This is NOT a good restaurant. This is a GREAT restaurant The service is superb. Portions are over generous. Food is fantastic and there are dozens and dozens of choices. The only con is the 3 percent charge for using credit card. But outside of that this is a must go to restaurant. read more

I wanted to take my husband's mom out for a late Mother's Day celebration while we were in town, and we decided to stop here since Lita was closed on Wednesdays. My husband's mom, who lives in town, has been to their other location before and said it was very good, so we were looking forward to trying this location. When we first arrived, we were greeted warmly and seated immediately, which made for a great first impression. We ordered a pitcher of sangria and the grilled octopus appetizer. While we waited, they also brought out soup and bread, which was a nice touch. For our main dish, we decided to share the seafood paella. Once we mentioned we would only be ordering one paella to share, I felt a noticeable change in our server's attitude. I also added an extra lobster since the dish only came with half a lobster. The additional lobster was reasonably priced at $25, but unfortunately it was very overcooked -- dry, chewy, and much smaller than expected. That said, the paella itself had great flavor. However, after the dish was dropped off, I do not recall our server checking back on us or asking how everything was. We finished the meal with the blueberry crumble, which was delicious and probably my favorite part of the meal. Overall, I was not impressed with either the food -- especially the lobster -- or the service at this location. While the meal had some positives, the overall experience was disappointing compared to what we had heard about their other location. read more

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The food was amazing and service is excellent as can be expected. They have an open floor plan so it has a less crowded feeling than their other locations. Sound acoustics were comfortable, I remember being able to have a conversation with my table without hearing neighboring tables. We ordered a steak from their special menu that was unforgettable but when we returned they didn't offer it again. I look forward to my next visit. read more

Fernandes Matawan - Tuna tartare - Tapas/Small Plates Near Me - Matawan, New Jersey

First time going there. It was set up very nicely inside and the decor fit the style of food, Portuguese. The wait staff was extremely accommodating and very nice. They took their time placing our orders and helped us decide on dishes. My husband had their pork chops. We thought it was one, but 2 large ones were in the order, along with some shrimp and Portuguese sausage and potatoes and vegetables. I had the seafood Paella and our friends had stuffed shrimp with crab meat. We all started off with a Caesar salad that was enough for 4. Their drinks were delicious and the dessert topped off the meal. Fresh fruit with vanilla bean ice cream that we were able to share. We had a very enjoyable dinner and the other guests were a pleasure to talk to read more

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Went during the week in the late evening and there was no wait for a table of two. White glove service throughout the meal. The kind of place where they remove the crumbs off the table between plates. Very calm atmosphere and great server pacing. Casual dress welcome and perfect for large parties. In this sense, you get what you pay for and the bill was upwards of $300.00. Worth the money! read more

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I dined here for the first time for a bridal shower. The food was served buffet style, had one carving station and the soup was served separately. Everything was hot, fresh and delicious, especially the steak carving station. The servers were present the entire time and so quick to help with everything. There is plenty of free onsite parking. I can't wait to return for a regular dinner service and try their regular menu. This place does Portuguese food right. Definitely worth a visit. read more

Beautiful business lunch at the most perfect spot. The wait staff was exceptional as was the lunch menu selections. Our out of town guest was highly impressed and satisfied! read more

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The food was so excellent from appetizers, dinner and dessert. The sangria is so good. Wait staff was fabulous. We had a reservation and we were seated quickly on a busy Saturday night. Portions are large and we took home food. Steaks are delicious and perfectly cooked. read more

Went there with 2 of friends for a birthday It was quite a festive evening. Friendly service. Delicious food. And we were treated really well. Stated with oysters and shrimp and garlic. Delicious. I had tuna. Also delicious. The guys got the steak and lobster tails. And had some amazing coffee drink after dinner and had a pitcher of sangria with dinner. Definitely coming back read more

Fernandes Matawan - Coffee magic - Tapas/Small Plates Near Me - Matawan, New Jersey

Excellent Food and Service. The Rib Eye was to die for. My wife loved the Paella. Waiters were great. Great time Highly recommended. read more

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Excellent food, nice portions, high quality meat and seafood. Fun and lively atmosphere. Awesome red sangria! Owner and staff very hospitable and welcoming :) read more

One of the best restaurants I have been! The food was great and the service was excellent!!

