I never tried this place until coronavirus forced restaurants to do take-out only. It was at this point that they really stepped up their social media marketing game, so I decided to try one of their specials. I've now tried their penne vodka chicken and their fried fish, and both really surpassed my expectations! I'm really picky with my fried fish and this was so delicious! The batter was omg. I'm not sure if it's a regular item or not but it needs to be! Really fresh, high quality tasting food for reasonable prices! I can't wait to try more items on the menu. Parking is convenient too, which I was worried about but they make it easy. read more

I knew Harrison was a dump but I didn't know it could get this bad. I've been coming to this area for a couple years now to catch Redbull games when I have some free time on my hands. My friends and I have previously been going to Catas across the bridge in Newark before the games. That place is excellent and I highly suggest going there. But onto this restaurant... Upon arrival we were greeted by the hostess who kindly sat us at a table. A couple minutes later we were approached by a server who began mumbling to us in a very monotone voice. We could barely understand her which made it difficult to communicate with her. Anyway we ordered beers. I ordered a Sierra Nevada which she understood and had no problem with but my friend ordered a Fat Tire and this startled the waitress and she asked him if the beer came in a bottle or in a draft as if he was an employee at the restaurant. He told her he didn't care either way. Once we got the drinks out of the way we began to order our food. I ordered a steak sandwich. The server then asked if I wanted lettuce and tomato on the sandwich. I replied with "No." , then she said "I'll put it on anyway.". I hate tomatoes . Anyway, we finally got our food and it was disgustingly horrific. My "steak" looked like cheap gyro meat I couldn't believe that they were advertising that as steak. And it was literally just a thin slice of this mystery meat and gross soggy lettuce and disgusting tomatoes with no sauce and very dry bread. It was truly awful. I also asked for my meat to be cooked medium. It was very obviously well done. Anyway, finally we got the check and I couldn't have been happier to get out of there. We split the bill three ways and gave the three cards to the server. She walked away then came back with two cards wanting to make sure it was two cards. We told her that we gave her three cards, not two. We then realized she dropped one of the cards under another party's table. Shocker. Also, when we got our checks, the amounts were off by like a couple dollars each. I have no idea how or why she arrived at the numbers she decided to charge us. Place was absolutely horrible. Horrible management. Horrible service. Horrible food. And by god, Harrison stinks like a f**king zoo. read more

A gem hidden near Red Bull's Stadium! Beautiful atmosphere with Christmas decorations! The waiter is very well-versed in Portuguese food and the cocktails. My friend and I opted for the Sangria which was OK. They gave ya some bread and butter to start-- can never go wrong with that. I ordered the octopus and thank God I did! The best hands down char grilled octopus. It came with potatoes in olive oil. Maybe a little too heavy in the oil but nonetheless the octopus was delicious. The execution of the plate is interesting too... the octopus is served on a roof tile and still cooking. You have the option to turn off the flame whenever you want. Awesome vibes here! TVs and nice ambiance. It's nice for a date or family nights. read more

First off, I'm a teacher and tried to come here for our after-school program holiday gift exchange. There was some miscommunication in regards to the deal that they were giving us which wasn't a big deal. However, the place was empty and we were there with 5 people. 3 other people backed out so we decided to come for happy hour. One of the managers came up to us and asked if our reservation was going to be for more people because 3 of the chairs at our table were empty. We explained a lot of people had to back out unfortunately and he said that they had a lot of reservations so they were going to have to make us a "floater". I said we might leave soon so that's okay and he proceeded to say "oh that's great". I used to serve and bartend. I get it, but say that to us when the place gets busy. Not when it's empty. The server was kind and caring and felt terrible. But after that, I don't think we'll be coming here for happy hours anymore. To think we were going to ask if we could have our end of the year party here. read more

