Prices are average. Food is actually very good, but I would not expect much on the seafood side here. Of the times I've been there meat seems to be the thing to go with. Its incredibly loud and busy, but some people actually prefer that. During the night , they have the annoying guys who don't work for the restaurant trying sell you flowers or take a picture for a price. I personally think any restaurant that allows that, is cheesy. On occasion they have Mariachis going around doing the same, which I don't get. Iberian food or culture has nothing to do with Mariachi. They should move down to the Mexican restaurant. With so many others places in the area, I personally would choose others restaurants, but some of my friends swear by the food.
(3)Marie H.
We went here on the earlier side of a Saturday evening. The place was pretty full, but once we were seated, we were given good service and never got the feeling they were trying to rush us out. As we left, there were scads of people waiting to come in, so make sure you have a reservation. It was a fun place to go as a group and was a fun experience to do at least once.
(4)Heaven V.
We were celebrating my nephews graduation here, in which the food and service was exquisite. I had a minute issue in entering with my service dog, but after showing the proper id for myself and my dog to the Mgr Octavio Fernandez, our reservation was honored.
(5)Phil G.
Fernandes Steak House has the BEST RODIZIO in the Ironbond. When you go to this place do not order Fish or Seafood you will be disappointed. Steak House order MEAT. GREAT RODIZIO GOOD FOOD GOOD SERVICE AVG PRICE If you want fish go to Seabras Marisqueira great place for seafood.
(4)Jason E.
I've been to Brazil a couple of times, have several Brazilian friends, and have had amazing meals at the best churrascarrias NYC has to offer. This place holds its own in the category. We will be back.
(4)Derick R.
Ok so I dont know how Im even able to draft this review, since Im in a severe food coma presently. Ill make this short and to the point. Think of ALL the meats you enjoy and this place with have them all and about 10+ more. We had the rodizio and the meats were all good but not Great. I thought only the ham and filet wrapped in bacon were exceptional. Everything else was pretty much standard as far are taste. They did have PLENTY of different meats though (even steak stuff with cheese). Prime rib, filet, ribeye, chicken, sausage, turkey, pork loin, garlix steak.. yada yada. Delish grilled pineapple dessert. One complaint... The salad bar was waaayyy to small. Salad, potatoe salad, and olives, thats pretty much it. It was $28.75 pp... Bill was $72 for two people with no alchol! Id probably go back if the salad bar was bigger. But there are many other places to try that are similar in the area. So this wasnt exactly short but atleast you might find it helpful.
(3)Phil C.
It doesn't get better than this! I've had the fortunate experience of eating at almost all Portuguese restaurants in Northern NJ and Westchester County NY. It does not get any better than this. Food is A+. If you want a good steak, rodizio, appetizers, sangira, wine selection, etc, this is your place. Don't think twice, everyone you take here will enjoy...
(5)Mehmet B.
Pros: Delicious rodiizo Friendly service Reasonable price Cons: There was a weird smell in the restaurant Not a rich wine selection
(5)Gracie J.
Don't be intimidated by the neighborhood or the deceiving look of its boarded up door which you see from the intersection... the interior of the restaurants is actually very nice and the service is great. I am only rating on the rodizio. It is one of the best and most authentic rodizios I have been to in New Jersey. Don't miss out on the chicken drumstick and the prime rib slices. My mouth is watering right now just thinking about it. I have tried places in Bergen County and elsewhere in Newark and they don't compare. Add to that the solid service and the AWESOME sangria (get the pitcher, it's worth it), and you have a fantastic dinner experience all wrapped up in one. The only 'negative' part of the experience was not having enough space in my stomach to enjoy everything! I'll definitely be back.
(5)Eric N.
I go to a lot of NJ Devil games and I'm always on the hunt for a good restaurant to eat at before the game. I heard that Fernandez had good rodizio so we gave it a shot. The restaurant was clean and the service was prompt and friendly. As for the rodizio, I was quite impressed. Tremendous variety and everything was perfectly cooked. I prefer my beef to be rare/med rare and that's exactly how it came out. And not too salty either. Best rodizio in Newark. Hands down.
(4)Mary Lou S.
My family and I went to Fernandes for the Chrisfmas Buffet. I was very disappointed. The buffet was 1-5..,,and I arrived at 2:30. They did not replenish any of the food. And what was left was dried out and cold. And at 46.95 (plus tax and tip) I was hoping to get my money's worth. Needless to say I didn't have much to eat. The only good thing was when Santa came.
