Valenca in Elizabeth - Phone Number, Reservations, Reviews

Some waiters treat you like they are doing you a favor

Nice little find for Portuguese food! Loved the sausage appetizer, the cod and veggie dish was good as well as the shrimp. Nice place for a meal, although a bit noisy. Parking was a little bit of an issue, but if you're looking for a nice Portuguese meal, this place fits the bill.

Can dine in or do take out. I order take out here often. Always quick and tasty. Dine in experience is really nice. Great service.

WARNING!!! Be aware of hidden charges and extra fees! As per waiter, any bill over $100, automatically activates a grautity of 20 percent & the reason they will rush you!!(i asked because it was just 2 people for dinner) i really like this place, great atmosphere and food...well, used to be I guess. BE FOREWARNED filet mignon is now alot smaller, and I get that with inflation...the waiters were rushing us out of there and we ate around 6pm(I guess cuz the tip was guaranteed, and sadly lacking manners, they would just grab the dishes between people talking without so much as an excuse or saying anything, when the other side of the table was empty...but I guess efficiency and all. Sadly somethings changed here, I'd suggest just going to Newark for steak, better portions and attitude(I can't believe I'm saying that)

All I can say is WOW 😮 Beef short ribs, broccoli & carrots veggies, rice w/ carrots & peas, and chips. 🍽 😋 I added barbecue sauce to the short ribs.

Very good Portuguese food with a local clientele

Enjoy great food (cooked on a stone).

I had very high expectations about this place and it was a total disappointment! Ordered the paprika octopus and the garlic was totally raw, my fiance got the NY steak and asked it medium rare and he got it totally raw that the steak was cold in the inside, we told the waiter and I think they just put it in the microwave! Steak with no flavor at all! My pasta was good but that’s all! On the other hand, service was attentive and helpful!

Fantastic service and top quality food!

In this place it discriminates against the client When I went to pick up my order, the person serving told me that I had to wait in line later and then they served others but not me and gave me a bad attitude. One is going to buy not so that they treat us badly This is the last time I go to that place.

Food was fantastically delicious 😋 😍 Place very big and comfortable. Prices not expensive, love it!!!!! Thank you , we will back 😇💙💛

Great food, nice atmosphere good service. I visited for lunch on a Thursday. We were seated immediately. There was a steady flow of customers and the food came out as expected. Our table enjoyed the fried shrimp (jumbo) entree which came with steamed veggies and rice. The seafood paella rice was great. There was a good amount of seafood throughout which included shrimp, scallops and muscles. This dish can be shared among 2 or 3 adults. The salad, which comes automatically was delicious! The mixture of olive oil and herbs made for a great combination over the fresh lettuce.

Called to order for delivery. They told us delivery would be 1hr 45min that pick up would only be 15. We placed order and went to pick up. Waited over 2 hrs and 15 min and still didn't receive our food. When questioned we were told by manager that "delivery had priority and they were bigger orders." Horrible service.

Delicious food we go frequently and also order.

Best Portuguese place in Elizabeth

I always order out for my job but eating inside is such a treat. Try the lamb chops they are delicious

Please order a chistorra very juicy and clams in garlic sauce

Great place to have a nice meal and relax.

Great food. We love to stop by and get the combo . It's a little far away from home because we live in Ma.

Had the best lobster ever. And the price is just unbeatable

Very disappointed I ordered filet mignon and they gave me pork instead of beef, I told the waiter and he said no is beef but people now the difference in texture and taste. They shouldn’t try to trick their customer and accept it if they made a mistake. They had pork mignon as special of the day but I didn’t order that. I order filet mignon with shrimp, the service was included and my husband left extra tip but I really think the waiter didn’t deserve it. He was supposed to make sure the customer is happy but he never came back.

Excellent restaurant and delicious food

Beautiful staff and gorgeous environment, the food was absolutely fantastic, huge portions.

My wife and I have been coming here for the past 4 years . We have always had a pleasant experience until this past Monday 8/5. The service was horrible, maybe it’s because we were dressed up as we normally are . However, we just wanted something good to eat from one of our favorite places . It was rather empty inside . We asked for hot water 4 times . We had 3 different waiters that not once introduced themselves . The salad was very old and turning brown , the water had things floating in it and the rice was cold and coloring as well .My wife had the stuffed crab cakes in which she enjoyed while I enjoyed my surf and turf on a hot a plate . While my food was cooking, we had to wait for salt and pepper which should have already been given to us. I ordered a coke soda . One of the waiters literally brought it and set it on the table while I watched him open and pour someone else’s . This is disheartening given the fact the once again is one of our favorite places to dine. Maybe you do have to look a certain way to get a certain service even after spending hundreds of dollars on food and alcohol and leaving hefty tips for the staff. SMH

One of the best place to eat in elizabeth nj

Dude serving in the bar side wouldn’t let me sit at an available low top. They clearly don’t need my business. Restaurant side was shut down for the night already. First and last time here for me.

