Food was terrible and the service was also. Location is great for the games. I wouldn't get anything besides the sandwiches. A lot of people were eating sandwiches, we didn't get the memo. The Portuguese entree, were not good. Plates went back full and they didn't even ask why. Waiter ordered my husband the wrong dish. Just a bad experience. I understand they are kinda new.... I Hope they get their business on track. Prefer to go further away from stadium and walk for better food. read more

The progression of "Harrison 2.0" continues with another excellent restaurant (surrounded by countless condos and developments) that was once a wasteland (the only reason you'd be traveling down this street decades ago would be to cross over the Jackson Street Bridge to get into the Ironbound section of Newark). You remember in old cartoons when a freshly baked pie would be sitting on a windowsill and the smell would waft through town and literally lift a character by the nose so they'd float to the pie? That was me when I opened the front door - the smells were so tantalizing they felt tangible (trying saying that phrase five times fast... after a few pints of Superbock). This is not the old rustic type of Portuguese restaurant just a stone's throw from Newark... this is a modern (look up - there's those intentionally exposed air ducts and pipes!) and hip (check out that cocktail menu!) and engaging (look at the open kitchen in the left far corner!). Being Portuguese food - you know the portions are epic (plenty of veggies and starches and they never skimp on the protein) and it was delicious (although the kitchen could ease up on the amount of salt they're using). My dining companion (from Portugal) said her bitoque was better than some of the old warhorses in Ironbound (but that the sauce was a bit 'off' for her). Very friendly staff. There's a parking garage (seriously a lifesaver). Nice bar (good beer selection). One quibble: serving our tartufo with a fork. If you don't eat it immediately it's akin to trying to shovel out of a snow storm with a rake... I'm already planning my next visit there. read more

We usually enjoy dining in at Joia but due to the restrictions on dining in restaurants due to Covid-19 we decided to order take out. The food was absolutely delicious. Extremely generous portions, the food was delivered hot, and it was super tasty. We will be eating left overs for the next few days. When we can dine in we will most certainly be back. They also have great bottomless brunch specials as well! read more

Joia Restaurant - Portuguese Near Me - Harrison, New Jersey

So good! This place is literally right under my apartment complex! I'm so sad because I've lived here for over a year now, always talked about wanting to go here but I never did. Now that I finally went, I'm sad I was missing out this whole time! We went Sunday night around 8pm for dinner, no reservations needed, no wait time. We were seated right away. Clean restaurant, spaced out tables, staff all had masks on, and they had QR code menus! Pineapple Splash cocktail- really yummy. perfect amount of sweetness and alcohol actually. My fiance got the New Fashioned which he wasnt a fan of because he said it was too sweet...but I liked it because it had chocolate bitters which was interesting for me. Picanha- so good! Brazilian style where they slice it and serve you as you're ready, keep the meat hot in the back, allow you to take home any leftovers! We asked for medium-rare and thats exactly what we got. It came with french fries, rice, black beans and sautéed spinach...all good side items and I loved the rice flavor especially. Chicken something...this was on the Daily specials menu and I unfortunately dont remember the name. But it was chicken, shrimp, scallops with mushrooms, onions, peppers in a creamy dark (almost marsala) sauce. Came with potatoes and rice. Such good flavor and such a huge portion (had liek 3-4 flat chicken breasts) I actually liked it a lot, just wish I could remember the name ugh. Peanut Butter Explosion- good combo of PB and chocolate flavors. $2 upcharge (which I just wish she would have told me about earlier) for a scoop of vanilla ice cream to make it an even better pairing. I really wanted the Creme Brulee or the Molten Lava Cake but they didndt have either. Return? Most definitely, cant wait to try out more specials and/or brunch here. Recommend? Yes of course, you wont be disappointed. read more