(1)Dennis C.
Cooked myself a filet mignon and lobster tail on hot stone, which didn't actually stay hot for that long. I ended up having to cut the steak and cook it in sections as it was on the very rare side of medium rare. Food tasted fine, service was a bit spotty.
(3)Natalia C.
I was not impressed at all. They took forever to serve my food and when I finally got my meal it was cold. I told the waiter it was cold and he brought it back warmer but it was black. It looked like charcoal. The rice was also disgusting. And on top of everything my meal was very pricey. I've been sitting in here for 3 hours. I give this place a thumbs down. I will never come here again and I don't recommend anyone to come here.
(2)Robert S.
This is my 3rd or 4th time here. Always go with a group. Usually have RodÃzio. This time, ordered pork chop. The service is amazing. The food is outstanding. Everyone who tried a little of my pork chop thought it was unbelievable. One person's fillet was a little stringy, the other person's fillet was excellent. The price is perfect. The Champagne Sangria is the best anywhere!!
(4)Edward W.
Vegans, please skip to the next review. Everyone else: 4.5 stars. Wow. Yeah, it's as good as all the Yelp reviews. Just order the rodizio and sangria. Worth the trip into Newark. Valet parking. You're welcome.
(4)Jess K.
As the saying goes: you get what you pay for. I get A+ service and heavenly meals and desserts for a hefty dollar, and it is always worth it. Im from Brasil and this place is as close to the real thing in Brasil as I can get. I have been there about 5 or 6 tjmes and every time it gets better and better.
(5)Siguy S.
Holy shit!!!!!! This is the best steak house in nyc / nj ( and i have been to most in the city yes better the peter lugar) This is the sizzling ribeye with butter and garlic DAMMMM WAS IT GOODop
(5)Verna S.
Hubby and I discovered Fernandes Steakhouse back in November, while driving back home from an Atlantic City trip. Feeling adventurous, we decided to detour into Newark to find an off the beaten path restaurant. Thanks for the help, yelpers! It was crowded when we got there, so we squeezed into the bar and ate there. I had a ribeye and he had the rodizio. Our meats were great and cooked perfectly. But I learned my lesson and from now on, I only order the rodizio. Ribeye is a part of the rodizio offerings. The rodizio is great because you pretty much get to try everything. We've driven out to Newark from Manhattan at least 5 times just for this place. It's a meat lovers heaven!They also have a ton of seafood, chicken, and pasta entrees. I can't speak for those options because I haven't tried them. And their desert menu is also pretty insane. The one desert I had, the serradura, was a parfait of rich creamy deliciousness. Try to make some room. There's nothing great about the salad bar. It's a typical salad bar. After all, you come here for the meat. You'll also see the matriarch of this place, usually outside or somewhere near the front. If you speak Spanish or Portuguese, she will talk to you and start friendly conversation. She is adorable and such a sweetheart!
(5)Lucas M.
We have been there for dinner and will be back. I think it's one of the best Steak House in the area. The menu is vast and tempting. Amazing seafood and huge portions ! Sangria is ok ! Ambience very good ! Service impeccable.
(4)Thea M.
Our family has been going to Fernandes for years to celebrate birthdays and anniversaries. Although you feel a bit sketchy driving in this dark/warehouse part of Newark--it;s well worth the trip (and safe!). For years I thought rodizio was the way to go but frankly all that meat sits in your stomach and makes you feel sick. In the past few years we've discovered their amazing seafood entrees and the steak served on a hot clay tile---amazing and HUGE portions can easily feed 2 (or take leftovers home for lunch the next day). Sangria is delish--good selection of Portuguese beers and you have to try the Serradura (cookies & cream dessert)---I'd make the drive to Ironbound for that alone!!
(4)Anthony C.
Been here many times,went again Saturday and didn't disappoint.Service was fast and helpful,Rodizio.Service was great. Besides rodizio,there is a great variety on the menu and desserts are also very good.
(4)Paula L.
The spot is in an industrial area, however, don't be fooled. Glad we came here last week on recommendation. We had the porterhouse and filet mignon. All came with sides. Plenty of food, large portions- all delicious, perfectly cooked! The prices were very reasonable as well. We've paid more in other places for food not as tasty. We will definitely be back.
(5)Sarah G.
I really enjoyed this Steak House!!! Sangria was pretty decent. Ambience was amazing and the service was impeccable!!
(5)Jaclyn L.