I just arrived in Newark, NJ and the hotel recommends this restaurant for dinner. It is nothing short of amazing! The atmosphere is welcoming with lively bar and appears to be a local clientele. The service has been consistent and friendly from the moment I walked in. The show stopper by far is the amazing food!! I ordered a daily dinner special of trout stuffed with shrimp and covered with crab. Words cannot describe how mouthwatering this meal is and reasonably priced as well! I highly recommend this gem of a restaurant that has obviously perfected their craft.

Great food!!!! Great ambience!!!!!! Always enjoy everytime I go there!!!!

Great Restaurant. The Experience Was Perfect From Beginning Until The End. This Family Style Restaurant Made Me Feel Like I Was Apart Of The Family. The Atmosphere Was Inviting, The Staff Was Nice & The Food Was Flawless. The Crab Cakes Was An Out The Body Experience & The Lamb Was Chef Kiss. I'm Not From New Jersey, But Will Definitely Be Back To Everything Else On The Menu.

The best there is,,,,, I recommend it 100% Their exquisite dishes 👌 ✨️ 😍

Food was great . Waiter didn't tell his name and after he took our order which was served by runners he didn't even checked on us if we are enjoying the meal . The other gentleman which cleared our table was great .

The dish I ordered said roast beef and they brought me meat in a kind of sauce

We actually went again for lunch, because this place is SO good. Every item is prepared to perfection and the flavors are so intense. Even the salad they offer is a refreshing treat. You can't go wrong. We had a bunch of appetizers, but drooled over the proteins you cook yourself on a grill. It's almost too many options. The service is excellent, the place makes you feel like you're in Europe and there's even great desserts (and drinks) (Also, a great place to hit before going to EWR.)

Bread was cold. Our group was 50/50 on our meal satisfaction. Generally, not bad, but not impressive. I think the tone standout was the hot stone steak & tuna. This is a decent space for large groups. Waitstaff is attentive.

Be sure to make a reservation. It is very popular with local folk. Very fresh seafood. Ample portions. Absolutely delicious American and Portuguese food! Great service. If you have a layover at EWR, uber/taxi here. Very lively place. Multiple floors. Reasonably priced.

Waited almost 2 hours for some excuse for food last time my family comes here

Have been here four times and have had their catering more times than I can count. Food is amazing but when there, the service is often lacking. Have a hard time chasing down servers for assistance.

Great food, drinks and customer service. I love a restaurant with an actual dessert menu to and the night. My cousin and I had the grilled octopus for an appetizer, surf and turf with veggies for the entree and then tried the Copa Marscapone and Apple Tarte. They were really delicious.

John, Our waiter was excellent. Recommended popular items and was very attentive and friendly. The food was delicious. Prices were fair. If you love seafood, Try the striped bass. Very fresh and tasty. First time trying Portuguese cuisine and it was amazing. Love the ambience as well. I'll be returning for sure.

The food is good, it's an iconic restaurant in the area. But it's not authentic Portuguese as I was hoping. It was very crowded with people who seems like Taurus and not real connoisseurs of Portuguese food. Pretty expensive for the area. But the portions are big. For a more subdued experience go to the bar.

Best Portuguese Restaurant in Elizabeth/Newark area. Highly recommended!

Food was great. Just make it sure that you are starving to come here. Big portion of food.

We absolutely enjoyed this place as a group..First time trying Portuguese cuisine and it's going to be a staple going forward..Lovely staff as well !!

WOW!!! This was beyond delicious! Stayed the night near Newark International. Choose to grab some food while waiting on our room. This was an excellent choice. The food and service were amazing. Portuguese seafood and steak! I cannot say enough. Price was extremely reasonable. Save a small spot for dessert! Portions were huge! Share if you can. We had clams and Portuguese sausage in garlic sauce for an app. Veal Parm and what looked like Paella. Pineapple upside down cake and Flan for dessert! So worth it we are going to go again on our way back through!

