If you’re searching for the best seafood restaurant in New Jersey, SolMar Restaurant in Newark consistently delivers an exceptional dining experience steeped in Portuguese tradition. Located in the vibrant Ironbound neighborhood, SolMar has become a beloved culinary destination for lovers of seafood and authentic Portuguese fare.

At SolMar, every preparation honors Portuguese culinary methods—think charcoal-grilled fish, olive oil and garlic infusions, slow-cooked with white wine and fresh herbs—to bring out the sea’s purest flavors. The restaurant sources premium delicacies directly from Portugal, including salted cod (bacalhau), artisanal canned fish and seafood, olive oils, and more.

Signature dishes feature stuffed lobster, octopus à lagareiro, seafood rice with lobster, Portuguese-style fish fillets, and classic bacalhau dishes like Bacalhau à Brás and Vila Nova style cod. Each plate is a vibrant celebration of Portuguese coastal gastronomy.

SolMar also hosts the SolMar Seafood Festival twice a year, showcasing a deep dive into Portuguese seafood traditions with specialty dishes, music, and cultural experiences, solidifying its place on Newark’s event calendar.

The restaurant has earned multiple OpenTable Diner’s Choice Awards dinners in 2022, 2024, and 2025—a testament to consistent excellence in food, service, and guest satisfaction through the years. In 2022, SolMar was recognized by 24/7 Tempo media group as the best seafood restaurant in New Jersey, highlighting its dedication to quality, tradition, and hospitality.

Conveniently located just minutes from New York City, Newark Penn Station, and Newark Airport, SolMar offers an inviting atmosphere ideal for a romantic dinner, family gathering, or a cultural culinary experience. Whether you crave the richness of Portuguese seafood or simply want to explore authentic coastal flavors, SolMar stands ready to impress.

Book your table today and discover why SolMar has been a symbol of flavor, tradition, and excellence since 1969.

If Portugal had a culinary hug, it would be called Bacalhau com Natas. This rich, creamy baked codfish dish is one of the most beloved recipes across the country — and for good reason. Combining the heartiness of salted cod with the luxuriousness of cream and béchamel, Bacalhau com Natas is both a family staple and a restaurant classic.

While cod (bacalhau) has been part of Portuguese cuisine since the 14th century — thanks to centuries of seafaring and preservation techniques — Bacalhau com Natas is a relatively modern invention. It’s believed to have been created in Lisbon, possibly by Chef João Ribeiro at the Palácio de Queluz’s royal kitchen, Cozinha Velha, in the mid-20th century.

Unlike older bacalhau dishes that highlight simplicity, this one borrows from French techniques, introducing a creamy béchamel (molho branco) and layering it with flaked cod, sautéed onions, and sometimes fried potatoes.

The secret to a perfect Bacalhau com Natas isn’t just the ingredients — it’s the balance.

• The cod must be soaked just right to remove excess salt while preserving its signature flavor.

• The béchamel sauce should be silky and light, not overly thick, to marry everything together.

• And when it all bakes under a golden crust? Magic happens.

Some families add nutmeg to the sauce, others include a pinch of garlic or a dash of white wine. But the essence stays the same: indulgent, nostalgic, and deeply Portuguese.

For many, Bacalhau com Natas means Sundays with family, Christmas Eve dinners, or the taste of home abroad. Whether you try it in a seaside tavern in Porto, a Lisbon tasca, or at a Portuguese-American celebration in Newark or Fall River, this dish never disappoints.

If you haven’t yet tasted Bacalhau com Natas, you’re missing out on one of the smoothest, most satisfying ways to enjoy Portugal’s favorite fish. Visit SolMar Restaurant — or if you’re adventurous, try making it at home. Just don’t skip the natas!

Nestled in the heart of Newark’s Ironbound district, SolMar Restaurant is more than a place to eat—it’s a culinary destination that captures the essence of Portugal with every bite. Just steps away from Newark Penn Station, SolMar has been a staple of the community since 1969, known for its warm hospitality, traditional dishes, and elegant yet welcoming atmosphere.