I came here w: my wife and mom a year ago and absolutely loved the experience overall. Food and customer service was spot on. However, this time around I gotta say thank goodness for the company because the overall experience wasn't as great as last time. So here are my thoughts lol. Food was pretty good. That hasn't dropped off too much. I ordered a Bife A Portuguesa and even though I asked for it medium it was more medium to well. We had two other other people order the same items and my friend said his wasn't cooked at the exact temperature he wanted. The apps were solid we had garlic shrimp and sausage. Now the service was where we had an issue today. My wife and I both speak Spanish and our friends are Portuguese. So you figure we should be good to go. We believe the waitress was Brazilian so she obviously speaks Portuguese, right? Well we don't know because we were having constant communication issues with her. Not sure if this was her first night or if she was having an off night but it was a little tedious. When we were ready to pay she had disappeared so we were stuck. Lol we thought of dining and dashing lol I kid I kid. Lastly we didn't know they had a karaoke night which I suppose is welcome. Only thing is the same person kept singing. Too bad she wasn't that great. We looked at a screen over the bar and it said Karaoke Friday. Ladies and gentlemen it was Saturday. So I don't want to write it off but not sure about coming back. read more

Joia Restaurant - Bife a Portuguesa - Portuguese Near Me - Harrison, New Jersey

Great place, stopped by for lunch while visiting a friend. Darlei was our server and he was fantastic. Great service. They now have a tapas menu which looks good. I ordered the clams in white wine and garlic appetizer and a size of veggies and really enjoyed both. My husband had the barbecue chicken - also good. Their homemade potato chips are delicious as well. Great spot for lunch, dinner, drinks, you name it! read more

Lovely restaurant with very pleasant service. Spacious interior. It was quiet the night we went there but I could see how a packed night could get loud quickly. Food was pretty good. I had stuffed salmon and my friend had pica__, can't recall the name, but assorted meats in a delicious sauce. We shared the flamed chorizo, lobster bisque for appetizers and peanut butter explosion for dessert. The bisque was the best. Really rich in taste. Dessert was a little too heavy, even for me and I love dessert. Overall, great experience though. Will definitely be back! read more

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Some signature dishes are on the menu from sol mar but the presentation is a bit stingy in terms of the amount of sides. They have more than a dozen cocktails and a sports bar set up. It is a convenient spot to go from Harrison . However, I would prefer to go further to ironbound to have dinner. Overall, it is not bad as an addition. . I think the octopus dish, bbq chicken and clams with wine sauce are inline with the parent company. Other dishes are kind of lacking read more

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Definitely a goto spot. Service is quick and everytime we order it's amazing. Will try more seafood next time. Affordable especially for the amount of food you get. read more

Joia Restaurant - Forget until halfway thru the meal to take a photo for Yelp. - Portuguese Near Me - Harrison, New Jersey

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came here the other day spontaneously for dinner with my mom and sisters. it was about 910p and they were able to seat us. there was barely anyone there but the set up is big and clean. the servers were super nice, helpful & attentive. the grilled octopus is to die for! i absolutely loved it. we also ordered the bbq combo which comes w/ ribs, chicken, rice & fries. the entire meal for 4 was not even $70 which was a steal. definitely want to come back for more read more

Overpriced and of low quality not worth paying for food was very bland I would say that the beans were the only thing worth getting small portions of food for the price that they ask for not worth getting or eating at this place the food is very bland read more

Not only was the food presentable and delicious, but the portions were huge. The salmon entree could easily feed two and the chicken sandwich was only $8 so I was surprised when I saw the size and that it came with French fries. They have a separate take out menu that you can find inside and on the door. When I had looked online I never saw a take out menu, which is why I was hesitant to order. Highly recommend! read more

Joia Restaurant - Portuguese Near Me - Harrison, New Jersey

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Living above a restaurant definitely has it perks. But it's been living through this current pandemic that has really brought to light the critical role this restaurants has played in the lives of local residents. Not only have they continued to provide the food that I and others have grown accustomed to enjoying, but they've evolved their menu to meet the needs and demands of the locals. With new daily specials and cost-effective meals for families, Joia truly epitomizes the heartbeat of a local business. I hope they not only survive this turbulent time, but re-emerge with new found regulars and patrons, not to mention some new regular me menu item! If you haven't tried the Memphis BBQ Combo, you're not living! The team at Joia is bringing comfort food during a time that needs it! read more