Great menu a lil of evrythi g..gotta have the garlic chicken WOWWW w house hot sauce

Was told about Valencia Restaurant while checking in at the hotel near the airport. WOW amazing service, amazing portions of food and great flavor. I highly recommend stopping in for dinner. We sat in the outdoor bar area during winter. They had it closed in and heated and it was absolutely perfect!

Huge portions of grrat seafood dishes for reasonable prices, many people ordered steak cooked on a stone that looked amazing as well but no one in our group orders it, homemade sorbet for a great ending

Exceptional food! Impressive experience grilling our meats on individual grills. The shrimp that accompany the octopus… the flavor is from another planet! He Delicious strawberry cheesecake too! Super super recommended💛💛💛💛

There is nooooo way these reviews are real. Worst food I’ve ever had. This is “lobster ravioli.” Terrible

Food and atmosphere were amazing. Highly recommend the crab stuffed flounder.

If you want to try authentic Portuguese food ,reasonably priced with great ambiance and fantastic service, then you should visit Valenca Restaurant! There is plenty of space for a big gathering and free valet parking... enjoyed my visit for sure!

It’s a shame this place has gone DOWNHILL. I ordered for take out and they told me it’ll be ready in 30 mins. I show up 40 mins later.. they can’t find my order. They say there’s no order under my name. Finally someone else comes and finds my order in the computer. I walk out of there with my food 20 minutes later. So a full hour since I placed an order for two entrees over the phone. They didn’t pack the food correctly and the sauce from the picadinho spills all over my clothes and brand new adidas ultraboost cloth shoes. I open the food 5 minutes later to find dry chicken and dry pork ribs. How do you manage to dry out bone in skin on chicken and pork ribs? Food had probably been sitting in the back for a while. I think to myself “at least I requested garlic sauce to make it better”.. NOPE, they packed some type of salad dressing instead. The pork in the picadinho was so tough I couldn’t eat it. 2/3 of the food went in the trash. Too many other restaurants around to come back to this place. DON’T WASTE YOUR TIME AND MONEY.

Literally the worst steak I have ever eaten.

Atmosphere was okay, but the food was very low quality, I informed the server and they never suggested a remediation. never going back.

I just had the best experience with valença restaurant I order food for a huge crowd ,Rui the gentleman that receive my order did a excellent job answering my questions my concerns ,the food was excellent the delivery was on time ,the delivery guy really polite and friendly I order Portuguese food and was out of this world the quality the quantity . I had eating a lot of times in the restaurant but was my first time asking for delivery ,really good job . thank you for the excellent job

Great food. A lot of good options.

I had the steak sandwich, what wasn't grizzle, was tough as leather. It's a shame, the spices and fixings had potential otherwise.

My family and I had a Christmas gathering and it was the best time ever. Everything was on point, Food, Sangria & Music makes for a great time. Lovely evening!

Food was nasty. Customer service rude

It is still the best comparing price and quality.

Love the food! Especially the steak on hot stone! 🔥 🔥 🔥

They were the best in Portuguese, it's a shame how they damaged the flavor of everything, especially the rice.

Excellent food, prompt service and generous portions. An extraordinary value

My wife and I had a wonderful meal after two delayed flights on American Airlines! I had prawns with broccolini roasted in garlic and butter. My wife had chicken cordon blue. We sampled each other’s entrees and were in agreement to the quality of preparation. A lemon drop martini and small pitcher of sangria complimented our selections. There were no thoughts of dessert with the ample portions. Although we do not frequent Newark, this is definitely worth checking out.

Good portion of food for the money. I enjoy the food

Catering Review for Rui Simoes: I depend a lot on Catering for my day to day business meetings. Mr Rui Simoes from Valenca Restaurant is the person I deal with on a Regular basis. I like his punctuality, professionalism, presentation, food quality and quantity to make sure there is enough food for all attendees. Mr Rui pays attention to minute details, being sensitive to attendees food allergies and cultural believes. My success depends largely on his professionalism, ease of doing business with him. He is Tec savvy that saves time and minimizes errors. Mr Rui is very accommodating and understanding. Thanks for your excellent support, I am not sure what I would have done without you Mr Rui. Thanks for all you do to be successful each day.

