This review is long overdue, but we went for a Portugal soccer game. Sat at the bar and had some Super Bock and nice variety of Portuguese food. Bartender was awesome, and kept the crowd very engaged. All of the patrons were very friendly as well. We are excited to return in the future for dinner or otherwise. read more

Food and portions continue to be excellent. Service was okay. The Christmas decor was pretty & cozy! I would keep coming back. read more

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Dined here Valentines Day. Arrived promptly for our 7:00 reservation & was seated immediately! Every table in the dining room was occupied and we were greeted within minutes by our waiter who took our drink orders & explained the specials in detail. Complimentary bread & black olives were placed on the table while we glanced at the menu. Husband ordered the red snapper special and I the double veal chops which were served with generous portions of yellow rice, mixed vegetables & Spanish potatoes. Though we were both stuffed we opted for their homemade desserts of flan & chocolate pecan pie with ice cream. The food & service were excellent and impressed with how efficient the wait staff was dealing with such a large crowd. Everything was perfect & we left satisfied with doggy bags enough for tomorrow's lunch. I highly recommend! read more

Vila Verde is one of my mother's favorite restaurants in NJ. The Portuguese- inspired cuisine never fails to deliver on all levels. We go here more so than any other fine dining establishment in the area. Here's why ... Extensive, fascinating menu featuring delicious, authentic Mediterranean cuisine. Very personable and attentive wait staff. They provide the patron with an atmosphere of Old World fine dining without being pretentious. Very relaxing. I've dined here quite a few times, so it is pointless for me to review individual menu items. Suffice it to say that everything I've eaten at Vila Verde has been very good. It's a "no-miss", especially if you're looking for seafood. read more

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We came here for a party and had about a dozen people. The service was good, and the food was also good and had large portions. Most people left with doggy bags. read more

Vila Verde - Spanish Near Me - Wayne, New Jersey

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This is my go to place. Beautiful dining room and amazing wait staff. Arturo, our favorite waiter is the best. The main courses are served with family style rice, fresh fried potato chips and vegetables. You can't go wrong with anything on the menu. A favorite of mine it the filet mignon w/portobello mushrooms in a port wine reduction. Never disappoints! GO HERE! read more

Today we were in the mood for Spanish seafood. We're ordered a Special of Fried Calamari with spicy marinara and a Seafood Paella. The calamari came out in 10 minutes. It was dark in color and overcooked. The sauce was the best part. The paella followed, it was a monster portion. My wife and I shared this huge dish. Unfortunately it lacked flavor. The split lobster missing its claw did not taste fresh. Although the dish looked picture perfect, it was very disappointing because it was tasteless. We both agreeded we should have went down neck Newark to have lunch. Aside from the food, the service was terrific. We have eaten here before, but this afternoon was a disappointment. read more

Thank you Artie and the Vila Verde team for such a great dining experience! I had made a last minute reservation for my mom's birthday lunch and thankfully they were able to accommodate our large party of 17. I had never been here before but read some great Yelp reviews! So we arrived and our table was ready for us. The dining room was cozy and welcoming. Artie was our waiter and he was awesome! He let us know the specials for the day and gave great recommendations! We started with some red sangria and that was delicious! We also were brought out freshly baked bread and black olives to start. For appetizers we had the fried calamari, garlic shrimp, Spanish sausage, and the grilled octopus. Everything was delicious and cooked to perfection! We opted to order ala carte but they did have pre set options. I had ordered the cowboy ribeye and had shared it with it came out and it was still sizzling on the plate. The steak was cooked medium as I had ordered and served with this delicious mushroom gravy. That mushroom gravy was delish with the steak. Entrees were all served with sides of yellow rice, steamed vegetables and fried potato crisps. Everything tasted so good! The rest of the table ordered the paella Valenciana, baked salmon, penne and seafood in vodka sauce, swordfish, lamb chops, and chicken fingers and fries for the kids. The paella valenciana was so good and the portion was super generous with tons of seafood, half a lobster and pieces of chicken. Everyone enjoyed their meals with still plenty of leftovers to take home. We ended the meal with a delicious carrot cake and the staff sang happy birthday to my mom! Overall it was a wonderful lunch! The entire staff was so helpful and always accommodating to us! Artie our waiter took wonderful care of us while we there! Thank you again for making my mom's birthday enjoyable! Also there is plenty of parking with a few spots in front and behind the building and a large parking lot across the street. They also have a party room. read more