Whether you’re strolling through Ironbound to explore its rich culture or planning a special night out, SolMar is a must-visit stop on your gastronomic tour.

Start your experience with a Portuguese classic: Stuffed Crab (Sapateira Recheada). This dish showcases the bold flavors of the sea, with a creamy, seasoned filling served inside a beautiful crab shell—a perfect introduction to the restaurant’s seafood excellence.

For a hearty main course, try the iconic Francesinha—a Portuguese sandwich layered with steak, ham, and sausage, topped with melted cheese and egg, drenched in a rich, spicy sauce. It’s indulgent, comforting, and unforgettable.

SolMar’s commitment to authenticity is reflected in its carefully curated menu, extensive wine list featuring the best of Portuguese vineyards, and an ambiance that balances tradition with originality. From cozy indoor seating at Vila Nova room to a vibrant outdoor sidewalk, every detail is designed to make you feel at home.

Whether you’re a longtime fan of Portuguese cuisine or just discovering its magic, SolMar is your passport to a truly flavorful experience.

Because the taste of the sea is even better under the summer sun

Summer is here, and with it comes the craving for fresh, flavorful dishes that bring us closer to the coast. At SolMar, seafood isn’t just a specialty — it’s a passion passed down through generations. If you’re wondering what to try first, here’s our curated list of the Top 5 seafood dishes that capture the spirit of the season.

1. Clams à Bulhão Pato

Simple, authentic, and utterly irresistible. These clams are sautéed in olive oil, garlic, and fresh cilantro — a staple of Portuguese summer cuisine. Wine Pairing: A chilled Vinho Verde brings out the freshness of the dish.

2. Stuffed Crab (Sapateira Recheada)

A true marisqueira classic. Our stuffed crab is prepared with fresh meat and savory seasonings that transport you straight to the Portuguese coast. Wine Pairing: A crisp and citrusy Alvarinho pairs beautifully.

3. Octopus à Lagareiro Served on a Hot Tile with Smashed Potatoes

A showstopper on any table. Tender octopus drizzled with garlicky olive oil, served sizzling hot with traditional “batatas à murro.” Wine Pairing: Try a fuller-bodied white from the Douro region.

4. Creamy Salt Cod (Bacalhau com Natas)

Smooth, light, and comforting — this creamy cod dish is both elegant and nostalgic, perfect for a family dinner or casual lunch. Wine Pairing: A fragrant Encruzado from the Dão region balances the richness of the dish.

5.Seafood Rice with Lobster

The crown jewel of Portuguese seafood. Creamy rice infused with the flavors of the ocean, crowned with a succulent lobster. Wine Pairing: A fresh white from Alentejo or a brut sparkling wine adds the perfect celebratory touch.

 This summer, the best of the sea is waiting for you at SolMar.
Join us for an unforgettable dining experience where tradition meets flavor, served with Portuguese pride since 1969.

#SolMarSeafood #TasteOfPortugal #SeafoodLovers #NewarkEats #SummerAtSolMar #PortugueseFood #Ironbound

From June 6th to 8th, the Ironbound neighborhood of Newark will once again host one of the largest and most authentic Portuguese cultural celebrations outside of Portugal: Portugal Day by SolMar. Now in its 28th edition, the event is expected to welcome over 150,000 people over three days filled with music, traditional cuisine, and meaningful community initiatives.

Organized by the Nobre Foundation Corp., the festival is the result of the vision of António Nobre, founder of the iconic SolMar restaurant, who has transformed nostalgia into legacy for nearly three decades. “Keeping this tradition alive for so long is a daily challenge, but it’s also what drives us. We want to grow, evolve, and offer even more to our community — not only music and food, but also education, support, and a sense of belonging,” says Nobre.

