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Iberia Peninsula Restaurant
Categories: Restaurants Spanish Restaurants Portuguese Spanish, Portuguese [Edit]
67 Ferry StNewark, NJ 07105
(973) 344-2067
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Romantic, Casual
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
59 reviews for Iberia Peninsula Restaurant
Review Highlights
"The rodizio is great, as are the other dishes."
(in 18 reviews)
"Shrimp in garlic sauce are A."
(in 3 reviews)
"Hands down the best Portuguese restaurant in the "Ironbound."
(in 9 reviews)
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59 reviews in English
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Review from Richard R.
Cherry Hill, NJ
10/11/2011
My Dad, R.I.P., always dragged me to different ethnic restaurants. He first took me to the Iberia about 28 years ago. After my initial annoyance of driving around Newark to find the place I loved this place. It felt like you were in another world, the service was great and the food fantastic plus the prices reasonable.
I went there a few times with my wife when she lived in Edison and some friends from NYC, maybe 22 years ago. Everyone loved it and my wife is a very particular when it comes to food.
We don't get the chance to go to Newark much these days from the SJ/Phila area but yesterday we were coming back from a wedding in Toronto and we flew out of Newark and went back to the Iberia. Let me tell you time stood still.
I had the shrimp in garlic sauce, it was a good as I remember. The bread was fresh and the prices were still good. Waiters in ties and suits, line table clothes, I love this place. -
Review from JP B.
2/1/2012
The place looks a popular tourist restaurant in Lisbon. The open grill in the front sees to it the the enticing aroma of grilled meat greets you on your way in. The staff appears to be entirely career men - professional waiters. It just feels so right - so old world. Unfortunately the food fails to meet the standard set by the decor.
The table bread and small green salad to share are fine. The flaws become apparent when your orders arrive. The portions are huge, but there's no refinement to the food. The side next to an enormous piece of broiled sea bass is an indifferent pile of boiled veggies, mostly broccoli. Pork and clams is tasty, but very salty and loaded with chunks of pork and fried potatoes. More like junk food than an entree in a white tablecloth restaurant. A kebab ordered med rare arrives med well. The portion is generous, but a smaller portion of better quality meat would make for a better dish. The same is true for their rodizio. Desserts don't seem terribly fresh - I'd give them a miss. (Worst example: a very dry tres leches cake that lasted like someone's wedding cake recovered from the freezer a year after the nuptials).
This restaurant has been a huge success on Ferry Street. There are now three of them within two blocks. I can understand the owners not wanting to mess with success. But it appears the menu hasn't changed in decades, and the food seems a little dated. Not to mention uninspired. When I drop $20+ for an entree I appreciate a ton of food, but you know what I'd appreciate even more? Better quality food prepared with a bit more care. Over several visits I got the feeling the kitchen is just banging out a menu that stresses quantity over quality.
Who knows? Maybe warhorse dishes like surf and turf, stuffed flounder, pepper steak and duck a l'orange are still the rage on Ferry Street. But Portuguese cuisine is so lovely I'd expect one of the flagship restaurants in a Portuguese neighborhood to do a little better with it. I'm not asking for fancy. But even a slight nudge in a fresher & lighter direction would make this a four star restaurant. As is I've left overfed and underwhelmed several times. Life is too short for that. -
Review from Apple J.
New York, NY
1/12/2012
This place serves varieties of seafood and meat.
(Rodizio available for all-you-can-eat meat)
I had the--
Mussels in garlic (served with lots of garlic sauce)
Grilled shrimp platter (decent size shrimps)
Seafood combination paella (huge portions, but a bit water down taste)
Flan (disgusting, tasteless with Styrofoam texture)
Tres leches (pretty good, served chilled) -
Review from Michelle L.
Livingston, NJ
11/16/2011
I have been here for lunch, dinner and a private event and it was never any good. I am a fan of Forno's right up the street and have experienced great food and service there, so I expected equal, if not better at Iberia. Didn't get it.
Their food sucks and the service blows. I have been there and ordered fish which came out bloody (seriously gross!!); steak which was tough as nails and paella which was all rice, no meat. I've had some of the worst service from waiters not answering questions about the menu, failure to give anyone water and ordering the completely wrong dishes for guests at the table.
While this is one of the more well known Portuguese restaurants in Newark, don't buy the hype. Skip on over to Forno's or another eatery within walking distance and treat yourself to a real meal worth the money and the experience. -
Review from ny b.