Ironbound = Portuguese Food....Delicious Portuguese food. Fernandes is known to everyone in the Ironbound, and this is really a top place you should definitely hit up if you plan on being in the area. Since I'm lucky enough to work close by, it's a great place for us to recommend to auditors and visitors alike. The overall charm of the place is the raw brick walls in and around the restaurant. There's Portuguese pride hanging on the walls and represented in the suit of armor that greets you when you first walk in, to other artifacts. We were a party of five when we dined in early February on a Wednesday night. Service is really top notch, and the menu is vast and tempting. There hasn't been a time we've ordered something that we didn't like, and this time was of no exception either. We started off with some chorizo that was cut up into strips, with some picked cauliflower, carrots, broccoli and olives. This dish needs to be shared due to the saltiness of the sausage; it's wonderful, but share so you don't have high blood pressure. We also got an order of shrimps in garlic (a staple and a MUST) which was plentiful. The shrimps were cooked perfectly and snapped when you bit into them- delightful. My entree of choice was a piece of filet mignon with a mushroom sauce, with Spanish chips and dirty rice. There was no room for veggies on this plate, and I really couldn't care less. The only shame was that after the appetizers and being on my third glass of Sangria, I couldn't finish my entree! Taking them as leftovers, I can honestly say they were magnificent the next day for lunch. Fernandes, thank you for the valet parking; the last thing I wanted to do was look around Newark at night looking for my car.
(5)Reena N.
Recommendation: Rodizio and their Red Sangria. Even if you are stuffed, eat the grilled pineapple at the end, it will seriously help. In the Ironbound, Portugese steakhouses are a dime a dozen but this one stands out. First off, they have valet parking and a private lot so there is no need to try to find street parking around Newark. The restaurant is loud, tables are close together and it seems to be someone's birthday every 3 minutes. If you are coming here for Rodizio they have about 12 items on selection and have a few types of steak, lamb, sausage, pork and chicken. There are no unique Rodizio items like Seabra's has on the weekend (e.g Alligator meat). Their salad bar for the Rodizio is just sad. For the Rodizio to get started it does take about 15 minutes after you order, however, once they start, they keep on coming. There is no ability to take home your food so stick to small portions. We ordered the Red Sangria pitcher for the table and it was enough to fill about 5 glasses. This was one of the highlights of the meal. For Rodizio, the food was all excellent but you should expect this from most places around. If your coming with a group, If you are not a Carnivore, don't order the Rodizio. Recommendation: Next time I come, I think I'll have my husband order the Rodizio so I can try each meat but I'll get a chicken dish. The chicken was one of the best items on the menu that we tried, although the Ribeye on a tile looked amazing. For regular entree's (that are huge), you can take home your food so it's not all wasted. Rodizio is only what you eat in the restaurant so you can try a bite of your date's if they allow you to.
(3)Johnny A.
First, don't listen to the other yelpers. Outside of rodizio I don't see the appeal of this place. 1. The red sangria is pretty much wine with one or two chopped up apples in it. If I wanted wine I would've ordered it. It was so bad I asked the waiter to make it sweeter. Unfortunately, all he did was dilute it. It was just watered down. 2. The red velvet cake is complete and utter trash. It's clearly purchased and just allowed to sit and dry out. I had two bites for being completely turned off. Outside of the terribleness that is the red sangria and the red velvet cake the food was pretty good. The service was prompt... after the initial 10-15 minutes wait to place our appetizer orders. Of course, I got the Rodizio and it was very good (but then again what place in the Ironbound section isn't?). I recommend trying the pork with cheese, sausage, lamb and chicken hearts (because where else can you get them?). Oh, also order the fried calamari app! This place is on the more expensive side, but they do give very large portions. If I was judging this place solely based on Rodizio this place would stack up to the current 4.5 star rating, but because I have a large stomach and had Rodizio, apps, dessert and sangria I have to based my rating on everything. I really want to give this place 1 star, but I'm not that terrible of a person. Unfortunately, I believed previous yelpers and went out of my way to go here. I won't be making that mistake again. This was my first and last time coming here.
(2)Mishae M.
