Worth the trip! A more authentic Portuguese restaurant. We usually go to Iberian Peninsula or Seabra's on MacArthur Ave. but found this gem on Fleming Avenue. We don't think the local Portuguese want it to be found since it is not on the main drag (Ferry St) or has a web site, it does but spelled differently(www.fernandessteakhouse.com) everyone spells it with a z instead of the s. I had been here once before four years ago at a company Christmas party to give you an idea of the size of parties they can accomodate there were 50 in attendance upstairs. The meal comes with an open salad bar. We took a table of seven and tried the appetizers- Garlic Shrimp & Chicken- a little bit spicier, shrimp slightly over cooked but very good. My mother in law ordered the beef cubes and vegetables and fortunately the waiter suggested she take a half a portion- the full portion could have served four. Three of us had the rodizio ($23.95 slightly more expensive than the other Ironbound restaurants but is made up by the quality) which were excellent cuts of beef, pork, turkey, lamb, and chicken served many ways. We all agreed that it was the best tasting meats we have ever had as Rodizio with the least amount of salts and spices. All of the dishes were served hot and with sauces or flavorings that we had not experienced in our many trips to the other restaurants in this area. Considering it was the day after Christmas the place was jumping and doing a brisk business. I would suggest reservations to ensure a table. They were doing an excellent bar business and the ambiance was Potuguese bistro with a lot of chatter. This was not your quiet elegant setting but a bustling family oriented/business establishment that emphasized quantity of food and quality of service. Large portions, we barely touched the rice, beans and vegetables as sides since the main courses were filling. The white Sangria was very fruity and delicious. A dessert tray is brought around after the main course which had more than a dozen and a half choices. We followed it all up with Cafe Espanol which was not too heavily alcohol ladden.Our waiter was attentive right up until dessert when he was reassigned to upstairs and we never saw him again leading to a half hour wait for a bill. Parking was on premises and watched by attendants (looked like an Escalade & Lexus SUV auto lot there were so many of them). Our overall impression was very good quality/value and we would return to this restaurant in the future.You'll walk out of here in the majority carrying a doggie bag full of terrific delectables to make a second meal.VISA, Mastercard & AMEX no Discover Card. It is a few blocks away from the Ferry Street crowd but well worth the trip.

We'll be back!
I've only been to Iberia Penninsula before and I wasn't that impressed. Ferdandez was great! We were greeted with a smile from the hosts and bartenders when we walked through the door. All of us, ages 12 and up, had a great time. Delicious food. The service was excellent. I also would prefer non smoking areas, and even though people around us were smoking, it was not a problem. The restaurant probably has an excellent ventilation system! Can't wait to go back!
Recommended: Don't miss the sangria!
Food: 8
Service: 8
Ambiance: 8
Overall: 8

Will drive there from Boston
I work all over New England, NY & NJ and take alot of people out to dinner in all of the major cities within my territory. This place is BY FAR my favorite place to go (Redbones in Somerville, MA is a close 2nd). Rodizio & Iced Tea... that's all you need to know.
Recommended: Rodizio
Food: 10
Service: 8
Ambiance: 10
Overall: 10

The best in Newark by far!!
This is the best Portuguese Restaurant in the Ironbound by far! Filet Mignon is just outstanding as is the seafood, and nothing beats the rodizio. Sangria is awesome as well, and you are never rushed. We sat from 8PM 'til after midnight! As far as location, just because it's Newark doesn't make it a 'bad' area. There is valet parking.
Recommended: Surf & Turf, Rodizio, Paella
Food: 10
Service: 10
Ambiance: 10
Overall: 10

My favorite restaurant in the area
This is definitely the best restaurant in the area for Brazilian-style barbecue. I personally like the churrasco a Fernandes which is a huge plate of all different types of meat. Almost like a Rodizio, except that the quantity is limited and you can take the leftover home afterwards. My husband and I are good eaters, and we have yet to finish all the meat they bring for one person! For us, it's a great deal because we share the food, and we still have leftovers. Their rodizios are great, but I can't eat that much meat. It's kind of a waste of money for me. The only reason I don't give a full 5 stars is because the restaurant does not offer a non-smoking area. We try to go on weekdays when it's not that crowded, and we ask to be seated away from people who are smoking. The place is big enough to offer a non-smoking area. I guess the owner(s) must be a smoker. I did have a very unpleasant dinner when the table next to us was full of smokers. I agree that the location is in a bad area. Not the worst area in Newark, but certainly not safe. Just be cautious driving there. But once you're in the parking lot, you're fine. It's worth the travel.
Recommended: Churrasco a Fernandes and Rodizio
Food: 10
Service: 10
Ambiance: 6
Overall: 8

Exceptional
I've been to several Rodizio-style restaurants in the US and have to say that this is definately the best tasting Rodizio I have ever had!
Recommended: Rodizio
Food: 10
Service: 10
Ambiance: 10
Overall: 10

Best Of Everything!
Exceptional dining in a warm atmosphere. Never rushed and waiters aim to please. Sangria is magnificent. Filet Mignon cooked on a roof tile is absolutely fabulous. Anything cooked on a tile is delicious.
Recommended: Filet Mignon.. Rodizio if your really famished
Food: 10
Service: 10
Ambiance: 10
Overall: 10

Outstanding!
How can you say no to tender grilled meats? Fernandes is outstanding, and their daily specials are every bit as good as their Rodizio; not to mention the Sangria!
Recommended: Rodizio, Sangria
Food: 8
Service: 10
Ambiance: 8
Overall: 10

You can't say no to Rodizio
Nothing beats a Rodizio dinner at Fernandes with a pitcher of Sangria. Try the Galacia for desert.
Recommended: Rodizio, Galacia
Food: 8
Service: 8
Ambiance: 8
Overall: 8

One of the best
Of all the Portuguese restuarants in this area, Fernandes is certainly one of the best. First, the place is very, very nice. Really nice decor, beautiful atmosphere... just a very cool place. Second, the staff goes out of their way to make you feel like a VIP. Third, the food is awesome. Whether you're ordering a traditional Portuguese dish, or Brazilian Rodizio, or even a more americanized meal, everything is excellent. And, despite what the person before me wrote, this is NOT in a bad area. Granted, it's outside the Ironbound, and isn't as pleasant as driving down Ferry Street, but it certainly is NOT a "bad" area.
Recommended: Rodizio, Baccalau, Beef Natale, Tuna.
Food: 8
Service: 10
Ambiance: 10
Overall: 8

Good Newark Iberian with a PLUS
Along with the typical (and good) Newark Iberian Menu of Seafood, Paella, Mariscada, etc. There is a huge selection of grilled meats and seafood. But the reason most people are here is the "Rodizio"... Brazilian-style rotisserie meats... lots of selection... all you can eat... and cheap! Service is exceptional, and it's a pretty place to top it off! Secure off-street parking (In a bad area, but worth the journey!)
Recommended: Rodizio, Seafood, Grilled Meats
Food: 8
Service: 8
Ambiance: 8
Overall: 8
- chefmoz