Pearl River, NY
2/5/2012
Big, Loud, Lots of food. Party atmosphere, Reasonable prices. Not the best ever but worth a stop. A few steps walk from Penn station.
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Review from Vincent J.
Philadelphia, PA
1/3/2012 1 Check-in Here
Great great great. The wine the waiter the food. Try the beef Portuguese
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Review from Dimitrios D.
New York, NY
9/14/2011
I've been coming to Iberia since I was a kid and I love it.
It's always crowded, so be sure to reserve a table if you can.
The rodizio is great, as are the other dishes. I honestly haven't been in a while, but I recall chicken wrapped in bacon as part of the rodizio and it's absolutely the best item! Be sure to try it! -
Review from Kent W.
New York, NY
9/18/2011
This was my first time having Portuguese cuisine and what an experience it was. I'm sure there are other places that serve some good food, but this place wasn't too bad. How bad can it be when they serve steak with two fried eggs? And then serve them with some yellow rice? Bada**.
*I never knew Newark, NJ had some decent area
*Services were a little slow
*Chip looking fries - oh my.
*Iberia Steak and Portuguese Steak looked similar - one of them had the sauce on it. -
Review from shani n.
Tacoma, WA
11/18/2011
I love this restaurant! They have very good food! Its the 1st place I ever tried Frog legs...yummy! Their Sangria is the best!! Every time I go back to Jersey I make sure I stop in for a meal!
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Review from Karrin P.
Manhattan, NY
6/20/2011
I really love this place. But then again, I have a secret (until now) love affair with the Ironbound section of Newark. There is such an atmosphere of pure European relaxation here. I love the ambiance with the rustic decor and the wonderful selection of Portuguese cuisine.
Every time I come here, there are large tables filled with family and friends enjoying the bountiful feasts in front of them. Children are laughing, adults are looking after them, the older members are chatting away drinking and being merry. How can you go wrong?
Like most of the Portuguese establishments on Ferry Street, the service is top notch, the food is abundant and very good especially the seafood selection, and the sangria is tasty but strong. I especially love their grilled fish specials like swordfish or Chilean Sea Bass. The lobster specials are usually a great deal for the amount of food you get. Where else can you go and get a salad and basket of bread as a free starter?
My only warning is to pace yourself because the food is endless. But you can always take it home and eat it for lunch the next day. The verdict is simple: go! -
Review from john s.
New York, NY
8/22/2011
Oh yeah. I went here on a Wednesday night, it was empty so there was no wait. Perfect. The service was prompt, professional and courteous.
There is always super huge portions, the food is hot and fresh and delicious. I had salmon steak that came with a side order of simple vegetables. The salmon was crusty and tasty. A bit oily but still good.
I ate more food from other people's plates. Lots of delicious seafood and paella.
It was a night to remember. The sangria was good, strong and actually had some fruit in it. A lot of restaurants skimp on the fruit and water down the Sangria. Not this place.
I don't always dine out in the Ironbound, but when I do, I go to Iberia. Stay hungry my friend.
PS. Skip lunch, save room for dinner! -
Review from Viktoriya L.
Morris Plains, NJ
3/12/2011
I love Portuguese food, big fan! I love this restaurant. There is a certain old world ambience to it. The portions are very large, enough for two to share. The service is good and they cater to your needs. Do get the sangria, the soaked fruit are to die for! Supa de pesce is very large and really good.
Make a reservation if you're coming here Thursday through Sunday, although, it won't guarantee that you won't wait a bit when you arrive since a reservation guarantees you a table, not time. I have been here on dates and with large groups and both times the experience was great. They have space upstairs for private banquets. -
Review from Mark V.
3/28/2011
What is up with the dude walking around the restaurant, asking to take your picture with the camera from 1950s.
This place struggles to be mediocre. Large portions are a plus, but the complete lack attention to detail kinda ruins the meal. Was here on Friday for seafood and decided to try the Clams Iberia app. This dish is supposed to be Clams, Sausage, Shrimp and Scallops in a tomato and onion sauce. Due to the fact that it was a Friday in lent and I am catholic, I asked them to skip the sausage....I think they skipped the f-ing clams too. I only got 4 meager clams, and the sauce was bland.
For dinner, I split the seafood combination platter. It was a great idea: Lobster, Clams, Mussels, grilled shrimp, Shrimp in garlic sauce, scallops, fried flounder over yellow rice. Only problem is that this too was completely bland. -
Review from S S.
