Sol-Mar

Reviews

• Brandon S.

  star star star star star 13 June 2026

  I eat here EVERY time I have a flight out of EWR. It's become a tradition. Some of the best red wine, lovely complimentary cheese and bread, octopus served on a roof tile and the showstopper: the cowboy steak.
  
  I can't believe this place doesn't have higher ratings. The staff is friendly and fun, especially if you have a native Portuguese speaker at the table. Just a great family vibe.
  
  Two thumbs way way up

• Joe D.

  star star star_border star_border star_border 7 June 2026

  We had the seafood rice, codfish Bras style, and pepper steak, with the Portuguese sausage for an appetizer. Had the rating been focused on just the food, I would have given this place a three, possibly even four because of the jolly host who seated us and checked in several times. I will warn, however, the codfish dish A Bras is supposed to use fresh, thick filet pieces of codfish that are then shredded, but this place uses the all-too-common cost-saving tactic of using "codfish pieces" pre-packaged at the supermarket. The parallel is using hamburger meat instead of a fine fillet that is THEN ground. It's become a common practice, unfortunately, among some Portuguese restaurants in the neighborhood.
  
  Here is where the 3/4 stars becomes a two. The practice of including tip in a receipt and then printing a credit card receipt for one's signature WITH a blank tip line is sneaky and dirty. Restaurants can easily print a credit card receipt with the pre-determined tip amount already included to make clear that tip is already included, but this place does not. Unless you pay close attention to the itemized bill - and many don't - one could easily double tip without knowing it.
  
  The service was also slow. Our appetizer came out shortly before our main entree. We had hardly been through half of it before the other dishes appeared.
  
  On the plus side: the sausage was generously portioned and delicious. The owners (a Portuguese couple) work the dining room, which I think is always a good sign. I grew up just across the street from this place, which is why I was all that much more disappointed in seeing the dirty little tricks with the bill and cutting corners on the quality food.

• Phyllis P.

  star star star star star 23 May 2026

  Great atmosphere and great food.  Always very consistent with quality and tasty food.  The service also very consistent and very good.  Today's dish was delicious seafood with white bean and rice.. simple but super tasty.  And whiting and shrimp in a red sauce

• Jeanna G.

  star star star star star_border 23 May 2026

  My friend has been trying to get me to come eat Portuguese food with her for quite some time now and I finally gave in.
  
  Sol-Mar is a neighborhood landmark from what I understand and I would call it a family business. The staff was very kind and inviting and helped us with any questions we would of had. We decided to start off with the garlic shrimp appetizer that did not skimp on the garlic one bit and I absolutely loved it. The portion was HUGE and so flavorful. We both decided on ordering the filet. When it arrived at the table I was in awe of the size of this perfectly cooked steak.
  
  Shortly after our entrees arrived a man came over to our table kissed my hand and asked me how I was enjoying my meal. Little did I know that this was the owner of Sol-Mar. I thought it was really nice for him to come and check on our experience along with stopping by other tables to check on them as well.
  
  One thing I will say is the prices are great for the quality and quantity you receive. I can't wait to come back!

• Susie R.

  star star star star star 19 May 2026

  As always an excellent choice. Have been going there for many many years. The food still as amazing as the first time. It's the only good place left in Newark that's Portuguese. All the others have become tasteless or very Americanized but not this gem. The owners are always there. They always have daily specials. Last night I had the polvo a lagareiro and the amazing bacalhau à Brás. For dessert I highly recommend the pear in the port wine. You can't go wrong with this gem.