If you want to treat yourself, live in the area and dont want to travel far, this is the place to do it at. Not only is the food and service impeccable but the ambience transports you to a different time in spain (note the old kitchen stove in the front of the restaurant), that makes you forger your actually in Newark. It is clean, only the best and freshest ingredients are being placed on your food and the portions are huge. You also are given a complimentary salad bar and delicious bread before your entree arrives which may dismiss your want of an appetizer. (Keyword...May) With all thar being said, for a party of two, we ordered a plate of calamari, sangria, garlic shrimp and half of a chicken platter. The sangria is the best ive ever had. The calamari is also perfect, crispy and cooked well through and served with an amazing marinara sauce. Garlic shrimp platter could serve two and is fantastic and the half of chicken platter is what you would expect from any bbq place in the area. You definitely get your moneys worth as you will be bringing home leftovers and the food is just as fresh the next day. I will be returning.
(5)ray f.
We split the Filet with shrimp and Spanish sauce. Really tasty but a huge dish. We sat by the bar next to the rodizio grill and salivated over the skewers of meat dripping fat over the coal flames. Garlic Shrimp appetizer was good but a little over cooked. Beautiful interior that will surprise you in relation to the surrounding neighborhood.
(3)Eric K.
Great place but make sure make reservation especially weekends they are so busy. They have plenty parking space. When we got there ( we did not have reservation), they offered us sit at the bar which was great. All main courses came with open salad bar. Steak was great taste, cooked perfectly. Delicious sangria. Highly recommended
(5)Suzanne T.
Wow....what great rodizio!!!!! The restaurant has a very nice ambiance and waiters are all superb!!!! Upon being seated were were give fresh warm bread. Even though it is very tasty, don't get filled up on it! Whe you order the rodizio, you also get the salad bar. That was a nice addition. Although it is small, all of the items were very fresh and replenished continuously. Before the rodizio starts, you get rice, beans, french fries, plantains and yucca crumbs (I think) with fresh Pico. These are all served family style as accompaniments to the meat. Once the meats start coming....holy cow.....we couldn't stop eating. Each one was better than the next! I really loved the pork stuffed with cheese, sausage and flank steak. The only one I didn't enjoy was the beef kabob as I found it to be a little tough. I didn't know what to do with the yucca and Pico so my waiter showed me to put some of each on the meat and eat. While the meat certainly didn't need it, I really liked all the flavors together. We were not going to get dessert but once we found out they had tartufo and they were from Nasto's, we found room to share one..lol. Just a tip, don't eat anything all day so you have to enjoy all this rodizio has to offer. I am looking forward to going back. The menu had a ton of items that all looked really really really good.
(4)Sheila O.
Not to often do my husband and I find a restaurant we like enough that we eat there more then once .. Have to say the food is amazing no real complaints other then the sangria is not my favorite with that said its still Not a complaint but tasting perference
(5)Tanya R.
Had 7PM tickets to comedian/radio DJ Earthquake's, first annual Father's Day Comedy Jam at NJPAC. Needed a place to eat and drink before the show. Typed, restaurants in Newark, NJ into my Yelp search and Fernandes Steakhouse popped up immediately. I'm sooo glad it did. Gotta admit, the Newark neighborhood that Fernandes is in is SUPER CRAPPY...I mean to the point that I was almost embarrassed that I'd suggested this place to my family. We drove around the back to the restaurant parking lot and it was like stepping into another, wonderful world. Exposed brick walls and warm lighting, Fernandes steakhouse feels cozy, romantic and family friendly all at once. Waiters are kind, smiling and wonderful even with the pressure of a large crowd and they've got great senses of humor. I was given a bill of close to $1,000 for a party of 3 as a gag. Thank God I was let in on the joke before my head hit the table! All of our food was prepared perfectly. Calamari was crispy, lobster tail was HUGE and my filet mignon was the largest cut I've ever seen of this type of steak. As for the portions, these aren't plates, they're PLATTERS. Everything Fernandes serves up is enough to feed two. Fernandes steakhouse is also a Rodizio grill with a small but complete salad bar. There's valet parking available.
(5)Jessica C.
My favorite steakhouse in NJ. Must go!
(5)David B.
Best Rodeo in Greater Newark area and New Jersey. Come hungry. I have been here on two occasions. This my go to business lunch place when I want to impress.
(5)Rich R.
Holy great Rodizio. You come here for the Rodizio. Waiters walk around with large skewers of meat and you keep eating until you tell them no more. Before throwing in the towel and telling them no more, you have to ask for the chicken hearts. They are a hidden secret that the waiters will not bring unless you ask for them. After the chicken hearts, settle your stomach with some grilled pineapple. Tis is a great place for large parties. A table next to ours got a plate of sizzling chorizo for an appetizer. it looked and smelled incredible. Remember, there is no need to order an appetizer if you are going with the Rodizio. The quality of the meat was excellent. The waiters are friendly and more than willing to do their job. Did I mention the Sangria? It is awesome. There is valet parking.