Nutley, NJ
10/9/2011
Table of 4 on a Saturday night and we were seated right away--- how does that happen???? Food was good, but the highlight was, for sure, the Sangria! One of the best we've had. I ordered a Paella for one and it was enough to feed at least 3! took a while for the food to come. Service is not great, but ambiance and sangria makes up for it. One of us had the sirloin -- not so great. The stuffed red snapper seemed to go well. Overall, not too bad.
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Review from Jaime M.
1/24/2011 7 Check-ins Here
The peninsula is better than the tavern, slightly. We've been here several times and I've always come away thinking the food is "Watery", or bland. Often the seafood is overcooked.
The more ethnic or traditional dishes are really good as well. When its good this place is great, if you get the wrong thing, not so much.
Friendly typical ironbound staff. -
Review from Larry Y.
New Providence, NJ
9/27/2010
Quantity at decent quality, especially the paella. Meat, if cooked to order, was very good. Rodizio and accompanying sides can satisfy any gluttons appetite.
Get the sangria, then walk to Red Bull Arena for a soccer match. Or walk up and down Ferry St. -
Review from Mark M.
Lynbrook, NY
7/25/2011
Went on a Sunday night. For what it is, I thought it was terrific and would go back in a heartbeat. I had the seafood combo with red sauce. The lobster was well prepared and succulent. The shrimp and scallops and mussels and clams were all tasty and better than what I usually get in this dish elsewhere. The tap beers were solid. The cantaloupe sorbet was served in a frozen cantaloupe shell, and was very good. Service was outstanding. Yes, there were people offering to take your picture and sell you flowers but you expected that sort of thing walking in. It's a corny, high-energy place with lots of good food and drink. A real escape from the usual fare.
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Review from E F.
Highland Park, NJ
5/1/2011 1 Check-in Here
Try the flog legs in garlic sauce as an appetizer, you wont be disappointed! I also had the Mariscada Al Alho (seafood combo in garlic sauce) and besides being incredibly large it was delicious. I am not 100% sure if it is better then ria mar but it is still delicious and i would love to go back.
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Review from Coury R.
Parsippany, NJ
10/15/2010
Well, let me start by saying I went on a Monday night, so perhaps it was an off night...
Our waiter was a d-bag to say the least. No other tactful word can describe him better. He was simply rude and entirely inattentive.
The 3 of us in the party all got rhodizio. I guess because it was Monday, the selection was slim pickings. There wasn't a whole lot of flavor, it took a while for the guy to come around, and there was barely anything medium rare--most of it was good medium well or well.
The sangria was ok.
I hear the actual Iberia Restaurant is the good one to go to... so I will have to try that one. -
Review from Nicole E.
5/14/2010
This restaurant is not for the small stomached or the vegetarian. We went here for an event, but someone at the table told me that it was always this way... what way you ask?
First you get a salad. Then out comes the main course - for us it was a huge cast iron pot full of paella, a bowl of beans, a bowl of spinach, a plate of rice and a plate of fries. I thought that seemed like a lot but then came the meat skewers! Men with skewers of meat in hand came around and served people as they were trying to decide between the food already on the table. It was chicken and lamb and beef and maybe more that I missed. I only had chicken and a few of the sides, but it was all very tasty.
This is one of those places you go for the experience. But I repeat if you're not a fan of meat then you might want to experience another restaurant. -
Review from Herman Y.
Woodside, NY
4/23/2011
the last time I was here was like 5 years ago, friends visited this week, right before dropping them off at Newark airport, let have a good meal first.
the usual clams in the green sauce, just perfect everytime, the clams in Iberia Penisula also very nice, then w had the twin stuffed lobsters for $32, you can't get it anywhere else, and stuffed with lots of crab meat, and we also had the seafood rice, the yare just fresh seafood and lobster in rice, i loved them! -
Review from Ed A.
Updated - 11/23/2009
$10 rodizio.
I'll let that sink in for a minute before continuing. Now, I don't really like updating reviews unless it's really necessary... let alone updating them twice. However, I felt I had to make an exception in this case.
Anyway, back to what I was saying.
$10 rodizio
Yes, it may be weekdays during lunch (till 3pm), and they may not bring you unlimited meats (instead, they put all the individual meats on 1 large plate, complete with a heaping serving of rice and beans and fries), and voila - best $10 lunch you'll have.2 Previous Reviews: Show all »
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8/26/2009
Quick update - I finally came back here after a few months hiatus. The service was quick since it… Read more »
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Review from Michelle B.