This place is usually ok but don't order or come here on a Red Bulls game day. The hosts are not courteous to you if you don't have a reservation and the bartenders do not look at you if you are not a man. This is not the first time I've heard about the bartenders and waitresses only catering to men, but this is the first time I've experienced it. I ordered a steak and cheese sandwich which was dry and terrible. They rushed to get the fries on the plate( fries were soggy) and the steak was well done even though i asked for medium rare. I didn't get any utensils or napkins but the men sitting next to me did. I also ordered a coffee and received eye rolls from the bartender when i asked for sugar and cream( i received two butters as cream btw). read more

Great Portuguese food, delicious, faster and excellent service of waiter Steve. We'll back soon. read more

I downloaded the Yelp app specifically to leave a review about this restaurant. Cliftnotes: 15 minutes to be acknowledged after being seated, ordered 35 minutes before we got water 45 minutes before some of our drinks came out Food never came I wish I could tell you about the quality of the food but unfortunately, we never got that far. It was a very busy night as there was a Red Bulls game that was about to happen. We were seated at 7:09pm. We sat for about 7 minutes without being acknowledged. I made eye contact with one of the servers who intentionally averted his gaze and avoided walking by our table. At 7:23, right as I was about to get up and ask for someone, the waitress arrived. By then (planning on leaving no later than 830 to catch the game) we had already figured out what we wanted to order (food and drinks for 3). We ordered a cider and two beers. Guess what, they didnt have either of the beers we asked for nor did they have the cider. So, being the patient and understanding customers we are, we ordered two other beers and a lemonade....and WATER because we still didnt have water at the table. For food, we ordered chicken wings and fries, as we were feeling like they were under duress and we wanted to get to the game. Fast forward 20 minutes...still no water! No signs of our drinks. We watched as patrons who came in after us were brought their food. I overheard the managers talking about how people were being brought partial or incorrect orders. I, very politely, asked the waitress about the drinks and she apologized and said the kitchen was crazy but the food should be out soon. So I told her that I was less worried about the food (thinking it wouldnt be much longer) but we would really like our drinks. Fast forward 10 minutes...still no drinks....so I went to one of the owners who was helping expedite. I explained, very calmly and politely, what our experience had been thus far. Our server saw the interaction and immediately showed up with the drinks....minus mine....because they didnt have the different beer I ordered. The owner explained to me that "this has never happened before" and it was crazy because everyone showed up at once. I did not think this was a reasonable response being that he opened the bar 200 yards away from a sports stadium. He said he was going to check on the food but by that time we needed to go. I asked if we could pay for the drinks we recieved and be on our way. Of course he comped the drinks and we left just after 8pm. I will probably not return. read more

amazing Portuguese food really authentic set in a beautiful industrial looking restaurant , the servers aim to please, you .specially Carla and Adriana at the Bar making your favorite cocktails , also Dina the manager, very attentive and pleasurable, and the very best thing this restaurant in Harrison NJ has indoor parking adjacent to the restaurant. read more

God awful food... Should of never ordered food from an empty place. The cocktail drinks were lousy. The Town of Harrison has a bad rep, but now I see why. When you enter Harrison the stench is horrific... Like if there were a boiling tons of hard boiled eggs. This place has a nice look, but the employees, drinks and food are lacking. I see this placing closing down soon. read more

Had Thanksgiving dinner there. First time going and was very disappointed. My turkey was over cooked and salty, the cranberry sauce looked like it came from a can. My husband's salmon was dry and my sons prime rib came rare instead of medium. The apple crisp was good. We won't be going back and certainly won't reccomend to anyone. read more

I gave Joia 1 star because the food arrived via uber eats. I ordered the shrimp and garlic sauce. It was the strangest thing, but this dish was bland and tasteless and unfortunately I ordered 2. I cannot speak for their other dishes but I will never order from here again as a 1st impression...... I'm kinda in shock as to how they managed to reduce shrimp in GARLIC sauce to bland. read more