Great Food one of the best in Elizabeth. unfortunately, i had a bad experience with the restaurant booking my son Graduation Party. 3 different menu options were presented to us. We chose the second option which was sit-down dinner with 3 entre choices and appetizers, Beer, Sangria, water, soda, coffee and dessert. Upon arrival I was informed that my party was not private, NEVER HEARD THAT YOU PAY FOR A GRADUATION PARTY SITDOWN DINNER AND IT IS NOT PRIVATE. Anyway. I am so sorry that all ended in last minutes organizing chair and table. bartender was not at the bar as he was the bartender, the waiter, the cashier, the refill guy, the guy that place the table order and also the person to bring the order. poor guy he did his 100% but was only him.... After visiting this restaurant for years i can only say that I am 120% disappointer for not taking my party seriously. at the end we paid more of what we were supposed to pay. I will never ever come back to Valenca Restaurant in Ellizabeth NJ.

Great place! Everything was excellent.

The catering service is excellent. Rui was extremely helpful with the order, they delivered the food on time and the food was delicious. This is the second time we cater a party with Valenca and Rui helped us and we are very pleased. We will definitely cater with them again in the future.

They serve delivery orders the kitchen’s leftovers from the day before. Never again the cod was old, cold and chewy. Shame on you! Ruining Easter dinner for our family.

Great food ,very attentive and generous.

There is nothing bad anyone can say about this place! It was a 1000 🌟 dining experience! Every time I go back home to NY I'm making this trip to NJ! I am a forever fan! Food was excellent! Staff was even better! Just couldn't get into the parking lot 😫

Awesome food, AND they don't charge a fee to use a card, and they don't tip for you!

The service is amazing. The food however was a little bland. Overall 4/5

I got the Mushrooms as an appetizer. OMG. They were amazing, “and how they make them, I don't know, what their secret is, you know.”

The penne vodka with chicken was a huge portion but unfortunately it was extremely bland and it barely had any vodka sauce.

Went here while in NJ where I ordered the Paella Valencia which was good but not the best I ve had. The overall experience was not as good as we thought

Our Waiter was named John, we were there for My Birthday Dinner. He was AWESOME ,funny attentive matter of fact the entire Staff was great. The Food was Great.n plentiful lots of Take home food .I will be going Back AGAIN...

I was very pleased with the service, good food and attention. I recommend it.

I LOVE the Food my Restaurant favorite 😋

I just went to eat and the service and the food were very bad. First the drinks arrive at the same time as my food. Second I asked for my meat medium well and they gave me burned and dried. The server was terrible, however he charged me 20% of gratuity when the attention was terrible. How is possible that this restaurant get this troubles?

First time eating at the restaurant and it was pretty good. The sangria was not as good as Algarve. Will definitely try it again.

Food is ok, service is good, atmosphere is fun

Great food but parking is a big problem. The valets are very rude

The food, let's say medium good, the price according to the food, but the attention 🤬 they need a customer service course, the girls are very brave, they don't know how to serve, they don't have patience

One of my favorite restaurants!.

I think I found a new favorite place. The food was amazing but the service made the experience fantastic.

Great food and service. I think this was the most seafood I've ever gotten for the best price.

Grill your own meat at the table?! Yes please! Amazing service and dessert too!

Really good value for your money

Food here is excellent. Going to be booking an event here soon.

Very nice and grande restaurant, a bit of stand out given the location. First of all, they offer VALET parking for free right across the restaurant. The layout a bit confusing: there’s a Valenca bar ( left) and the proper restaurant with a bar (right). I reserved the restaurant one: you have to go through the main door, go upstair, go through the tables, and turn left to find the bar and ask for table. We went there on Monday night and it was packed due to several graduation parties going on. Very loud and crowded. Pros: the food portion is huge, 1 order can be shared by 2-3 people. Valet parking keep your mind at peace. Cons: food was a bit blah to my taste. You may feel differently. In summary, give it a try if you are around airport area and craving for Portuguese food.

The hot stone experience was unique and one that I would repeat with family and friends

Nice dinner with the family, service 👌

Excellent food all excellent quality

went here for thanksgiving and was not disappointed. the bread was actually so good i probably ate like 3 and then i had mashed potatos, salmon and rice. it was really good and i tend to come here often in my opinion. they have sumol which i love so much and it is rare to be served at such places. they have such a good variation and dessert. was not disappointed.

Amazing, one of my favorite restaurants in the world!

Everything is very delicious and very good service 👌

Everything was very nice and pleasant, except that sometimes people talk too loudly, especially when they are in groups, the lobster was in bad condition, with great regret we had to return it.

Best place for food absolutely great service 👍