(4)Kim M.
Worth the drive, worth the wait! Great food, excellent service! Love the grilled veggies at the salad bar!! Every time we go I order from the menu and my husband gets the rodizio. Smooth Sangria! Place is loud and crowded every time-can't wait to go back!
(5)Aretie G.
The spot is in an industrial area, however, don't be fooled. Glad we came here last night on recommendation. We had the porterhouse and filet mignon. All came with sides. Plenty of food, large portions- all delicious, perfectly cooked! The prices were very reasonable as well. We've paid more in other places for food not as tasty. We will definitely be back.
(5)Daniel V.
Fernandes in Newark , Great Service / Awesome food Great wine/ Love this place. Can't wait to go Back
(5)Rita I.
Meat Heaven !! You cannot go wrong with this place. I had to try out their Rodizio.. It was delicious.. How can you go wrong with all different types of meats coming to you every 3-5 minutes. My favorite one was the chicken & bacon and the steak & bacon. SOO GOOD. I'm a very petite girl.. But I can sure eat a lot and I was stuffed ! So I highly recommend you bring your appetite when coming here! Also try out their red sangria it was pretty good! If you're not a meat lover I recommend the salmon... #Delicious as well. Their Rodizio also comes with rice & beans and you're able to get whatever you prefer at their salad bar. Our waiter Lorenzo wasn't the greatest.. He seemed annoyed the whole time.. Didn't explain anything when we asked how the Rodizio worked being that it was our first time..we also asked for suggestions on the menu and he just said "everything is good" uhmm okay that helped a lot ?. The guys who brought the food and meat around were at our table more than our waiter.. For dessert we had the red velvet cake and it was okay.. Nothing crazy. I would probably try out a different dessert next time .. The whole restaurant is really nice with cute decorations. They also have a few TVs by the bar if you just want to have a drink and watch the game.. Oh and complementary valet parking always always a plus !!
(4)Jenn R.
The Rodizio from here is amazing! The servers were extremely polite and helpful. The top sirloin and Rib eye were so good, I'd go back one day just to get the sirloin as an entree. The grilled pineapple with cinnamon served at the end was also fantastic. It's a great place to go for a guaranteed good meal.
(5)Patrick D.
This place was impeccable. Honestly above and beyond what i thought it would be. Lets start out with the wait staff. They were attentive and it felt like every waiter was your waiter and not just a single guy. My drink was always full and i had new cutlery and plates before i knew i needed them. I went with the rodizio lunch special (just around 30$ a person and worth it) Meats: Rating out of 5 Stars Flank steak (5) Prime Rib (4) Beef and Garlic (5) Chicken Sausage (4) Pork Suasage (4) Short Ribs (3) overcooked, dried out a bit Bacon wrapped filet mignon (5) Roast beed (4) a little overcooked for my liking Sirlion and Cheese (5) This was my favorite by far, actually unreal Chicken hearts (5) A few more that i can even remember. They usual had, for red meats, one piece more cooked and one less cooked. I like my meat to have a pulse (nice dark red almost purple center) so they had really everything i wanted. Along with that a plate of rice and fries came with it for the table. If you are looking to eat like a king for a good price. Stop here and dont look back.
(5)Zohar D.
I have been coming to this place once to twice a month for the past year, Phenomanal place for any type of resturant goer. The prices are worth the portions that you recieve. Oh, and everybody has to try their Rodizio at least once.
(5)sarmad s.
Food: Very Good Service: Excellent Ambience: Very Good Had Friday dinner here with some friends from work there was a group of 8 of us we were all very pleased at the end of it. First do not let the location throw you off the area around looks really shady and suspect. But once you enter the eatery compound you will be pleasantly surprised. This not a cool hip New York place but has a weird cheesy charm about it. The servers have a uniform and are friendly, polite, helpful and just over the top great. We all ordered the rodizio option. The rodizio comes with access to the salad bar, rice, fried plantains, black beans and sautéed spinach, which is all good but nothing to write home about. Having tried all the fixins we were ready for the main event and were not disappointed once the meat parade began. The Stars were the flank steak, chicken hearts, top sirloin and the garlic steak. The cheese steak and lamb were underwhelming. Overall one of the better radizio experiences I have had at a relatively reasonable price.