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Vila Verde was where my mother insisted on going for her birthday so we all decided to go on St. Patrick's Day for dinner. We made reservations but I think if you walked in for dinner you'd be safe in finding a table. It is a Portuguese restaurant, but everyone speaks English very well. It's a good size and has a bar area as well. It's also in front of the small lake so it's actually very little scenic area. The menu definitely has a lot to choose from, but I was really craving a stuffed salmon dish. I asked if it was possible to make, and the server was more than happy to accommodate. It was absolutely delicious, incredibly stuffed with crab and shrimp in every bite. All paired with a fantastic butter sauce. My mom got her favorite - the seafood pasta. It was fresh and tasty too. My boyfriend and uncle both got the veal and they enjoyed it while my aunt got a paella and that was great too. Everything was served with family style sides including veggies, rice and crispy potatoes. There's no denying everything was really fresh and the food was plentiful. My mom and I shared the chocolate pecan pie and a scoop of ice cream and it was sinfully good! This restaurant is a little out of the way in Wayne but it's worth the trip - excellent food and service. read more

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This was a lovely restaurant. The food was generally delicious and well prepared. The bread was very fresh and delicious and was just what we needed to soak up all of the sauce in the mussels and garlic shrimp - both of which dishes tasty. The mussels were a little small but other than that they were tasty. The shrimp were loaded with garlic that was cooked to brown but not bitter. The lobster in the paella was very very overcooked. It was tough and dry. Not what you expect when you pay that much for paella. Also two unopened mussels which is also an issue when there aren't many in there to begin with. But aside from those issues, the food was tasty and the service was very good with one comment. They were too fast to take away the glasses with liquor still in them. That's a no no. Aside from that it was good. read more

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Delicious food we had grouper and calamari along with duck and sangria. Waiter was very personable and attentive will definitely be back.

We live in the area and haven't been here in awhile but really love it! The food so delicious! A must have appetite is the garlic shrimp Lots of garlic yummm.... Besides having a great menu they also have alot of specials. This time I got the seafood special. It was so fresh and the sauce was so tasty . My husband got the soft shell crabs he really enjoyed it. The potions are usually big and always left overs. The service is great. We were served quickly. Our waiter Joseph is very nice and has been working here for 17 years !! The decor is also very pretty too.. Definitely recommend you come and try this place!! You won't be disappointed!! read more

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Spanish /Portuguese food. It was excellent. I had the filet mignon . Done to perfection and tender. It came with sides that were more than enough. Service was very attentive. Ambiance is like a Spanish steakhouse. I would definitely recommend this restaurant. read more

Great food and service. Always greeted warmly at the door . Garlic shrimp is always a go to starter . Extensive list of nightly specials . To many choices sometimes ! Still my favorite Wayne go to place . read more

There is no need to go to the Iron bound section of Newark since we went to Vila Verde. Wish we found this place years ago. The service was very good and the crisp white tablecloths were very nice. The food was delicious Grilled octopus was very tender with a bit of crispness The rack of baby lamb was delicious and abundant with 10 lollipop chops and roasted potatoes. The shrimp and bacon wrapped scallops was cooked just perfectly. Along with the Fried potato chips, and Spanish rice was a bowl of fresh steamed mixed vegetables. The only problem was deciding what to order. This will be a regular stop for our family read more

We had a late lunch today at Vila Verde and it was excellent. They brought us the most delicious warm bread, butter, olive oil and black olives. The sign of a great restaurant is it's bread, and their's is delicious. My grandson ordered the chicken soup and the garlic chicken entree served with yellow rice. He said both were delicious. I ordered the stuffed salmon and it came with a salad. The salad & entree were both excellent. My husband has dietary restrictions so he ordered plain salmon and vegetables cooked well. His food was cooked perfectly. For dessert we had the creme brulle and chocolate lava cake with vanilla ice cream. Need I say more. We would definitely go back and highly recommend Vila Verde. Thank you for a wonderful dining experience. read more

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A quick bite at our favorite restaurant. As usual service is the very best around. When you walk in it's like walking into your house because everyone knows you and greets you with a smile and a handshake. I love that. Sangria for us with some oysters and soup for appetizers. All were fabulous. For dinner Sandra had the snapper that was cooked perfectly and I had the chicken on the bone. One of my favorite dishes anywhere. Fantastic place fantastic meal and a fantastic evening. Enjoy read more