Wood-Ridge, NJ
4/22/2007
You only find me in Newark, NJ when I'm dining at this place. Hands down the best Portuguese restaurant in the "Ironbound." I wouldn't have kept coming here for the past 10 years if I didn't think so.
Huge portions and vast selections of fish and meat. Go for the paella marinara...they say it's good for 2 people but I think it can feed at least 5. Meat lovers, go for the different kinds of meat churrasco, it's served rodizio style at your table. I've tried different things on their menu and so far this restaurant has not disappointed. The only thing i hate about this place is the long wait. Forget about friday, saturday or even sunday nights! Don't go unless you're planning to go for lunch or before 5 pm. I guarantee you will wait at least 1 hour for a table. Also, don't get confused if you see 2 of Iberia Peninsula. The original is on Ferry Street across a small parking lot. The bigger one (which is the newer restaurant) is adjacent to the old restaurant (with a big parking lot). I prefer dining at the old one and the bar side. But food is equally good at both. -
Review from Kay T.
Conley, GA
10/13/2009
I have been a faithful customer for over 15 years. I must say my last experience gets a meager Ehh.
I used to live in Jersey and gave up don pepe's for this joint. On my last visit the food was stale, as was the service. It was on a sat eve and not real busy around 9pm. I used to RAVE about this place, but this time I spent my last few dollars there.
My friend had the rodezio which she said was good. I had the Garlic shrimp that tasted like toilet water. It was an utter waste of money and time. The side dishes were luke warm and the sangria was lackluster and swill!
For $60. in this economy , I will spend my dollars with a business that appreciates me! -
Review from Jay D.
Philadelphia, PA
10/2/2009
I was stuck in Elizabeth NJ on business for three weeks. We ate here twice. The first time our whole table had the rodizio. At $21 its definately a bargain. I've had Rodizio about 3 times prior, twice in FL and once in WA, and they were all $50.
The second time, a couple of us tried their seafood. A friend had the Chilean Sea Bass which was a generous size. I had the red snapper which was delicious.
If you live nearby, or happen to be stuck in the area, check this place out. -
Review from Justin M.
Jersey City, NJ
2/17/2010
Having frequented a bunch of rodizios in the past I was anxious to try a new one especially one with such a low price. At $21 a person the price is fantastic while the portions and service are excellent.
I was there on a busy Saturday night with a lot of birthdays and other large family outings going on. For a party of 6 were we seated rather quickly, even though our party wasn't complete, and served the initial salad and bread upon sitting down. The waiter handed us the menus and was kind enough to wait for the 6th person, who didn't show up, before asking us for our order. I'm pretty particular when it comes to my food and the waiter was more than pleased to answer my questions.
Now there is a reason the rodizio is only $21 but it's a fair one, you can't share or take it home but all the meat AND sides are all you can eat while there. The other items on the menu are more expensive and HUGE! Easily feeding 2 people per entrée.
Do yourself a favour and get both flavours of sangria. The red is great with the beef pieces, which weren't over-salted, and the white is great for the poultry, sausage and pineapple at the end. The desserts we had were very tasty and inexpensive and the coffee reminded me of real cafe con leche.
I would give Iberia 5 stars but that rating is reserved for the rodizio at Fogo De Chao in Philadelphia.Listed in: Reviewed
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Review from Stephanie L.
Lodi, NJ
7/6/2011
The 21.95 all you can eat rodizio is what caught my attention as I am a big meat eater. A friend of mine also recommended the place. The place itself wasn't really my choice of ambiance, kind of an old feel, but I wasn't there for that. I came to eat! We ordered a few pitchers of sangria which were excellent. I felt rushed though because I received my salad before the sangria and before I could get my fork into the salad, all of our included sides arrived. As I was serving the sides, the meats started to be served. I was hungry, so in a way I didn't mind, but don't come here if you are trying to take your time and have a nice conversation. I was sat under a very loud television which also bothered me. But back to the food! The collard greens were amazing, very garlicky. The rice and beans and croquettes were also good. Some of the meats were very dry in my opinion, but had a great flavor. I enjoyed the pork and sirloin the best. They had bacon wrapped fillet mignon which I didn't like. I'm a big fillet eater and fatty non crispy bacon should not be on this kind of meat. Did I mention that the sangria was great?? Haha, I did. It's about 20 bucks a pitcher but really was worth it and that's average for a restaurant I suppose. They have another Iberia across the street that was playing live music and would like to try that one. A lot of people recommend the seafood here but I'm not into seafood so did not experience that.