(4)Geoff C.
I have been coming to Fernandes II for decades and it has been consistently great throughout that time. I always get the Rodizio and Sangria! The Rodizio is the best I have ever had and they have a great selection of appetizers and a full bar. I will say that if you are coming on the weekend expect to wait a long time for a table.
(4)Ngoc P.
This place is, quite possibly, the funnest spot to go to for a large birthday dinner. Some restaurants just can't handle large parties but this place will accommodate 10+ people easy. The service was fantastic. Charismatic waiters, fun, and they'll sing to you all night. I came on a Friday night as a group of 11 for my uncle's birthday dinner with a reservation and no wait. They'll set you up with bread, drinks, entice you with rodizio (and me forgetting, filled up on bread & butter - typical me). Half of my table ordered rodizio while the rest of us ordered seafood platters. You know, because we're on a diet. The meats were incredible. I've had rodizio a few times before and its typically on the dry and tasteless side but the meats here (from the lamb to the pork, chicken and beef) were all good. The rodizio comes with yellow rice, fried bananas, and beans. We ditched the beans and went ham on the bananas. Really good and caramelized and the rice wasn't half bad either. Recap: Pros: great service, delicious meat, good sangria, and ample space. Cons: Seafood is a bit dry (clams and mussels were great though), salad bar is bleh, and the restaurant is in the shady part of the Ironbound. I personally had a great time. I don't think it's as fun of an experience when you go with a smaller party but with a large group, it gets really fun when tables try to out-do each other in singing the loudest "happy birthday." Good times.
(4)Mia S.
After reading all the great reviews I was excited to dine here for a friends birthday in February. However was greatly disappointed. I ordered a meal that consisted of lobster, steak, a crab cake and a stuffed shrimp. The crab cake was yummy, the steak was over cooked ( I ordered medium rare I received medium well), stuffed shrimp tasted sour and the lobster tail had absolutely no taste. I'm not a fan of salty food, so I never use salt. However I used lots of it here as the food had no taste. When I sent my steak back it was remade correctly. However how does a steak house even mess up a steak the first time?!! The veggies and rice were gross. Long story short, I threw my leftovers in the trash. Only positive was the nice staff.
(1)Masud C.
Delicious food and excellent service. The rodizio is the way to go if you're a meat lover. Otherwise, the sea bass is cooked to perfection.
(4)J M.
Excellent food, great service and beautiful restaurant!!. I was a first timer for the rodizio omg the meat just kept coming and it was all hot and delicious!! I also highly recommend the Sangria also very yummy. Can't wait to go back!!
(5)Carina C.
Ambience. It really is a steakhouse! It gives you a "steakhouse feel." Nice antique designs everywhere! Brick walls, so cool! It's casual but coming here on a Sunday, everyone is wearing their best Sunday dress. Sitting at the bar gives you such a relaxed feeling. However, the whole place is actually so relaxed! It would definitely be fitting for families and kids. They are very accommodating! Food. The word amazing is quite an understatement. There's a salad bar which is a huge plus. The rodizio was quite impressive. It is 100% every meat lovers' heaven! The meat just keeps on coming. It never stops! And the sangria? It kicks ass. Promise. Service. Very good people! They are very welcome and hospitable. Every request and need was attended to with care.
(5)Regina D.
Came here with another couple upon their choice, I did see that his place has alot of good reviews. Honestly I am not a fan of anything in NJ, I don't know what it is but its just that much better over the bridge. Fernandes is bit of exception, the pricing was very fare and food was not terrible either. I cant say it was great, it was just ok. I had surf and turf, the seafood was actually good but my steak was half side cooked correctly and half was super dry. My hubby had a 24oz t-bone and it tasted rather blah but our friends 40oz was much better. I think this place is hit or miss so would I go out of my way to go back, absolutely not but if in area sure why not. This place is super busy so either make reservation or be prepared to wait.
(3)Jessica S.
Besides the rodizio, this is one of the best steakhouses in Newark. I've been here numerous times and it never disappoints. Staff is great, food is great, sangria is great, just go and try it!
(4)Barbara G.
The service was pretty good. I recommend you make a reservation instead of just showing up there because it's always packed. They also have parking, which is hard to find in Newark. The food was amazing and the portions comes really big so be prepared. It's expensive as well, so unless you're rich I'd recommend coming here for special occasions. Loved it!
(5)Nick C.