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My husband and I went there last night sat 1/26/25 with another couple and 3 of us had the seafood Madacoda in greeen sauce while eating we noticed that the scallops were a bad color and consistency was very hard not normal like all the other times we've had it there, we brought it to the manager's attention who took our complaint very offensively and said oh no scallops are very expensive and are hard to get ours are good, needless to say all of our stomachs are sick and hopefully not food poisoning read more

Don't order pork chops here. Food portions were huge! Enough for two meals. Most tables were bringing home leftovers. Waiter was a bit surly, but the busboys were attentive and kept our water glasses filled. Sadly my dinner - pork chops- was too rough to chew. Was able to enjoy sharing with the ladies at our table. Plenty of veggies and potato crisps to share. read more

The only paella I have had in the TRI state area that cooked right--a la dente. Too often you get soft fully cooked rice in Paella and it's just upsetting even though it's flavorful. Or it's a-la-dente but not flavorful enough. They did a decent job even though it's not the same as the one in Madrid. Happy enough to be able to find paella that is good. read more

2 of us had lobster dinners at Vila Verde in Wayne, NJ last night. The lobsters were the best ever, and the price was more than reasonable. And, the service was good as well. When it comes to lobster dinners, this will be our go-to place. read more

Very good food my son had an engagement party here We all gathered it was great The food was wonderful.

I had this restaurant on my list for a while and was looking forward to trying it. When I arrived I parked in their lot. I walked in and was greeted and asked if I could sit at the bar which I did. Manny was my bartender and he was great. I started with a red sangria and it was tasty. For my meal I got the garlic shrimp and when it came out it looked so good. I dug in and it was very tasty. It tasted great with the bread they had as well. The bill was a little shy of $40. I really enjoyed my experience and would return. read more

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Great food, wonderful service. Manager was super nice and helpful when our party went from eight to ten, he got us right to a larger table. And the excellent red sangria was flowing Have to bring friends back, and soon! read more

Vila Verde - Yummy sangria roja - Spanish Near Me - Wayne, New Jersey

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This has been a go to Christmas lunch spot for my office for a few years. We recently made our annual visit and it was perfection as always. The best part of this place is the abundance of appetizers. Garlic shrimp, chorizo, fried calamari, mushrooms, clams, the list goes on. You can absolutely make a meal out of a few of these. In terms of entrees, I absolutely love their salmon. Always cooked to perfection and served with those glorious chips. Love the sangria here too. We had a lot left over and they even let us take it home in a sealed to go container. This is a great place for a nice dinner or a larger party. read more

Vila Verde - Spanish Near Me - Wayne, New Jersey

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A pleasant surprise on New Years Eve. Stopped in and had two appetizers and a glass of wine at the bar. The place was packed and I had great service and food. Renee the bartender was very busy yet smiled and was attentive. I think the owner was helping at the bar and again busy yet attentive to all the customers and complaints that I heard. A plus was how he treated his servers with courtesy and respect during a stressful day. Looking forward to going on a regular day. Regarding the food I enjoyed the shrimp in garlic sauce, great prosciutto and manchego with the good Spanish olives and tasty bread. Renee also picked out a tasty Cabernet as requested. read more

Where a lot of places have gone way down hill after the times we've recently been through, This spot only got better. The food is fantastic and the staff is very attentive. Like it has said on their website definitely no need to travel to Newark.... The paella is stellar. read more

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This is an establishment that clearly pays attention to detail, training and customer service. The host was gracious enough to allow us to enter early. Ambiance is a warm and inviting. The wait staff was delightful and friendly. We decided on one of the tasty specials of grilled octopus. Served perfectly. A little cocktail in hand; do have the Bellini-martini. It's not too sweat and perfect amount of "kick". The Paella Valencia is a must have. The seafood was cooked to perfection. Minor recommendation, a little salt. But definetlty delicious. The experience was well received and service very well executed. I take note of the prompt refill of our water glass and the follow up of additional cocktails. These are the details that separates a great restaurant from all the rest. Looking forward to visiting again to explore the rest of the menu. read more