As a long time Sol Mar patron, I am happy to see a second location. Very nice decor. The food and the drinks are excellent. Good service. We have been there twice since the opening and we will surely be back. The menu includes some of the same dishes from the Sol Mar menu and several new additions. The 'Picanha tips in garlic sauce' appetizer (on special) are to die for! Fried chicken wing appetizer is very good, also. We ordered some of the daily specials. My guy loved the short rib, which was HUGE! I had the bacon wrapped pork tenderloin (ate it all). Delicious. I also enjoyed a Tequila Honeysuckle martini which was so amazing, that I had a second... It also packs a punch. We also had a pitcher of red sangria. Yum! I don't usually order dessert, but they had a chocolate cake with white icing and cherries inside the layers. It was outstanding!!! Worth it. The restaurant offers Valet parking right outside the door, making parking super convenient. The valet will text you his phone number and you can text him when you are ready for your vehicle, so you don't have to wait. I would definitely recommend everyone check this place out! read more

Joia Restaurant - What's left of the Picanha tips in garlic sauce and chicken wings. - Portuguese Near Me - Harrison, New Jersey

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During regular times, this is a great place to stop in prior to a Red Bulls game for some delicious seafood and a drink. We have also brought our baby in with us, and the staff has been nothing short of lovely and accommodating. We decided to order take out from Joia for Mother's Day 2020. We had the crab stuffed salmon and the prawns with Mozambique sauce, as well as sangria. It. Was. Awesome. From the ordering process on, everyone was very friendly. The food was so good that it made my husband and I homesick for Spain (his family is from right above Portugal- the seafood is similar, and particularly the Mozambique sauce was WOW). The portion of salmon was gigantic and the prawns were as big as my hand and I am not embarrassed to say that we did not have leftovers. Joia is a local gem and I would encourage everyone to support them, and their sister restaurant Sol Mar. P.S. We ate too quickly to get pictures, SORRY! read more

Got picadillo and calamari, everything was good and the service was fast. Just keep in mind there is only a 90minute seating on tables.

If you want to eat here be prepared to wait for a looooong time. The service is ridiculously slow. 15 minutes for a waiter to show up, Half an hour to get an appetizer. C'mon, I had a knee surgery that lasted shorter. Not recommended if you are goung to a Red Bull game - maybe you'll make it for the second half. read more

The entree which we order shrimp and fish are too salty and not much veggie inside. And the deserts are too sweet which we ordered strawberry cheesecake and brûlée. And I feel like weekday nights are not many customers. Too many empty tables. To be honest, I will not recommend those who eat light food read more

Great place food it's delicious and service great. I been in many restaurants and they serve you a lot of food but not only that the food it's delicious and the prices So great defiantly I recommend it read more

Not really a fan. I've eaten here several times by default due to the location. The food is super hit or miss; chicken wings are not very good-- they taste frozen/premade? The female bartender was also not very friendly the last time I was there. For less $$ you could have better Portuguese food five minutes away in Ironbound. read more

Things started a bit slow. Although picked up quickly when we received the servers attention. Originally my date and I hadn't planed on going here but I'm very glad she suggested as it is convenient to her home.Great appetizers and main course which you probably won't be able to finish. We shared Salmon and Penne with Shrimp with sides of rice and a vegetable. Deserts and a couple of drinks with a very reasonable price. Ask to be sitting in Thais section, excellent service. You won't be dissapointed. read more

So much better the 2nd time around. My friends urged me to give them another shot, so we tried one more time before tonight's game. Prompt service tonight and delicious food. The manager even pulled me aside and talked to me about my previous feedback. He did *not* try to ply me with free stuff, just honest feedback and a far better dining experience He also told me that they took my feedback seriously (and others from the same troublesome night) and streamlined the menu for game-day. Much improved. Look forward to next time :) read more

Excellent new addition to the neighborhood, just what Harrison needed...great bread, better drinks, fresh food!!!! Darlei the waiter made our trip to Joia one to remember & helped with the 3 children at our table !! Will go back read more

Went here last evening, Fantastic food, fresh and well prepared. Service was also prompt.