So I'm going to India, a land void of good beef. It was decided I would be feasting on the flesh of a cow before leaving. Fernandes is a bit off the main drag of the Ironbound section of Newark, but as we drove past, the smell of the grilled meats within passed through the car and tickled our senses. Parking is easy. They have a private lot. The restaurant itself could be described as rustic. The complex has an old school feel, it would be appropriate to decorate the place with the heads of trophy animals. Meal started with some blue sangria, and for sangria, it was pretty strong. Ordered the rodizio, and it was amazing. Best rodizio I've had thus far. Did not bother with the sides or the salad bar. Stand outs were the flank steak and top sirloin, but everything else was pretty good. Things I did not really like were the sausage, ham, and chicken hearts. Sausage and ham were meh. Chicken hearts were marinated in something I did not particularly like. Service was excellent. Meat after meat just kept coming. Dining partner could not keep up with them. Once they slowed down, they were happy to bring whatever items I asked for. Dessert was a whole other meal. Lava cake, red velvet cake, and tartufo were all good, but I found nothing to be particularly amazing. Generous portions though. In all, a proper send off for me before my trip. I must return to test their consistency.
(5)Heather M.
Rodizio - this is all you need to know. You will not be disappointed.
(5)Johncarlos V.
Amazing steak house love the rib-eye cooked on a tile as well as the bacon wrapped steak. Employees was wonder full to the moment we walked in to the second we walked out. Everyone was working hard running around taking control of the over crowded restaurant. Smell of the place was phenomenal with the aroma of steak in the air. I would love to come back and try out the different plates they have like the cowboy steak and steak with cheese.
(3)Caroline H.
lots of people, but worth waiting. excellent grill. I love Rodizio.
(5)Christian R.
Great place to eat a while lot of food for a great price...
(4)Jana R.
went there to celebrate a birthday. i ordered rack of lamb and wasn't big fan of it, so instead of sitting at the table with a sad face or complaining i start snicking food from my bf's plate, he had rodizio. oh boy, that meet was so good that i couldn't stop eating. would def recommend rodizio there!
(4)Joe P.
Good place- a little pricy - steak is good but again, not steakhouse quality like a Sparks in NYC or Black Horse in Mendham. I recommend going here for the western euro experience, but again the best steaks are not served at any Portuguese restaurant - seafood is.
(3)Mike M.
Simply the best. Everything about this place is great. The food is fantastic, especially the rodizio. A mix of delicious steaks, chickens and pork. Two of the best things they served were a piece of steak with a garlic seasoning and another one which was almost like a cheese steak. This is definitely a place designed for large groups. Some of our party got dishes from the menu and nary a soul finished the entire meal. For example, my cousin ordered chicken marsala and 4 large pieces of chicken, rice, vegetables and french fries. The sangria is great and the service is phenomenal. One tip: starve yourself before you go. Believe me, you'll be more than full when you leave!
(5)MC D.
OMG - Got meat? The Rodizio is completely worth the trip to the bowels of Newark. A little salty but not complaining. Appetizers, sangria - wonderful. Salad bar just OK. They have a parking lot and the inside is really very nice. There were 18 of us for a Christmas family get-together and they absolutely know how to take care of a big table of people. No doubt we will go back here!
(5)Vivian S.
Meat galore! OMG the all you can eat Rodizio was amazing! The white Sangria was wonderful. Will be back with my family soon!
(5)Lily C.
The paella was okay. A bit dry. Definitely a place to go for the Rodizio. The salad bar was small compared to other places in Newark. The meats were good quality. Off the beaten path from Ferry Street.
(3)Heather L M.
Fernandes came highly recommended, but I was rather disappointed. First the good: - The service was outstanding. They were attentive to the point you never had to refill your own glass of sangria, yet they didn't rush. They would have happily let you sit there all night. - The atmosphere made you feel like you were sitting in a subterranean restaurant in Spain/Portugal and not Newark, NJ. Nice place. But the food. I had the Paella Valenciana. All of the fish was so dry I could barely choke it down - mussels, clams, lobster, shrimp and scallops. The portion was enough to feed 2-3 people. I ate a very small portion of it, the rest is sitting in my fridge, most likely the trash being the next spot. It's a real shame. The BF got the rodizio. Of the meat he ate, he said most of it was very good. But he was disappointed that the liver and heart (yuk) never made it around, or the pork. I would go back again but only to get a meat dish. If you end up going, do NOT get anything seafood related. You will be disappointed, I can promise you that.