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We live in the apartment attached to this place. It's our go to place. The drinks and food here is really good. The staff are very friendly and always treat you well. We have eaten herE and have had take out at least 15 times in the last 3 months. Always been happy with it. read more

Joia Restaurant - Portuguese Near Me - Harrison, New Jersey

If I could give more than five stars I would. I normally order takeout Dina always answers, she's fantastic! When she tells you 20 minutes it's always ready on time. The food is authentic Portuguese food and always fresh. Thank you Joia and welcome to the neighborhood we needed a gem like this in the area! read more

Joia Restaurant - Portuguese Near Me - Harrison, New Jersey

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Came for Mother's day. We order Chicken Marsala and The special of the day, a Oven Baked Red Snapper. First question for the Waiter was if the Chicken Marsala comes with Real mash potatoes. He said yes, but unfortunately it was made from powder, not freshly cooked potatoes. The Red Snapper came super fishy, fish wasn't very fresh. The chicken was a little too hard and little bit salty, and the mash potatoes was the artificial one. We came in a group of four people. We all left our food on our plates. We complained with the waiter about our dishes, but he didn't gave the message for the owner, whom was present at the establishment. read more

The service was the absolute worst I have ever experience in my entire life. The host (orange hair, blue eyes) was the rudest individual I ever met in my life. He was very degrading to not only me, but to all the women in my group. He would make rude comments like "it doesn't look like you have eyes, can't you see we're busy"", he would talk down to the women in my group who got really scared, etc. Sounds like his dad is the owner (classic) and was much nicer but didn't do anything to diffuse the situation. It was very surprising and uncalled for. I never come on for here for poor reviews because I know how hard it is to run a restaurant and make money. However, I could not help share my experience so people know to never go here as there are several other better options in area. AVOID THIS RESTAURANT AT ALL COSTS! read more

Came here with a few coworkers. A bunch of appetizers was ordered all with wine and sangria. One of my coworkers requested her pitcher of sangria with less sugar and the waiter was pleased to make as requested. The waitress was so attentive as she came over to refill my glass right on time every time. Wish I caught her name! The food came out in a timely manner. Facing the bar you can see the kitchen located to the left. Big shout out to the cooks as all our meals came out at the same time, warm and full of flavor. A huge perk is their parking which is located on the side street. They also have sufficient seating in the dining area for those busy evenings. I look forward to returning. read more

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I only had the pleasure of ordering salmon for take out, however it was probably one of the best take out salmon I've had to date. The salmon was not dry at all and it was pretty big along with a decent amount of sides. I can't wait to try eating in and seeing how their indoor dining experience would be like. read more

Really wanted to like this place, it's in my building. Unfortunately, the fish plate was not tasty and it made me feel sick overnight. The menu was also very erratic, with bar type apps but mostly $20 entres. The staff was kind and professional. Again, very disappointed I didn't have a better experience because I truly wanted to like this place. read more

Very happy with the food. I had grilled octopus, it was delicious Their creme brûlée had a slight lemon flavor which I love. Even the decafe coffee was very good . read more

Joia Restaurant - Creme brûlée - Portuguese Near Me - Harrison, New Jersey

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Upon arrival and being seated it was more than 15 minutes before our server came to the table to take a drink order. I considered leaving. Some acknowledgment would have been appreciated. Luckily there was a sign on the table with QR code so we we at least could review the menu. After the terrible first impression I will say the food was really good. We had the sea bass, octopus, and short ribs. All the entrees were delicious. The cocktails were very pleasing as well. The server did warm up with personality after awhile. The atmosphere was nice for a date night, girls night out, even dinner with kids. I definitely recommend. I'd for sure go back. Oh and the flan was good too. read more

great food awesome sangria and great service and an amazing atmosphere all the workers are awesome read more