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Review from Andrew Lee H.
Newark, NJ
12/18/2008
Iberia is the WORST service I have ever experienced in my life. The waiter hit me with a menu... I guess I forgot to wear the suits of armor (visible in the restaurant). Why? Because receiving a menu here requires stabbing me in the chest with the corner-end of the menu twice and not apologizing. Also, I wasn't able to receive answers concerning the food because the waiter would reply with a "you don't belong here" attitude. (beware: the waiters are all elderly men who look extremely territorial and misogynistic)
I ended up walking out before ordering. I didn't say anything... I couldn't say anything... I felt ashamed to be there. There is nothing worse than being humiliated in front of your date at a "classy" restaurant (I'd rather be spit on by a team of Denny's managers than go through what I did at Iberia)... and looking back at it, I shoulda raised hell in there... hmmmm, perhaps I could have spoke to the manager and asked whether I really belonged in their restaurant. But I said nothing... (instead, here is my review and I hope it gets air-play)
I admit to the fact that the food smelled good and has gotten great reviews, so maybe you won't mind paying them a visit as long as you look like you belong in the Portuguese section of Newark, you lucky bastard! -
Review from Rhon d.
Bayonne, NJ
2/28/2011 1 Check-in Here
My first time I experienced this restaurant was during the company function. Of course, I ordered the Surf n' Turf. The appetizers were good and the main course was OK. I've had better Lobster and I've had better steak elsewhere. I guess you can judge it for what you pay for it and the price was cheap.
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Review from Dorim L.
8/3/2008
OMG, I almost forgot to write about this restaurant! Why did I forget? Because the night I got back from the restaurant, I made it home by midnight, was full, and spread out in bed and was out like a lightning.
Their prices are absolutely amazing. They gave me this huge ass pot of paella with large pieces of lobster and other seafood for $21. It was sooo good and I sneaked some bites of my friends sides because he ordered the Ridizio which was an order of 9 different kinds of grilled meat. Along with some drinks, our tab came out to $34. The price was just sick. I must go back with my family because they love seafood and meat. -
Review from Jason C.
6/13/2009
Seafood, Portuguese style. GIGANTIC mariscada/paella servings. Enough for 2, possibly 3 people. You can't go wrong with this giant metal pot filled TO THE BRIM with clams, mussels, shrimp, lobster, etc. Shrimp in garlic sauce are A+.
I would recommend you stick to the seafood options. Not that the meat options are bad - they aren't. However, Brasilia grill is close by and they are the ~kings~ of steak and rodizio. -
Review from Winston G.
Chicago, IL
12/27/2009
3.5 stars.
Had the rodezio here for dinner, which was decent, but you can tell that the quality of the meat is as good as it would be for the $21 dollars that it costs for dinner. Sure, its 1/3 the price of Churrascaria Plataforma in NYC, but the taste is also 1/3 of it. Also, you don't get the cheese bread with this meal, which must be worth at least $20 dollars :)
Service was generally pretty good, and my friends who ordered the other entrees said their food was decent, but not great. Probably will not come back here again, as I was not too impressed. However, if you are looking for a value rodizio, then this is the place for you-- I don't think you will find another place that is $21 dollars for dinner, and as some people have mentioned, $10 for lunch? That's a great price. However, if you are looking for something more upscale and much better in quality, hit up Churrascaria Plataforma in NYC. -
Review from K M.
Denville, NJ
9/30/2008
Not bad at all. I wasn't that hungry when I went (probably not a good time to go) but I went here to celebrate a friend's bday, so I ordered the broiled flounder and my BF had chicken in garlic sauce (boneless). The fried calamari was good too and the tiramisu ended our meals on a good note. I would definitely go back to try their Rodizio. Next time, I hope I'll get seated in the main dining room instead of one of the party rooms... I really didn't want to see someone's leftover 50th bday balloons hanging around. It made me feel like I missed the party!
Don't forget: Get your $5 back for your parking spot when you pay for your meal! -
Review from Mohamed S.
Butler, NJ
4/2/2011
I really enjoyed myself at Iberia. The only disappointing part was the Rodizio isn't available for dinner, but that's not their fault. They're not going to keep huge amounts of meat around for a slow lunch crowd. This was my 1st time there and I plan to go back for dinner. My pork chops were amazing and my girl's chicken in rice was very good too. Overall I liked this place. I think it lives up to it's reputation and I plan to experience the Rodizio in the coming weeks.