Five stars, no doubt whatsoever! Authentic flavors, great service, and ambience. Elegant old world vibe greets you when you walk in and a lavish full sized bar. Dining hall has a traditional elegant vibe but you can dress casual. The menu has a great selection of meats, seafood, & chicken. The specials are fantastic, and as a matter of fact, my meal tonight was a special along with the appetizer that we chose. The sangria here is on point. Don't bother getting any other drink. Order the pitcher for the table and that's it. It's nicely balanced flavors without tasting too sugary, or too bitter. Alcohol content seems to suffice as well. As for the food, top notch! Our appetizer was the avocado stuffed with seafood, which was on the specials menu tonight. We devoured it! Great flavor! It took on more of a salad style blend of seafood and guac. The entrees were out of this world. The paella valenciana was massive! It comes in a huge pot and comes served with generous amounts of seafood, chicken, & chorizo. Enough to feed ur whole table to be honest. Good thing about this is that you get to bring some back home for lunch the next day. Now the main event was the 40oz T-bone off the specials menu. Lord have mercy this was delicious! The steak was perfectly cooked to my favorite temperature which is a medium rare, and comes with a dipping mushroom sauce on the side. I hate mushrooms but I have to admit, this sauce is a perfect accompaniment to the steak. I shared the steak with the wife but I put most of it away. Pro-tip: I asked our server if they had a garlic mojo style of dipping sauce. The server obliged and went to the kitchen and came back a few minutes later with a freshly made mojo with thinly sliced fresh garlic in it. My mouth is watering just thinking about it. I loved every bite of that steak! It was a perfect evenly cooked mid-rare throughout the steak (see pic). The service was very good. Our server was attentive, friendly, and made sure we had everything we needed. My glass was never empty, as the wait staff always came around to ensure our waters were full. Pretty rare nowadays. As far as value is concerned, I think it's fairly priced. It is elegant dining so pricing is a bit higher but not exaggerated. You get a lot of bang for your buck here. The portions are great. All in all, I love this place. I highly recommend it. read more

Vila Verde - 40 oz T-bone from the specials menu - Spanish Near Me - Wayne, New Jersey

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Always good food and a fun time. Great to go w friends or celebrate a bday/anni I highly recommend this restaurant. read more

Love Love this place !!!One of my Favorites resturants... I always recommend this place to my friends !!!!!

Went here for dinner a couple times recently. Great service and great food. Definitely recommend, however it is expensive. read more

Vila Verde - Spanish Near Me - Wayne, New Jersey

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Delicious paella, I always ask with no clams or mussels cause I don't care much about it, I order it to go and they are so generous and put extra toppings in there. It's so big like an entire tray can easily feed 6 read more

Ordered takeout and it was plain terrible. Lobster was very dry,very little clams and just overall terrible. Have ordered before and always good but will not return read more

Formal restaurant with good service. Nice little gem near the lake for a nice evening out. Upon getting seated you are served fresh hot bread and olives. For appetizers, definitely recommend the shrimp with garlic which is their house special. The roasted garlic bits with the fresh hot bread is very tasty. The seafood paella is very very tasty. Each time I go back I end up ordering this. Large portion, plenty to share. We also tried the lamb special which was presented beautifully with roasted potatoes, side of vegetables and seasoned Spanish rice. The flan and the poached pear with vanilla ice cream with wine sauce were just ok. I'd skip dessert and recommend the sangria instead. Nice place for sangra, appetizers and dinner. read more

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Very nice little spot! The paella is enough for 3! Service was 5* Not on my usual route but may go out of my way to eat here again read more

Bulhao Pato Was looking for something different and I love paella. I made my way over and was really happy with my decision. I ended up sitting at the bar and it was a good experience. I came with the intention of getting the paella but changed my mind at the last minute. I ended up getting the linguine Bulhao Pato. The food was really good and had great flavor. I love seafood and having that variety really hot the spot. Service was good. Nothing out of the ordinary but good. Overall this was a good experience and I have told my friends about it. I will probably return when I am back in town. read more

Vila Verde - Spanish Near Me - Wayne, New Jersey

Food was incredible. Our server, Manny, was fantastic. Sangria delicious. Highly recommend!

Food was great and worth it ! I ordered twins stuffed lobsters and my wife order the surf and turf everything was amazing!! Service was good as well read more

Vila Verde - Twin stuffed lobsters - Spanish Near Me - Wayne, New Jersey

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The food here is great. They have the potential to be a great restaurant but there are issues. No decor, no ambiance. If you want a delicious meal but not a great dinner experience than sure. I made the mistake of bringing a bottle of wine, they charged me to open it without telling me, ok maybe that was my fault.... maybe. When I complained about that charge, they we're downright rude and I haven't been back since which is disappointing because the food really is good. The pack the dining room full of tables so everybody is nearly on top of each other. It was very disturbing to see the staff rushing around the dining room with trays full of food while they nearly dropped a plate on tip of a baby. Pay attention! Bringing the food out isn't worth hurting somebody! Maybe allow an aisle or something? read more