My party and I had to openly question the discrimination we were receiving. It is sad , but they don't value people of color at this restaurant, The place was large and we had plenty of room.. but they actually thought they were better than African-Americans.. read more

When my girlfriend and I went to the restaurant, my meal was good though my girlfriend's steak was not fresh and just did not have a pleasant taste. We came here due to its proximity to where we live, but the quality of her steak makes me hesitate the next time around. read more

Good food, nothing incredible though. Some traditional Portuguese dishes, good but not the best...Okay service. Nice, new restaurant.

Food was very very good and good selection of beer. However staff was very lazy and made me feel like i was a hassle even after spending over $100. Owners just sat around amongst themselves without wearing masks indoors. If you want good food but terrible service i highly recommend. read more

Joia is definitely a gem! From the specialty cocktails to the delicious food and the tasteful decor to the friendly staff. All around amazing experience. The chorizo is definitely some of the best I've ever had! read more

Nice decor, good variety on the menu, fast service, dinner rolls were cold, soup was small, food was delicious and large portions as they should be for the price. Would recommend and would go back again. Dessert was ok, but next time I'd likely skip it. read more

This place is amazing!! The owners are friendly and visible at all times. The food is delicious. Check out their specials for the week. They also have half price appetizers on Wed. The restaurant is spotless. They take your temperature upon entering and can always be seen cleaning. read more

This was seriously the BEST surprise. We booked a reservation here bc it was super close to Red Bull's arena. We wanted something close and easy after a game. This is a total hidden gem. The paella was straight out of Portugal! So authentic. So fresh. So delicious. Everyone at our table of six people LOVED their entrees. Cannot say enough about it. Tony the manager came over to our table several times and could not have been more hospitable. We are total critical foodies and absolutely loved it. Will be coming back again for sure! read more

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Huge portions. Hit or miss service. Parking is a plus but the drinks are watered down and the food quality is not amazing

This is our second time ordering and we have been very impressed. The quality of the food and quantity is outstanding.

My wife and I took my Mother out to eat for her Birthday, tried Joia for the first time . WOW ! Clean , new , comfortable, pleasant , atmosphere . Food was incredible I had porterhouse steak cooked perfectly to my liking and smooth as butter , my Wife had the Bacalhau Assado she loved it. My Mother had the Polvo ne Telhla she said it was cooked perfect . Can't say enough about our wonderful experience and dining. Our waiter Americo was on point with his friendly service, read more

Great local spot. Food is always tasty and plentiful, and Eli always makes sure you are taken care of. Portions are generous and tasty. Off street parking is convenient. Try the white sangria! read more

I can't say enough good things about Joia. Come and experience this Portuguese gem for yourselves.

I can't believe this place is still open with places like Don Pepe, Spanish Pavilion and Adega nearby. The food here is mediocre at best. The servers and owners are not friendly at all. The last time I was there, which was the last time they will ever get a nickel from me, the server threw my food away despite the fact that I'd asked her to wrap it up for me. She told me that the typical practice was for them to being you a box to wrap your own food but she had already wrapped up food for the friend I was with. I was shocked that she became argumentative with me about a policy she didn't even adhere to. I asked for a manager but no one came although they were there. They gave me 50% off of my meal because I ate half of the steak. I've had dry pork chops from this place, anorexic pork ribs, and got sick from the short ribs. Why did I continue to go back? Merely for the sake of convenience as I live in the same building. However, after getting sick and having a few bad experiences I am officially done. If you're looking for a fun atmosphere and good food don't waste your time or money here. read more

Awesome dinner....the Broiled Cod with mixed vegetables was great. The Portuguese wine was delicious and smooth! The service was great, will come back again. read more

Steak sandwich was very bland. Seems like you can only get the meat two ways either rare or well done. Have tried 3 times and that will be my last. Chicken soup left a lot to be desired. read more

If you are looking for the normal american cuisine, don't come here. This place is a true cultural experience. Well worth the trip!!!!

Service was fantastic. We had Darlei as our Waiter. Food was tasty. Get the BBQ chicken with BBQ sauce.