One of the festival’s most impressive features is the renowned SolMar Restaurant Food Court, prepared months in advance to serve the public with excellence and comfort. The structure includes tented areas with seating for up to 4,000 people simultaneously, offering a covered, safe, and welcoming environment for families. Throughout the weekend, an average of 75,000 meals are served, featuring traditional dishes such as grilled sardines, bifanas, BBQ chicken, fried eels, pastéis de nata, Portuguese-style funnel cakes, and refreshing sangria — a true parade of Portuguese flavors.

The cultural lineup features performers from Portugal, including Bombocas, Daniel Sousa, Moda Nova, and Rancho Dança na Eira, along with local talents such as Polly & Juliana Vitor, Banda 69 Graus, and DJ Luis Oliveira, offering an intergenerational celebration of Portuguese identity.

On Sunday, June 8, guests can also enjoy the live screening of the UEFA Nations League Final on a big screen set up along Niagara Street — an exciting opportunity to unite football and heritage in a festive atmosphere.

Beyond entertainment, Portugal Day by SolMar is committed to social impact and community development. The Nobre Foundation will award scholarships to Jacqueline Larrosa-Serans and Roberto Torres, two outstanding students from East Side High School. The festival also features hands-on art activities in partnership with the Newark Museum of Art, cultural initiatives with the New Jersey Performing Arts Center, literacy support with Reading Partners, and multilingual legal and immigration resources provided by the New Jersey Office for New Americans.

Admission is free and open to the public. The festival is supported by the City of Newark, the Newark City Council, and sponsors including Super Bock, Concrete Systems, Teddy Cars, ABRA Dental, Wine Enterprises, Joia Restaurant, BCB Bank, Exit Realty Lucky, and others. Official media coverage is provided by SPT Television, SIC Internacional, and Rádio Clube Português.

Portugal Day by SolMar is more than a festival — it is a living tribute to the strength and spirit of Portuguese culture abroad, a celebration of resilience, hospitality, and the power of tradition when combined with community care.

For more information, photos, and press materials, visit: www.portugaldaybysolmar.com

The aroma of grilled sardines will once again fill the streets of the Ironbound District as Portugal Day by SolMar returns for its 28th edition. What started nearly 30 years ago as the personal initiative of local entrepreneur Antonio Nobre, owner of SolMar Restaurant, has become one of the largest and most beloved Portuguese celebrations on the East Coast of the United States.

It all began with a dream stirred by saudade—a longing to share the taste, soul, and warmth of Portugal. Nearly thirty years ago, Antonio Nobre didn’t just serve food; he offered a memory, a feeling, a connection to home. What started as a heartfelt gesture has blossomed into the iconic “Arraial do SolMar,” a celebration where music, flavor, and tradition come alive in the streets of Newark. “We cook with our roots, serve with our hearts, and open our arms to the world,” says Nobre.

At the heart of the event is the renowned SolMar food court, famous for its months-long preparation and rigorous logistics. Visitors can enjoy authentic Portuguese dishes including sardines, bifanas, BBQ chicken, sweets like farturas and pastéis de nata, and ice-cold sangria. It’s no wonder Portugal Day by SolMar is considered the best place to eat during the Portugal Day celebrations in Ironbound, Newark.

But the celebration goes far beyond food. Presented by the Nobre Foundation Corp., the event invests in education, culture, and community integration. Scholarships will be awarded to East Side High School students, while partners like the Newark Museum of Art, NJPAC, Reading Partners, and the NJ Office for New Americans will offer arts programming, literacy support, and multilingual resources for immigrant families.

The lineup includes beloved performers such as Bombocas, Daniel Sousa, 69 Graus, Moda Nova, Polly & Juliana Vitor, DJ Luis Oliveira, and the Rancho Dança na Eira, whose folkloric dance has become a cherished part of the festival.

Held in the multicultural Ironbound neighborhood, Portugal Day by SolMar welcomes three generations in a joyful, inclusive celebration. It’s made possible thanks to the support of the City of Newark, Newark City Council, and dedicated sponsors including Concrete Systems, Teddy Cars, ABRA Dental, Marilene Oliveira Exit Realty, Newark Expeditors, Joia Restaurant, Wine Enterprises, BCB Bank, Peerless Beverage, and Super Bock—along with media partners SPT Television, SIC Internacional, and Rádio Clube Portuguesa.

