Valenca 665 Monroe Avenue, Elizabeth, NJ 07201

"It's been years since my husband and I dined at Valenca. We had an impromptu dinner here tonight with our kids and we all enjoyed it, from appetizers to dessert. Our son loved cooking the steak on the hot stone. It was so tender and flavorful! Service was great and they always came around to make sure everything was going well."

"Truly one of the best restaurants I have ever been to and I will continue to dine here every single chance I get. I have only gone to the “bar side” but was seated upstairs once when the first level was full. From superior service to authentic flavor and all around just great energy and convenience, Valenca is truly the ideal restaurant. Complimentary olives, loads of bread and deliciously fresh salad when you order entrees as well as generous pours of wine, sizzling hot food and amazing coffee are just a few additional perks to the already amazing menu. There is free valet parking but don’t forget to tip them- they also contribute to the all around positive experience. Approximately 7 minutes from Newark airport (EWR) and if you need to be in and out in order to catch a flight they can certainly cater to you quickly."

"A buddy and I decided to try this place since it was close to the airport. We had been referred to eat here by several people. I have never tried Portuguese food till now. I was taken by the entrance, it was very inviting. The decor was nice and it was nicely decorated for Christmas. The tables we draped with linens and the cloth Napkins nicely folded on the plates were a nice touch. The waiter helped us decide what to try. I ordered the sirloin with egg and a Portuguese garlic sauce with rice and homemade plantain chips. My friend ordered the steak with shrimp covered with cheese and a cream sauce. The plates were delicious and nicely prepared. Steaks were cooked to perfection and looked so good. Very nice presentation and plating. The waiter was not bad but not the best I have had serve my table. I still gave 4 stars on service, but I feel like it could have been better. Overall a great experience. This place is worth a shot if you are in the area."

"This is our favorite place to go for any type of celebration or milestone. The food is always spectacular. Service is very good, valet parking right across the street. There always seems to be a couple of other family parties going on. Everyone in the place is having a great time, tables talk and laugh together even though you may be strangers. The house salad (a variety of greens, carrots, tomatoes, onions very well dressed) and bread arrives at your table just a few minutes after you sit down. Be sure to ask for the spiced olives. We always order a few pitchers of Sangria for the table & mixed drink are done very well. When it comes to entrées, you cannot beat the Steak-on-a-Stone that comes out sizzling and is just a one of a kind experience. I personally recommend the filet mignon which is two huge softball sized cuts of tenderloin. The meat is the best quality I’ve ever had and I always come home with plenty for the next day. Prices are reasonable for the quality and quantity you get. There is a more casual side to the restaurant as well a takeout spot and another floor for private parties."

"Food was amazing, service was superb. I had filet mignon and my husband had chicken cordon Bleu. With the mussels and Portuguese sausage as appetizers. We washed everything down with passion fruit sangria. Even the salad was amazing!! All that food and the bill didn't break the bank either."