(3)Todd O.
This place has slapped my face with greatness on several occasions. I love it. My co-workers turned me onto it. The service is excellent. Food is amazing (I've only had the rodizio, which is just about every meat they have). Don't let them skimp you on the sirloin though, I had to "remind" them to bring us a little more of that one... The cheesed-up lamb on a spear is also phenomenal. (sp?) Plenty of good drinks, and the atmosphere is great. All in all a grand experience for me.
(4)James M.
This place is awesome. #1 They have the best chips. #2 Their rodizio is amazing. #3 I didn't know this wasn't the original Fernandez, so now I have to find F1. The first time I went was for my friend's birthday. The rodizio was so good and captivating that I had an incident with chicken hearts. Let's just say I was so high on cloud 9 that for a moment I craved chicken hearts. Then I came to my senses and realized what I was about to eat. Anyhow, the place really is incredible. If you're a wussy vegitarian, stay at least 50 feet away in radius from this place. All you will find here is delicious meats - fillet mignon, chicken, pork chops, sausages, more chicken, veal, steak with a fried egg on top, etc, etc. The sangria is wonderful. My poor friends, they were waiting for my girl and I to get there, so they waited at the bar and housed a couple of pitchers. By the time we got there, one was already on the descent to black out city. But the steak helped him out a bit. I can't say anything about the seafood, which is odd because I have an obsession with fried shrimp, so next time I go I'll see if they have any, and I will definitely order. I will definitely go again. Maybe even this weekend.
(5)jack c.
This has become our regular place for dinner on guys nite out. We were former Brasilias regulars but Fernandes is far superior. Rodizio and $24 pitcher sangrias make for a great evening.
(4)Raquel G.
Meh. The service sucks and the food is nothing special.
(2)Adonis M.
Pros: -Sangria is incredible. -Drinks are well-made and stiff. -Huge portions. -Tasty food. -Reasonably priced food (rodizio is $28--all you can eat meat). -Nice, casual environment. -Attentive staff. -Valet parking. Cons: -Not the best quality beef. -Seafood and fish are awful. -Few appetizer selections. -Drinks are a bit pricey ($10 cocktails; $23 for pitcher of sangria). -Neighborhood offers nothing. As for overall experience, I rate this place a four. I enjoyed dining here and will return. With that said, the food isn't of the best quality, but it is very tasty and enjoyable.
(4)Shirley D.
I've had rodizio before here, but this place tops it. Where to begin.....if your a vegetarian forget about this restaurant, you'll only be able to have the salad bar, side dishes, drinks and dessert - which is a lot too. Here we to the good part - It is a meat lover restaurant. Best if you come really hungry, such as skipping a few meals before heading to this place. You want to make the most of your $$ and savour every scent and juice of the meat. I only have their awesome rodizio everytime I go there and I don't think I will change it. It always, oh so good and unresistable. So they have these different types of meat on a skewer that they come around with the grilled meat when they are pipping hot, juicy and tender. They have a lot of meat on the skewers, such as top sirloin, filet mignion wrapped in bacon, chicken wings, pork loin, garlic beef etc....I'm getting hungry just writing this. They come over and over, until your belly cannot take it anymore. Their sangria is great. It's not bitter and worth trying. The service is phenomenal, such as they have cute Portuguese waiters that only know how to speak English to get by to their customers - but who cares they're cute. The waiters are attentive and quick to provide you awesome service. They are on top of things and never left waiting to get you things that you need to have a lovely meal. Don't forget this is a steakhouse and not a seafood place, stick to the meat. Go to another place to have seafood, but not here. When we go, we usually are served upstairs, which my friends and I love better. It's not too crowded and more spacier to go upstairs. Just recently we were directed to stay on the main floor and we did not like our waiter at all. He was so slow and unattentive, that we had to badger other waiters - which was so frustrating and annoying. Overall, you will get your moneys worth at this place. Yes, you will feel your blood pressure and cholesterol elevate, but it's worth it for one night. So we'll see you all there real soon, again..hahaha!!!!
(5)Dan P.
I think my cholesterol went up, the rodizio was great, I came here with mi familia. Out of all the meats served, fillet Mignon was my favorite, the least was the ham (tasted too salty). Unless my taste buds betray me, some of the meats tasted as if they had too much rub on them. Surprised that we were not served pineapple, but that's OK...service is great. Not to forget the sangria to wash it down, could use a little more oranges and grapes.
(4)