Admission is free. For more information, visit www.portugaldaybysolmar.com 

Mark your calendars for June 6, 7, and 8, 2025, as the Ironbound district of Newark—long celebrated as a cornerstone of Portuguese-American culture—once again opens its arms to the world with the return of Portugal Day by SolMar, now proudly celebrating its 28th edition. Presented by the Nobre Foundation Corp., this premier cultural festival spans three unforgettable days, uniting tradition, innovation, and community pride while reflecting the enduring spirit of the Portuguese people.

Now recognized as one of the largest Portuguese cultural events on the East Coast, Portugal Day in Newark draws tens of thousands of visitors from across the country and abroad. Attendees experience the rich legacy of Portugal through vibrant music, authentic cuisine, and a shared history that has flourished for generations in the heart of Newark’s Ironbound. This event is more than a festival—it is a heartfelt tribute to identity, perseverance, and cultural continuity.

At the center of the celebration stands the team from SolMar Restaurant, whose decades-long legacy has helped define Newark’s Portuguese gastronomic scene. Revered for authenticity and excellence, SolMar curates the festival’s celebrated food court, offering traditional favorites such as grilled sardines, bifanas, fried eels, BBQ chicken, and the beloved pastéis de nata. The culinary experience is not just a highlight—it’s a reflection of the values that define this community: flavor, family, and heritage.

Throughout the weekend, festivalgoers will enjoy a dynamic lineup of live entertainment. Featured performers include the iconic female duo Bombocas, modern folk artist Daniel Sousa, the high-energy rock covers of Banda 69 Graus, and the talented vocal duo Polly & Juliana Vitor. Contemporary sounds from Moda Nova and the electric presence of DJ Luis Oliveira will keep the atmosphere lively, while Rancho Dança na Eira brings traditional Portuguese folk dance to the stage with authenticity and grace.

Beyond music and food, the festival highlights cultural and educational initiatives. In partnership with the Newark Museum of Art, guests can enjoy hands-on art activities inspired by traditional Portuguese crafts. A special collaboration with the New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) supports arts access for local youth and families. As part of its commitment to education, the Nobre Foundation will award scholarships to outstanding East Side High School students Jacqueline Larrosa-Serans and Roberto Torres, recognizing their academic excellence and community leadership.

Community engagement is deepened through partnerships with organizations like Reading Partners, which strengthens youth literacy by connecting students with dedicated volunteers, and the New Jersey Office for New Americans (ONA), which will offer multilingual resources for immigrants and refugees—including free legal services, Know Your Rights guides, and information on accessing children’s health insurance regardless of immigration status.

Portugal Day by SolMar is a celebration of unity, pride, and hospitality. It invites people of all backgrounds to experience the resilience, warmth, and joy of Portuguese culture. As the streets of Newark come alive with sound, color, and flavor, the Ironbound district once again welcomes the world to experience the true soul of Portugal.

This end of March, as Newark welcomes visitors for one of the biggest weekends in college basketball, SolMar Restaurant invites you to experience a different kind of excitement—through food!

Introducing the Francesinha Flavor Fest, a celebration of Portugal’s most iconic and indulgent sandwich. Originating from Porto, the Francesinha is a bold, savory creation layered with cured meats, melted cheese, and smothered in a rich, beer-infused tomato sauce. At SolMar, it’s served the traditional way: sizzling hot in a handcrafted Portuguese clay pot, honoring both flavor and cultural heritage.

Whether you’re a basketball fan in town for the games or a local foodie looking for something new, this dish is not to be missed. It’s hearty, comforting, and uniquely Portuguese—a perfect pre- or post-game experience just minutes from the Prudential Center.

📍 Francesinha Flavor Fest
📅 March 27 – 29, 2025
🏠 SolMar Restaurant – Newark’s Ironbound

Come for the games, stay for the flavor. Newark never tasted so good!