Cozy establishment with excellent food and service you won't be disappointed. Same owner of the original in Newark and South Amboy read more

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Came here for Dinner last night with my buddy. The place is deceptively large with 3 different dining areas. Our server was friendly and very efficient. Their bread that they served was delicious. Our dinners came out in a timely fashion and were also delicious. I really look forward to my next visit read more

Fernandes Matawan - This was the Rabbit Dish - Tapas/Small Plates Near Me - Matawan, New Jersey

An amazing experience from the time we arrived to the end of dessert! We had been to the other location and loved it so we couldn't wait to try the new location. It did not disappoint. Appetizers were all perfectly cooked and seasoned. The sardines, calamari, oysters.... Yum! There's something for everyone and the daily specials all look great. Can't wait to visit again and see what other items they have. Service was exceptional as always (some of the staff we met at the other location). The meal was spaced out, we were checked on often for refills and needs. Manager came to greet us and offered desert and after dinner drinks. Great to see a restaurant extend their gratitude and hospitality, it's a warming experience that makes you want to return.... Like visiting old friends Ambiance.... There were two sides. We were seated toward the right in what appeared to be the more formally decorated side white table linens. Low music playing and the room filled up quickly with families for dinner and celebrations. Great mood in the restaurant and vibe was right. So happy this is a local restaurant for us. Can't wait to dine with you again! read more

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Hands down best Portuguese restaurant in central/south Jersey. Starting with the bar where Joao did a great job with service and drinks. Vast options of Portuguese food with plates having a fresh and updated presentation. Food was great, sangria was good too. Definitely will go Back and strongly recommend it read more

Fernandes Matawan - Polvo a lagareiro - Tapas/Small Plates Near Me - Matawan, New Jersey

Great food delicious and the drinks are great, good service clean and the owner Carlos is such a nice man read more

Fernandes Matawan - Tapas/Small Plates Near Me - Matawan, New Jersey

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Stopped here with co-workers for lunch, they have a great lunch menu. Our server was very attentive and provided good service. We sat at the bar more of an old school vibe than a Portuguese restaurant. Sangria was good and food was really good. Will like to come here for dinner!! read more

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This is one of the worst restaurants I ever ate at in my entire life! People that go here obviously don't care about quality food, and are just coming because of the big portions! I had the Chilean sea bass topped with artichokes. The Chilean sea bass was NOT fresh and was SOGGY! It was topped in a disgusting tasting sauce, and an assortment of vegetables that tasted like they came out of a can! The side of Spanish potatoes were bland, and not crisp! For dessert I had the chocolate peanut cake that was HORRIBLE! It was stale as can be! The cake was all dried out! It was the worst money ever spent! I would of rather went to a diner! I'm on my way home with the worst belly ache from this place! read more

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Great casual weekend vibes- went with a friend on Sunday afternoon post massage. We sat at the bar and had light fare and a couple of drinks. Sweet waitress and complimentary glass of port. Will be back! read more

This place opened up around the corner from me. It used to be called the Mediterranean Chateu. It was horrible then. I've been to two other Fernandes and they were decent. This was a very quiet Wednesday and the place reflected that Aside from the typical locals that want to seem important, so they talk very loud and nurse bottles of wine and pitchers of sangria for hours. The menu is way too much for this area. Just pages upon pages for no good reason in typical fashion for Portuguese restaurants and a lot of repeats with different names but cooked the same. We got mango sangria which was just above decent, stuffed mushrooms and three entrees. Shrimp in green sauce, prime rib and Fernandez picadillo. All were good. Not outstanding. The service was nice and not overbearing. I like attentive but not pushy and that's what we got. The prime rib was cooked as requested which is key. Large portions and leftovers abound. Will we go back? Maybe, but not going out of my way to. It is however nice to have options we can walk to. I hope this place lasts. The price is on par for the product and service. read more

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It's a hit mo matter what I order. It has gotten more expensive but who hasn't? Solid meal every time.