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Review from Samantha S.
Clark, NJ
11/7/2010
This restaurant is huge and pretty, excellent for groups. The bread is to die for, as is the sangria. I love the Spanish chips/potato things - I could eat 10 plates of them. The dessert is great - tons of sorbets with fresh fruit.
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Review from Nell W.
Jersey City, NJ
8/2/2011
I came here on a recommendation and I enjoyed it. I had broiled steak which was cooked to perfection. My highlight was the sangria. The red one gets 3 stars but the white sangria gets a solid 4 stars! I will definitely return when in the Ironbound section of Newark.
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Review from Dave Z.
Lincoln Park, NJ
1/3/2011
Generous portions at a good price. I have had lunch here several times. Decent Portuguese food, but I have had much better. Most of the waiters seem very snooty, as if they are doing you a favor by allowing you to order. Typically wait too long for the food after ordering. A few times I felt like my dish was warmed up instead of cooked fresh.
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Review from K W.
New Haven, CT
6/7/2007
I must be a picky star-giver. The previous reviewer for this restaurant gave five stars here, but I'd only give it three. Few doors down is Fornos and I feel their food is much better than here at Iberia Penninsula. Paella here was a little too salty, the meat was cooked well but lacked flavor, and even their sangria lacked the fruitiness. I did enjoy their stuffed fish with crabs, though. Yum! Moist and full of flavor. That deserved a four star. Dessert selection was excellent( lots of choices) and overall, the place was very good. One of my best friend's father is a friend of Iberia's owner. And she says that she enjoys the Old Iberia ( Iberia Tavern and Restaurant- right across the street from this one) better. Never been there myself, but I think I'll give it a try.
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Review from F. Roman C.
Livermore, CA
1/14/2009
Do you like meat and seafood? Iberia is the only place to go for it in Jersey. Order some paella and the Rodizio or aka all-you-can-eat BBQ chicken, steak, pork, turkey, ribs, and sausage. However, be certain you bring many friends while you feed the beast. You will need some good conversation as you take breaks from chowing down.
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Review from Chris B.
San Diego, CA
8/26/2008
Portuguese eating, no habla english wait staff, dirty downtown crack-whore ridden Newark....................a "these aren't the crabs I was looking for" experience ensues.
You may think from the statement above that I did not enjoy myself at Iberia Peninsula. Not true. I had a good time and a good meal, I'm just not a Newark guy. For the record, I'm a New York City guy who lives in San Diego. Mucho Differencio. So I am in town working on a project in Secaucus NJ for a few days (before happily relocating from the Meadowlands to the upper-west side) and the job is on the larger side so I have my bff Jake in town to help and another colleague who grew up around here as well. He says he has the spot for dinner in mind. Considering I could care less unless I actually can get into NYC, I allow him to drive us to dirty-ass Newark.
As a side note...5 happy hour drinks tend to make me a happy guy so I was also a cooperative guy. Newark is generally a no-no as that NYC is just minutes away anyway.
Iberia Peninsula surprised me though. For that matter, downtown Newark surprised me. They have cleaned it up a lot since my last visit (2-3 years ago) although I was still accosted by a hooker with a penis in the parking lot.
Place is decorated in what I can only describe as Ron Burgundy's rec room. Seriously, there are fake swords, suits of armor, pole arms and models of sailing ships on olden yore all over the place. The waiters (never spotted a chick working the joint) all rock cheap black suits and a black pee-wee Herman bow tie. Shit is high-larious. The first 2 didn't speak enough English to know that "crown" meant "crown royal" and so drinks were a tad late in arriving. Finally got the sweet release of vodka flowing back into my blood stream (I drink to kill the pain) and then the appz came. Garlic shrimp...good stuff!!! Hard to disagree with three things I love. Shrimp, butter and tons of garlic. Add a slice of "don't know your name sex" and I would be in heaven. My colleague suggested the "platter" and since I couldn't care less because I am basking in the warm glow of my second vodka tonic I agree. Ricky Ricardo's love child brings us the serving tray piled high with all kinds of seafood on a bed of saffron rice. Fish, scallops, calamari, shrimps, lobster, mussels and clams abound. It was a kosher man's nightmare which is kind of funny to me since the guy who ordered it is a good Jew boy. 4 of us there and we barely finished it. Prices were good and parking was free across the street. Not bad for Newark though. I give it a solid three stars.
(BTW, it's been about a year since I wrote a Yelp review....feels good to be back)