Joia Restaurant - Portuguese Near Me - Harrison, New Jersey

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Nice environment, great food and good service. Not really familiar with Portuguese food but it is really delicious in my opinion. Will come again! read more

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This spot is easy to find and very nice. Been there twice already and it is on my list of places to go. I recommend it. The service is prompt, they have a good selection of various drinks and food choices. I like the seating arrangement as well as the menu. Had the calamari there both times and have liked it. The bathrooms are clean also. read more

First time here tonight, the ambience is nice, excellent customer service and the food, delicious!!! I love the everything about this place especially the Spicy Paloma! This visit will definitely not be the last. If you are looking for good food, this is the place to be! read more

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To whom it may concern, I am writing to express my deep disappointment and frustration with the customer service I received at Joia Restaurant As an African American, I felt uncomfortable and discriminated against during my visit to the store. I was met with lingering stares and a lack of attention from the staff, which made me feel like I was not welcome or valued as a customer. Despite my efforts to be polite and patient, I was continually ignored and treated disrespectfully. This type of poor customer service is completely unacceptable and I am disappointed that it was allowed to happen. I believe that everyone should be treated with dignity and respect, regardless of their race or ethnicity. I am deeply troubled by this experience and I hope that the company will take steps to ensure that all customers are treated with the respect and consideration they deserve. To think I've given this place my business multiple times with the same results. Also as someone who lives in this community im absolutely appalled, definitely showed their true colors. read more

The food was delicious and the drinks weren't over priced. My server was super attentive. The environment was beautiful with live music. As well as staff being very welcoming to people from all backgrounds. read more

I moved into Vermella Harrison a month ago, and I've been eyeing up this place since it's right below my apartment. I finally got a chance to go there for Sunday brunch. My two girlfriends and I went at 12:30 PM. There wasn't anyone else in there, which I was surprised by. We sat down immediately, ordered some pink lemonades and mozzarella sticks as an appetizer, and just chatted away. We had about 3 different servers helping us, which was a little confusing, but they were kind and attentive, so it didn't bother us. When we ordered our food, it felt like the waitress had a hard time understanding what we wanted. I'm not sure if she was new or maybe there might have been a language barrier, since she had a thick accent. I had to tell her 3 times that I wanted the "regular eggs benedict" and even pointed to the menu. She replied "Florentine?" No. Regular eggs benedict, please. She repeated everything back and it sounded good. But when we got our food, my friend and I both received the crab cake benedict. I'm not sure why. I kept mind because I love crab cake so I figured "Eh why not?" But my friend doesn't eat seafood, so we had to send hers back. They didn't understand the request. "We want the regular eggs benedict. With the canadian bacon." There were 3 servers trying to understand. It's almost like they didn't know their own menu. It was bizarre. Eventually they came back with the correct order. The food was delicious, mind you. Both benedicts, caesar salad, sweet potato fries, mozzarella sticks, and all of the different desserts we tried... everything was so tasty. I can't even begin to tell you how excited I am that a dessert called "peanut butter explosion" exists in the restaurant below my own home. I know I'll go back just for that again and again. It was a shame there was so much confusion with our servers, but it wouldn't stop me from going there again. Maybe I'd try going during dinner time when it's a different set of servers. I will say, though, they they were all so kind the entire time. So it WASN'T BAD service. There was just a lot of misunderstandings. Overall I had a great time there. The brunch menu was great. Prices were good (for Harrison.) So I'll have to give dinner a shot! read more

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We had a great lunch at Joia! Our waiter Victor was excellent and both he and the owner came by multiple times to make sure everything was ok and to our liking! I highly recommend this restaurant. All employees are top notch and super polite!!! read more

Nice place, nice staff. I had the surf and turf. The vegetables, lobster, asparagus and Spanish potatoes were very good. The steak was horrible. Worst cut I've had in awhile. It was tough and wasn't even salted. One of the managers asked and I told him he apologized but didn't try to fix it. I will try the place again. Hopeful it will be better. read more

We have been meaning to try this place for a while now, but figured hey, what better time than during quarantine. The restaurant has been offering amazing daily specials for takeout so we took advantage. We had the mixed grill which was 3 pieces of steak, a whole rotisserie chicken, rice, beans, salad, and fries all for $30. It said it would feed two people but when we got the food, it could definitely feed 4. There was so much food! It was extremely delicious and I would definitely order from them again, and look forward to dining in the restaurant in person some day. I really appreciate that they are offering delicious, quality food to feed a family for a really great price during this time. It shows they care about the community and I am more than happy to support! read more

Food was great, server was very nice, cocktails were delicious. A great neighbourhood spot.