This place is excellent! Very affordable and the food is so good. Great meat combination platters and specials on oysters and clams. I do not usually like raw oysters and clams , but these were amazing. Service was also excellent! read more

Great food. Great service. Cool ambiance. Will definitely be returning. Not too pricey. read more

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Great place, great food, I live down the street from the restaurant and if I don't want to drive to Newark for portugese food this is the place I go to. Trust me you won't be disappointed read more

Overall, the food is OK. I had the ribeye on the ceramic tile. I ordered it medium rare - came out medium well. Then the next one came out rare/raw. I took it as everyone else was finished. Steak was ok. Garlic shrimp that came with it were overcooked and rubbery. My wife liked her skirt steak. Our friends like their meal. However, the prices are very high. It is steak, but it is not great steak. $55 for a rib-eye - it better be great. Sides are mediocre. We had a Ceasar salad was very peppery. Bread service was poor quality. I don't think I would return, I know plenty of similar restaurants in South River NJ - about 15 minutes farther away where the food is better and 40% lower price. read more

We picked up 2 orders of paella-it was Delicious! Fed a lot of people & everyone enjoyed it. I would go back again soon

Service is great and ambiance is very nice. The food is very tasty but very pricey for the portions you get for appetizers. The regular entrees are larger portions but once again, very pricey. A picture of sangria is priced higher than any other Portugese restaurant in the area. Would give more stars if they weren't so expensive. read more

We visited for the first time. Service was great. Taken care of. Food was great. Looking forward to getting into the menu. Had the steak and onions. Great presentation. They offered Red Bean Soup which I loved. Will go back. read more

Fernandes Matawan - Had very smooth Pinot Grigio at the bar - Tapas/Small Plates Near Me - Matawan, New Jersey

Awesome place! Great lobster and tomahawk special. Service need a little Work but they're nice. read more

Ambiance was very welcoming and the service was Great! Best Martini I had in long time! Large portions and great food. Can honesty say this food was as good if not better than the Iron Bound area in Newark, NJ. Truly worth the visit read more

Dinner was amazing! We ordered antipasto, steak, and dessert. The sangria was great too. Our server was pleasant and polite. Highly recommend trying a chef's special. We will definitely be coming back to try more! Perfect for our date night! read more

Fernandes Matawan - Chocolate chip lava cake - Tapas/Small Plates Near Me - Matawan, New Jersey

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If you want a really good food and great service, you can't get wrong on this place! Simply fantastic! read more

Fernandes Matawan - Best coffee, crème brûlée - Tapas/Small Plates Near Me - Matawan, New Jersey

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We went here on Friday, March 8th, 2024 as per a friend's recommendation. Wow - what a meal we all had !!! The food was delicious as was the Sangria. We loved the service as all the waiters were friendly and the owner and one of the sons came over to say hello. I had Paella with fish, chicken and sausage and it was fabulous - as I am a big Paella lover. My wife had the Sea Bass which was also fantastic. Our Friend had the Sword Fish which was juicy and as we all shared a bite of our meals - this was the best prepared Swordfish I've ever tasted. The portions were big and we all loved the tastes that each meal gave us. We will be back with other friends soon !!! Rich and Lisa - Ocean Grove, NJ read more

Excellent food and awesome and friendly service .been several times to the one on hwy 35 , So happy this one is right in our neighborhood portion size big read more

Fernandes Matawan - Paella - Tapas/Small Plates Near Me - Matawan, New Jersey

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Service, food, ambiance exceptional! Had chicken francese. 3 cutlets! Beautifully cooked in lemon sauce. Plus tasty rice and thin potato crisps. Everything seasoned skillfully and served piping hot from the kitchen. Will certainly be back again. read more

Our dinner last night at Fernandes in Matawan waexcellent from the staff to our meals and desserts!! Dining room has a warm and inviting atmosphere with a touch of class! read more

Service food and drinks are great. Bartender J makes amazing drinks. Their other restaurant on route 35 in South Amboy is also great. I find this one to be more convenient because it's closer to home. read more

These are the same owners as the one on route 35 and in Newark. The food is fantastic however the table next to mine was vaping constantly. The fact that the staff did not ask the patron to stop vaping is concerning. Not a place to come back to if that is the norm. read more

The food, service, ambiance is excellent . This past Sunday my family celebrated my brother and my birthday and we had a blast. I highly recommend Fernandes for our next holiday or family function. Frank D read more