#FrancesinhaFlavorFest #SolMarExperience #TastePortugal #PortugueseFood #NewarkEats #IronboundFlavor #BasketballWeekend #CollegePlayoffs #NewarkFun #CulturalBites

NEW JERSEY’S PREMIER PORTUGUESE SEAFOOD EVENT

One of New Jersey’s most anticipated culinary events, the SolMar Seafood Festival returns for its 5th edition from April 4 to 6, 2025, offering an authentic deep dive into Portugal’s rich seafood traditions in the heart of Newark’s Ironbound district.

Held twice a year, this highly anticipated festival attracts seafood lovers eager to experience fresh, high-quality ingredients and the time-honored techniques of Portuguese fishing communities. With no fixed-price menus, guests can choose seafood by the pound, just as it’s served in the bustling fish markets and coastal restaurants of Lisbon, Porto, and the Algarve.

“At SolMar, seafood is more than just a dish—it’s a legacy,” says Mr. Nobre, owner of SolMar Restaurant. “We take pride in bringing the same level of freshness and authenticity found in Portugal’s finest seafood markets. This festival is a celebration of those traditions, inviting guests to experience the true ocean-to-table culture of Portugal.”

For centuries, Portugal has been a nation of navigators, with explorers who charted the globe and fishermen who mastered the Atlantic. The “Bravos do Mar” (Braves of the Sea) venture into rough waters daily in small boats, bringing in premium-quality catches that define seafood excellence worldwide.

The cold, nutrient-rich waters of Portugal’s coastline are essential to the superior flavor and texture of its seafood. From the sweet and succulent Camarão da Costa Portuguesa (Portuguese shrimp) to the coveted Percebes (goose barnacles), harvested under extreme conditions on rocky coastal cliffs, every ingredient tells a story of resilience and tradition.

Beyond Portugal’s most renowned delicacies, the SolMar Seafood Festival will showcase regional seafood specialties that capture the full spectrum of the country’s gastronomic excellence. Signature dishes include:

• Cataplana de Marisco – A rich, fragrant seafood stew from the Algarve, prepared in a traditional copper pot, featuring clams, shrimp, and fish simmered in a flavorful broth of white wine, garlic, tomatoes, and fresh herbs.
• Caldeirada de Chocos – A hearty, slow-cooked dish from Setúbal, made with tender cuttlefish, white beans, smoked sausage, and aromatic spices, delivering a robust and comforting taste of Portuguese tradition.
• Açorda de Marisco – A classic Alentejo-style seafood bread stew, where rustic bread is soaked in a fragrant broth of garlic, coriander, olive oil, and shrimp or clams, creating a rich and velvety dish.

To elevate the experience, the festival will also feature a selection of premium fish prized for their unique flavor profiles:

• Imperador (Red Bream) – A deep-water fish known for its delicate flavor and firm texture, considered a luxury ingredient in fine Portuguese dining.
• Salmonetes (Red Mullet) – Valued for its rich, slightly sweet taste, this Mediterranean delicacy is often grilled whole or used in refined seafood stews.
• Sapateira Recheada (Stuffed Stone Crab) – A signature Portuguese dish where fresh crab meat is blended with a special sauce and served in its shell.
• Azorean Tuna – Sustainably caught using the traditional pole-and-line fishing method, ensuring exceptional freshness and outstanding quality.
• Robalo (European Sea Bass) & Dourada (Gilt-head Bream) – Two of Portugal’s most sought-after fish, expertly grilled with a touch of olive oil, garlic, and sea salt.

At the SolMar Seafood Festival, guests can indulge in an à la carte menu featuring seafood by the pound, offering an authentic dining experience reminiscent of Portugal’s finest coastal restaurants. Secure your table now for an unforgettable culinary journey!

EVENT DETAILS

April 4, 5 & 6, 2025
SolMar Restaurant
267 Ferry Street Newark, NJ 07105
Tel. (973) 344-3041