This place was a delight. Their selection of Portuguese cuisine was absolutely a delight to the palate. I ordered the Bife de Portuguese and it was absolutely delicious. Surrounded by home made chips (French fries) and with a well seasoned sauce, the dish was a treat for the senses. We ended the night with a nice cup of port. The restaurant has a sports bar feel to it with the many screens playing football, American football, and various other sports. The decor is minimal but the view of the Passaic River and the downtown Newark is quite beautiful. This is not the Harrison of the 90s and 2Ks. This is a revived Harrison with new developments and Joia seems to fit right into this revitalized neighborhood with its European style cuisine. read more

Great place , fabulous staff. I try the rib and the size was from flinstone movie. Anyway justin says if I still hungry they will give me another one at no charge but they know anybody will get full with only one. Will definitely come back to the place. Love it. read more

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My first wonderful experience at this restaurant, great foof and service, Victor was helpful knowledgeable, will be posting photos and updating comments...!!! Worth the trip from Manhattan...!! read more

Joia Restaurant - Shrimps in garlic sauce - Portuguese Near Me - Harrison, New Jersey

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Great service at Joia! We started out with the Garlic shrimp and Buffalo Wing appetizer. I loved the shrimp while my husband devoured the wings. For our entrees I had the baccalou and my husband had rice with mixed shrimp and scallops. My dish was A+, my husband said his could've used a bit of salt. For dessert I had one of the best Cappuccino's I have had in awhile and we shared the Sedurra. Again, the Sedurra was a hit. I need to mention drinks as well. We had 3 cocktails and the white Sangria. No complaints on that end! Would definitely return to try other selections. read more

My wife and I decided to go here on a whim. Getting here was very easy. I recommend using the Valet (it's free) if you're driving in to Harrison. We were greeted by by the owner Tony and seated. We had a window seat. Our waitress was very friendly. We got a couple of cocktails to start out. The menu looked very good, with a decent amount of specials. We ordered our appetizers shortly after. Shrimp and garlic and clams in a green sauce. It's was above average if you've had Portuguese cuisine. The shrimp were fresh and the garlic sauce was excellent. Also , the clams were super fresh and piping hot. We were very pleased at this point. Soon after, we put our entrees in. I had the Braised Short Rib and my wife had the Broiled Cod fish with potatoes, onions and garlic, drizzled with olive oil. Again, above average. My wife and I enjoyed it very much. The rib was something out of the Flintstones. It was enormous. But very tender and tasty. The Cod was delicious as well. Perfect ratio to potatoes and onions. We were still very pleased at this point. The owner Tony came to our table to talk to us. Made us feel at home. Shortly after, a bus load of people showed for a party. (40-50 people) this is where we kinda got lost in the shuffle. But kind of understandable. Other staff members picked up the slack. We ordered dessert. A creme brûlée and a couple cappuccinos. The Cappuccinos were on point. The Creme Brûlée was not so good though. It had a nice crunch but it wasn't set underneath. Could've been more firm. All in all , it was a very pleasant experience and I would recommend Joia to anyone looking for a good dinner and drinks. read more

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We called to order takeout and our order would have amounted to something over $100.00 but the lady on the phone was so nasty that we decided to cancel the order Thank For Nothing! read more

My husband and I have been to Joia a few times and the food is always great. Last Valentines Day we order pick up and the food was amazing! My husband is not a fish person and he loved the Red Snaper, it was flawless. I can't wait to try their brunch. read more